Let’s face it, bathrooms can often be smelly. And while air fresheners are one way to combat the smell, what about using sweet-smelling plants instead? 

Although many people use air fresheners to combat bathroom smells, these products can contain harmful chemicals. Using sweet-smelling plants is a great way to contend with bathroom smells without harsh chemicals. 

We’ll look at 5 of the best plants for those unpleasant bathroom smells that will add a touch of fragrance to your bathroom. 

1. Orchids 

Orchids are one of the best plants for bathroom smells. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors and add a touch of elegance to any bathroom.

Orchids prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity, ranging between 40% to 70%, making them ideal for bathrooms. They also like well-drained soil that is on the acidic side. 

Orchid scents vary. For instance, you’ll get a rose scent with the Miltoniopsis santanaei, while the Rhynshostylis gigantea has a citrus scent, and the Cattleya walkeriana smells like vanilla and cinnamon. Take your pick and enjoy the fragrance in your bathroom!

Certain types of orchids are toxic to pets, so if you have pets, be sure to do your research before bringing an orchid home.

2. Eucalyptus

The Eucalyptus is a good plant for combatting bathroom smells because of its refreshing scent. You’re probably familiar with Eucalyptus-scented lotions and oils.  Plenty of spas use this scent to create their calming atmospheres!

Water requirements for this plant are moderate – a weekly watering schedule should suffice as long as it’s watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. 

The soil needs to be well-drained and acidic. 

This plant also prefers high humidity, in the range of 60% to 70%, which is great for bathrooms.  

Low nitrogen fertilizer, every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter, is best. 

The Eucalyptus needs bright, direct light, so if your bathroom is not sunny, it would be a less than ideal location. 

Also, consider using dried Eucalyptus leaves as a natural air freshener. Put the dried leaves in a bowl or vase and enjoy the refreshing scent.

Also, ensure that your furry friends cannot access this plant, as it is toxic to pets.  

3. Mint

Who doesn’t love the scent of mint? This plant’s refreshing and cooling scent makes it another one of the best plants for bathroom smells. 

Mint is a versatile plant and can be used in many ways. You can use the leaves to make mint tea, add them to your bath water for a refreshing soak, or even add them to your homemade cleaning products. 

You will probably find it unappetizing and unsanitary to use mint from your bathroom in your tea.  Consider growing some more mint in a separate location that you plan to use in your food or tea.

This is an easy-to-care-for plant. It does best in bright, indirect light and the soil is best kept moist, but not wet. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.

This plant thrives in humid conditions, making it perfect for the bathroom. If your bathroom is not that humid, you can either put the plant in a pot with drainage holes or you can water it less frequently. 

Keep in mind that this plant can spread quickly, so if you’re not careful, it can take over your bathroom. It’s best to plant mint in a pot with drainage holes to prevent this from happening.

The chocolate mint plant is a great option for those who want to add a bit of sweetness to their bathroom. This plant has a strong chocolate scent that will make your bathroom smell like a candy shop!

This plant is also very easy to propagate, so if you have a friend with a mint plant, ask for a cutting and start your own!

Mint is toxic to pets, so if you have a pet, it’s best to find another option or keep it out of the reach of your pets.

4. Sweetheart Hoya

The Sweetheart Hoya is a beautiful plant that is known for its fragrant caramel-like scent.  

This plant is native to Asia and prefers warm, humid conditions. It does best in bright, indirect light.

The Sweetheart Hoya is a succulent plant and as such, doesn’t need much water. You only need to water it once or twice a month. When the soil is dry, water thoroughly, and be sure to let the pot drain completely. A pot with drainage holes is necessary. 

As previously outlined, this plant prefers humid conditions, however, it’s tolerant of typical humidity levels indoors.

Fertilize this plant once a month during the growing season and cease during the winter. Use a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength.

The Sweetheart Hoya is not toxic to pets, making it a great option for those with furry friends. 

5. Rose Begonia

This plant is known for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. The flowers of this plant range in color from white, yellow, pink to red, and they have a sweet, rose-like scent.

This plant is native to South America and prefers warm, humid conditions. It does best in bright, indirect light.

Frequent watering is required. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy. Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.

During the growing season, fertilize every two weeks.

This plant requires high humidity, so a bathroom environment is ideal. 

Be mindful that the Tea Rose Begonia is toxic to pets.

Conclusion 

So, these are 5 of the best plants for bathroom smells. If you’re looking for a way to combat bathroom smells and add a touch of fragrance, plants are the way to go. We’ve looked at 5 of the best plants for this purpose, so choose one that will fit in with your decor and give it a try. Not only will you be helping to keep your bathroom smelling great, but you’ll also be adding some greenery to the room.