Bathrooms can be damp, dreary places. They are often forgotten about and overlooked because they are such utilitarian spaces, but you can add some beauty and fragrance to that steamy bathroom and elevate your space.
There are lots of plants that thrive in the humidity that is produced by showers and baths. These shower-friendly plants absorb extra moisture from the air which reduces chances of mildew and mold developing. And their lovely fragrances add a touch of spa-like tranquility to even the saddest lavatory.
Growing plants near showers and tubs is also a great way to give your space a much-needed design refresh without a full remodel. A little change can be fun! Let’s explore how to revive your bathroom and your senses with some beautiful plants.
1. Orchids
Epiphytic orchids absorb water through their exposed roots so they are perfect for steamy bathrooms. Their spongy roots need constant moisture so a humid bathroom is a great place to put them. They will clean the air and battle any mildew you may have while also imparting a tropical scent for a luxurious spa-like ambience.
In addition to loving the moisture of your shower, orchids prefer low light so you don’t need to worry about them sitting in the dark. Popular epiphytic orchid types include Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Vanda, and Oncidium.
This white and red-lipped Cattleya orchid from the Home Depot will soak up the steam in your bathroom and has a delicate fragrance that will make you feel like you’re in a rainforest.
2. Jasmine
Growing jasmine indoors requires 4-6 hours of bright light so this is a perfect plant for a sunny bathroom that has a South-facing window or a skylight. Jasmine flowers produce a gorgeous, intoxicating scent when in bloom. Jasmine will fill your bathroom with sumptuous fragrance and delicate beauty.
Find a jasmine ‘Sambac Arabian’ plant from the Home Depot.
3. Hoya
Hoya plants are also called wax plants because of their waxy leaves and flowers. The star-shaped blooms have a heavenly fragrance that will fill your lavatory with beauty. Wax plants thrive in humid environments and require bright, indirect light to bloom. They can trail into vines and fill your whole bathroom if you’re lucky!
This hoya rope plant from The Sill has unique curly leaves and can put out sweet-smelling blooms to transform your bathroom into a serene spa environment.
4. Peace Lily
I never would have thought to grow a peace lily in the bathroom, but it turns out they are a perfect fit if you are looking to add vibrancy to your water closet! Peace lilies will help clean the air in your bathroom and reduce the chances of developing mildew or mold. They will also add delicate clove-like scent to the air when in bloom. Peace lilies prefer a darker environment so they perform well in bathrooms that have lower light. Note: Peace lilies are mildly toxic to pets, so keep your furry friends away from them.
Find a gorgeous peace lily in your choice of decorative pot from the Home Depot.
5. Eucalyptus Leaves
You can grow eucalyptus as a houseplant, but it might not thrive in the bathroom. However, taking a few cuttings from your eucalyptus plant and hanging them in your shower will give you the ultimate spa vibes! The oils in eucalyptus leaves will be released in the warm, humid environment and scent your shower with healing fragrance. Eucalyptus leaf uses include traditional flu and cold remedies, massage oils, and potpourri. The natural aromatherapy will invigorate you! Note: Eucalyptus is toxic to humans and pets, so be sure to not let anyone in your house consume them.
Find a eucalyptus plant from Lowe’s, or find a bundle of fresh eucalyptus leaves from Andaluca Home on Etsy.
More Steam-Loving Plants
Add some nice complements to your fragrant bathroom rainforest. These plants work very well in humid environments and will round out the look of your newly verdant spa-like lavatory.
- Air plants are easy to grow in bathrooms and have a unique look.
- Boston ferns will clean the air and thrive in low light.
- English ivy will help combat mold and humidity.
Try a few of these wonderfully fragrant plants that will thrive in your humid bathroom and impart a relaxing spa essence. They are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed!
