(Yes, We’re Talking the Top 10 Houseplants for Better Bathrooms)
by Lisa Watters-Lain, Arizona’s Garden Gal
Plants are a go-to decorating tool. Whether it’s an erupting Schefflera that offsets a boxy sofa or an English Ivy that softens the doldrums of a desk, greenery can bring a much-needed life into your home’s décor. Why. not extend that soul-soothing effect of houseplant foliage to the bathroom?
Bathrooms are particularly hospitable to houseplants. The added humidity makes them the most greenhouse-like spaces in your home. Tropical plants known as epiphytes — orchids, ferns, and air plants — are well-suited to thrive in a loo. In the forest, these plants grow hanging in tree canopies. They gather nutrients and drink water droplets directly from the air.
Shampoo and soap suds strip a plant’s protective wax coating, so it is best to leave plants out of the shower directly.
Philodendrons and peace lilies grow in the shade of other plants. These houseplants thrive in low natural light, the conditions tiny bathroom windows and frosted privacy glass provide.
Design idea: layer these privy-practical plants in the same bathroom. A fiddle leaf fig on the floor with a Schefflera on the bath shelf and a golden pothos on a plant stand. These three plants add designer magic to any space, especially spacious bathrooms.
Whether you are looking to liven up a small powder room or refresh the shared family bathroom with some greenery, a handful of plants thrive in a bathroom setting. Here are the top 10 houseplants best used in a bathroom.
- Asparagus Fern, or the foxtail fern, thrives in bathrooms thanks to its love of shade and humidity. They are so happy growing in bathrooms that they often flower. The plant produces white buds when happy.
- Boston Fern are standard accent plants in outdoor spaces, like covered patios and the front door. They grow right at home in your bathroom. Ferns often look like they climbed out of a primitive jungle. They are trendy in marble surroundings with brushed nickel fixtures that complement any bathroom.
- Maidenhair Fern is another that fits right into your bathroom space. The lace leaves look perfect with many different décor options. They like indirect sunlight and plenty of moisture, so mist your thirsty ferns to keep them hydrated.
- Painted Nettle offers small green and red leaves with rippled edges that grow on tall stems. This easygoing plant grows in bathrooms regardless of the light and humidity.
- Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow. A good starter plant for those new to houseplants and need help. This vine hangs from shower rods and trails across mirrors and vanities. The luscious green leaves get pretty big, putting on a tropical show in your bathroom.
- Snake Plant is a bathroom favorite requiring little attention or light. Place your snake plant in frequently used bathroom spaces and those that only see the occasional visitor. Water once every 10 to 14 days for a healthy, happy snake plant.
- Spider Plants have long, skinny leaves, creating a mounding effect with baby spider plants that drape from the mother plant. Spider plants require low to moderate amounts of light. They like humid environments, so bathrooms are a great location.
- Succulents like Aloe Vera and Elephant Bush are great for bathrooms. You could leave them for long periods without thinking about them, and they flourish. Perfect for less frequently used bathrooms, like your first-floor powder room.
- Tillandsia, or Tillys for short, are similar to orchids. Tillys are super easy to keep. Dunk them in your sink weekly for a quick drink. These ‘Air Plants’ are easy to add to your bathroom in various ways and don’t need to rely on a traditional flowerpot.
- Walking Iris thrives in medium to bright light and has fabulous mini-iris blooms that become new baby plants. They brighten up your bathroom and are easy to care for since they like moist soil and full shade.
For more houseplant ideas, visit my Top 9 Plants that Love the Bedroom as Much as You.
Until next issue, I’ll be helping gardeners grow better houseplants in their bathrooms here at Watters Garden Center.
Lisa Watters-Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Road in Prescott, or contacted through her websites at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10HousePlants.com.