Shower Plants And Greenery: The Best Choices to Refresh Your Space

The concept of integrating plants into bathroom spaces, particularly showers, has captured the interest of many homeowners and interior design enthusiasts. 

The idea is simple yet profoundly impactful: incorporating live plants into the moist, warm environment of a shower to create a mini oasis. 

Shower plants and greenery enhance bathrooms by improving air quality, boosting mood, and adding natural beauty. Ideal for creating a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere, they thrive in the humid, warm conditions of a shower, making daily routines feel more luxurious and connected to nature.

Benefits of Shower Plants

  • Enhancing Air Quality: One of the most celebrated benefits of having plants in your shower is their ability to improve air quality. Plants are natural air purifiers, removing toxins and producing oxygen, which contributes to a healthier living environment.

  • Boosting Mood and Well-being: There's something inherently calming about being surrounded by greenery. Studies suggest indoor plants can reduce stress levels, elevate mood, and increase productivity and creativity.

  • Adding Natural Beauty to Your Bathroom: Shower plants add a vibrant touch of nature to your bathroom, transforming it into a more inviting and relaxing space. Their lush greenery contrasts beautifully with the typically stark bathroom interiors, creating a visually appealing environment.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Shower

Selecting the perfect plants for your shower involves considering the unique environment of your bathroom, as well as your personal preferences and the level of care you're willing to provide. 

Here are some guidelines by a shower remodeling company to help you pick the right greenery for your space:

Assess Your Bathroom Environment

  • Lighting: The amount of natural light your bathroom receives is crucial. For bathrooms with low light, opt for plants that thrive in minimal light, such as snake plants or ZZ plants. Brighter bathrooms widen your options, allowing for ferns or orchids.

  • Humidity and Temperature: Showers create a humid environment, which many tropical plants will love. However, the temperature can fluctuate with use. Ensure the plants you choose can tolerate these conditions.

  • Space: Consider the available space in your shower and bathroom. Smaller spaces might benefit from hanging plants or small potted plants on shelves, whereas larger areas can accommodate floor-standing varieties.

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Consider Your Lifestyle and Plant Care Commitment

  • Maintenance Level: Be realistic about the time and effort you can dedicate to plant care. If you tend to be busy or travel often, low-maintenance plants that thrive on neglect are best.

  • Interaction: Decide how much you want to interact with your plants. Some people enjoy the routine of regular watering and care, while others prefer a more hands-off approach.

Match Plants with Your Aesthetic

The plants you choose should complement the style and decor of your bathroom. For a modern look, minimalist plants like bamboo or aloe vera work well. For a more lush, jungle feel, consider leafy plants like the Boston fern or the Swiss cheese.

Health Benefits and Preferences

Some plants, like eucalyptus or lavender, can provide aromatherapy benefits, making your shower experience even more relaxing. Others, such as spider plants, are known for their air-purifying qualities.

Research and Experiment

Start with one or two plants and see how they adapt to your bathroom's environment. It's okay to experiment and learn from the process. What thrives for one person might not work for another due to different light, humidity, and care routines.

Recommended Plants for Your Shower

  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Thrives in low light, filters indoor air, and requires minimal watering.

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A hardy vine that can grow in low light and high humidity, perfect for hanging baskets.

  • Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Loves the high humidity of bathrooms and brings lush, green fronds to the space.

  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Almost indestructible, it does well in low light and requires infrequent watering.

  • Orchids (Orchidaceae): With the right humidity and indirect light, orchids can add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.

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How to Care for Your Shower Plants

  • Watering Wisely: Overwatering is a common mistake. Many shower plants require less watering due to the high-humidity environment. Always check the soil moisture level before watering.

  • Light and Humidity Requirements: While most shower plants enjoy humidity, their light requirements can vary. Assess the natural light in your bathroom and choose plants that will thrive in that environment.

  • Preventing Rot and Pest Issues: Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Also, keep an eye out for pests and address any infestations promptly to keep your plants healthy.

Incorporating Greenery into Bathroom Decor

Adding plants to your bathroom not only purifies the air and brings in natural beauty but also transforms the space into a serene sanctuary. 

Here are some creative ways to weave greenery into your bathroom decor, enhancing both its aesthetics and your overall well-being.

Utilize Vertical Space

  • Wall-mounted Planters: Install wall-mounted planters or shelves to save valuable floor space, especially in smaller bathrooms. This approach draws the eye upward, making the room feel larger.

  • Hanging Baskets: Suspended plants from the ceiling or shower rods in hanging baskets can add a lush, layered look. Choose trailing plants like pothos or spider plants for a dramatic effect.

Choose the Right Containers

  • Decorative Pots: Select pots that complement your bathroom's color scheme and design style. Materials like ceramic, terracotta, or even recycled materials can add texture and interest.

  • Repurpose Items: Think outside the box by using non-traditional containers like mason jars, teacups, or wine crates for a unique touch.

Make Use of Available Surfaces

  • Window Sills: If your bathroom has a window, utilize the sill for plants that thrive in natural light. Small succulents or air plants can bask in the sun without taking up much space.

  • Shower Caddies/Shelves: Waterproof shower caddies or shelves can be repurposed to hold small plants, bringing life into the very heart of your bathroom

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Create a Focal Point

  • Large Statement Plants: A large, floor-standing plant can serve as a stunning focal point in a more spacious bathroom. Consider a bird of paradise or a monstera for striking visual interest.

  • Grouping Plants: Cluster plants of various heights and textures together to create a mini indoor garden. This not only adds depth but also allows for a more dynamic display.

Embrace the Spa Aesthetic

  • Eucalyptus Shower Bundles: Hang a bundle of fresh eucalyptus from your showerhead. The steam releases the plant’s essential oils, creating a refreshing and therapeutic spa-like experience.

  • Bamboo Accents: Incorporate bamboo plants or accessories for a clean, spa-inspired look. Bamboo is resilient, grows well in moist conditions, and adds a peaceful, Zen-like quality.

Consider Plant Safety

Ensure the plants you choose are non-toxic, especially if you have pets or young children who may access the bathroom. It's also important to secure plants firmly to prevent accidents in slippery conditions.

Integrate with Other Decor Elements

  • Complementary Textiles: Match your towels, shower curtains, or bath mats with the color of your plants or pots for a cohesive look.

  • Art and Mirrors: Combine plants with art pieces or mirrors to reflect natural light and make the greenery stand out even more.

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FAQs about Shower Plants and Greenery

What makes a plant ideal for the shower?

Ideal shower plants are those that thrive in high humidity and indirect light. They should also be resilient to the fluctuating temperatures of a bathroom.


How often should I water my shower plants?

This depends on the plant species and the humidity level of your bathroom. In general, water less frequently than you would for plants in drier environments.


Can shower plants help improve air quality?

Yes, many shower plants are excellent air purifiers, removing toxins from the air and producing oxygen.


Are there any plants that should be avoided in the shower?

Avoid plants that require dry conditions or direct sunlight. Cacti and succulents, for example, might not do well in the consistently moist environment of a shower.


How do adapt plants to low light?

Choose plants known for their low-light tolerance and gradually acclimate them to your bathroom's lighting conditions to encourage healthy growth.

Bringing Nature into Your Shower Space

Shower plants offer a unique opportunity to enhance your daily routines with touches of greenery and nature. They bring life to your bathroom, purify the air, and can even contribute to a more relaxing and rejuvenating shower experience. 

With the right selection and care, your shower can become a lush, green haven.

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About the author

Hi my name is Jeremy Maher. My wife, 2 kids and I went through Contractor Nightmares for 3 years straight.

Ben, Mark, and I teamed up to start Phoenix Home Remodeling to help homeowners remodel without the common contractor nightmares.

Learn more about Jeremy's expertise and topics he likes to write about on his author page.