Breathe Easy: 8 Best Bathroom Plants That Purify the Air

Gardening Tips
By Jasmine Hughes

Bathrooms might not be the first place you think of for houseplants, but they’re actually ideal for certain greenery. The warm, steamy air creates a mini tropical paradise—perfect for plants that love humidity.

Plus, adding a touch of green can boost your bathroom’s style while naturally freshening the air. Here are 8 standout plants that thrive in bathroom spaces and are super easy to care for.

1. Snake Plant

© Treehugger

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is a hardy plant that thrives in low light and high humidity—perfect for bathrooms. It’s celebrated for its ability to filter out toxins like formaldehyde, nitrogen oxide, and benzene.

With its upright, sword-like leaves and striking variegation, it brings modern elegance to your bathroom decor. It requires very little maintenance and only occasional watering.

Its unique ability to convert CO2 into oxygen at night makes it ideal for improving air quality while you sleep—perfect if your bathroom is connected to your bedroom.

2. Tillandsia (Air Plant)

© Air Plant City

Tillandsia, or Air Plants, offer a quirky charm with their rootless growth habit. Perfect for bathrooms, they thrive on moisture and indirect light.

These plants absorb impurities right from the air, requiring just a weekly misting. Their unique ability to cling to surfaces makes them versatile decor pieces.

Place them in creative holders or suspend them in glass terrariums for a whimsical touch. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re surprisingly sturdy and low-maintenance.

Experimenting with different display methods adds both fun and elegance to your bathroom environment.

3. Banana Plant

© Duravit

The Banana Plant, with its wide, lush leaves, adds a tropical flair to bathrooms. It thrives in warm, humid conditions, making it a perfect bathroom companion. Known for absorbing pollutants, it helps in maintaining fresh indoor air.

Position it where it can receive ample light, and it will reward you with vigorous growth. Though it may seem exotic, caring for a Banana Plant is straightforward—regular watering and occasional feeding suffice.

Its large leaves not only purify air but also bring a vibrant aesthetic to your space.

4. Peace Lily

© Inntinn.in

The Peace Lily is renowned for its air-purifying prowess, removing toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde effectively. It thrives in low light, making it perfect for bathrooms.

Its beautiful white blooms and glossy leaves add elegance and freshness to any space. Regular watering keeps the plant healthy, and it communicates water needs by drooping slightly.

Peace Lilies are not only beautiful but also functional, ensuring a cleaner and more pleasant bathroom. This plant is an excellent choice for those seeking both aesthetic appeal and air purification.

5. Boston Fern

© HerZindagi

Boston Ferns are perfect for bathrooms, absorbing pollutants like xylene and formaldehyde. These plants thrive in humid, moist environments, making bathrooms ideal.

Their lush, arching fronds add a touch of nature and elegance. Regular misting and watering are essential to keep them vibrant.

Often placed in hanging pots, Boston Ferns create a soothing, natural atmosphere.

These ferns not only beautify your space but also enhance the air quality, providing a refreshing, clean environment. They’re a fantastic choice for anyone looking to combine style with functionality.

6. Bamboo Palm

© MyDomaine

Bamboo Palms are excellent for bathrooms, known for their ability to filter out benzene and trichloroethylene. These plants enjoy low light and high humidity, typical of most bathrooms.

Their tall, graceful fronds lend a tropical feel, turning your bathroom into a relaxing retreat. Requiring regular watering, Bamboo Palms are relatively easy to maintain.

As they grow, they can fill larger spaces, making them perfect for spacious bathrooms. Ideal for creating a serene ambiance, these plants are both decorative and functional, improving the air quality significantly.

7. Spider Plant

© Martha Stewart

The Spider Plant is a resilient choice for any bathroom. It effectively removes carbon monoxide and xylene, improving air freshness. This plant is low maintenance, requiring indirect sunlight and occasional watering.

Its long, arching leaves create a cascading effect, adding a dynamic visual element. Perfect for hanging baskets, it thrives in humid conditions. With its ability to propagate easily, you can multiply your collection effortlessly.

A Spider Plant not only enhances decor but also contributes to a cleaner bathroom environment, making it a must-have for plant enthusiasts.

8. Aloe Vera

© Plants By Post

Aloe Vera, a succulent plant, is ideal for bathrooms with plenty of sunlight. Known for its air cleansing properties, it removes formaldehyde and benzene, common in household products. Aloe Vera requires minimal care, thriving in warm, humid environments.

Simply place it near a window, and it will flourish with occasional watering. Besides its air-purifying qualities, Aloe Vera’s gel is beneficial for skin, making it a perfect natural addition to your bathroom.

Ensure it receives enough light, and you’ll have a thriving, functional plant that boosts both decor and air quality.