The practice of decorating home interiors with plants has expanded, leading many enthusiasts to move houseplants into the bathroom, specifically the shower area. The environment created by a running shower—characterized by high heat, consistent steam, and elevated humidity—closely replicates tropical and subtropical rainforest conditions. Placing certain species near the shower creates a microclimate where they can flourish. This setting offers an ideal, low-maintenance home for plants that struggle to find adequate moisture in the typically dry air of other rooms.
Selecting Plants for High Humidity
Choosing the right plant for a shower environment depends on its natural adaptations to moisture, light, and temperature fluctuations. Many tropical plants that thrive here are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on objects like tree trunks instead of in soil. This adaptation allows them to absorb moisture directly through their leaves and aerial roots from the humid air.
Most bathrooms provide a low-light setting, favoring plants that are naturally understory dwellers adapted to photosynthesize efficiently using indirect light. Furthermore, the plants must tolerate the rapid temperature swings that occur between a hot shower and the cool-down period. Species that can handle humidity levels consistently above 50% are the best candidates for this unique location.
Top Recommended Shower Plants
Several common houseplants are ideally suited to the high-humidity, low-light environment of a shower, with their natural resilience allowing them to thrive with minimal attention.
The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular vining plant that tolerates low light well and can trail beautifully from a hanging basket. The high moisture helps its leaves stay plump and encourages faster growth.
Various Ferns, such as the Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) and the Lemon Button Fern, are excellent options that naturally thrive in indirect light and high humidity. The consistent moisture prevents their delicate frond tips from turning brown, a common problem in drier indoor settings.
Air Plants (Tillandsia) are true epiphytes that require no soil. They can be mounted on wood or placed in decorative containers, absorbing all their water through specialized leaf structures called trichomes.
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is another forgiving plant that enjoys the humidity and tolerates a wide range of light conditions. Its long, arching leaves and offshoots create an attractive, cascading appearance.
Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) are epiphytes that naturally require high humidity. They will grow well near a bright, frosted window if potted in orchid bark for maximum air circulation around their roots.
Maximizing the Aromatic Experience
The appeal of shower plants extends beyond aesthetics to the therapeutic benefits of steam infusion and aromatherapy. This is best achieved by hanging branches of aromatic plants, most notably fresh Eucalyptus. The common practice involves bundling the stems and hanging them from the showerhead or tension rod, exposed to the steam but not direct water spray.
When hot steam contacts the leaves, it acts as a mild form of steam distillation, encouraging the release of volatile organic compounds. In Eucalyptus, the primary compound released is cineole (eucalyptol), which is responsible for the distinctive, refreshing scent. This process infuses the shower air with a natural fragrance, providing a spa-like environment without artificial diffusers.
Other aromatic choices, such as fresh sprigs of Peppermint or Rosemary, will similarly release their essential oils. A bundle of fresh stems typically retains its potency for one to three weeks before the scent fades.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Proper installation is necessary to ensure the plants are secure and positioned correctly to benefit from the shower environment. Hanging plants can be secured using tension rods placed across the shower opening or with strong suction-cup hooks affixed to smooth wall tiles. Lightweight plastic or wire planters are preferable to heavy ceramic pots, as they minimize the risk of a fall and reduce the strain on the mounting hardware.
Maintenance in a high-humidity environment focuses on preventing issues related to constant moisture. While the plants love humidity, the soil must not remain constantly saturated, which can lead to root rot. Pots should always have a drainage hole, and the soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.
Due to the lower light levels, it is helpful to occasionally rotate the plants to a brighter location for a day or two to maintain their vigor. Running the bathroom exhaust fan after a shower is recommended to encourage air circulation, which helps prevent fungal growth or mildew on the leaves.