Bathroom Plants to Absorb Moisture

How muggy does it get in your bathroom after a shower? If your answer is anywhere close to “very muggy” and you’re looking into buying an electrical dehumidifier, then, in a word: don’t! Bathroom plants that absorb moisture are by far the superior choice here—the best dehumidifier you can use to get rid of bathroom mugginess.

Get a few plants and they will be infinitely more pleasing to the eye than yet another electrical appliance in your bathroom, or any artificial plants for that matter. They will also lift your spirits, purify the air, and deal with unwanted smells much better than toxic air fresheners.

When it comes to moisture absorption, however, plants aren’t created equal. Some can soak it up like a sponge, while other plants, for instance, succulents like cacti, won’t fare so well in damp bathrooms. An ideal bathroom plant is highly tolerant of humidity, adapts to frequent temperature changes, and can make do with however little sunlight your bathroom receives (especially if there are no windows in your bathroom and you’re planning to get grow lights for your plants).

The following plants tick all these boxes, and you can trust them to reduce humidity and battle mold in the bathroom. Without further ado then, here are our favorite ten bathroom plants that absorb moisture and freshen up the air.

With probably the most beautiful blooms in the business, the Azalea will paint your bathroom vividly purple, pink, red, or white. Its natural environment is humid and warm, so your Azalea will likely do great in the bathroom—especially if you can provide it with a bit of morning sun.

Keep it in a well-drained container and water it regularly, during hot summer months in particular. Potted Azaleas don’t grow too big and only grow slowly, but they can still be poisonous for pets—so don’t let your Buddy or Felix get anywhere near it!

A lovely tropical plant with lacy fronds, the Boston Fern thrives in moist climates and will therefore absorb your bathroom humidity with ease. It does best in indirect sunlight but can burn really quickly in afternoon sun, so watch out.

Water your fern monthly when the soil is dry to the touch, and mist the leaves in the winter so that they don’t dry out too much. And while the Boston Fern is not toxic, cats just can’t resist those long, playful fronds—so don’t let Felix reach this plant either.

Adding plants to your bathroom can completely transform the space, making it feel more lush, tranquil and spa-like. But not all plants thrive in the warm, humid environment of the bathroom. Choosing the right plants is key to creating a beautiful and healthy indoor garden.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll look at the best bathroom plants to absorb moisture how to care for them and tips for incorporating greenery into your bathroom design.

Why Add Plants to Your Bathroom?

Before jumping into specific plant recommendations, let’s look at why you may want plants in your bathroom in the first place Here are some of the top benefits

Absorb moisture and humidity – Bathrooms tend to have high humidity levels. Plants can help absorb some of that excess moisture in the air, acting as natural dehumidifiers. This helps prevent mold growth and condensation issues.
Purify the air – Many bathroom plants are excellent at removing toxins and pollutants from the air through a process called phytoremediation. This leads to cleaner, healthier indoor air.
Add calming ambience – The sight and scent of plants fosters relaxation. Greenery brings nature indoors and makes your bathroom feel more serene.
Provide privacy – Strategically placed plants can help screen parts of your bathroom like the toilet area.
Decorate on a budget – Plants are relatively inexpensive ways to accessorize and add natural beauty to your space.

Best Bathroom Plants to Absorb Moisture

When selecting plants for your humid bathroom, focus on tropical varieties that naturally thrive in warm, steamy conditions. Here are some great options:

Ferns

Ferns are tailor-made for bathrooms. They soak up moisture through their fronds via a process called capillary action. Try these varieties:

Boston fern
Bird’s nest fern
Maidenhair fern
Kimberly Queen fern

Keep ferns away from direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves. Mist them regularly and keep the soil consistently moist.

Orchids

Beautiful and elegant, orchids lend a spa-like touch. They come in stunning colors too. Some top orchids for bathrooms:

Moth orchids
Phalaenopsis orchids
Lady slipper orchids

Provide bright, indirect light if possible. Let the soil approach dryness between waterings.

Bromeliads

Known for their striking, colorful foliage, bromeliads are epiphytic plants that absorb moisture and nutrients through the air. Consider:

Scarlet star bromeliad
Blushing bromeliad
Painted leaf bromeliad

Let their central tanks fill with water, then empty before refilling. Give them bright, filtered light.

Peace Lilies

A favorite thanks to their graceful white blooms and ability to remove toxins like trichloroethylene and benzene from the air. Keep soil moist but not soaked. Low to medium light is fine.

Snake Plants

With upright, sword-like leaves, snake plants tolerate low light and need minimal watering. Excellent for beginners. Filter out airborne toxins like formaldehyde.

Rex Begonias

Prized for their bold, colorful leaves. Rex begonias like high humidity, indirect sunlight, and constantly moist (but not wet) soil. Add tropical flair.

Prayer Plants

Known for their unique folding leaf action at night. Prayer plants thrive in steamy bathrooms with their high humidity. Provide ample ambient light.

Air Plants

Air plants (Tillandsia species) don’t need soil, absorbing all their moisture and nutrition from the air. Perfect for low maintenance bathrooms.

Moss

Adding pots of mood moss creates a lush, earthy look. Keep your moss misted and it will soak up bathroom humidity. Avoid direct light.

Caring for Bathroom Plants

While the plants listed above relish bathroom conditions, you still need to tailor care to each variety. Follow these tips:

Light – Most bathroom plants thrive in indirect, ambient natural light. Avoid full sun exposure which can burn leaves.
Water – Check soil moisture frequently. Water when the top inch becomes dry. Mist leaves regularly. Many bathroom plants are sensitive to tap water chemicals, so use distilled or rain water if possible.
Drainage – Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent root rot from soggy soil. Add pebbles, gravel, or sand to improve drainage.
Temperature – Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°F/15°C. Protect plants from drafty windows and AC vents.
Fertilizer – During growing season, use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks.
Pruning – Trim back leggy growth and dead foliage to keep plants compact and encourage new growth.

Design Tips for Incorporating Plants

When designing your bathroom plant oasis, consider the following tips:

Hang trailing plants like pothos or spider plants from mounted hooks or wall sconces.
Place a fern or orchid on a bathroom stool, side table, or corner plant stand.
Install wire or wicker shelf systems to add layers of greenery at different heights.
Set a large statement plant like a palm in a decorative planter by the tub.
Add a living wall with self-watering mounted planters or wall-mounted pots.
Use plants to delineate separate zones like the toilet nook or shower area.
Match pot colors and styles to your bathroom’s color palette and decor scheme.
Include a variety of textures and leaf shapes for visual interest.

Transform Your Bathroom with Plants

Adding green, living plants can totally transform the look, feel, and function of your bathroom. Not only do they soak up excess moisture, but also filter the air, add natural beauty, and create a relaxing oasis. By choosing the right low maintenance varieties adapted to steamy bathroom conditions, you’re sure to succeed in creating your ideal indoor garden sanctuary.