Transform your bathroom into a lush oasis while tackling humidity problems with these Bathroom Plants That Absorb Moisture
Ever stepped out of the shower only to find your mirror completely fogged up and water droplets sliding down your walls? Yeah, me too. Bathroom humidity is no joke – it’s the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew that nobody wants to deal with. But what if I told you there’s a beautiful solution hiding in plain sight?
Plants. And not just any plants – moisture-absorbing bathroom warriors that actually thrive in your steamy shower space while helping to keep excess moisture at bay.
I’ve experimented with dozens of bathroom plants over the years (RIP to the ones that didn’t make it), and I’m here to share the absolute best options that not only survive but actually love your bathroom’s tropical climate. Plus, they’ll add that perfect touch of natural decor that makes any bathroom feel like a spa retreat.
Let’s transform that humid space into a gorgeous, healthy oasis – one leaf at a time!
1. Boston Fern: The Classic Moisture Magnet
If you’re looking for a moisture-absorbing powerhouse, the Boston fern is your new best friend. These lush, feathery plants are humidity champions, thriving in steamy post-shower environments while pulling moisture from the air like it’s their job (because it is).
I’ve had my Boston fern hanging in a macrame holder near my shower for years, and it’s grown from a modest little thing to a showstopping cascade of green. Place yours in a decorative hanging planter or on a high shelf where its dramatic fronds can spill over beautifully.
Just remember: while they love humidity, they prefer indirect light, so they’re perfect for bathrooms with north or east-facing windows. Give them a weekly misting in drier months to keep them extra happy.
2. Peace Lily: Elegant Moisture Control
The peace lily is that rare combination of stunning looks and serious function. With its glossy dark green leaves and striking white blooms, it elevates any bathroom instantly while silently working away at excess moisture.
I placed a medium-sized peace lily on my bathroom counter last year, and not only has it thrived, but I’ve noticed significantly less condensation on my mirror. These beauties prefer indirect light and will actually droop dramatically when they need water – perfect for those of us who occasionally forget to water our plant friends.
For the best look, place your peace lily in a minimalist ceramic pot that complements your bathroom color scheme. The contrast between the bright white flowers and the deep green leaves creates a natural focal point.
3. Spider Plant: The Humidity Hero
Don’t let the somewhat creepy name fool you – spider plants are some of the friendliest, most forgiving plants you can invite into your bathroom. Their arching variegated leaves with baby “spiderettes” dangling down create visual interest while they work hard to pull moisture from your bathroom air.
I’ve kept a spider plant perched on my bathroom windowsill for years, and it’s thrived with almost zero attention. The best part? It constantly produces baby plants that you can snip off and propagate – free plants, anyone?
These versatile plants look fantastic in hanging planters or perched on floating shelves. Their cascading nature adds dimension to bathroom decor, and their air-purifying abilities are an added bonus.
4. English Ivy: Climbing Moisture Absorber
English ivy brings that classic, slightly wild aesthetic to your bathroom while being a surprisingly effective moisture absorber. Its trailing vines can transform a plain bathroom into something that feels like a secret garden.
I’ve trained mine to climb around my bathroom mirror, creating a stunning natural frame that garners compliments from everyone who visits. These adaptable plants prefer moderate to bright indirect light but will tolerate lower light conditions found in many bathrooms.
For a designer look, place your ivy in a wall-mounted planter or on a high shelf where the vines can cascade down. The contrast between structured bathroom elements and the organic growth pattern creates a captivating visual tension.
5. Snake Plant: The Moisture-Fighting Minimalist
If your design style leans modern and minimalist, the snake plant (also called mother-in-law’s tongue) is your perfect bathroom companion. Its striking upright leaves with yellow edges bring architectural interest to any space while quietly absorbing excess moisture.
What I love most about my bathroom snake plant is its utter resilience – it thrives on neglect and still looks stunning. These hardy plants prefer bright indirect light but adapt well to lower light conditions, making them perfect for bathrooms with limited natural light.
Place yours in a sleek, cylindrical planter for maximum visual impact. The strong vertical lines of the plant create a natural focal point and add height to bathroom spaces without taking up much floor or counter real estate.
6. Pothos: The Trailing Moisture Master
Pothos plants are the true workhorses of the plant world – they’re nearly impossible to kill, grow like crazy, and happily soak up bathroom humidity while purifying the air. Their heart-shaped leaves trailing down from shelves or hanging planters add a soft, natural element to bathroom spaces.
My golden pothos has transformed my bathroom from sterile to lush in just a few months, with vines now extending several feet from its original pot. These adaptable plants come in varieties from golden to marble queen to neon, so you can choose one that complements your bathroom color scheme.
For a dramatic look, place your pothos on a high shelf or in a hanging planter and let it cascade down. The trailing vines create visual movement and can soften the hard edges typical in bathroom design.
7. Aloe Vera: Healing Humidity Fighter
Aloe vera pulls double duty in the bathroom – it absorbs excess moisture while providing healing gel for minor cuts and burns (perfect for those shaving accidents). Its sculptural, spiky form adds a modern architectural element to bathroom spaces.
I keep mine on my bathroom windowsill where it gets bright, indirect light. After a year, it’s grown significantly and even produced a few pups that I’ve separated into new plants to give as gifts.
For the best look, place your aloe in a terracotta pot that complements bathroom tiles or countertops. The contrast between the natural clay and the blue-green of the aloe creates a pleasing earthy aesthetic that works in both modern and traditional bathrooms.
8. Ferns: Bathroom’s Best Friend
Beyond the Boston fern, there’s a whole world of fern varieties that absolutely thrive in humid bathroom environments while helping to manage moisture. Maidenhair ferns, bird’s nest ferns, and staghorn ferns all bring different textures and growth patterns to your space.
My bird’s nest fern sits on a small bathroom stool, its crinkly leaves unfurling in the steamy environment. These prehistoric plants are humidity lovers that instantly add a lush, tropical vibe to any bathroom.
For a designer look, group different varieties of ferns together at varying heights. The contrast in textures and forms creates a mini indoor garden that turns your bathroom into a rejuvenating retreat.
9. Chinese Evergreen: The Low-Light Moisture Lover
For those of us with darker bathrooms, the Chinese evergreen is a gift. These beautiful plants with patterned leaves not only tolerate low light conditions but actually help filter humidity from the air, making them perfect bathroom companions.
I’ve had my silver bay variety thriving in my bathroom for years despite having only a tiny window. Its variegated leaves bring a pop of pattern and color that brightens the space considerably.
Place yours in a ceramic pot that picks up one of the colors in the variegated leaves for a coordinated look. These plants stay relatively compact, making them perfect for bathroom counters or toilet tanks where space might be limited.
10. Bamboo: The Zen Moisture Absorber
Lucky bamboo isn’t just an attractive addition to your bathroom—it’s actively working to pull excess moisture from the air while creating a spa-like atmosphere. These elegant plants can be trained into various shapes and forms, from straight stalks to spirals.
I have three stalks of lucky bamboo arranged in a clear glass vase with decorative stones on my bathroom counter. The simplicity of the arrangement brings a sense of calm to the space while helping manage humidity.
For a modern look, place several stalks of varying heights in a sleek rectangular container. The strong vertical lines create visual interest, and the green adds a refreshing pop of color against white bathroom fixtures.
11. Orchids: Luxurious Humidity Lovers
Contrary to their reputation as difficult divas, orchids are actually perfectly suited to bathroom environments. They naturally grow in humid, tropical environments, making your steamy shower the ideal spot for these exotic beauties to thrive while helping absorb excess moisture.
My phalaenopsis orchid has bloomed repeatedly in my bathroom, its elegant white flowers arching gracefully above the sink. These showstoppers prefer bright, indirect light but will tolerate the lower light levels common in bathrooms.
Display your orchid in a clear glass container that allows you to monitor root health, or place it in a decorative pot that complements your bathroom color scheme. The sculptural quality of orchid blooms adds a touch of luxury to even the simplest bathroom.
12. Air Plants: Floating Moisture Managers
Air plants (Tillandsia) are the ultimate low-maintenance bathroom companions. These rootless wonders absorb moisture directly from the air through their leaves, making them perfect humidity managers for steamy bathrooms.
I’ve arranged a collection of air plants in a wall-mounted glass terrarium, creating a living art piece that constantly evolves. These architectural plants come in various shapes and sizes, from bulbous to spindly, allowing you to create interesting groupings.
For a designer look, place air plants in glass globes hung at different heights, or arrange them on a decorative piece of driftwood. Their ability to grow without soil gives you endless creative display options.
13. Begonia: Colorful Humidity Handler
Who says bathroom plants have to be all green? Begonias bring stunning patterns and colors to your space while happily soaking up excess humidity from your daily showers.
My rex begonia, with its spiraled red and silver leaves, adds a dramatic pop of color to my otherwise neutral bathroom. These showstoppers prefer bright, indirect light but will adapt to the lighting conditions in most bathrooms.
Place yours in a simple white ceramic pot to let the colorful foliage take center stage. Begonias prefer consistent moisture but not soggy soil, making a well-draining pot essential.
14. Calathea: The Living Bathroom Art
Calatheas, with their stunningly patterned leaves, bring natural artwork to your bathroom walls while helping to manage humidity. These tropical beauties actually raise and lower their leaves throughout the day (a phenomenon called nyctinasty), giving them their nickname “prayer plants.”
My calathea medallion sits on my bathroom’s floating shelf, its purple-backed, medallion-patterned leaves creating a daily visual delight. These moisture-loving plants prefer medium to low indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms with limited windows.
For maximum impact, place your calathea where its intricate leaf patterns can be appreciated up close. The natural artwork they provide eliminates the need for additional bathroom wall decor.
15. Philodendron: The Adaptable Moisture Magnet
Philodendrons are the chameleons of the plant world – they adapt to almost any environment while steadily working to absorb excess moisture. Their heart-shaped leaves bring a touch of tropical charm to bathroom spaces.
I’ve had my heartleaf philodendron trailing from my bathroom shelf for years, creating a living curtain that adds dimension to the space. These versatile plants come in climbing and non-climbing varieties, allowing you to choose the growth habit that best suits your bathroom design.
For a contemporary look, place a philodendron in a hanging macrame holder or train it to climb a moss pole. The organic growth pattern softens the typically hard lines of bathroom fixtures.
16. ZZ Plant: The Indestructible Humidity Handler
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is practically indestructible, making it perfect for plant beginners or busy bathroom users. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of sophistication while it quietly works to manage humidity levels.
My ZZ plant sits on the floor in my bathroom’s corner, creating a structural element that draws the eye upward. These low-maintenance plants tolerate low light and irregular watering, making them ideal for bathrooms that might not get much natural light.
Place yours in a simple, modern pot that complements your bathroom’s color scheme. The architectural quality of ZZ plants works particularly well in contemporary bathroom designs.
17. Peperomia: The Compact Moisture Fighter
Peperomias pack a lot of personality into small packages, making them perfect for bathrooms with limited space. These compact plants come in various leaf shapes, colors, and patterns while helping to manage bathroom humidity.
My watermelon peperomia, with its striking silver-striped leaves, brightens my bathroom windowsill without taking up much space. These charming plants prefer moderate to bright indirect light but adapt well to bathroom conditions.
For a designer touch, group several peperomia varieties together in coordinating pots. The diversity in leaf patterns creates visual interest without overwhelming small bathroom spaces.
18. Dracaena: The Striking Humidity Handler
Dracaenas bring dramatic height and architectural interest to bathrooms while helping to manage moisture levels. Their sword-like leaves and often colorful stems create strong vertical lines that draw the eye upward.
My Dracaena marginata (dragon tree) stands tall in my bathroom’s corner, its slender trunk and spiky leaves creating a sculptural element that complements the clean lines of modern fixtures. These adaptable plants tolerate lower light conditions commonly found in bathrooms.
Place yours in a substantial floor planter that provides balance to the plant’s height. The strong vertical presence of dracaenas makes them perfect for filling awkward bathroom corners or empty wall spaces.
19. Croton: The Colorful Moisture Absorber
Crotons inject bold color into bathroom spaces with their vibrant, variegated leaves in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green – all while helping to absorb excess moisture from the air.
My croton petra sits on my bathroom’s window ledge, creating a stunning color display that changes throughout the day as light shifts. These tropical beauties prefer bright indirect light but will adapt to medium light levels typical in many bathrooms.
For maximum impact, place your croton where it receives consistent light to maintain its vibrant coloration. The bold leaf patterns eliminate the need for additional decorative elements in simple bathroom designs.
20. Arrowhead Plant: The Versatile Moisture Manager
The arrowhead plant (Syngonium) brings versatility to bathroom spaces with its arrow-shaped leaves that start compact and become more elongated as the plant matures. These adaptable plants happily absorb bathroom humidity while adding a touch of lush greenery.
My variegated arrowhead plant climbs a small trellis on my bathroom counter, creating vertical interest without taking up much space. These accommodating plants come in various colors from white-green to pink-tinged, allowing you to coordinate with your bathroom color scheme.
For a unique display, train your arrowhead plant on a decorative trellis or moss pole, or allow it to cascade from a hanging planter. The evolving leaf shapes create dynamic visual interest that changes as the plant grows.
Transform Your Bathroom into a Moisture-Balanced Oasis
There you have it – 20 beautiful plants that not only thrive in your bathroom’s humid conditions but actively help manage moisture levels while adding life, color, and texture to your space. From dramatic hanging ferns to sculptural snake plants, there’s an option for every bathroom size, light condition, and design aesthetic.
Remember, even moisture-loving plants need some care. Check soil moisture before watering (most bathroom plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings), dust leaves occasionally to keep them looking their best, and rotate plants periodically for even growth.
The best part about creating a bathroom plant oasis? You’ll transform an ordinary functional space into a rejuvenating retreat that uplifts your mood every time you step inside. Plus, you’ll be fighting humidity problems naturally – a win-win for both your home and your wellbeing.
Which moisture-absorbing bathroom plant will you try first? Drop a comment below and let me know how your bathroom jungle grows! Ready for more inspiration? Check out these 20 Above Kitchen Cabinet Decor Ideas to kickstart your next makeover.