5 "Unkillable" Trees That Thrive in Your Bathroom
Transparency Note: We independently select these products based on research and user reviews. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’ve spent any time on my Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen my guide to 7 "Unkillable" Plants That Thrive in Your Windowless Bathroom. It seems like everyone is looking for a way to bring a little life into their home without the stress of being a "perfect" plant parent.
But what if you want something bigger? What if you want to move past the small pots on the counter and create a true "canopy" effect in your sanctuary?
As a Red Seal Carpenter, I view plants as "living furniture." A tree can fill a dead corner, soften the hard lines of a tiled shower, and improve your air quality better than any plugin freshener. But let’s be honest: most indoor trees (like the notoriously finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig) are drama queens. In a bathroom, you need a tree that is as tough as a 2x4.
Between you and me, you don't need a green thumb to grow a tree in your bathroom. You just need the right species. Here are the five "unkillable" giants that actually love the steam and shade of your bathroom.
1. The Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
The Money Tree is the undisputed king of the bathroom. In its natural habitat, it grows in swamps and wetlands, which means it thinks your steamy post-shower bathroom is a five-star resort.
Why it’s "Unkillable": It is incredibly resilient to overwatering. While most trees die if you give them too much love, the Money Tree handles damp soil with ease.
The Look: It typically features a beautiful braided trunk and hand-shaped leaves that give it a tropical, high-end look.
Light Needs: It prefers bright, indirect light but is surprisingly patient with lower light levels.
Learn how to take care of the money tree in our Money Tree Care Guide.
2. The Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
If you have a windowless bathroom or a very dim corner, the Corn Plant is your best friend. It gets its name because its long, arching leaves look remarkably like stalks of corn.
Why it’s "Unkillable": Dracaenas are famous for their "neglect-me" attitude. They grow slowly, meaning they won't outgrow your bathroom in a single season, and they are very drought-tolerant.
The Look: A thick, woody "cane" or trunk with a burst of green (and sometimes yellow-striped) leaves at the top.
Carpenter’s Tip: These trees grow vertically rather than spreading out, making them perfect for those tight spaces between the vanity and the tub.
Learn how to take care of corn plants in our Deep Dive: Corn Plant Care Guide
3. The Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Want to feel like you're in a Victorian spa? The Parlor Palm is a classic for a reason. It’s been a staple in homes for over a hundred years because it simply refuses to die.
Why it’s "Unkillable": It was bred to survive in dark, drafty Victorian hallways filled with coal smoke. Your modern bathroom is a breeze compared to that! It loves humidity and doesn't mind if the temperature fluctuates.
The Look: Soft, feathery fronds that create a lush, "jungly" vibe.
Safety Bonus: This is one of the few indoor trees that is completely non-toxic to pets, making it a great choice for a house with curious cats or dogs.
Learn how to take care of Parlor Palms in our Deep Dive: Parlor Palm Care Guide
4. The Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
If your style is more modern and "edgy," the Dragon Tree is the structural element you’ve been looking for.
Why it’s "Unkillable": It is arguably the toughest tree on this list. It can handle low light, irregular watering, and the high humidity of a bathroom without dropping a single leaf.
The Look: Slender, twisting trunks topped with sword-like leaves that often have a thin red border.
Maintenance: It's a slow grower that acts as a fantastic air purifier, specifically targeting toxins found in many household cleaners.
Learn how to take care of Dragon Trees in our Deep Dive: Dragon Tree Care Guide
5. The Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
While most members of the Ficus family are difficult to keep alive, the Rubber Tree is the "tough guy" of the bunch.
Why it’s "Unkillable": Its thick, waxy leaves are designed to hold moisture. It loves the steam from your shower, and as long as you don't let it sit in a puddle of water, it will grow steadily for years.
The Look: Large, leathery leaves that come in deep green, burgundy, or even variegated pink and cream.
The "Towel" Trick: Because the leaves are so large, they catch dust. Give them a quick wipe with one of your Upcycled Towel Rags once a month to keep them "breathing" properly.
Learn how to take care of Parlor Palms in our Deep Dive: Rubber Tree Care Guide
The "Unkillable" Tree Success Guide
Even "unkillable" trees need a little structural support. As a builder, I always tell people to look at the "bones" of the environment:
1. Drainage is Non-Negotiable
In a humid bathroom, soil takes longer to dry out. If your pot doesn't have a hole in the bottom, the water will pool at the roots and rot the tree from the inside out. Always choose a pot with drainage, or keep the tree in its plastic nursery liner inside a decorative "cache" pot.
2. Manage the Humidity
While these trees love moisture, they still need to breathe. As we discussed in our guide on Why Is There Water on My Windows?, you need to keep your bathroom fan running. Good airflow prevents mold from growing on the soil of your new trees.
Conclusion: Build Your Canopy
Adding a tree is a step in turning a bathroom into a Sustainable Sanctuary. It adds height, cleans the air, and brings a sense of calm that only nature can provide.
Don't let the word "tree" intimidate you. If you can handle a Snake Plant, you can handle these five giants. Pick one, find a corner, and watch your bathroom transform.
Greg’s "Unkillable" Tree Kit
The Support: Heavy Ceramic Floor Planter. You need weight at the bottom so the tree doesn't tip.
The Floor Protector: Natural Cork Plant Mat. As a carpenter, I’ve seen too many ruined tiles from leaky pots. These are a must.
The Nutrient Boost: Organic Indoor Plant Food. A little feed in the spring keeps those big leaves vibrant.
The Moisture Checker: Digital Hygrometer. To make sure your bathroom humidity is in the "sweet spot" (30-50%).