Bathrooms are often the most overlooked rooms when it comes to home décor, but they’re also one of the most important spaces to get right, especially when it comes to air quality and moisture control. Warm, damp, and poorly ventilated bathrooms can quickly become overrun with mould and mildew.
While dehumidifiers and extractor fans do some of the heavy lifting, houseplants are a surprisingly simple addition that can help. Kerry Hale, bathroom expert at Mira Showers, highlighted: “Houseplants have soared in popularity in recent years, and they’ve slowly made their way into every room in the home, including the bathroom. The warmth and humidity of the bathroom mimics the natural habitat of many plant species, making it the ideal environment for many – but importantly not all – plants.”
5 houseplants that help remove bathroom mould
1. Ferns
Ferns are ideal for bathrooms because they love moisture and don’t mind fluctuations in temperature. Whether it’s a Boston fern, bird’s nest fern, or asparagus fern, these lush green plants are built for low-light, humid corners.
Planted in well-drained soil and kept consistently moist, they quietly help absorb excess humidity, a key factor in reducing mould growth.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera isn’t just a cute addition to your windowsill; it’s also extremely versatile. Kerry pointed out: “It doesn’t just look great, it can be used to help soothe skin, heal minor burns and reduce itchiness too.”
This low-maintenance succulent loves sunlight, so it’s best suited to bright bathrooms with plenty of natural light. Plus, it helps manage humidity while offering benefits beyond air purification.
3. Calathea
With its bold patterns and dramatic leaves, the calathea is a favourite for adding a touch of colour and life to the home.
But beyond looks, it thrives in the bathroom’s humid environment and contributes to moisture absorption. Even in spaces with smaller or shaded windows, calatheas do well with indirect light, making them a great option for trickier spots.
4. Snake plant
Known for its hardy nature, the snake plant (also called mother-in-law’s tongue) is ideal if you want something virtually maintenance-free.
“They filter and purify the air, thrive in any humidity level, and while they prefer bright light, they can happily live in low light too,” said Kerry.
They’re especially effective in helping clean stale air and soaking up excess moisture, all with minimal effort.
5. Spider plant
The spider plant is another strong performer in the bathroom, particularly in hanging pots. While they like bright, indirect light, they’re flexible enough to cope with less-than-ideal conditions.
They absorb moisture from the air and help prevent damp buildup. Plus, they sprout baby spider plants you can propagate and place throughout the home.