Nothing brings a bathroom to life like the addition of a leafy green houseplant, and as a hotspot for humidity, your bathroom provides the perfect environment for many plants. Not only do plants look beautiful in your bathroom, they can also offer a lot of benefits for you and your home. They can improve air quality, they can reduce stress and anxiety, and certain plants in particular can help to absorb excess moisture, and therefore reduce mould in the bathroom.
With that in mind, we’ve created a list of 10 of the best plants that absorb humidity. Take your pick of these species, from succulents to ferns, and enjoy a mutually beneficial relationship with your new leafy friend.
Peace lily
Peace lilies love humidity and are one of the best plants for absorbing moisture and purifying the air. They need plenty of sunshine to flower, however low light with only occasional exposure to sunlight will work for them too. They’re low maintenance too and require minimal care – just keep the soil moist and keep them close to your steamy shower for the best results.
Spider plant
Spider plants thrive in humid environments, and do a great job at absorbing both moisture and pollutants from the air. They require little maintenance, but they do prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They’re also great value for money as they produce baby spider plants that you can cut off and use to grow your collection!
Snake plant
Also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, the snake plant is a brilliant dehumidifying plant that also filters and purifies the air. They prefer bright light, but they’ll live happily in low light too, and they require little more than an occasional watering to survive in a nice humid bathroom setting.
Boston fern
Ferns in general work well in the bathroom as they love humid conditions, but the Boston fern is one of the best when it comes to absorbing moisture. If it’s not getting enough moisture, its leaves will turn yellow, so keep it nearby when you take a steamy shower and give it a mist in between if it looks like it needs it. Boston ferns do best in indirect sunlight, so keep it in a shady spot in your bathroom.
- Bird’s nest fern
Another fern that does a great job at absorbing moisture is the bird’s nest fern. In a humid bathroom with low light levels, bird’s nest ferns soon grow and develop beautiful dark leaves that will make your bathroom come to life.
- Tillandsia
You might know these better as air plants, and these curious moisture-absorbing plants are so-called because they don’t require any soil to grow. Instead, they get their moisture and nutrients from the air, which is why they love humidity. They’re the perfect option for the less green-fingered amongst us – they simply need a little sunlight and they’re happy!
- Orchid
Orchids are tropical plants that love humidity and absorb it well. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, so pop them on your bathroom windowsill and watch them flower and grow. While they love humidity, they prefer their soil to be fairly dry, so you won’t need to water them too often.
- Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a type of succulent that loves sunlight and very little water – the humidity in your bathroom is just right for keeping it healthy. As well as looking lovely and helping to dehumidify the air, aloe vera can also be used to help soothe skin, heal minor burns and reduce itchiness.
- Azalea
Azaleas thrive in warm, humid environments, so they’re right at home in the bathroom. They love the morning sun and regular watering, and they bloom in stunning shades of purple, pink, red or white, so use them to add colour to your bathroom and enjoy their beautiful blossoms.
- Begonia
Native to moist and tropical climates, begonias are some of the best plants for absorbing moisture, rewarding you with clusters of colourful, fragrant flowers when they’re at their happiest. Go for a fibrous or rhizomatous variety and put them in a spot where they can enjoy dappled sunlight.
How to keep your dehumidifying plants alive and well
Every species and variety of plant is unique, not only in how it looks and how it reacts to humidity, but also in how it likes to be cared for. We’ve outlined specific instructions above, but take care to research your chosen plant to ensure you’re giving it the right amount of water, sunlight and attention to keep it alive and well.
Find out more about the best plants for your bathroom or visit our blog for more bathroom trend inspiration!