The warm, steamy conditions of your bathroom create the ultimate climate for these 11 indoor plants. Permission to turn up the heat and enjoy a hot shower.

 

1. Bird’s nest fern

Asplenium nidus

For a bold, lush and vibrant addition to your bathroom, the glossy, sword-shaped fronds of the bird’s-nest fern are just the ticket. The crinkle factor of the foliage is dictated by the amount of light your plant gets. With more light, your plant will have crinkled leaves. With less light, your plant’s leaves will be flatter. Learn more about ferns.

2. Bromeliads

Bromeliaceae

Bromeliads come in many forms and colours, but whichever you choose, you’ll love how it will add a touch of the tropics to your bathroom. Bromeliads are low care and watering is easy too: simply fill the cup at the base of the leaves. Just be sure to empty it out weekly as the stagnant water can attract bugs. Learn more about bromeliads.

3. Carnivorous plants

Popular carnivorous plants, like Venus flytraps (Dionaea) and pitcher plants (Sarracenia) will earn their keep by capturing insects that come too close. Carnivorous plants like small, shallow pots or better yet, a glass terrarium that lets them create their own microclimate - and don't worry about "feeding" insects to your plants: the average home has enough bugs to keep one carnivorous plant happy. Learn more about carnivorous plants.

Bathroom plants

Left to right: Birds' nest fern 'Norfolk Gem', Vriesea bromeliad, Venus flytrap

4. Spider plant

Chlorophytum comosum

The spider plant is one of the most adaptable houseplants around and super simple to grow, making it a top pick for the houseplant newbie. The foolproof spider plant will grow in a wide range of conditions and suffers from few problems. It gets its name from the new growth (spiderettes) that dangle down from the plant, like spiders.

5. Phalaenopsis orchid

For instant bathroom luxe, few plants can compete with the style and grace of a phalaenopsis orchid. As a native of tropical east Asia, the humidity of your bathroom mirrors its natural environment, and because it’s compact, it’s perfect for any bathroom - big or small - while it’s gorgeous flowers will last months on end. Learn more about phalaenopsis orchids.

6. Peperomia

Peperomia are semi-succulents, which means they’re easy to care for. They can hold water in their fleshy stems and leaves, so are forgiving if you forget the occasional watering. Their small form and slow-growing nature means you also don’t need a lot of room to grow one. Some varieties make great hanging basket plants.

Bathroom plants

Left to right: Spider plant, Phalaenopsis orchid, Peperomia

7. Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

Also known as devil’s ivy, pothos boasts marbled, heart-shaped leaves. To make the most of this plant, raise it up, so it can tumble beautifully over the edges of its pot. Interesting fact: your pothos may lose its variegation if the light is too low. Only the green parts of the leaves make energy for the plant, so it will compensate for the lack of light by becoming greener.

8. Rhipsalis

Although a member of the cacti family, rhipsalis certainly doesn’t look like its desert-dwelling relatives, but it’s just as hardy. In its natural environment it generally grows an as epiphyte on trees, but is equally at home in a pot. Rhipsalis is an interesting plant to decorate your bathroom with, as the long, pencil-thin lime-green stems create a unique and interesting look.

9. Spathiphyllum

Also known as peace lily, spathiphyllum tops the list for air purity, filtering out more toxins than any other common indoor plant. It features striking white 'blooms', which are actually a leaf bract that grows like a hood over the real flowers. As a native to the tropics, a steamy bathroom is perfect for a spathiphyllum. If your bathroom gets a lot of light, your spathiphyllum will produce more ‘flowers’. Learn more about the benefits of indoor plants.

Bathroom plants

Left to right: Pothos, Rhipsalis, Spathiphyllum

10. Mother-in-law’s tongue

Sansevieria

This hardiest of houseplants, sansevieria is great at filtering household toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, which is found in many cosmetics and cleaning products. It’s also one of the toughest houseplants you’ll find, withstanding virtually any conditions. In a particularly humid bathroom, you may never need to water it at all.

11. Zanzibar Gem

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

This almost indestructible plant will put up with an amazing amount of neglect - so much so, it only needs to be watered four times a year. Zanzibar Gem boasts elegant oval leaves that will grace your bathroom for many years. This plant is also almost pest free.

Left to right: Mother-in-law’s tongue, Zanzibar Gem

Left to right: Mother-in-law’s tongue, Zanzibar Gem

 

Is your living room crying out for some plant love too? Check out 8 plants for your coffee table.