Your bathroom can benefit a lot from houseplants adapted to the climate in it. The warm and damp space can benefit from plants that absorb the excess moisture and require less lighting.
Some of the best plants for your bathroom include bromeliads, asparagus ferns, crotons, snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies, begonias, cast iron plants, and Dieffenbachias.
You should consider each of the following aspects while selecting plants for a bathroom: light exposure, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Choose a species that can survive less than 4 hours of light daily, especially if your bathroom lacks constant direct sunlight. Plants that need diffusing light flourish when placed next to a window.
10 best houseplants for the bathroom
Several plants do well in a bathroom environment, whether you want to add some greenery to a small powder room or the communal family bathroom. We outline these choices and offer suggestions for maintaining your plant’s health in its new environment.
1. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are interesting plants as they quickly bloom in conditions most houseplants can’t. Most species of bromeliads are epiphytic. While these are perfect for soaking bathroom dampness, they require sufficient air circulation.
Bromeliads need the same type of fertilizer as orchids (water-soluble 20-20-20) since they need the same nutrients. They have dark green, pink, or red flowers. While they can tolerate long hours of direct sunlight, indirect sunlight is the best. For the best results, place it in a succulent pot mix.
2. Asparagus fern
The airy, feathery asparagus fern enjoys the bathroom’s humidity and performs well near a window in either moderate or indirect bright light. While the stems of asparagus fern may appear to be tender, it can grow to a height of 2 feet with branches that can spread out six feet.
With asparagus, you need well-drained potting soil with bright artificial light. It comes in a pale green foliage color.
3. Croton
Croton plants come in various vivid foliage colors, and the pictum species has multicolored leaves. Make sure you leave enough space for it to spread out since while growing slowly, they can reach a height of 6 feet with widths of up to 3 feet.
Croton plants thrive in the well-drained humusy potting mix with bright indirect light. Its color variations include yellow, pink, orange, red, purple, bronze, and pink.
4. Snake plant
Mother-in-law’s tongue is another name for the snake plant. They require little maintenance, and their vertical growth pattern contrasts nicely against vining and trailing plants. Mature plants can grow from 8 inches to 4 feet tall, depending on the cultivar.
Snake plants can handle less-than-ideal circumstances but love intense light. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
5. Spider plants
Spider plants are an excellent option, especially if you want a simple solution. With the right conditions, these green plants reproduce fast and have long, slender leaves that generate a mounding effect.
Spider plants need low to moderate light levels since too much direct sunshine will cause them to burn. Bathrooms are a perfect environment for them as they prefer humid settings.
6. Peace lily
They have cultivated plants with little maintenance. Peace lilies thrive when watered frequently and enjoy the humidity in the bathroom. Don’t let the soil get too dry for too long.
While peace lilies thrive in dim lighting, they might require a brighter location if your plant doesn’t seem to bloom. Use a significantly diluted fertilizer mixture while feeding it.
7. Begonia
Begonias prefer humid environments but avoid wet soil that could lead to root rot. Flowers-only begonias require a bright area in the bathroom with some early morning sunshine. Begonias raised for their leaves need a sunny spot from the direct sun.
8. Cast-iron plant
Its common name, the cast-iron plant, comes from how difficult it is to destroy Aspidistra elatior, a low-maintenance tropical houseplant. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and can survive an almost complete shade.
It was most suitable for guest bathrooms that aren’t frequently used as it doesn’t require high humidity.
9. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia thrives best with little attention. When the ground seems dry, water them. The short winter days and indirect light during summer are enough. Be sure to rotate your Dieffenbachia plant once a month to ensure even growth.
However, keep Dieffenbachia out of the reach of kids and pets as it harms people, dogs, and cats.
10. Ferns
In contrast to other shade-loving plants, ferns reproduce via spores rather than blooms or seeds. Numerous ferns can withstand the humidity and temperature changes in a bathroom environment, making them excellent houseplants. Some can even be grown in the shower, receiving constant moisture.
Why do I need plants in the bathroom?
Although the idea of putting plants in the shower for aesthetic reasons may be familiar to you, doing so has significant positive effects on physical and mental health, including the following:
1. Aesthetically pleasing
The obvious benefit of keeping plants in your bathtub is their aesthetic appeal. Shower plants give any bathroom a distinctive design element and spectacular appeal. The best thing is that you may select plants based on what kind of design theme you have in mind.
2. Mental and emotional benefits
Your soul will benefit from having live things in your house. According to studies, keeping indoor plants can benefit your mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Plants give you more energy, lower stress levels, and increase productivity.
People who spend significant time caring for their plants report feeling generally happier, having healthier relationships, and having better memory and concentration.
3. Purify the air
The air in your home is filled with harmful pollutants that are still there even if you clean them. According to research, there are almost five times as many pollutants in the air around your home as outside.
Thankfully, shower plants may significantly reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. Plants purify the air and remove dangerous contaminants, preventing health issues in the process.
4. Dehumidify the air
Mold can thrive in your bathroom. This is because germs thrive well in environments with persistent dampness. While your plants cannot remove the existing mold, they can prevent it.
When shower plants are placed in your bathroom, there is only a small amount of humidity left since plants absorb the moisture in the air. Having less moisture means that there is less room for mold to grow.
5. Good for your plants
If you struggle to keep houseplants alive, purchasing a shower plant is the best choice. The bathroom is ideal for maintaining your plants as it constantly supplies them with enough water and moisture.
You’ll soon see them soak up as much water as they need while enjoying the humid air. This climate will allow your plants to flourish even if you forget to water them for long periods.
Conclusion
Plants in the bathroom help keep away excess moisture while making the bathroom aesthetically appealing. They’re usually hardy and, as such, don’t need much care from you.