Turn your bathroom into a lush, thriving oasis with the perfect houseplants. While the humid environment can mimic the native habitats of many tropical plants, low light levels and fluctuating temperatures can pose challenges.
Implement these 15 expert tips to help your bathroom plants flourish and create a serene, inviting atmosphere.
1. Embrace Humidity-Loving Species
Ferns, air plants, and philodendrons are just a few of the many houseplants that relish the humidity of a bathroom. (ref) Their leaves can absorb moisture directly from the steamy air, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Consider a bird’s nest fern or a heartleaf philodendron to brighten your bathroom countertop.
2. Assess Light Levels
While bathrooms provide ample humidity, they often lack sufficient natural light. Before choosing plants, determine the amount and quality of light your space receives.
North-facing windows provide the least light, while south-facing ones offer the most. Select plants that match the light conditions in your bathroom to ensure they thrive.
3. Supplement with Artificial Light
Consider adding artificial light to support your plants if your bathroom is particularly dim. LED grow lights can provide the necessary spectrum for photosynthesis without consuming excessive energy.
Place them within 6-12 inches of your plants for 12-16 hours daily.
4. Rotate Plants Regularly
Even if your bathroom has a window, the light may not reach all areas equally. To ensure balanced growth, rotate your plants a quarter turn each week. Regular rotation promotes even, attractive growth.
5. Monitor Moisture Levels
While bathroom plants enjoy humidity, they can still suffer from overwatering. Always check the soil moisture before watering, as steamy conditions can slow evaporation.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings for most species. You can also invest in a moisture meter for precise readings and to avoid guesswork.
6. Provide Adequate Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Ensure your pots have drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix containing perlite or coarse sand.
If your chosen container lacks holes, drill them yourself or double-pot with a smaller, perforated nursery pot inside the decorative one.
7. Ventilate the Space
Although humidity is beneficial, stagnant, waterlogged air can promote the growth of mold and fungal diseases. After steamy showers, open a window or run an exhaust fan to encourage air circulation.
8. Regulate Temperature Fluctuations
Bathrooms can experience temperature swings, especially if you prefer hot showers. Most houseplants thrive between 65-80°F (18-27°C).
If your bathroom gets too steamy, consider moving plants to a cooler spot between showers. Avoid placing them near drafty windows or air vents, which can cause stress.
9. Boost Humidity with Pebble Trays
For plants that crave even more humidity, create a pebble tray by filling a shallow dish with water and placing pebbles or gravel inside. Set your plant pot on top, ensuring it’s not sitting directly in the water.
As the water evaporates, it will provide extra moisture around your plant’s leaves.
10. Clean Leaves Regularly
Bathrooms can accumulate dust, grime, and product residue, which can settle on plant leaves and hinder their ability to photosynthesize. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth or rinse them in the sink every few weeks.
This practice not only improves their appearance but also keeps them healthy and vibrant.
11. Prune & Shape as Needed
Over time, your bathroom plants may grow leggy or lose their shape. Don’t be afraid to prune them back to encourage fuller, healthier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to remove dead, damaged, or overgrown foliage.
With proper pruning, your plants will maintain their attractive appearance and fit seamlessly into your bathroom decor.
12. Fertilize Sparingly
While bathrooms provide a humid environment, the plants may still need additional nutrition as time goes on. Fertilize your bathroom plants sparingly during the growing season, using a half-strength, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to burn damage or excessive, weak growth. (ref)
13. Watch for Pests
Even in the bathroom, houseplants can fall prey to common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Regularly inspect your plants for signs of infestation, such as webbing, sticky residue, or unusual bumps on the leaves. Address any issues promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
14. Embrace Trailing & Climbing Plants
Make the most of your bathroom’s vertical space by incorporating trailing or climbing plants. A pothos or philodendron can cascade elegantly from a shelf or window sill, while a small trellis can support a climbing species like jasmine or hoya.
15. Experiment & Have Fun
Remember, every bathroom is unique, and what works for one plant may not work for another.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different species, placements, and care routines until you find what thrives in your space. Enjoy the process of creating your own personal bathroom jungle, and revel in the beauty and tranquility it brings to your daily routine.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.