Plants for the bathroom

Lighting conditions in bathrooms can vary greatly. Depending on the amount of light and whether it enters the room directly or indirectly, different plants are recommended for the bathroom. By the way, plants cannot survive without light. Even though certain plants are suitable for dark bathrooms, without any natural light—or special lamps—there is no way for photosynthesis to occur, which is essential for plant survival. Therefore, artificial alternatives are recommended for bathrooms without windows.

It goes without saying that plants in the bathroom should be able to tolerate humidity. Unlike the average humidity of 40–60% in most rooms, humidity in bathrooms can easily reach 80%. This generally makes desert plants like cacti less suitable. Even tropical plants need fresh air regularly—for example, to lower the humidity after showering and prevent mold from forming in the soil.

However, caution is advised when ventilating the room. Tropical bathroom plants, in particular, do not tolerate cold drafts very well. Therefore, plants in the bathroom should be placed so that they are exposed to as little of it as possible. For larger plants, it is advisable to place them on rolling stands. Small plants can simply be moved quickly.

Of course, the plants in the bathroom need to be watered as well. The high humidity alone isn’t enough, especially since not all plants are able to make use of it equally effectively. However, it does make a noticeable difference. As a result, plants in the bathroom often need to be watered a little less than you might be used to in other rooms. Regularly checking the soil with your finger and/or using a moisture indicator can help you find the right balance.

Tip: Few plants tolerate waterlogged soil. To avoid this, it’s best to use smaller amounts of water and water more frequently.

As mentioned, high humidity promotes mold growth in potting soil. Therefore, whenever possible, you should use loose, well-draining soil or even a potting mix for plants in the bathroom. Mold has a much harder time growing there.

This plant thrives in partial shade, and the humidity in the bathroom is no problem for it. Thanks to its origins in the rainforests of South America, the mountain palm is well-accustomed to such conditions. In fact, it should be watered generously—but, as is often the case, you should avoid letting the soil become waterlogged. With this plant in your bathroom, you can create a tropical atmosphere.

Pothos also thrives in partial shade. It’s also a particularly practical choice when looking for plants for a bathroom with limited space. Its trailing growth makes it an excellent candidate for adding a unique aesthetic touch as a hanging plant in the bathroom. Be sure not to overwater it, as it cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.

Thanks to its white bracts, the spider plant adds a splash of color to the bathroom. It thus offers a good alternative to flowers that require more care or have a shorter lifespan. In addition, the spider plant thrives in both bright light and full shade and has little trouble with humidity—making it the perfect choice for the bathroom.