11 Plants That Thrive In Shower Caddies

I’m always hunting for simple ways to make my home feel more alive. Honestly, adding plants to small spaces is one of my go-to tricks.

The bathroom might seem like a weird spot, but it actually acts like a mini greenhouse. You can turn your shower caddy into a home for plants that love moisture and low light.

I’ve found that just a couple of the right plants can make even a quick shower feel more like a spa. Some of these are so easy to care for, and they actually love the steam and shade.

1) Spider Plant

Spider Plants are a classic for a reason. Their long, arching leaves always look fresh, even if your bathroom doesn’t get much sun.

I’ve noticed they handle humidity like champs, which makes them perfect for a shower caddy.

When I first tried one in my bathroom, I was surprised at how fast it grew. They really don’t ask for much—just regular misting and a trim now and then.

The steam from showers keeps the soil just damp enough for them.

What’s also great? Spider Plants clean the air. They help with indoor pollutants, so the bathroom feels fresher.

I like to let the leaves spill over the edge of the caddy—it looks more natural that way.

When I spot those tiny baby plants, I snip them off and root them in water. Once they’ve got roots, I pot them or hang them nearby.

It’s an easy way to fill up the whole shower area with greenery.

If I forget to water for a few days, the Spider Plant doesn’t seem to mind. That’s honestly why I keep recommending it.

Hardy, low-maintenance, and cheerful, it just fits into my routine and makes showers a little more soothing.

2) English Ivy

English Ivy is one of the easiest plants to grow in a shower caddy. It’s pretty forgiving and adapts well to all the humidity.

The trailing vines make my bathroom look a little more alive, which I love.

It prefers bright, indirect light, but it’ll still grow if the light is low. I put mine near the edge of the shower or by a window where it gets soft light.

Too much sun can dry out the leaves, so I avoid that.

I always make sure the roots aren’t sitting in water—good drainage is key. When the top of the soil feels dry, I give it a quick splash.

The bathroom’s natural moisture helps keep it from drying out too quickly.

Sometimes the vines get a little wild, so I trim them back. That actually encourages new growth and keeps things tidy.

It’s fun to train the ivy to climb or drape around the caddy, too.

English Ivy also helps freshen the air. The leaves stay green all year, and that little burst of color makes the space feel calmer.

3) Boston Fern

A Boston Fern just loves the warm, humid air in a shower caddy. The steam from daily showers is perfect for its soft, green fronds.

It livens up the space and barely needs any fuss.

This plant is happiest with indirect light. I keep mine near a window with gentle sunlight—never direct heat.

Too much sun dries it out, but too little makes it look sad.

I mist my fern often and keep the soil slightly damp, not soggy. The humidity from the shower usually does most of the work.

If the air feels dry, I just give it a quick spray.

Every now and then, I trim away any brown or faded fronds. I also add a bit of diluted plant food in spring and summer.

These little steps help my fern stay full and green.

The Boston Fern softens up all the sharp lines in the bathroom. Its feathery texture adds a little nature to the space.

It’s probably one of the easiest ways to make a bathroom feel fresh.

4) Air Plant (Tillandsia)

Air plants are just fun. They don’t need soil, so you can hang them or plop them anywhere in a shower caddy.

They soak up moisture right from the air—perfect for a humid bathroom.

These little guys enjoy bright, indirect light. I keep mine near a window with filtered sun.

If there’s not much natural light, I’ll use a small grow light for a few hours.

Caring for air plants is so easy. I mist them a few times a week or soak them in water for 15 minutes every couple of weeks.

After watering, I let them dry upside down so water doesn’t get trapped.

Their shapes are always interesting—some are curly, some are spiky. I like mixing a few together in the shower corner.

It makes the space feel a bit more lively.

Since there’s no soil, I can move them around whenever I want. Air plants fit anywhere—on a hook, shelf, or even a basket.

That flexibility is a big reason they’re one of my favorite low-maintenance plants for the bathroom.

5) Pothos

Pothos is a lifesaver when I want instant greenery without a ton of work. It grows well in low light and doesn’t mind the humidity in the shower.

I hang mine in the caddy and let the vines trail down—it looks so calming.

Honestly, it’s one of the easiest to care for. I only water when the top of the soil feels dry.

It can handle a little neglect, which is great on busy days.

Pothos thrives in indirect light. My bathroom mirror bounces enough light to keep it happy.

If it starts looking dull, I’ll move it closer to the window for a bit.

The vines can really take off, so I trim them when they get too long. Trimming encourages new growth and keeps things neat.

I sometimes root the cuttings in water for more plants—so easy.

I love that Pothos helps freshen the air. Its leaves stay bright even with all the steam and changing temps in the bathroom.

That little bit of nature makes the space feel more relaxed.

For variety, I’ve tried the Golden Pothos (with yellow streaks) and the Marble Queen (with white patterns).

Both look great near towels or shelves, and they work with any décor.

In the shower caddy, I make sure the pot drains well so water doesn’t pool. A plastic liner or drip tray helps keep things tidy.

The plant stays healthy, and the setup just looks nice.

Keeping Pothos around reminds me that a little care goes a long way. It stays lush, adds color, and makes the bathroom feel alive.

6) Peace Lily

A Peace Lily is a classic in my shower caddy. It’s low-maintenance and has those glossy green leaves that always look fresh.

It really doesn’t mind humidity, so it’s basically made for the bathroom.

I’ve found it thrives in indirect light. I keep mine near the window but out of direct sun to avoid leaf burn.

When the light’s right, new leaves pop up all the time.

Watering is easy. I wait for the top of the soil to feel a bit dry, then water lightly.

Since showers add extra humidity, I rarely need to water more than once a week. Overwatering can be an issue, so I try not to overdo it.

One of my favorite things about the Peace Lily is how it cleans the air. It helps with indoor pollutants and keeps the bathroom smelling fresher.

The little white blooms add a simple, clean look that’s perfect for tight spaces.

If you want a plant that stays healthy with barely any work, this is the one. It brings calm energy and handles steam like a pro.

7) Maidenhair Fern

The Maidenhair Fern always looks so delicate in a shower caddy. Its lace-like leaves add a fresh, calming vibe.

This plant loves the warmth and humidity from daily showers.

I’ve learned that it hates drying out, so I keep the soil lightly moist and avoid letting water pool in the pot.

It prefers indirect light, so it does well near a frosted window or under a gentle bathroom light.

Once I found the right spot, it’s been pretty easy to maintain. I trim dry fronds to keep it looking tidy.

A little misting every few days keeps it extra happy.

I use clean, room-temperature water, since the leaves are a bit sensitive. Gentle care really pays off.

When it’s healthy and full, it makes the shower space feel surprisingly alive.

For small bathrooms, it’s a great fit because it doesn’t need direct sun. The light, airy leaves balance out all the hard surfaces.

It really does turn a basic shower caddy into a mini indoor garden.

8) Chinese Evergreen

The Chinese Evergreen is a real mood-lifter in my bathroom. Its broad leaves, streaked with silver or cream, pop against white tiles.

This plant is sturdy and just thrives in humid spots like the shower.

I keep mine on the top shelf of the shower caddy, where it gets bright but indirect light.

No need for full sun, so it’s super easy to care for indoors. The mist from showers keeps the leaves hydrated.

It grows slowly, so I don’t have to worry about it taking over. Once a month, I wipe the leaves to clear off dust or soap residue.

A clean surface helps it soak up moisture and stay healthy.

The Chinese Evergreen is forgiving with low light and uneven watering. If the lower leaves yellow, I just trim them off.

Even with minimal care, it stays lush and bright.

It adds a pop of green all year. My shower feels more peaceful and natural with it around.

It’s easily one of my favorites because it’s so effortless.

9) ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is honestly a lifesaver for small spaces. Its shiny green leaves always look good, even when I forget to water for a bit.

It tolerates low light, so it’s perfect for a shower caddy.

The ZZ plant grows from rhizomes, which store water in the soil.

I usually water it every couple of weeks, and it still looks perky. Too much water is actually worse than too little, so I let the soil dry out between waterings.

Even in a bathroom with barely any sunlight, it keeps chugging along. Indirect light or even soft bulbs work fine.

If my window barely lets in light, the ZZ plant still seems happy.

Its waxy leaves repel dust and water, which makes it super low-maintenance. I sometimes wipe the leaves during a shower to keep them shiny.

What I love most is that the ZZ plant purifies the air while looking sleek.

Those upright stems add a bit of style without taking up much space. It’s easily one of the best options for a humid bathroom or a small shower caddy.

10) Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

I just love how the Fittonia—yep, the Nerve Plant—brings a pop of color and fun texture to tiny spaces. The leaves are wild, veined with pink, white, or red on deep green, and honestly, they look almost painted.

The pattern really stands out in a shower caddy, where the light and humidity are pretty steady. I’ve noticed Fittonia craves high humidity more than most of my other plants.

The steam from the shower keeps those leaves looking perky without much extra fuss. It likes indirect light, so I make sure it’s not baking in the sun—just catching some gentle rays.

If the leaves start drooping, it’s usually just a cry for water. Once I give it a drink, the leaves perk right up—makes plant care feel almost foolproof.

I always use a pot with good drainage because Fittonia really hates soggy soil. Since it stays compact, it’s perfect for a small pot or even a hanging container.

The bold leaf patterns instantly liven up the shower area. I honestly think it’s one of the easiest ways to keep greenery thriving in a spot where most plants would probably give up.

11) Baby’s Tears

Baby’s Tears have this gentle, soft vibe that I find super charming in small spaces. The tiny round leaves form a dense, bright green mat that just spills over the sides of a pot.

In a shower caddy, it brings a little life to even the dullest corner. This plant really enjoys high humidity and indirect light—so, it’s pretty much made for bathrooms.

Mine thrives when I mist it now and then or just let it soak up the steam from hot showers. I’m careful not to let it sit in standing water because the roots like things moist, not soggy.

When it gets a bit wild, I just pinch off any overgrown bits. It grows quickly, so trimming keeps it neat.

A small pot with good drainage seems to keep it happiest. One thing I love is how Baby’s Tears softly drape over the container’s edge.

It’s perfect for softening up hard surfaces and looks gorgeous next to shiny tiles. The fresh green color really brightens the bathroom, and it doesn’t ask for much.

If you’re after a low-maintenance plant that loves humidity and looks cute, Baby’s Tears is a winner. It does well where other plants might struggle, and a little care goes a long way.

Benefits of Growing Plants in Shower Caddies

Keeping plants in my shower caddy isn’t just about looks. The humid space helps small plants thrive, and it saves me some counter space too.

It honestly makes my bathroom feel fresher and a bit more peaceful. Sometimes, I even think it looks tidier with some greenery around.

Air Quality Improvement

I’ve noticed the air feels fresher with plants near the shower. The steam and warmth help tropical plants do their thing—release oxygen, soak up carbon dioxide, and just make the place feel less stuffy.

Plants like ferns, spider plants, and pothos seem to love these conditions. They also trap dust and help manage humidity, which can keep that musty bathroom smell away.

Some plants even help my mirrors stay a bit clearer after a hot shower—kind of a bonus. Here’s a little table of the ones I keep handy:

Plant Name	Key Benefit	Care Level
Spider Plant	Removes air toxins	Easy
Boston Fern	Absorbs humidity	Moderate
Pothos	Tolerates low light	Very easy

With just a few small plants, the bathroom feels cleaner and the air seems lighter.

Compact Living Solutions

My bathroom’s honestly tiny, so I don’t have space for tons of plants. The shower caddy is a smart way to add vertical storage for both toiletries and greenery.

I stick to lightweight plastic or metal caddies—no one wants a heavy, soggy mess. Trailing plants can hang from the sides, and smaller ones tuck right onto the shelves.

It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to add personality. Instead of buying more shelves, I use what’s already there, and the plants soften up the hard tile look.

Effortless Watering

Having plants in the shower caddy makes watering a breeze. The bathroom is already naturally humid, so I don’t have to fuss as much.

A quick mist while I’m showering, or just letting the steam do the work, usually keeps them happy. Sometimes water from the shower drips onto the pots—one less thing to worry about.

I always use pots with drainage holes so roots don’t end up sitting in water. No need to move plants back and forth; everything just stays put, which is honestly so much easier.

Caring for Shower Caddy Plants

To keep my shower caddy plants thriving, I pay attention to light, humidity, and the potting mix. When these are balanced, my plants stay vibrant—even in a moist bathroom.

Light and Placement Considerations

I place my plants where they get bright, indirect light. Most bathrooms don’t get direct sun, so sometimes I rely on frosted windows or a nearby LED grow light.

Too much sun can scorch the leaves, but too little makes them pale and slow-growing. I test the light by holding my hand over the plant—if I see a soft shadow, it’s probably just right.

I avoid putting the caddy near vents or AC units, since sudden temperature changes seem to stress the plants. Pothos, spider plants, and ferns seem to adapt best to moderate indoor light.

If my bathroom has no window, I’ll keep the light on for 10–12 hours to help them out. Here’s a quick guide I use:

Light Level	Best Plant Types	Tips
Low Light	Pothos, ZZ Plant	Use mirrors to reflect more light
Medium Light	Ferns, Ivy	Rotate plants weekly
Bright Indirect	Air Plants, Orchids	Keep a few feet from window

Humidity and Temperature Needs

The bathroom’s humidity is great for most plants, but I still check moisture levels now and then. Air circulation is important—otherwise, mold can show up.

I keep a vent fan running or crack the door after showers. Most tropical plants like it between 65°F and 80°F.

If it gets colder, growth slows and leaves might drop. I try not to place plants right next to the hot shower stream; too much heat can wilt them.

Sometimes I bunch plants together to help trap moisture, especially in winter when the air dries out. Consistent humidity keeps leaves shiny and green.

A light mist every few days keeps things balanced. I’m careful not to overdo it, though—nobody wants soggy roots.

Choosing the Right Potting Medium

I go with a well-draining soil mix—something like potting soil, perlite, and coconut coir usually works. It holds moisture but doesn’t get swampy.

Containers with drainage holes are a must, even for small caddy pots. If I use a decorative pot, I’ll line the bottom with pebbles to help water drain off.

Different plants need different soil textures. For example:

• Air plants: no soil, just mist or soak weekly
• Ferns: like a moist, airy mix with peat moss
• Succulents: need a sandy, fast-drying mix

I check soil moisture by poking my finger in about an inch—if it’s dry, time to water. Using the right potting mix keeps roots healthy and avoids common bathroom plant problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

People always seem curious about keeping plants happy in humid bathrooms. The biggest things? Drainage, light, and choosing the right types.

What types of plants are best suited for growing in a shower caddy?

I really like Spider Plants, English Ivy, Boston Ferns, Air Plants, and Pothos. They all handle humidity well and don’t need a ton of light or constant attention.

How do I ensure proper drainage for plants in a shower caddy?

I use containers with drainage holes or add a layer of pebbles at the bottom so roots don’t sit in water. I make sure extra water can drip out after watering.

Are there specific care instructions for shower caddy plants?

I check for yellow leaves or root rot—both can happen in damp bathrooms. Wiping leaves and trimming dead bits keeps them looking fresh and helps them breathe.

Can I use a shower caddy to grow herbs, and if so, which ones?

Absolutely! I’ve had luck with mint, basil, and chives in a bright bathroom. They do need more light, so I keep them near a window or under a grow light if sunlight’s lacking.

What are some tips for preventing mold and mildew on plants in the bathroom?

I open a window or run the bathroom fan after showers to keep air moving. I also avoid overwatering and let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.

How often should I water plants in a shower caddy environment?

Honestly, I usually just poke the soil with my finger to see if it feels dry before reaching for the watering can. Most plants need water once a week, but since bathrooms can get pretty humid, I tend to hold off a few extra days sometimes.

You definitely don’t want the roots sitting in soggy soil, so letting them dry out a bit is probably a good call.

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