Plants for the bathroom
Lively & relaxing
General tips for plants in the bathroom
Even though different species require different conditions and care, there are some points that apply to all plants in the bathroom.
Light
Lighting conditions in bathrooms often vary greatly. Depending on the amount of light and whether it falls directly or indirectly into the room, different plants are recommended for the bathroom. Incidentally, light is essential. Even if certain plants are suitable for dark bathrooms, without any natural light – or special lamps – there is no possibility of photosynthesis, which is vital for plants to survive. Artificial alternatives are therefore recommended as plants for bathrooms without windows.
Humidity
It goes without saying that plants in the bathroom should be able to cope with humidity. In contrast to the average humidity of 40-60% in most rooms, this can often reach 80% in bathrooms. This means that desert plants such as cacti are generally less suitable. Even tropical plants need regular fresh air to reduce humidity after showering, for example, and prevent mold from forming in the soil.
Draught
However, caution is advised when ventilating. Tropical bathroom plants in particular do not tolerate cold drafts very well. Plants in the bathroom should therefore be placed in such a way that they are exposed to as little draft as possible. Larger plants should be placed on rollable stands. Small plants can simply be moved quickly.
Watering
Of course, plants in the bathroom also need to be watered. High humidity alone is not enough, especially since not all plants are able to utilize it equally effectively. However, it does have a noticeable effect. Accordingly, plants in the bathroom often need to be watered a little less than you may be used to in other rooms. Regularly checking with your finger and/or using a watering indicator can help you find the right balance.
Waterlogging
Tip: Only a few plants like waterlogged soil. To avoid this, it is advisable to use smaller amounts of water and water more frequently.
Potting soil
As mentioned, high humidity promotes mold growth in potting soil. Therefore, loose, well-drained soil or even substrate for plants should be used in bathrooms whenever possible. This makes it much more difficult for mold to grow.
Plants for bright bathrooms
Those looking for plants for bathrooms with windows that guarantee plenty of light have a wide selection to choose from. This is because many plants that are well suited to bathrooms also like sunny conditions. The following species are particularly suitable:
Window leaf
The name already reveals that this plant likes to occupy a spot in the bathroom with direct sunlight—ideally morning or evening sun, as the intense midday heat can sometimes be too much. Sometimes simply referred to by its genus name Monstera, this plant is very popular due to its impressive leaves and vigorous growth. Accordingly, the window leaf should be given sufficient space. When watering, it is important to avoid waterlogging; if in doubt, less is more.
Snake plant
The snake plant is hardy and acts as a genuine air freshener. The plant is easy to care for and looks great in both small and large flower pots. It can therefore be placed harmoniously in bathrooms of any size. Since snake plants prefer warmth, direct sunlight does not usually harm them. In high humidity, it also requires little water and is forgiving if you forget to water it from time to time. Therefore, snake plants are an excellent choice if you want something low-maintenance.
Aloe vera
This plant not only looks great in the bathroom as part of your skincare routine. Like snake plant, aloe vera is easy to care for and likes sunlight without needing much water. Just make sure to avoid waterlogging.
Banana plant
Banana plants require significantly more care and space. However, they offer a spectacular sight that can give large natural bathrooms a real tropical feel. Sufficient light and water are an absolute must here, though.
Plants for dark bathrooms
Even though large windows make the choice easier, there is also a wide selection of green plants for bathrooms with little light. This is because many plants thrive even in shady areas. Unfortunately, however, they cannot survive completely without natural light. The following plants can cope with low light levels in the bathroom.
Mountain palm
This plant thrives in partial shade, and the humidity in the bathroom is no problem either. The mountain palm is used to this thanks to its origins in the rainforests of South America. In fact, it should be watered generously—just avoid waterlogging, as is often the case. With this plant in your bathroom, you can create a tropical atmosphere.
Ivy
Ivy also thrives in partial shade. It is also a particularly practical solution if you are looking for plants for a bathroom with limited space. Its overhanging growth makes it an excellent candidate for adding a very special aesthetic touch as a hanging plant in the bathroom. It should not be overwatered, as it does not tolerate waterlogging.
Single leaf
Thanks to its white bracts, the peace lily adds a splash of color to the bathroom. It is also a good alternative to flowers in the bathroom, which are comparatively high-maintenance or short-lived. In addition, the peace lily likes both light and complete shade and has few problems with humidity, making it the perfect plant for the bathroom.
Alternatives to potted plants in the bathroom
Not every bathroom can accommodate natural potted plants. This means that alternatives to plants are particularly needed for bathrooms without windows. However, there are a few options here too:
Artificial plants in the bathroom
Artificial plants for the bathroom are the most obvious and least time-consuming solution. They don't require any extra work, and you don't have to worry about watering or humidity.
Dried plants
Like artificial plants, dried plants require neither soil, water, nor light. However, these are real plants that have been preserved through gentle drying. Although this gives them a different aesthetic appeal, they offer excellent combination possibilities, especially in more minimalist bathrooms.
Cut flowers
Flowers for the bathroom are also an option, of course. Cut flowers have a limited lifespan anyway, so the lack of light is not a decisive factor for them. However, they need to be replaced regularly and are therefore not a particularly sustainable alternative to other plants in the bathroom.
Moss pictures
Moss pictures can give your bathroom an authentic, natural look. One of the advantages is that moss does not need light or watering. What's more, moss pictures can simply be hung on the wall, saving space. This makes them the perfect solution for adding plants and a fresh, green touch to even a small, windowless bathroom.
Rotate and try
You can also try out small experiments with plants in a bathroom without windows. Some plants, such as succulents, can be left without light for a few days—afterwards, they can be swapped for plants in rooms with light. However, the plants should not be moved directly from the dark bathroom into bright sunlight. A shady spot is best at first. Some plants can potentially even survive without any direct light at all, for example if enough light enters a windowless bathroom through an open door. With both approaches, you should check regularly to see if the plant is doing well. Even if individual specimens can cope with this, it is never true for all of them. If in doubt, plants should always be rescued from the dark if they are not thriving.
