Plants for the bathroom: 12 types that thrive in the bath
Warmth and high humidity make the bathroom a favourite spot for many houseplants. The key factor is light: not every plant can cope with a small window or a bathroom without daylight.
Here are twelve plants that grow well in the bathroom, with information on light, care, and whether they are toxic to cats and dogs.
Professionally reviewed by Julien El-Bahy, bazuba headquartersAs of: 27 September 2026
In short
Most bathroom plants thrive in warmth, high humidity, and bright, indirect light. In low light, the ZZ plant and cast iron plant are the most resilient, while devil’s ivy is ideal for hanging.
Low lightZZ plantas well as cast iron plant and snake plant, all three are very easy to care forFor dark bathrooms
For hangingDevil’s ivygrows long vines and requires hardly any space, and the spider plant also hangs beautifullyHanging plants
With petsParlour palmnon-toxic, like bird’s nest fern, spider plant, Boston fern, and orchidToxic or not
Without windows: No plant will thrive long-term without daylight. In this case, only a plant lamp or a good artificial plant will help. Learn more
Toxicity information is based on standard lists for cats and dogs; if in doubt, please consult your veterinarian. As of: 27 September 2026. Professionally reviewed by Julien El-Bahy (bazuba headquarters).
The 12 best plants for the bathroom at a glance
The table is sorted by light: at the top are plants for dark bathrooms, at the bottom those for bright ones. The last column shows whether the plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
Plant
Light
Care
Pets
ZZ plantZamioculcas
Low to bright, no direct sunlight
Very easy to care for, water rarely
Toxic
Cast iron plantAspidistra
Shady to semi-shady
Very easy to care for
Non-toxic
Snake plantSansevieria
Low to bright
Very easy to care for, water rarely
Toxic
Devil’s ivyEpipremnum
Semi-shady
Easy to care for, trailing
Toxic
Peace lilySpathiphyllum
Semi-shady
Water regularly
Toxic
Parlour palmChamaedorea
Semi-shady
Easy to care for, avoid waterlogging
Non-toxic
Spider plantChlorophytum
Bright to semi-shady
Very easy to care for, trailing
Non-toxic
Bird’s nest fernAsplenium nidus
Bright, without direct sunlight
likes high humidity
Non-toxic
Boston fernNephrolepis
Bright, without direct sunlight
Keep soil moist
Non-toxic
OrchidPhalaenopsis
Bright, without direct sunlight
water sparingly, better to soak
Non-toxic
Swiss cheese plantMonstera
bright
needs space
Toxic
Tillandsiaair plants
bright
without soil, mist regularly
Non-toxic
Toxic usually means irritation of the mouth and stomach if pets chew on the leaves. If in doubt, keep the plant out of reach or consult your vet.
The plants in detail
ZZ plant
Zamioculcas
The ZZ plant is the best choice for anyone without a green thumb. It stores water in its thick stems, forgives forgotten watering, and copes well with low light. In the bathroom, it does well on the floor or a shelf, but it does not like direct sunlight or waterlogged roots. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Cast iron plant
Aspidistra
The cast iron plant gets its name from old cobblers’ workshops, where it stood in dark corners. This makes it ideal for bathrooms with little natural light. It is robust, grows slowly, and is non-toxic to pets.
Devil’s ivy
Epipremnum
The golden pothos is the classic trailing plant for the bathroom. Its vines can grow several metres long and can hang down from a shelf or hanging basket. It prefers partial shade and high humidity. It is toxic to pets.
Peace lily
Spathiphyllum
The peace lily thrives in partial shade and high humidity, producing white flowers. It needs regular watering and will droop if it gets too dry. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Parlour palm
Chamaedorea
The parlour palm is a small, easy-care indoor palm with arching fronds. It prefers partial shade and does not like direct sunlight or waterlogged soil. It is non-toxic to cats and dogs, making it a good palm for households with pets.
Bird’s nest fern
Asplenium nidus
The bird’s nest fern forms a rosette of glossy, undivided leaves. It loves high humidity and bright, indirect light; if the air is too dry, its leaf tips turn brown. That makes it especially well suited to the bathroom. It is non-toxic to pets.
Swiss cheese plant
Monstera
The Swiss cheese plant, with its large, split leaves, is suited to larger, bright bathrooms. It needs space and a bright spot, otherwise the leaves stay small. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Tillandsia
Air plants
Tillandsias are air plants that do not need soil. They sit on wood, stone, or in a bowl and absorb water through their leaves. In the bathroom, it is enough to mist them occasionally. They need a bright spot and are non-toxic to pets.
Also good for the bathroom
Snake plant
Sansevieria
The snake plant grows upright and therefore requires little space, making it ideal for narrow bathrooms. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering; too much water can be harmful. It is mildly toxic to cats and dogs.
Spider plant
Chlorophytum
The spider plant is almost indestructible. It produces offshoots on long stems and also works well as a hanging plant. It prefers bright to semi-shaded locations and is non-toxic to pets.
Boston fern
Nephrolepis
The Boston fern, with its long, feathered fronds, needs high humidity and consistently moist soil, both of which it finds in the bathroom. It does not tolerate direct sunlight. It is non-toxic to pets.
Orchid
Phalaenopsis
The Phalaenopsis orchid blooms for a long time and enjoys the humid air in the bathroom. It needs a bright spot without direct midday sun. Instead of watering, immerse it briefly in water about once a week and allow it to drain well. It is non-toxic to pets.
Would you like your bathroom to look brand new?Bright, seamless walls without demolition, usually completed within a few days. Free inspection in Germany and Austria.
A small window or a north-facing bathroom is enough for ZZ plant, cast iron plant and snake plant. Devil’s ivy and peace lily also tolerate partial shade. Place the plants as close to the window as possible; even a metre further inside it is noticeably darker.
Bathroom without windows
Without natural daylight, no plant will thrive in the long term, not even the most undemanding ones. If you still want greenery, you have two options: a plant lamp, which should be on for several hours a day, or a good artificial plant. You can find tips on how to light a bathroom without windows in our guide Bathroom lighting.
Small bathroom
Where floor space is limited, make use of height: hanging plants, slim upright plants such as the snake plant, or air plants on the wall. More ideas for small spaces can be found in the guide Small bathroom.
Hanging plants for the bathroom
Devil’s ivy is the best known, along with spider plant with its offshoots and the Boston fern, whose fronds hang over the edge of the pot. A hanging basket from the ceiling or a high shelf keeps them out of the splash zone.
Plants in the shower
A bunch of eucalyptus on the shower head is popular: the warm steam releases its scent. These are cut branches that are replaced after a few weeks, not a growing plant. Eucalyptus is toxic to cats and dogs.
How to keep plants healthy in the bathroom
Light before humidity: Humid air helps, but it does not replace light. If there is not enough light, the shoots become long and thin.
No waterlogging: Pour away excess water from the cachepot or saucer after watering. Wet soil can rot and develop mould.
Warmth and draughts: Most bathroom plants prefer 18 to 25°C. When airing the room in winter, do not place them directly in the cold draught.
Wipe leaves: Remove limescale and soap splashes with a damp cloth so the leaves can get light.
Fertilising: From spring to summer, about every two to four weeks; not in winter.
Plants only slightly increase humidity in the bathroom. To prevent mould, ventilate regularly. More on this in the guide Remove mould in the bathroom.
Plants and bathroom design
Greenery looks best against light, calm surfaces. Dark or busy tiles absorb light, causing plants to visually disappear. If you are planning to refresh your bathroom anyway, you can cover old tiles without demolition coated in a light colour or cover them with a seamless wall coating. Smooth surfaces without joints are also easy to clean if any water spills while watering your plants.
Frequently asked questions about plants in the bathroom
Plants that like warmth and high humidity: for example, ZZ plant, cast iron plant, snake plant, devil’s ivy, peace lily, bird’s nest fern, parlour palm, spider plant, Boston fern, orchid, monstera and air plants. Which one is suitable mainly depends on the light in your bathroom.
The most undemanding are ZZ plant, cast iron plant and snake plant. Devil’s ivy and peace lily also tolerate partial shade. However, no plant will grow permanently without daylight.
None in the long term, as plants need light. With a plant lamp that shines for a few hours daily, undemanding types like ZZ plant or cast iron plant can manage. The alternative is a good artificial plant.
In a bright to partially shaded spot without direct midday sun, ideally on the floor or a shelf. It needs little water; the soil should dry out between waterings. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
According to common lists, parlour palm, cast iron plant, bird’s nest fern, spider plant, Boston fern, orchid (Phalaenopsis) and air plants are non-toxic. ZZ plant, peace lily, devil’s ivy, monstera, snake plant and eucalyptus are toxic. If in doubt, consult your veterinary practice.
Especially devil’s ivy, spider plant, and sword fern. They hang from a shelf or a hanging basket and do not require any floor space. When hung high, they also stay out of the splash zone.
Yes, as a bundle of cut branches on the shower head. The warm steam releases the fragrance. The branches last for several weeks and are then replaced. Eucalyptus is toxic to cats and dogs.
Hardly. Some plants absorb moisture, but the amount is small compared to shower steam. Regular airing is the best way to prevent mould. Overly wet potting soil can develop mould itself, so avoid waterlogging.
„On the recommendation of a friend, we got in touch with bazuba Rostock for our bathroom renovation. Since it’s a rental apartment, there were quite a few things to consider with the landlord/owner’s approval, but we were able to implement many individual wishes at our own expense. The initial contact was very pleasant, and first, an assessment was made, and of course, the initial ideas and wishes for the project were recorded. The basic task was to transform the over 20-year-old tiled bathroom with an old bathtub into a modern seamless bathroom with a walk-in rain shower. The company’s showroom had quite a few displays, where we could get our first personal impressions. Then we put together the rest from the catalogs, and we also relied on the advice and recommendations of the boss there, who contributed some great ideas. Then we received an offer with a 3D visualization of the finished bathroom. This allowed us to work very well together with the owner and bazuba on the details and arrive at a final result. The correspondence between bazuba and the owner also went very smoothly, and we were very well informed about delivery times, construction times, and the entire process up to the finished bathroom. We helped set up the construction site by covering the floor and cabinets, and the company’s employees were very friendly and informative about the work steps. We hardly had to ask anything because every morning we were informed about what would happen that day until quitting time. The announced construction time was even undercut by 2 days because everything really fit together, and the trades worked hand in hand. The handover and the finished result, including explanations of all the components, care instructions, and warranties, worked wonderfully and were presented to us very transparently. All in all, we are very satisfied with the result, and for the small space available, it almost feels like being in a good hotel when you step into the shower in the morning 😉 I can definitely recommend bazuba Rostock and am happy to show some before-and-after pictures. It’s not decorated or furnished yet, but it’s about the raw result."
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Marco S.
Rostock ·
Google
“
„Complete renovation of bathroom and WC — After weeks of searching online for a company that could take on our project (complete renovation of bathroom and WC), we came across bazuba. Although all customer reviews pointed to an outstanding company, we still felt the need to visit the company location in Guntramsdorf in person first. But from that moment on, it was clear to us that only this company was suitable for our project. The exceptionally warm, competent, polite, friendly, and patient team immediately convinced us. From then on, everything went very quickly. We arranged an inspection appointment with Mr. Weninger. The inspection, consultation, measuring, and addressing special requests all took place in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The gentleman was very patient and really took a lot of time for us, only leaving once even the smallest detail was clarified. After the very detailed offer and placing the order, the renovation work began punctually on the agreed date. From here on, I have to keep it short, otherwise I would need two more pages. ALL involved, whether subcontractors or the truly outstanding bazuba specialists, carried out their tasks so competently, punctually, cleanly, almost dust-free, quickly, friendly, politely, courteously, professionally, precisely, and expertly that words almost fail me. The continuous support and (after)care of my project are also worth highlighting. After completing the very extensive work, I now have two real gems (bathroom and WC), and I find myself spending much more time there than really necessary. The conclusion of a highly satisfied and enthusiastic customer: the best 10-star company I have ever dealt with. I have recommended and will always recommend bazuba."
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werner.lissa
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Everything just fits perfectly! :o) We had bazuba renovate our roughly 50-year-old bathroom and the equally old toilet, and also modernize the shower in the second bathroom. From the very first (phone) contact, we had a good feeling. Bathroom planner Raffael came to our home and went through the various steps with us, giving us good advice and showing a lot of patience. We were also able to talk openly about the price, and in the end he gave us an offer we were very happy with. We had also gotten quotes from competitors, which were noticeably more expensive—we’re talking +50% or more. The implementation then went perfectly. First came the demolition team, then the electricians, the plasterers/floor layers, and finally the installation team. Overall, the work took almost three weeks, but that was agreed on beforehand and so was fine. All the workers always arrived as scheduled, were very friendly, explained a lot to us, and did a great job. We were also very grateful that they pointed out some possible/necessary improvements. Our spontaneous change requests were welcomed and carried out. At the same time, planner Raffael and project manager Anel were always reachable and responded quickly to our questions. The result speaks for itself: from old-fashioned, dark rooms with very worn installations, we now have bright, modern wet rooms that you enjoy entering again. The planning concept was implemented 100% in reality and at what we think is a really fair price. No trouble with the craftsmen at all—in fact, it was a pleasure, and we can warmly recommend the entire bazuba team."
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Hans G.
Guntramsdorf ·
Google
“
„Due to water damage in 2023 and subsequent repair work by a specialist company, we were then looking for a company to get our bathroom back in shape. This turned out to be not so easy; local companies either declined due to lack of time or didn’t show up despite appointments. Through internet research, we came across bazuba in Karlsruhe. We quickly had a first appointment with Mr. Glutsch. He arrived on time at our place, listened to our ideas about remodeling the bathroom, and shared his professional knowledge and comments. He took measurements, made notes, and promised to prepare an offer, which arrived in the shortest time. Due to several work appointments with bazuba, he already told us in advance that the work would be delayed and we should expect a date in March/April. But that didn’t matter to us in the end, since thanks to the preliminary work of the renovation company, we could still use our 30-year-old bathroom. When choosing the ceramics and the walk-in shower, we were with Mr. Glutsch at C.Ufer in KA (top advice!). In April, the work started on our partially renovated bathroom. After about 2 weeks, we could fully use our new bathroom; for the shower enclosure, we had to make do with a temporary solution, which was replaced after 5 weeks by a glass partition from Kermi. All in all, we were very impressed by the support and advice from bazuba (special thanks to Mr. Glutsch). A big compliment to the two skilled workers responsible for the work!! Without a doubt, 5 stars for bazuba."
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Peter G.
Karlsruhe ·
Google
“
„Good decision! — We chose BAZUBA because of a report on an online portal... and we have no regrets! Our wishes were discussed and planned in the showroom with an incredible amount of patience. Even changes and special requests before the renovation started were implemented quickly and easily. The entire construction team also deserves mention – everyone was without exception polite and friendly. I especially want to mention Mr. Robert, who brightened every one of our site visits with his good mood. In hindsight, we can now list the following reasons why we recommend BAZUBA to everyone: 1.) The price – All other quotes were about 25% higher than BAZUBA’s. 2.) The team – As already mentioned, patience and friendliness are top priorities here. 3.) The planning – None of our wishes were considered impossible. Even special requests were gladly fulfilled. 4.) The working time – A conventional renovation would have taken at least 4 weeks and the whole house would have been dusty. BAZUBA finished on schedule in 2 weeks. 5.) The quality – Nothing wobbles, nothing is scratched. The bathtub looks like new. The walls are flawless. Every joint fits perfectly. 6.) The look – We chose a seamless bathroom. Compared to tiles, our bathroom now feels much friendlier and warmer. 7.) The warranty! All in all, we are satisfied customers and would have our bathroom renovated by BAZUBA again anytime."
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Christopher
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„Perfect! Absolutely recommend. — Tub out and shower in! From start to finish, we can only give the highest praise. The consultant, Mr. Raffael Weninger, gave us excellent advice at home. He took our needs into account and came up with a perfect plan for us with his great ideas. The craftsmen also deserve the highest praise. They were extremely careful to avoid dust and dirt, which is not easy with this kind of work. The first two days, two careful installers took on their responsible tasks. After all, all newly laid water pipes and drains have to be completely sealed. The third and fourth days belonged to the quick gentlemen Jànos and Gàbor, who were able to complete this partial renovation on time — without taking a break! It must be said that all "our" four craftsmen are extremely friendly and hardworking. Otherwise, our project would not have been completed perfectly in this relatively short time. On the third day, the company owner visited us, checked on the progress, and asked about our satisfaction so far. That builds trust. Now we enjoy our new shower pleasure every day! We gladly recommend this company with its great employees. Warm regards! Christian & Sylvia Karner"
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Christian K.
Guntramsdorf ·
Herold
“
„NEW BATHROOM For about 3 weeks now, we have been proud owners of a seamless bathroom and toilet. The first team from bazuba arrived on time and very punctual, professionally covering everything from the front door up to the bathroom, including the stairs, and began dismantling the old sanitary fixtures, disposing of everything no longer needed. From then on, things moved quickly every day. Congratulations to your employees. Everyone was extremely friendly, polite, and really hardworking. No matter what was being done, we were always asked if everything was okay or if we had other wishes. The new walk-in shower is truly a dream, the walls seamless and so beautifully bright, and the floor really very nice and easy to maintain. The toilet was done in the same style. Simply beautiful. I wanted to wait with the review until I got used to the new bathroom. Every morning, when I enter our beautiful bathroom, I am very happy. No matter which team was on site, all employees did professional work. We will always remember bazuba from Guntramsdorf fondly and will gladly recommend them. Thank you very much for everything. Best regards, Renate P."
We will inspect your bathroom free of charge and provide a fixed price after the visit. Prefer to call? Free from Germany at 0800 90 44 2000, from Austria on 0800 66 55 36.
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