13 Best Air Purifying Plants for Bathrooms That Thrive in Humidity

Adding the best air-purifying plants for bathroom spaces is a simple way to improve indoor air quality while giving your bathroom a fresh, spa-like feel. Many indoor plants thrive in high-humidity environments, making them perfect for bathrooms where excess moisture can lead to mold spores and poor air quality.

These air-purifying houseplants may help reduce indoor air pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde under specific conditions and add freshness to your space. From snake plants to peace lilies, the right bathroom plants can act as a natural air purifier, remove harmful substances from the air, and enhance your indoor space with natural elegance—all while needing minimal care.

Choosing the right bathroom plants can do more than just look nice—they can help clean the air you breathe. These air-purifying houseplants remove harmful pollutants, absorb excess moisture, and thrive in humid environments with indirect light or low light conditions.

Peace lilies may help reduce airborne pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde and thrive in humid conditions. Their dark green leaves thrive in low light and high humidity, making them ideal for bathroom corners with indirect sunlight. They also help absorb moisture, reducing mold growth in damp spaces. However, peace lilies are toxic plants for pets if ingested, so keep them out of reach in pet-friendly homes.

Golden pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is one of the best indoor plants for beginners. It grows well in hanging baskets or as a potted plant on shelves, thriving in low-light and humid environments. This tropical plant filters indoor air by removing carbon monoxide and other harmful substances. While low maintenance and great at improving air quality, it's toxic to pets if chewed or eaten.

The snake plant is a top choice for improving indoor air quality due to its ability to absorb toxins like formaldehyde and carbon dioxide. It thrives in both low light conditions and bright indirect light, and it’s perfect for bathrooms with poor natural light. This hardy plant uses photosynthesis that allows limited oxygen release at night, though the impact on indoor air is minimal. It’s toxic to pets, so be cautious if you have animals in your home.

Boston ferns are excellent at absorbing moisture, acting like a natural dehumidifier in high-humidity bathrooms. These air-purifying plants help remove mold spores and improve indoor air by filtering out pollutants. Boston ferns grow best in indirect light and require well-draining soil to manage soil moisture. They are non-toxic and safe for pets, making them a great addition to family homes.

The ZZ plant is one of the best air-purifying houseplants for forgetful plant owners. It tolerates low light conditions and doesn't need much watering, making it perfect for bathrooms with limited natural light. This plant helps clean air by filtering out toxins and supports better indoor environments with minimal care. It’s toxic to pets, so keep it away from curious cats and dogs.

Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, especially for removing carbon monoxide and other harmful indoor air pollutants. They do well in bright indirect light but can also handle low light. Their ability to grow in hanging baskets makes them perfect for small bathrooms. Spider plants are non-toxic and safe for pets, adding to their appeal as a healthy indoor plant option.

Bamboo palms are tropical plants that love humid climates, making them ideal for bathrooms with high moisture levels. They act as a natural air purifier by filtering out benzene and formaldehyde. With enough indirect light, bamboo palms can grow tall and add natural elegance to any indoor space. They’re also safe for pets and help maintain balanced humidity levels.

English ivy is an air-purifying plant that has shown some ability to reduce indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde in controlled environments. It grows well in hanging baskets or as a trailing plant in bright, indirect light. English ivy prefers cooler, humid environments, making it perfect for bathrooms. It is toxic to pets, so place it where animals can't reach it.

Aloe vera is useful for its skin-soothing gel and its ability to purify the air. It helps absorb harmful pollutants and improves indoor air quality in bathrooms with bright, indirect sunlight. Aloe plants require well-draining soil and don’t like excess moisture. If ingested, they are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.

Anthuriums bring exotic beauty and effective air purification to indoor spaces. Their glossy leaves and bright flowers thrive in humid environments with indirect sunlight. These tropical plants may contribute to improved indoor air when paired with good airflow and humidity control, helping to create a healthier environment. Anthuriums are toxic plants, so they should be kept away from pets and children.

The Chinese evergreen is one of the best air-purifying plants for bathroom spaces, thanks to its ability to remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. It tolerates low light and high humidity, making it perfect for indoor environments. Its attractive, dark green leaves add natural charm while also improving indoor air. Like many tropical plants, it is toxic to pets.

Philodendrons are easy-to-care-for indoor plants that help filter harmful substances like formaldehyde from indoor air. They thrive in indirect sunlight and humid environments, making them an excellent choice for bathroom conditions. These plants prefer well-draining soil and consistent soil moisture. However, they are toxic to pets and should be placed with care.

Lady palms are elegant, low-maintenance plants that thrive in humid bathrooms with low to bright indirect light. They are natural air purifiers that remove indoor air pollutants and help control excess moisture. These non-toxic plants are safe for pets and ideal for improving air quality in indoor spaces, especially where outdoor air circulation is limited.

Keeping air-purifying plants healthy in the bathroom means adjusting care routines to fit their unique needs. Low light, high humidity, and excess moisture can affect how well these indoor plants grow and how effectively they improve air quality.

Many bathroom plants are adapted to low light conditions, but they still need some access to indirect sunlight or artificial light to stay healthy. A lack of proper light can slow growth and reduce the plant's ability to filter indoor air pollutants. Rotating your plants every few weeks helps them get even light exposure, especially if there’s only one small window. Full-spectrum grow lights can help maintain healthy growth and strong air-purifying qualities for darker bathrooms.

Light care tips for bathroom plants:

• Place plants near windows that get indirect light whenever possible

• Use LED grow lights in windowless or dark bathrooms

• Rotate plants every 1–2 weeks to encourage even growth

• Avoid direct sunlight that can burn sensitive leaves

• Choose low light-tolerant varieties like ZZ plant or snake plant

Bathrooms naturally have high humidity, making them an ideal environment for tropical plants. These plants come from regions with warm, moist climates, so they absorb moisture from the air and help balance humidity levels. In return, they reduce mold growth and improve indoor air by absorbing moisture and filtering harmful pollutants. Proper ventilation still matters as stagnant air can lead to mold or mildew, even with the best indoor plants.

High humidity can trick plant owners into thinking their bathroom plants need less water. However, because soil moisture can still build up in humid environments, overwatering becomes a common problem. Root rot can develop when the soil stays too wet for too long, damaging the plant and reducing its air-purifying power. It's essential to check the soil before watering and use pots with drainage holes to help prevent problems.

How to avoid root rot in bathroom plants:

• Use well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots

• Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering

• Avoid pots without drainage holes

• Empty any water that collects in saucers

• Use a moisture meter to track soil moisture in high-humidity areas

Dust and water spots can collect on plant leaves, especially in bathrooms with high moisture and limited airflow. Dirty leaves block light and reduce the plant’s ability to purify air effectively. Wiping leaves gently with a damp cloth keeps them clean and allows them to breathe and absorb indoor air pollutants more efficiently. Regular maintenance includes trimming yellowing leaves, checking for pests, and repotting when roots outgrow the pot.

Not all air-purifying houseplants are safe for homes with pets. Some popular bathroom plants can cause stomach upset or more serious issues if chewed. Knowing which ones are safe can help protect your pets and still give your indoor space a boost in air quality.

Some bathroom plants offer great air purification and are safe for cats and dogs. These pet-safe plants help improve indoor air without risking your pets’ health.

Pet-safe bathroom plants include:

• Spider Plant – Non-toxic and easy to grow in hanging baskets

• Bamboo Palm – Improves air quality and adds tropical style

• Boston Fern – A natural humidifier that’s safe for pets

• Lady Palm – Elegant, non-toxic, and suitable for low-light

Several common air purifying plants are toxic to pets and should be kept out of reach or avoided altogether. Ingesting toxic plants can cause symptoms like vomiting, drooling, and stomach pain in cats and dogs.

Toxic bathroom plants to avoid for pet owners:

• Peace Lily – Causes oral irritation, drooling, and upset stomach

• Aloe Vera – Can lead to vomiting and diarrhea if eaten

• English Ivy – Toxic to both cats and dogs, causes weakness and vomiting

Choosing the best air purifying plants for bathroom spaces doesn’t have to be hard. A few smart decisions at the start can help you avoid common mistakes and create a healthier indoor space.

If you’re new to indoor plants, start with low-maintenance options that handle low light, high humidity, and occasional neglect. The snake plant, ZZ plant, and golden pothos are some of the best indoor plants for beginners.

They’re known for their durability and strong air purifying qualities, making them ideal for improving indoor air in high-humidity environments like bathrooms. These plants don’t need frequent watering and can grow well, even with artificial or limited natural light.

Bathrooms typically have limited space, so smaller or compact potted plants work best. Hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters are perfect for tight spots and help keep plants off wet surfaces. Choose a plant size that fits your available space without blocking light or airflow. Miniature ferns, pothos vines, or compact palms can add greenery without taking over.

Before picking your next bathroom plant, quickly look around your indoor environment. Ensure you have a reliable light source—natural or artificial—some airflow to reduce mold growth and enough space to keep your plant healthy. If you have pets, check if the plant is safe. Also, consider your routine—choose a plant that matches your time and care level.

Checklist:

• Is there indirect sunlight or a grow light nearby?

• Does the bathroom have good ventilation or a fan?

• Is there a shelf or corner with enough space for a plant?

• Are pets able to reach the plant?

A few well-placed plants can completely change how your bathroom looks and feels. Smart styling improves indoor air quality and turns your space into a calming, spa-like retreat.

For smaller bathrooms, hanging baskets and wall-mounted planters are a great way to add greenery without using up counter space. These setups work exceptionally well for trailing plants like golden pothos, English ivy, or spider plants. They also keep plants up and away from water-prone areas, helping manage soil moisture and prevent mold growth.

Grouping air-purifying houseplants in different sizes and textures can make your bathroom feel like a mini indoor jungle. Use a mix of tall plants like bamboo palm with lower-growing ferns or peace lilies. This layered look looks great and helps boost air purification by increasing the number of plants in your space.

The type of pot you choose can add to your bathroom’s style. Sleek ceramic pots fit modern designs, while woven baskets and earthy tones work well for rustic or boho-chic bathrooms. Ensure each pot has good drainage to help prevent excess moisture from causing root rot.

NASA’s 1989 Clean Air Study found that certain air purifying plants, including peace lilies and golden pothos, can remove harmful indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from sealed environments. The study highlighted how plants can act as natural air purifiers under controlled conditions.

In real homes, results may vary because you’d need many plants to match the levels seen in the NASA tests. Still, adding a few indoor plants to your bathroom can help improve air quality and create a healthier environment, especially when combined with proper ventilation and airflow.

Adding even one air-purifying houseplant to your bathroom can freshen up the space, support better indoor air quality, and create a calming atmosphere that contribute to a fresher-feeling bathroom space. From snake plants to spider plants, plenty of options thrive in high humidity environments and low-light conditions.

Beginners can start with low-maintenance indoor plants and explore different sizes, placements, and pot styles to match their bathroom’s look. These natural air purifiers can turn any indoor space into a healthier, more relaxing environment with just a little care.