23 Best Plants for Any Bathroom 2021

Plants make a wonderful addition to any home no matter the size. In addition to granting health benefits such as cleaner air and warding off insects, plants can help bring a splash of color and vibrancy to an otherwise drab room.  So let us look at some of the most popular plants of 2021 so you can see what fits best in your bathroom. 

1. Eternity Plant or ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Named for its longevity, an eternity plant can grow with little water and low to medium light, making it ideal for almost any bathroom. The plant has wide, attractive dark green leaves that make them ideal for any home, additionally, they are drought tolerant and will only grow to a height of 2-3 feet. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, this plant is able to thrive with very little human attention. 

• Require at least a 4 inches or 14 inches grow pot
• Will grow to 3 feet at the maximum
• Very little water needed-once every 2 weeks is enough
• Low light is best, heavy exposure will cause it to burn
• Needs soil that is well-drained

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Snake plants, native to southern Africa are plants of the succulent variety, making them quite forgiving and great for beginners. Preferring bright, indirect light, these plants are ideal for the bathroom as they can help to purify the air of toxins. 

• Requires a 4 inch pot at the least
• Can grow to 4-5 feet tall depending on the species. 
• Low water-ensure that the soil is dry before watering as overwatering can kill the plant
• Medium-low light exposure
• Well-drained and nutrient rich potting soil recommended. 

3. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

A Phalaenopsis or moth orchid, remains one of the most common orchid varieties found in the home, due to its ease of production and availability all year around. Moth Orchids can grow easily in any home and stay in bloom for a long period of time, additionally, they can also be repotted anytime. Caring for them will require some significant attention however as they will need consistent light and moisture, so it is not recommended for beginner plant owners. 

• Requires a 4-6 inch pot
• Will grow 1-3 new leaves a year, but no height change
• Soil needs to be consistently damp, not soggy, so water accordingly
• Low light-small exposure to direct sunlight daily
• Requires orchid specific fertilizer and soil 

4. Earth Star

Earth stars or Cryptanthus Bromeliads, is a plant that requires humid moistures to thrive and survive. Native to rainforest habitats, earth stars are ideal for bathrooms due to the moisture of the environment. They make visually striking centerpieces due to their vibrant colors. 

• Requires a 4-6 inch pot
• Can grow from 3 inches to 3 feet depending on the care
• Soil needs to be moist, but not overly soggy, so water accordingly
• Low light environment recommended
• Preferably Bromeliad potting mix

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

A versatile and adaptable plant, spider plants make great houseplants due to their ability to grow in a wide variety of environments and do not require constant care to survive. The name comes from the leaves that dangle down, similar to spiders on a web.

• Requires at least a 4-6 inch pot
• Can grow 2-3 feet tall
• Water occasionally, so about once a week. Ensure that the soil is moist not soggy
• Prefer bright indirect lighting
• Well-drained potting soil required

6. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

With a name derived from Hercule’s adventures, the trunk of a dracaena tree is meant to resemble a dragon’s scaly leg. Dragon trees are known to be one of the easiest plants to care for as they require little maintenance while bringing a strong indoor air-purifier into your bathroom. 

• Requires a large pot that can hold a 3 foot tall tree.
• Dragon plants can grow to 15-20 feet, but in general, your 3 foot tall plant will barely grow a foot in a decade
• Water with distilled or non-fluoridated water once the soil is dry-about 3 weeks
• Grows best in bright lights but can grow accustomed to the shade as well
• Loose, well-draining soil

7 Staghorn Fern

Belonging to a group of about 18 species of epiphytic ferns, staghorn ferns are native to Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia. Their name derives from the fronds of the plant resembling the forked antlers of a deer or elk.  It is a common ornamental plant due to its ease of growth and its ability to thrive in temperate environments.

• Requires a pot to support a 10 inch tall plant. 
• Can grow anywhere between 2-3 feet tall
•  Be sure to water every 1-2 weeks, depending on the heat of your environment. Occasional misting and root soaking are highly recommended as well to ensure a healthy plant
• Needs bright indirect light to survive
• Use a well drained potting mix, a mix of sphagnum moss, bark chips and regular potting soil is recommended. 

8. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)

Air plants, as their name suggests, absorb nutrients and water from the air straight through the pores of their leaves. They thrive as houseplants as their life span is fairly short-3-4 weeks, depending on the species. But in that time, they can flower if properly cared for, and they produce offspring that you can care for in much the same way. 

• A 2 inch pot is all that’s required as air plants are generally very small
• Can grow anywhere from 3 inches to seven feet depending on the species and how many of the clumps or “offspring” you decide to keep
• Soak your air plant in room temperature water every 1-2 weeks for about 5-10 minutes. In addition, you should mist your plant every week as well to ensure healthy growth
• Air Plants require bright, indirect light, making them ideal for the bathroom
• Air Plants don’t require soil as they receive their nutrients from the air

9. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Popular in southeast Asia and asian countries, Lucky Bamboo isn’t actually bamboo. The plant is of the Dracaena family, tying them closer to the dragon tree, but that being said, they still strike an attractive hue in any household. Lucky bamboo is easy to care for and in Chinese culture, the number of stalks that a household can grow is tied to their fortune and luck, hence the name. 

• Requires a 4 inch pot at the minimum, although something larger is recommended
• If properly cared for, lucky bamboo can grow to 1-3 feet
• Lucky bamboo can grow in water, so ensure that the stalks are always submerged in water. Be sure to replenish and replace the water every week. 
• Moderate indirect sunlight is highly recommended
• Well drained, nutrient rich potting soil is recommended, although they can also grow in water

10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata bostoniensis)

Nephrolepis exaltata, otherwise known as sword fern or Boston fern is an excellent plant for the bathroom due to its need for high humidity and indirect light. It’s name comes from a Massachusetts florist named Becker who cultivated it as a popular parlor plant.

• Requires a 3-4 inch pot depending on the species
•  Can grow up to 7 feet tall if planted in soil, but in a pot, it won’t grow larger than 3 feet at the most. 
• Soil needs to be moist, but not soggy. Water once every week or two weeks depending on soil quality
• Indirect light is needed
• Well drained potting soil, for boston ferns, a peat-based potting mix is recommended.

11. Calathea

A plant that comes from the jungles of the Amazon, Calathea makes great houseplants due to their vibrant appearance and diversity. Their leaves vary with geometric patterns and maroon undersides, making them highly decorated plants when compared to other houseplants. Often hailed as “drama queens”, Calathea have a reputation for being finicky, but that trait is only true of a few species. 

• Requires a 4 inch pot
• Can grow to 2 feet in height with proper care
• Requires filtered or defluorinated water, once every week
• Bright, indirect sunlight is recommended
• Like most plants, Calathea enjoys moist but not soggy soil. A mix of 50 percent potting soil, orchid park, charcoal and maybe 10% perlite is recommended. 

12. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)

A common houseplant due to it’s beauty and simplicity to care for. Peace lilies originate from the tropics and as such, enjoy a nice humid environment. Replicating this environment is key to having a happy and healthy plant. Keep in mind that peace lilies are mildly toxic, as they contain calcium oxalate-a substance that can cause stomach and respiratory irritation if ingested in large amounts so keep out of reach of small children and pets.

• Requires at least a 4 inch pot
• Can grow from 1-4 feet tall
• They can grow in both water and normal soil. If planting in water, be sure to replace the water every week
• Enjoys bright, indirect sunlight
• Consistent moist, well-drained soil is recommended 

13. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A great plant for beginners, Pothos or Epipremnum Aureum comes in an array of foliage colors and patterns that are vibrant and diverse. Pothos are remarkably forgiving of neglect, pest and disease free and tolerant of low lights, making them ideal for the bathroom.

• A 6 inch pot is recommended
• Can grow to 4-8 inches
• Water every 5-7 days. Ensure that your soil is moist and not soggy
• Bright indirect light is recommended
• Well-draining potting mix that is slightly acidic. Perlite or coco coir can increase drainage capacity. 

14. Begonia (Begonia Spp.)

A very common and typical houseplant, Begonias are generally grown for their striking foliage and the fact that they can produce flowers. Generally on the smaller side, they can bring much needed color to a home with proper care. Compared to other plants, Begonias thrive based on location alone, so it is best to find a suitable location for them before purchasing.

• A 4 inch pot is recommended
• Between 8 inches to 3 feet tall
• Water once a week, ensure that the soil is moist but not soggy to prevent root rot
• Depending on the species, many will require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight but many prefer the shade
• Light, well-draining potting soil is recommended. Equal parts peat moss, potting soil and perlite are great for Begonias.

15. Prayer Plant

Often confused for the Calathea plant, Prayer Plants are distinguishable by their vibrant decorative leaves. These leaves are tricolor with green, yellow and red patterns. It’s name is derived from the leaves that lay flat during the day and fold up during the night as if it’s praying.

• Requires a 4 inch pot
• Can grow to 2 feet in height with proper care
• Requires filtered or defluorinated water, once every week
• Bright, indirect sunlight is recommended
• Well draining potting soil, but combining peat moss and loamy soil can yield better results.

16. Aloe Vera Plant

An attractive succulent whose natural juices can be used to provide temporary relief from scrapes and painful burns if applied topically. It’s medicinal properties were used throughout the ancient world, most notably in Egypt. Today, the plants provide an attractive centerpiece for any home and are quite easy to care for. 

• Requires a 2-4 inch pot 
• Can grow to 3 feet tall. 
• Ensure that the soil is moist and not soggy. Water once every 2-3 weeks. 
• Medium-low light exposure
• Well-drained and sandy or gravelly soil is recommended. 

16. Bromeliads (Various Genera)

Bromeliads are tropical and subtropical plants with cascading foliage that form beneath rosette-shaped leaves that often flower for several months. Native to the tropical Americas, Bromeliads can provide any home with a great variety of color and variety.

• Requires a 2 inch pot
• Can grow to 4-6 inches
• As stated before, ensure that the soil is moist and not soggy. Watering once a week is sufficient.
• Subdued bright artificial light is recommended. Will need 14 hours of light to maintain leaf vibracny
• Well-drained soil that is a mixture of peat and one third sand is ideal.

17. Bird’s Nest Fern

Bird nest ferns are native to the rainforest, making them ideal for the moisture and potential humidity of the home. Additionally, as it is a fern, they make great plants for beginners as they are easy to care for. They are identified by the bright green fronds that rise from their central rosette. 

• Requires a 3-4 inch pot depending on the species
•  Can grow up to 7 feet tall if planted in soil, but in a pot, it won’t grow larger than 3 feet at the most. 
• Soil needs to be moist, but not soggy. Water once every week or two weeks depending on soil quality
• Indirect light is needed
• Well drained potting soil, for boston ferns, a peat-based potting mix is recommended.

18. Chinese Evergreen

A slow growing plant that is identified by its plain green, speckled and blotched leaves. Chinese evergreens have a reputation for being durable and remarkably easy to care for. They are tolerant of many different growing conditions and environments and can thrive in medium to low light conditions. 

• Requires a 4 inch pot
• Can grow 1-3 feet tall and wide depending on the environment
• Water to keep soil moist, but can survive with minimal watering, even 2-3 weeks without watering
• Prefers humid temperatures and can thrive in low-medium light conditions
• Well-draining, slightly acidic soil is recommended with perlite or peat

19. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum var.)

Originating from South-East Asia, Croton plants are a plant that thrives in tropical climates. Their leaves range from a combination of either green, yellow, red, orange, cream pink and black, making them quite unique and varied in appearance. These plants have a reputation for being fussy and difficult to care for, so they are not recommended for beginners.

• Requires a 4 inch pot
• Can grow anywhere between 3-6 depending on the environment
• Croton plants require their soil to be consistently damp but not soggy/overwatered. Depending on your house’s environment this watering will either be daily or weekly.
• Full sunlight is recommended for Croton plants
• Croton plant soil needs to have a pH of 4.5 or 6.5. Rich, organic-laden soil with mulch or Croton fertilizer is recommended. 

20. Orchids (Orchidaceae Family, Various Genera)

Comprising over 880 different types and over 22,000 species, orchids are among the largest and most diverse of the flowering plant families. Orchids are traditionally tropical plants but have now been hybridized by florists so that they can grow in the household. 

• Requires a 4-6 inch pot
• Will grow 1-3 new leaves a year, but no height change
• Soil needs to be consistently damp, not soggy, so water accordingly
• Low light-small exposure to direct sunlight daily
• Requires orchid specific fertilizer and soil 

21. Peperomia

A member of a large family of 500 ornamental foliage plants, Peperomia are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central America. Peperomia are interesting houseplants as no two plants look alike, allowing for a sizable collection of a singular plant. In addition, peperomia plants are strangely compact, rarely growing more than a foot in height, making them ideal for small indoor spaces like a bathroom.

• Requires a 4 inch pot 
• Will grow at most a foot taller than its current size. They tend to be small plants
• Water once the top of the soil becomes dry, roughly once every week
• Thrives in bright indirect sunlight
• Well drained potting soil is best, an equal mix of peat moss and perlite is recommended. 

22. Haworthia

Haworthia is a miniature succulent variety native to South Africa and as discussed previously, makes it a great plant for beginners due to the independent nature of the plant itself. Haworthia is characterized by rosette-shaped leafy clusters which can be firm, tough or translucent, depending on the plant. 

• Requires a 3 inch pot
• Can grow 3-5 inches tall and wide depending on the species
• Water once every 2-3 weeks
• Thrives in occasional indirect sunlight
• Well-drained potting soil is recommended.

23. Pitcher Plant

Nepenthes are a wide genus of tropical plants known as pitcher plants. The name comes from the distinctive pitcher of the plant that houses liquid that attracts and digests insects as food. As you can expect, pitcher plants help to keep your bathroom free of any unwanted insects. 

• Requires at least 8-10 inch pot to grow
• Pitcher plants can grow from 6 inches to 36 inches depending on the species
• Like most plants, Pitcher plants want moist soil, not soggy. Be sure to water once a week.
• Different plants require different light levels, but in general, pitcher plants respond better to bright, indirect light. Avoid high temperature direct sunlight.
• Well-drained potting soil is recommended or half perlite and half dry sphagnum moss. 

badeloft

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.