17 Shower Plants That Will Instantly Refresh Your Bathroom Oasis
Turning your bathroom into a lush, tropical retreat might sound like a dream reserved for spa resorts—but the good news is, you can bring that serene, steamy vibe home with a simple touch: shower plants.
Not only do these green beauties thrive in the warm, humid conditions of your bathroom, but they also elevate your space with a modern, organic charm that fits seamlessly into your daily self-care routine.
Whether you’re giving your space a full refresh or simply looking for modern back porch ideas that extend into your indoor oasis, incorporating greenery into your bathroom can make all the difference.
Let’s dive into the best shower plants to transform your bathroom into a personal jungle paradise.
1. Boston Fern
The Boston Fern is a timeless classic when it comes to moisture-loving greenery. With its feathery, delicate fronds that arch gracefully, this plant brings softness and natural elegance to any shower space.
This plant is especially fond of humidity, making it one of the best choices for a bathroom environment. It thrives in indirect sunlight and prefers consistently moist soil, which makes the average bathroom with steamy showers and filtered light an ideal setting.
To make your Boston Fern feel at home, place it on a high shelf or in a hanging planter where its fronds can drape beautifully.
Its vibrant green leaves not only purify the air but also create a calming atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a long day. Pair it with modern patio furniture in your bathroom seating nook to bring in a cozy, spa-like aesthetic.
Just keep an eye on the humidity levels if you live in a drier climate. A quick mist every couple of days or keeping it close to your shower will help it stay lush and happy.
2. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is a superstar in both form and function. Its striking variegated leaves and signature “baby spiders” or offshoots make it an eye-catching addition to any shower setup.
Not only is it visually appealing, but it’s also incredibly low maintenance, which is perfect for busy women juggling careers, families, or both. It thrives in indirect light and loves the warmth and moisture a typical bathroom provides.
This resilient little wonder doesn’t mind the occasional forgetful watering session, and the humidity from daily showers will more than make up for any missed care.
If you’re into outdoor living aesthetics inside your home, the Spider Plant is the indoor equivalent of a refreshing breeze. Try suspending it from a ceiling hook or letting it cascade off a wall shelf for a layered look.
As an added bonus, the Spider Plant is known for purifying the air, making your bathroom a healthier, cleaner space to relax and refresh.
3. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily brings a sophisticated elegance to your shower space. With its dark green leaves and pristine white blooms, it offers a lovely contrast against tile and neutral decor schemes.
What makes it a top contender for shower plant status is its love for humidity and low-light environments. That’s right—this beauty can flourish even if your bathroom doesn’t get much natural sunlight.
It’s also one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality, filtering out toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. So not only does it look good, but it also helps you breathe easier—literally.
Place your Peace Lily in a corner with filtered light or set it beside your tub for a romantic, candlelit soak ambiance. If your decor leans toward modern back porch ideas but indoors, this plant pairs beautifully with matte black fixtures and minimalist shelving.
Just keep it out of reach of pets, as it’s toxic to animals. Water it regularly, and it’ll thank you with stunning blooms and glossy leaves.
4. English Ivy
If you’re dreaming of a cascading, European garden vibe right in your shower, English Ivy is the perfect pick. This trailing plant brings a whimsical, vintage charm that blends effortlessly into both traditional and modern patio furniture aesthetics.
What’s great about English Ivy is how adaptable it is. It loves humidity, so the moist air of your bathroom helps it thrive, and it prefers indirect light—perfect for those cozy, low-lit spaces.
Its trailing vines look stunning when hung in baskets or allowed to spill from a windowsill or shelf. Some even like to train it along a trellis or suction-cup it to the shower wall for a living, growing art piece.
English Ivy also acts as a natural air filter, helping to clear mold spores and bacteria from the air. That’s a win-win for any bathroom setup.
Keep the soil slightly moist, and give it a little trim here and there to maintain a clean, lush look. With regular misting, you’ll enjoy a lush and thriving indoor garden every time you step into your shower.
5. Pothos
If you’re new to the world of indoor plants and want something nearly indestructible, Pothos is your best bet. It’s a favorite among plant lovers because of its adaptability, and it’s perfect for any bathroom—especially one where the light might be inconsistent.
With glossy, heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of greens, yellows, and even whites, Pothos adds a vibrant pop of color to neutral or monochrome bathrooms.
It thrives in humid, steamy conditions, and can tolerate low light, although it prefers medium indirect light to show off its variegation.
Its trailing nature means it looks amazing in hanging planters or trained around your bathroom mirror. Pair it with back porch decor themes like natural wood and rattan for a laid-back, tropical feel that works indoors too.
Water it when the soil feels dry, and occasionally wipe down the leaves to keep them shiny and dust-free. Easy, gorgeous, and hard to kill—what more could you ask for?
6. ZZ Plant
Sleek, sculptural, and seriously low-maintenance—the ZZ Plant is ideal for women who love the look of greenery but not the fuss.
Its dark, waxy leaves create a bold and modern silhouette, making it an excellent match for bathrooms with modern patio furniture or minimalist décor styles. Think clean lines, monochrome tones, and subtle luxe accents.
The ZZ Plant doesn’t mind low light and actually prefers not to be overwatered. In fact, it’s drought-tolerant and practically thrives on neglect, making it the perfect pick for anyone who travels frequently or just forgets their watering schedule now and then.
In a bathroom, the humidity will keep it content, and a spot near a window (but out of direct sun) is ideal.
Its striking shape adds a touch of drama to your shower space without overwhelming it, making it an excellent anchor piece for a plant-themed bathroom setup.
7. Calathea
Calatheas, also known as Prayer Plants, are as stunning as they are sensitive. With their intricately patterned leaves and vibrant colors, they bring a sophisticated elegance to any bathroom.
These beauties thrive in humidity and love warm temperatures, which makes your steamy shower the perfect environment. They do best in medium to low light and require consistent watering—but they’ll reward your care with striking, moving foliage that “prays” or folds up at night.
Calatheas come in a variety of species, from the velvety Pinstripe Calathea to the bold Calathea Medallion, each with its own unique leaf design.
They work beautifully as tabletop plants, on bathroom vanities, or even nestled in a corner near your tub. If you’re styling your space with outdoor living themes that focus on color and pattern, Calatheas blend right in.
Keep their soil moist (but not soggy), and be sure to use filtered water if possible—they can be sensitive to minerals. With a little TLC, your Calathea will become the showstopper of your bathroom garden.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera isn’t just for sunburns—it’s also a lovely, sculptural plant that thrives in bathroom spaces with lots of light and occasional misting.
This succulent is well-suited for a sunny windowsill or a well-lit shelf in your bathroom. While it doesn’t love overly humid environments as much as some of the others on this list, it can handle occasional mist from a steamy shower, especially if you’re not overwatering it.
Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, so it doesn’t need constant care. Just water when the soil is completely dry, and make sure it’s in a pot with good drainage.
Aloe brings a minimalist, modern desert aesthetic that pairs beautifully with modern back porch ideas featuring stone, tile, or sand-toned accents.
Bonus: It’s also functional. Keep a healthy plant on hand and snap a leaf whenever you need a bit of soothing gel for your skin—perfect for post-shave or skincare moments.
9. Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is a symbol of good fortune, and it also happens to be one of the easiest plants to care for—especially in a bathroom setting.
This plant doesn’t even require soil. You can grow it in a container of water with pebbles, making it ideal for modern or zen-inspired spaces. It thrives in low to medium light, so it’s perfect for those tucked-away bathrooms that don’t get much sun.
Bamboo brings a tranquil, spa-like quality to your shower space. Its vertical lines complement sleek, minimal bathroom fixtures and pair beautifully with outdoor living accessories like teak, stone, and bamboo décor.
All you need to do is change its water every couple of weeks and keep it in a warm, steamy spot—like right next to your shower.
For extra visual appeal, tie a few stalks together with a ribbon or place them in a geometric vase to accentuate your modern design theme.
10. Bird’s Nest Fern
If you’re after lush, tropical vibes with minimal effort, the Bird’s Nest Fern should be on your radar.
Its large, wavy fronds emerge from a central rosette, resembling a bird’s nest—hence the name. These ferns love humidity and indirect light, making them a natural fit for bathrooms and shower areas.
They thrive in steamy conditions, so place them near your shower, bathtub, or on a shelf where mist can reach them. The bright, apple-green leaves bring a fresh pop of color to neutral or monochrome bathrooms, while their curved, structured shape adds visual interest.
Pair with back porch decor aesthetics like woven baskets or ceramic planters to extend your indoor-outdoor vibe throughout the house.
The Bird’s Nest Fern is easy to care for: keep the soil slightly moist, avoid getting water in the center rosette, and you’ll have a happy, leafy companion brightening up your daily routine.
11. Orchids
Orchids—particularly the ever-popular Phalaenopsis—bring timeless elegance to any indoor space. Known for their breathtaking flowers and delicate stems, these tropical beauties are surprisingly well-suited for life in your bathroom.
Why? Because they love humidity! Orchids naturally grow in rainforest conditions, often clinging to trees with their roots exposed to moist air. That makes your steamy shower their ideal mini jungle. Place them in bright but indirect light—like near a frosted window or a light-filtering curtain.
They don’t like to sit in water, so make sure your orchid pot drains well. A ceramic pot with holes works wonders. Water weekly and let them dry out slightly between drinks
If your bathroom style leans toward modern back porch decor, natural stone, or spa-inspired design, orchids make the perfect visual companion. They’re elegant, a bit exotic, and always striking.
12. Snake Plant
Looking for something tough, trendy, and nearly indestructible? Say hello to the Snake Plant (also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue). Its upright, sword-like leaves and rich green tones make it an excellent choice for adding a sharp, sculptural element to your bathroom.
Snake plants thrive in low light and love the extra humidity that showers offer. They’re also known for their air-purifying superpowers, filtering out toxins and keeping the air in your home fresh.
They don’t need much—just a bit of indirect light and water once every couple of weeks. Perfect if you’re busy, travel often, or sometimes forget to water (no judgment!).
For a natural design flow, pair it with neutral-toned planters or containers that echo modern patio furniture styles. Its bold look fits beautifully in contemporary and minimalist settings.
13. Chinese Evergreen
Want color and pattern without the fuss? The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) brings dramatic variegated foliage in shades of silver, cream, and even red—ideal for brightening up a quiet bathroom corner.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in warm, moist environments, so your bathroom becomes a little paradise for it. It tolerates low light conditions too, making it a reliable choice if your space lacks big windows.
Keep the soil slightly moist and wipe the leaves occasionally to help them breathe and shine. The leaves are broad and lush, giving your bathroom an instant tropical vibe.
Chinese Evergreens pair beautifully with back porch decor that includes rattan accents, indoor-outdoor rugs, or even statement light fixtures.
14. Monstera
If there’s one plant that screams Instagram-worthy bathroom, it’s the Monstera Deliciosa. Those iconic split leaves give it a punchy, jungle-chic aesthetic that can elevate even the simplest space.
This plant loves humidity and does best in bright, indirect light—making your bathroom’s steamy environment an ideal match. As it grows, the leaves develop those famous Swiss cheese-like holes.
Monsteras can get big, but even a juvenile version makes a big statement. Use a decorative pot that ties into your modern back porch ideas, like one with natural textures or bold ceramic glazes.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and you’ll have a thriving green masterpiece that makes your morning routine feel like a rainforest retreat.
15. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
If you want a small plant that still packs a punch, Fittonia—commonly known as the Nerve Plant—is your go-to. Its intricately veined leaves come in shades of pink, red, and white, making it a tiny but mighty splash of color in your bathroom.
Fittonia loves high humidity, so it thrives in the warm, moist air around your shower. It prefers low to medium light, so you can place it on a counter, shelf, or even hang it near the window with no stress.
Be sure to keep the soil moist and mist it often—this plant loves a good facial mist just like we do! It’s perfect for small bathrooms or as a part of a larger, curated plant shelf.
Try using a decorative pot in a bold color or pattern to complement your outdoor living color scheme indoors.
16. Asparagus Fern
With its airy, cloud-like foliage, the Asparagus Fern adds a touch of whimsy and softness to your bathroom jungle. Its feathery leaves bring texture and motion, and it loves the humidity that a steamy shower naturally provides.
It does best in indirect light and prefers lightly moist soil. The good news? It’s relatively easy to care for as long as it’s not exposed to too much sun or dry air.
Hang it in a macramé holder or place it high on a shelf where its tendrils can spill over. Its relaxed, bohemian feel works especially well if your bathroom style mirrors modern back porch decor with relaxed tones and woven textures.
Bonus: It plays well with other plants if you’re building a layered look.
17. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air Plants are the ultimate low-maintenance option. They don’t require soil at all—just air, water, and a little light. In fact, the steam from your shower does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping these little guys happy.
You’ll want to soak them in water for 20 to 30 minutes about once a week, then allow them to fully dry. They thrive in bright, indirect light and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Display them creatively—in hanging glass orbs, nestled in driftwood, or in a mounted wall frame. Their sleek, sculptural form is a natural fit for contemporary bathrooms, especially if you love that outdoor living meets spa style.
They’re also a fun conversation piece and easy to rotate around the house if you like changing up your decor seasonally.
Conclusion
Shower plants are more than just a trend—they’re a lifestyle. Adding greenery to your bathroom elevates your space from functional to fabulous. Whether you go for big and bold with a Monstera or keep things tiny and cute with a Nerve Plant, there’s a shower-friendly option for every space and style.
These 17 beautiful, humidity-loving plants aren’t just easy to care for—they also help purify the air, create a calming atmosphere, and make your bathroom feel like an extension of your outdoor living space.
And remember, whether you’re sprucing up your spa-like ensuite or refreshing a guest bath with a pop of life, your plant choices can echo your larger home style—from modern back porch ideas to cozy cabin vibes.
So go ahead—bring a little jungle into your shower. Your morning routine (and your mood) will thank you.
