Bathroom plants that enjoy the humidity and softer light of a bathroom: Calathea, bird's nest ferns, pothos and peace lilies that prefer steam to strong sun. Free tracked delivery across Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
What are the best plants for a bathroom?
The best bathroom plants come from humid tropical forest floors, where light is dappled and the air is moist. Calathea, prayer plants (Maranta) and bird's nest ferns (Asplenium) love these conditions, and all three are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Pothos and peace lilies cope with lower light and humidity swings too, but keep them away from pets. The deciding factor is light: any window, even a frosted one, will do, but no plant thrives long term in a windowless bathroom.
| Plant | Light | Humidity | Pet-safe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peacock plant (Calathea makoyana) | Low to medium | Loves it | Yes |
| Calathea orbifolia (Calathea orbifolia) | Medium indirect | Loves it | Yes |
| Crispy wave fern (Asplenium 'Crispy Wave') | Low to medium | Loves it | Yes |
| Prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) | Medium indirect | Loves it | Yes |
| Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Low to medium | Tolerates it | No |
| Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) | Low to medium | Enjoys it | No |
| Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) | Low | Tolerates it | No |
Caring for plants in a bathroom
Humidity helps, but it does not replace watering: check the top few centimetres of compost each week and water when it feels dry. Calatheas and ferns like evenly moist compost; pothos prefers to dry out a little between drinks. Keep plants out of the direct spray of the shower and away from cold draughts from an open window in winter. Trailing pothos and philodendron look good on a high shelf or cabinet, while several of our ferns and Calatheas come as two- or four-plant sets with a basket or ceramic pot, ready to line a windowsill.
Frequently asked questions
Can plants live in a bathroom with no window?
Not for long without help. Every plant needs light to grow, so a windowless bathroom needs a grow light on for most of the day, or rotate plants to a brighter room every week or two.
Do Calatheas like bathrooms?
Yes. Calatheas are forest-floor plants that enjoy steady humidity and indirect light, which is why a bright bathroom often keeps their leaf edges from browning.
Which bathroom plants are safe for cats?
Calathea, Maranta and Asplenium ferns are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Pothos, peace lily, philodendron and Chinese evergreen are not.
Keep exploring: pet-safe plants, low light plants and all indoor plants.