Top 10 Best Plants for the Bathroom in the UK 2020

Often referred to by the somewhat scathing name of 'mother-in-law's tongue', snake plants are an excellent starter houseplant for the bathroom. These striking plants require infrequent watering, grow vertically up to around 60 cm, and will thrive in most light conditions so you can put them pretty much anywhere.

Note that this plant is mildly toxic if ingested so may not be ideal for households with pets.

Looking for something a bit different? Why not have a go at growing fluffy green balls of Japanese moss? A fully aquatic plant, these look great in tanks, bowls and water terrariums!

Found at the bottom of riverbeds, marimo like it cool and dark, but will appreciate a bit of sunlight during the day to help them grow. They're easy to look after and a fun plant for kids to cultivate, too – change out the water every two weeks, give them a gentle squeeze, and roll between your palms to help keep their shape. 

Bromeliads will love hanging out in your bathroom! These plants crave moisture, collecting water (and potential toxins) from the air that trickles down the long scoop-shaped leaves into a cup at the centre of the plant. Just make sure to tip away any excess water that collects in the pot weekly.

If the bright flower caught your eye, you may be disappointed to learn that bromeliads will only bloom once during their lifespan. However, that bloom lasts for anywhere from 3 to 6 months, which is plenty of time to enjoy!

English ivy has a timeless elegance like few other plants. Place or suspend the pot in a high place, and watch the long vines of star shaped leaves tumble down beautifully. These plants look especially lovely trailing down the side of the bathtub.

Ivy does best in warm, humid environments with a decent amount of indirect sunlight if you want it to grow, but it's adaptable to most light conditions. If you desire a particularly dramatic look, you can train the aerial roots of the ivy plant to climb a moss stick or trellis.

Looking to inject a little colour into your space? We recommend the croton plant. If you're fed up of boring white enamel and dated 70s tiles, the croton's beautiful deep green and orange tiger-striped leaves will add some much needed vibrancy to any bathroom.

In nature, bright leaves often mean 'Stay away!' And this is no different – if you're planning on purchasing a croton, be aware that this plant is poisonous. The sap of the plant in particular will be highly irritating if it gets onto the skin, so take care when handling it.

Aloe vera are technically succulents, but unlike echeverias, for example, they will happily make their home in your bathroom. You should avoid placing them on the windowsill, but otherwise aloes will do best in bathrooms that get a decent amount of sunlight during the day. Plus they can be used as a home remedy for burns or cuts!

Find it hard to keep up with watering schedules? The aloe vera can survive up to two months without water during the winter months! In fact, for the most part you can just leave it alone – just make sure the pot has adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging and root rot.

The maidenhair, or venus hair fern, is ideal for providing a soft plume of foliage to brighten your bathroom. Non-toxic and completely safe for homes with children or pets, these ferns love humidity and are often found growing between the rocks at the base of a waterfall. So, you can comfortably display them next to your bath or shower worry-free. 

One for more experienced plant parents, the delicate nature of the maidenhair fern means it will require daily maintenance to keep it healthy and looking its best. 

Another fantastic option for those who like a dash of colour is the laceleaf, a striking plant with crimson red flowers. They're also great if you favour a long hot shower – they're found in tropical regions of South America and the Caribbean and prefer to be nice and warm with high humidity.

Laceleaf plants look wonderful both on their own and when paired with greener, leafier plants. If you want to encourage flowering, feed with a half-strength liquid fertiliser once in the spring then again in the summer, and reap the rewards!

Managed to kill every plant you've ever owned? Before you give up entirely and invest in an artificial alternative, try a spider plant instead. Spider plants are practically indestructible, they can withstand most light conditions, and only require water once the soil has become completely dry. 

They're a great choice for small or narrow bathrooms too, as the long, drooping leaves look gorgeous suspended from a hanging pot or planter. While generally pet safe, they do have a harmless, mildly hallucinogenic effect when eaten by cats.

If your bathroom is situated in a part of the house with little to no natural light, a cast-iron may well be the plant for you! These guys are incredibly hardy and able to withstand even extreme conditions, making them more than capable of surviving even the gloomiest washrooms. Just make sure to move it into a sunnier location from time to time.

With their large, waxy green leaves, cast-iron plants will guarantee a big impact and will fit with any home decor, making them the most versatile option on the list and our winning bathroom plant!