Creating a lush, green oasis in your bathroom can transform the room into a serene retreat. The unique environment of a bathroom, characterized by high humidity and variable lighting, provides an ideal setting for certain plants to thrive. Not only that, but it will also add a beautiful decorative touch to the space.
This guide will explore the best plants for bathroom environments and offer practical care tips to ensure they flourish.
How do you choose the right plants for your bathroom?
So, you're ready to buy new plants for your bathroom, but how do you choose the right ones? If your plan was to simply pick the prettiest plants or base your choice on their benefits, we can help you make better decisions! The most important factor is selecting a plant that can actually thrive in your bathroom. Start by considering the humidity levels, the amount of light, and the space available for your new leafy friend to flourish.
Humidity
Bathrooms typically have higher humidity levels, which can benefit many tropical plants. Look for species that thrive in moist conditions.
Lighting
Assess the amount of natural light your bathroom receives. Some plants require bright, indirect light, while others can tolerate low light. If natural light is limited but you really want to add a plant to the space, you might need to invest in some grow lights as well.
Space
Assess the size of your bathroom and available space for plants. If the bathroom is on the smaller side, consider compact plants that won’t grow too tall. If you have a larger space, then you could add statement plants as well as smaller ones.
The best plants for bathrooms
We understand that narrowing down ideas for your bathroom plants might be hard, so if you’ve done your research into bathroom-friendly plants and still choose, we have a few of our favourites here for you:
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns thrive in high humidity and indirect light, making them perfect for bathrooms. Their lush, feathery fronds add a touch of greenery and elegance to any space. They also don’t require much maintenance, only needing regular misting to keep them happy and healthy.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are highly adaptable, tolerating various light conditions and humidity levels. They are a common choice in bathrooms because of their cascading leaves that make them a visually appealing addition to the space. Beyond their adaptability and aesthetic appeal, they are also great air purifiers that remove toxins from the air.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate the occasional dry spell, making it ideal for sunny bathrooms. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Aloe Vera also has soothing properties that are useful for treating minor cuts and burns. Even though you might not be expecting to hurt yourself, they are useful and beautiful!
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies thrive in low to moderate light and high humidity. Their elegant white blooms and dark green leaves can brighten any bathroom corner. They also help improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It can thrive in low light and high humidity, making it a versatile bathroom choice. Its ability to grow in water makes it a low-maintenance option.
Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Orchids' stunning blooms add a touch of luxury and colour to bathrooms. They prefer humid conditions and indirect light, making them well-suited for them. Regular watering and proper drainage are key to their care.
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants do not require soil and can thrive in humid bathroom environments. They can be displayed creatively, such as mounted on driftwood or placed in glass terrariums. Mist them regularly to keep them hydrated.
Care Tips for Bathroom Plants
Here at Thursd, we are plant experts so we couldn’t leave you without our best tips and must-do to ensure your new bathroom plants thrive.
Watering
Most bathroom plants prefer consistently moist soil, which shouldn’t be an issue in a humid bathroom environment. However, for plants that need occasional water, avoid overwatering by allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging too. For any of your air plants, regular misting or soaking in water for a few hours every week will keep them hydrated.
Humidity
Make sure you take advantage of a bathroom’s naturally high humidity by placing plants near the shower. For plants that need extra humidity, think about whether using a pebble tray or a humidifier might help.
Tip: Grouping plants together can also help maintain higher humidity levels around them.
Light
To keep your plants happy and healthy, you want to ensure they are getting the right amount of light. If your bathroom lacks natural lighting, supplement this lack with fluorescent or LED grow lights placed close to the plants. Try to rotate them periodically to ensure they get an even light exposure.
Cleaning
Bathroom plants can accumulate dust and soap residue, which is why you should be giving them a clean. Wipe their leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy. For plants with delicate leaves, a gentle shower can help wash away dust.
Fertilizing
During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your plants with a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser every 4-6 weeks. Reduce or stop fertilising in the winter when growth slows down. For orchids, use a specialised orchid fertiliser to support their blooming cycle.
Creating a Bathroom Oasis
The way you display your plants is an important factor in achieving that lush oasis look you are after in your bathroom. We’re here to help! These are our top tips on incorporating plants into your bathroom decor:
Hanging Plants
Make the most of ceiling hooks or wall-mounted planters to save counter space and add visual interest by having plants at varying heights. Hanging baskets with trailing plants like Pothos or Spider plants can create a lush, cascading effect.
Window Sills
Place small pots or planters on window sills to maximise light exposure for sun-loving plants. Succulents or small ferns can thrive in these spots and add greenery without taking up much space.
Shelves and Ledges
Install shelves or use existing ledges to display various plants, creating a green wall effect. Combine plants of different heights and textures to create a visually appealing arrangement.
Shower Plants
Look for moisture-loving plants like ferns or air plants (Tillandsia) that can thrive in a shower's steamy environment. Hanging planters or wall-mounted displays can keep plants within reach of the mist but out of direct water flow.
Countertops and Vanities
Small potted plants can add a touch of greenery to countertops and vanities. Choose compact plants that don't require much space, such as Aloe Vera or Peace Lilies.
Your spa-like bathroom decoration is incoming!
And there you have it! These are our top tips for selecting the perfect plants for your bathroom, caring for them, and displaying them to create the spa-like bathroom of your dreams. With the right choices and a little care, your bathroom can become a serene, green haven that not only looks beautiful but also enhances your well-being. So, go ahead and transform your space with these lush additions – your dream bathroom is just a few plants away!
