8 Best Moisture-Absorbing Bathroom Plants for Style & Freshness
- Astrid van Essen
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
I love the idea of turning bathrooms into mini greenhouses. With all that steam and humidity, bathrooms can be tricky spaces, but the right plants not only thrive, they help reduce excess moisture, keep mould at bay, and make your bathroom feel more zen.
When winter sets in, windows stay shut and condensation quickly builds up. That’s when I really notice how damp and stuffy the bathroom can feel. Instead of relying only on a dehumidifier, I love bringing in plants that thrive in humidity. The right greenery not only absorbs excess moisture, it keeps mould at bay and instantly softens the space.
Why Choose Moisture-Absorbing Plants for Bathrooms?
Bathrooms are naturally humid, and without proper ventilation, moisture lingers. This can lead to unwanted mould, musty odours, and even damage to walls or grout.
The best moisture-absorbing bathroom plants help in three simple ways:
They reduce dampness by drawing in moisture through their leaves.
They improve air quality, filtering toxins and freshening up the space.
They transform the bathroom atmosphere, adding a spa-like touch that makes daily routines feel calmer.
8 Best Moisture-Absorbing Bathroom Plants
1. Boston Fern (Low Light Friendly)
Boston ferns are excellent natural dehumidifiers. Their lush fronds soak up excess moisture and thrive in shaded bathrooms with indirect light. Place them in a hanging planter to let the greenery cascade beautifully over the edge.
2. Peace Lily (Low Light Friendly)
If your bathroom has limited natural light, peace lilies are ideal. They absorb moisture, filter toxins, and flourish in darker corners. Their glossy green leaves and elegant white flowers bring a soft, calming feel to the room.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plants are hardy, adaptable, and forgiving if you forget to water them. They handle low light well and are perfect for shelves or hanging planters. Their arching leaves add a lively, playful touch.
4. Aloe Vera
For bathrooms with brighter spots, aloe vera is a great choice. Not only does it enjoy the humidity, but its gel-filled leaves can be used for soothing skin — a bonus for winter dryness.
5. Bamboo Palm
Tall and graceful, bamboo palms thrive in filtered light and love humid conditions. They absorb moisture while creating a tropical spa vibe, making them perfect for larger bathrooms.
6. Snake Plant (Low Light Friendly)
Snake plants are one of the most resilient indoor plants. They tolerate humidity and grow happily even in dim corners. Their upright leaves also fit well in smaller bathrooms where floor space is limited.
7. English Ivy
English ivy is known for tackling mould-prone areas. It’s a trailing plant that can be placed on shelves or trained along a trellis, bringing greenery to unused vertical space while helping keep the bathroom fresh.
8. Orchids
Orchids love the steam and gentle filtered light of a bathroom. They absorb moisture while adding elegance and colour — perfect if you want something that feels both functional and decorative.
Styling Tips for Bathroom Plants
Bathroom plants don’t just solve a problem, they really elevate the space.
Here are a few ideas:
Protect your surfaces: place pots on trays or bowls to catch water drips.
Play with heights: mix tall floor planters with smaller shelf plants and hanging greenery.
Keep it modern: concrete planters and trays give weight and stability in humid rooms, while keeping the look sleek and minimal.
At Botanical Blueprint, I design concrete planters, trays, and bowls that are perfect for moisture-rich rooms. They add a grounding touch while keeping plants stable and surfaces safe.
Quick Care Guide for Bathroom Plants
Wipe leaves regularly to stop mould or dust building up.
Rotate your plants so each side gets some light, especially in winter.
Water sparingly most bathrooms are already humid, so your plants won’t need much extra moisture.
Best Moisture-Absorbing Bathroom Plants Final Thoughts
Especially in winter, when condensation builds up, bathroom plants are more than just decoration. They’re natural moisture absorbers that help keep damp at bay, while turning bathrooms into fresher, more relaxing spaces. A few well-chosen plants can transform your bathroom into a calming, low-maintenance sanctuary.
FAQs About Bathroom Plants
1. Do bathroom plants really absorb moisture?
Yes. Many plants, such as ferns, peace lilies, and bamboo palms, naturally draw in moisture through their leaves. This helps reduce dampness and freshens up the air.
2. What plants are best for low-light bathrooms?
Peace lilies, Boston ferns, and snake plants all do well in bathrooms with little to no natural light. They thrive in humidity and don’t require direct sunlight.
3. How do I stop mould from growing on my bathroom plants?
Keep the leaves clean by wiping them regularly, avoid overwatering, and ensure there’s some air circulation. English ivy is especially good for tackling mould in humid areas.
4. Can orchids survive in bathrooms during winter?
Yes, orchids love humidity and often thrive in bathrooms year-round. Just make sure they receive some indirect light, even in the darker winter months.
5. What type of pots should I use for bathroom plants?
Moisture-friendly materials like concrete planters, bowls, and trays work great. They add stability, prevent tipping, and protect surfaces from excess water.
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