Florida bathrooms are like mini tropical paradises with their warm, steamy atmosphere that many houseplants absolutely adore. The natural humidity from daily showers creates an environment that mimics the native habitats of numerous tropical species, making maintenance nearly effortless.
When I moved to Tampa last year, my bathroom quickly became my most successful growing space. Plants that struggled elsewhere in my apartment suddenly perked up when placed near the shower, their leaves unfurling with newfound vigor in that gentle, consistent moisture.
If you’re looking to add some greenery to your Florida bathroom, you’re in luck! The following plants not only tolerate but actually thrive in those steamy conditions, turning your daily routine into a jungle-inspired experience.
1. Boston Fern
Native to humid, tropical forests, these classic beauties feel right at home in Florida bathroom conditions. The feathery fronds absorb moisture from the air, making them practically self-maintaining in our steamy spaces.
My neighbor in Orlando keeps three massive specimens hanging above her garden tub. She hasn’t watered them directly in months – the shower steam does all the work! Just remember to trim any brown tips occasionally to keep them looking their best.
2. Peace Lily
Famous for their elegant white blooms, peace lilies practically celebrate when placed in Florida bathroom humidity. The glossy leaves will tell you exactly what they need – they droop dramatically when thirsty and perk right back up after watering.
During summer months when my AC runs constantly, moving my peace lily to the bathroom saved it from constant wilting. Even in low light conditions, these forgiving plants maintain their striking appearance while purifying the air.
3. Spider Plant
Virtually indestructible, spider plants thrive in the consistent moisture of Florida bathrooms. Their arching leaves with distinctive stripes create a waterfall effect that softens bathroom corners.
After hanging one in my guest bathroom window, it sprouted so many babies that I started giving them away to friends. The indirect light and humidity created perfect propagation conditions. For extra drama, choose a variegated variety with bold white stripes against the green.
4. Pothos
Often called devil’s ivy, pothos vines grow with remarkable speed in Florida bathroom environments. The heart-shaped leaves can trail down from shelves or climb up support structures, adding dimension to your space.
My Jacksonville friend trained hers around her bathroom mirror frame. Within months, it created a stunning green border that transforms her morning routine. For best results, place them where they’ll receive some filtered light but not direct sun that might burn the leaves.
5. Bird’s Nest Fern
Unlike its feathery fern cousins, the bird’s nest fern features broad, rippled fronds that emerge from a central rosette. Their tropical origins make them perfectly suited for Florida’s steamy bathrooms.
Placing mine on the windowsill of my shower has resulted in impressive growth. The natural humidity prevents the crispy edges that often plague ferns in drier environments. Just avoid getting water directly in the center “nest” as this can lead to rot in the plant’s heart.
6. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Perfectly adapted to Florida’s natural climate, air plants absorb moisture directly from the atmosphere through special scales on their leaves. No soil needed makes them ideal for bathroom shelves, window ledges, or decorative containers.
During a particularly humid week in Miami, my collection actually looked overwatered from shower steam alone! For a creative display, try mounting them on driftwood or placing them in seashells for a coastal Florida vibe that celebrates our unique environment.
7. Snake Plant
Surprisingly, these drought-tolerant plants also flourish in Florida bathroom humidity. Their striking upright leaves with yellow edges add architectural interest to bathroom corners where other plants might look too busy.
A Tampa friend keeps a tall specimen beside her shower stall. The indirect light and ambient moisture keep it growing steadily without the risk of overwatering that often affects snake plants elsewhere in the home. Their air-purifying qualities make them particularly valuable in smaller bathroom spaces.
8. Orchids
Florida’s bathroom conditions closely mimic the natural habitat of many orchid varieties. The filtered light and consistent moisture create the perfect environment for these sometimes finicky bloomers.
After struggling with orchids in other rooms, moving them to my master bathroom transformed their performance. The Phalaenopsis variety seems especially happy, rewarding me with months of elegant blooms. Mount them on bark or place in specialized orchid pots with plenty of drainage to prevent root rot.
9. Philodendron
Reminiscent of Florida’s lush landscapes, philodendrons bring a touch of the tropics indoors. Their heart-shaped leaves grow quickly in bathroom humidity, creating cascading displays from shelves or hanging planters.
During winter when my home heating system runs, my philodendron’s growth slowed dramatically everywhere except the bathroom. The steady moisture prevented the leaf curling that often signals distress in these tropical natives. For variety, look for split-leaf or variegated types to add visual interest.
10. Calathea
Known for their stunning patterned leaves, calatheas perform their daily leaf movements with extra vigor in Florida’s humid bathrooms. Watch as they raise their leaves during the day and lower them at night in a natural rhythm.
My Calathea ornata in the guest bathroom has nearly doubled in size since moving from my living room. The consistent moisture prevents the dreaded leaf curling and browning edges that plague these beauties in drier environments. Morning light filtered through a shower curtain provides ideal illumination.
11. Asparagus Fern
Despite the name, asparagus ferns aren’t true ferns but adapt beautifully to Florida bathroom conditions. Their feathery, delicate appearance adds texture and softness to bathroom decor.
Hanging one beside my shower created a gorgeous green waterfall effect. The fine, needle-like foliage catches tiny water droplets after showers, creating a sparkling display in morning light. Unlike many humidity-lovers, these plants can tolerate occasional dry spells if you forget to water during vacation.
12. Chinese Evergreen
Beautifully patterned leaves in various shades of green, silver, and red make Chinese evergreens standout bathroom companions. Their tropical nature means they absolutely thrive in Florida’s naturally humid conditions.
My Silver Bay variety sits on a north-facing bathroom windowsill in St. Petersburg. Without any special care, it’s produced several new leaves just from the ambient moisture. These plants are particularly good for bathrooms with limited natural light, as they tolerate low-light conditions better than many other tropicals.
13. English Ivy
Surprisingly adaptable to bathroom environments, English ivy’s trailing vines create elegant displays when allowed to cascade from shelves or hanging baskets. The leaves absorb airborne moisture, helping reduce bathroom mold while adding natural beauty.
Growing up in Gainesville, my grandmother kept massive ivy plants in her bathroom for decades. The consistent humidity from her daily showers kept them lush without much additional care. Position yours away from direct heat sources like curling irons to prevent leaf scorch.
14. Arrowhead Plant
Beginning with distinctive arrow-shaped leaves, these versatile plants develop more dramatic lobed foliage as they mature in humid environments. Their compact growth habit makes them perfect for bathroom countertops or shelves with limited space.
After moving mine from a dry office to my Florida bathroom, the transformation was remarkable. New leaves emerged with deeper color and more pronounced variegation patterns. For maximum impact, choose varieties with pink or burgundy highlights that complement bathroom color schemes.
15. Begonia
Rex begonias with their dramatically patterned foliage thrive in the consistent moisture of Florida bathrooms. Their jewel-toned leaves add rich color even without flowers, making them year-round showstoppers.
My collection started with one small plant in my Sarasota condo bathroom. The perfect growing conditions led to such success that I’ve added three more varieties! Just avoid splashing water directly on the leaves, as this can cause spotting on their colorful surfaces.
16. Anthurium
Featuring glossy heart-shaped leaves and vibrant waxy flowers, anthuriums bring tropical resort vibes to Florida bathrooms. The consistent humidity keeps their distinctive blooms lasting for months rather than weeks.
A friend in Key West maintains a stunning collection in her oceanfront bathroom. The combination of salt air and shower steam creates conditions remarkably similar to their native rainforest habitat. For best flowering, ensure they receive bright indirect light from a nearby window.
17. Lucky Bamboo
Technically a dracaena, not bamboo, these easy-care plants thrive in Florida bathroom environments. Their sculptural stems can be trained into spirals or braids, adding architectural interest to bathroom decor.
Growing mine in a clear vase with decorative stones creates a spa-like feel in my master bath. The warm, humid air keeps the leaves lush and green without the yellowing tips that often develop in drier rooms. Consider grouping several stems of different heights for a dynamic display.
18. Monstera Deliciosa
Smaller monstera specimens make spectacular Florida bathroom plants before they grow to their enormous mature size. The distinctive split leaves respond beautifully to bathroom humidity, developing deeper cuts and more dramatic shapes.
My Naples friend started with a tiny cutting in her guest bathroom. Within a year, it grew into a statement plant with four large fenestrated leaves. The natural humidity eliminated the need for regular misting that these plants typically require in drier environments.
19. Prayer Plant (Maranta)
Famous for their nightly leaf movements, prayer plants fold their patterned leaves upward each evening as if in prayer. Florida bathroom humidity prevents the crispy edges that often plague these sensitive beauties.
Watching the daily rhythm of my maranta has become part of my morning routine in Fort Lauderdale. The leaves that stood upright at night gradually lower throughout the day, creating a living display of nature’s patterns. The red-veined variety adds a splash of color to predominantly green bathroom plantscapes.