The bathroom is an essential part of our daily routine. It serves as a space for personal hygiene and oftentimes relaxation. However, it's also a room that is often prone to high humidity and moisture buildup due to showers, baths, and sink use. Excess moisture in the bathroom can lead to issues like mold and mildew growth. These not only damage surfaces but also negatively impact indoor air quality and pose health risks.
While using exhaust fans and proper ventilation can help manage moisture to some extent, one effective and natural way to combat excess humidity in bathrooms is by introducing plants that absorb moisture. Different plants not only add an aspect of greenery and good vibes but also ensure a fresher and healthier atmosphere in the bathroom.
The Best Plants to Absorb Moisture for Healthy Bathing Spaces Are:
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Bamboo Sanderiana (Dracaena)
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
- Orchids (Orchidaceae)
- Trailing Green Ivy
- Calatheas
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum).
The Importance of Managing Bathroom Moisture
Bathrooms are often hotspots for humidity, as water vapor from showers and baths accumulates in the air, leading to dampness on surfaces. We all know that having plants in any space or office brings positivity and good feelings. Plants are wonders and have a profound impact on our physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness. They nurture the soul.
Prolonged exposure to excess moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive, not only causing damage to walls, ceilings, and grout but also presenting health concerns. Mold spores can trigger allergies, and respiratory problems, and worsen existing conditions like asthma.
Traditional methods to combat bathroom humidity include using exhaust fans and opening windows, but these may not always be practical, especially during colder months. Therefore, incorporating moisture-absorbing plants into your bathroom can be an efficient and eco-friendly solution to maintain a healthier environment while adding a touch of nature to your space.
And there is an array of suitable plants that can be used in this case. Such include:
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
Aloe Vera is a well-known plant celebrated for its soothing and healing properties. It's a perfect bathroom companion since it thrives in humid environments and absorbs moisture effectively.
The presence of Aloe Vera helps regulate humidity levels, preventing excessive dampness that encourages mold growth. Moreover, Aloe Vera is renowned for its air-purifying capabilities, filtering harmful pollutants commonly found in bathroom products and cleaning agents.
Photo by henry perks on Unsplash.
This plant requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners seeking low-maintenance greenery. It is also a plant that fits well with Japandi design.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The spider plant is an iconic houseplant known for its air-purifying abilities and adaptability to various conditions. It is a resilient and low-maintenance option, thriving in indirect light and making it perfect for bathrooms with limited natural light. Their large are just perfect for water absorption in your bathroom, making it more healthy.
Apart from absorbing excess moisture, the spider plant actively improves air quality by eliminating harmful substances like formaldehyde and xylene that might be present in bathroom products and cleaners. It's a plant you find in many lists about plants. It has many specialties, including that it is a plant that is very easy to move to another spot. It will love your bathroom for sure.
Instagram photo by @rasinfoot.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)
The Boston fern is an elegant and lush plant that adds a touch of natural beauty to any bathroom. It's an excellent choice for absorbing moisture and helps prevent mold growth due to its high transpiration rate.
Boston ferns prefer high humidity and indirect light, making them an ideal fit for bathroom environments. These ferns have an almost air-purifying effect, removing pollutants and toxins, and creating a fresher and healthier atmosphere for your bathroom. On top of that, Boston ferns require very little sunlight.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is not only a visually appealing plant but also a powerful air purifier and moisture absorber. Its glossy leaves and elegant white flowers can thrive in low light conditions, making it suitable for bathrooms with limited natural light.
This plant is known to reduce humidity levels in the air and effectively remove harmful indoor air pollutants, including ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene. Peace lilies even empower you to study better!
Having a peace lily in your bathroom not only adds beauty but also contributes to a cleaner and more refreshing space.
Bamboo Sanderiana (Dracaena)
These Bamboo sanderiana plants are a great choice for bathrooms due to their love for high humidity levels. These fast-growing plants create a tranquil and spa-like ambiance while absorbing excess moisture in the air. Bamboo sanderiana can be grown in water-filled containers, making them an ideal option for bathrooms with limited space for pots or planters.
They add a touch of natural elegance and contribute to maintaining a more balanced humidity level in your bathroom. It is also a perfect little plant to put on your desk. So when it has grown fast, don't forget to make some cuttings.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low light and high humidity. Its unique vertical leaves make it a stylish addition to any bathroom decor. There are many different varieties of Sansevierias, all perfect to de-humidify your bathroom.
The snake plant is known for its ability to filter out toxins and absorb moisture, making it a natural dehumidifier for your bathroom. It also releases oxygen during the night, making it an excellent plant for improving air quality while you sleep.
Instagram photo by @missrustyshackleford.
Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Orchids are not only beautiful and elegant, but they also thrive in high-humidity environments, making them well-suited for bathrooms. They add a touch of luxury and beauty to the space while helping to reduce moisture levels.
Orchids require indirect light and proper watering, but with the right care, they can bloom for an extended period, adding that much-required splash of color to your bathroom. Next to the common Phalaenopsis Orchid, you might want to choose the exotic Vanda orchid, with its attractive roots hanging loose in the air. Ideal for your Bathroom to give it a wow effect!
Trailing Green Ivy
Trailing Green Ivy offers aesthetic appeal with its cascading, vine-like growth. It adds elegance to any space, especially in small bathrooms, where it saves valuable floor space. Besides its visual charm, the plant actively improves indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. It is a money plant too, and also brings a Feng Shui influence to your bathroom.
Trailing Ivy's ability to regulate humidity makes it a natural dehumidifier, reducing moisture-related issues like mold growth. It requires minimal care, thriving in various light conditions, and needs consistent but not excessive watering.
Pruning helps maintain its neat appearance, and its flexible tendrils can be trained to grow in desired directions, allowing for personalized displays in the bathroom.
Calatheas
Calathea plants can be an excellent addition to bathrooms due to their tolerance for higher humidity levels and adaptability to lower light conditions. Their unique and vibrant foliage adds a touch of exotic beauty and tranquility to the space, complementing various bathroom decor styles.
Their air-purifying properties contribute to a healthier and fresher atmosphere, promoting better indoor air quality. The bathroom's naturally humid environment provides an ideal setting for these tropical plants to thrive.
However, it is essential to place them in locations with filtered, indirect light to avoid leaf scorching. Consistent humidity maintenance through misting or a humidifier is crucial for their well-being.
Care should, however, be taken to avoid overwatering, as Calathea plants are susceptible to root rot. Using well-draining soil and monitoring bathroom temperatures within their preferred range further supports their growth.
Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is an excellent choice for bathrooms due to its ability to thrive in high humidity and low light conditions. Its air-purifying properties improve the bathroom's air quality, promoting a fresher and healthier environment.
Their cascading vines add aesthetic appeal and elegance to the space while being space-saving and suitable for small bathrooms. Its low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for busy individuals or beginners in indoor gardening. Pothos Care is very easy.
The plant's adaptability allows it to tolerate various light levels, making it versatile for bathroom placements. Similarly, pothos' presence can contribute to reducing stress and creating a more calming ambiance. It can be grown in various ways, such as in hanging baskets or climbing on moss poles, allowing for customizable decor options.
Incorporating These Plants in Your Bathroom
Before selecting a plant, consider your bathroom's lighting conditions, available space, and your ability to care for the plant. Remember to water the plants appropriately and provide them with the necessary care to ensure they flourish in their new bathroom habitat.
And when all these prerequisites are incorporated, these moisture-absorbing plants into your bathroom, you can transform it into a green oasis of freshness and well-being, enhancing the ambiance and contributing to your overall well-being.
You can, in turn, enjoy the benefits of a healthier and more inviting bathroom.
Featured image by @bryony_in_plantland, header image by @thegardeneratcamelot.
