Running out of your room in your home for your houseplant collection? Try the bathroom.
Although it may sound an odd place to keep your green friends, it is actually a great environment for some tropical plants to thrive as the warmth and humidity replicates their natural habitat. Consider the following three conditions that are typically found in most bathrooms – low levels of sunlight, high humidity, and temperature fluctuations – when deciding if your plant could make a home out of this room. Read on for our recommendations for adding some green to your bathroom.
Boston Fern
There are over 200 types of fern and this Boston Fern is native to tropical areas of South America. Coming from a rainforest habitat, these plants like indirect light and humid conditions – so whilst you could mist it regularly, homing the Boston Fern in the bathroom is a great way for them to get the frequent moisture they crave. This plant is also a good air purifying and interesting to know, the Victorians considered ferns a symbol of sincerity.
Chinese Evergeen
This type of Aglaonema is a very forgiving plant and doesn’t require an overwhelming amount of attention to grow well. Whilst it loves humidity, making it an ideal bathroom plant, it will also tolerate dry air. We told you it was low-maintenance! It is considered lucky in its native home of China and to make it even more special, its bold red colours are considered unusual in comparison to other Aglaonemas that are typically green and yellow.
Polka Dot Begonia
This plant’s distinctive polka dots are a real crowd pleaser and make it an incredibly popular plant. Native to Brazil, it likes bright, indirect light and humid conditions, but mind you it’s not over watered as this can cause root rot. If the plant is lacking either water or humidity, it’ll let you know as the distress will be visible on its leaves. If your bathroom has a natural light source, then you’re onto a winner as this is an ideal home for the Polka Dot Begonia.
Philodendron Scandens
Native to South America, Philodendron plants are as tropical as they come, being happiest in bright, indirect light and humidity. The Philodendron Scandens produces evergreen heart shaped leaves on long vines, so maybe you could position on a bathroom shelf to allow it to trail downwards. If you give this plant too little or too much water, it will let you know by dropping its leaves.
Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)
If you’re lucky enough to have a large-sized bathroom and the space permits, consider a Weeping Fig. It requires a routine of regular watering and misting, however it can be sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, like cold drafts which can cause it to drop its leave. In other words, be mindful if you let your bathroom steam up after a long, hot shower, then immediately open a window to let some cold air in.
Bromelia Guzmania
This plant comes from the Bromeliaceae family, there are over 120 types and they are all native to South America. A feature most people are drawn to is its distinctive bright pink rosette shaped flower that pokes out the top of the plant. They will thrive in medium to bright indirect light, so make sure your bathroom has a window. They like to stay moist, but are also tolerant to drought should you forget to water them.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Big leaves and big impact – the Fiddle-Leaf Fig is a striking plant that is native to the rainforests of western and central Africa. Whilst these can be a little harder to care for, they’re so worth it! For example, it requires some maintenance to ensure you are mimicking its natural humid environment and its leaves will need occasional dusting with a damp cloth. It loves the warmth of a bathroom, so if you decide to make this room its home, commit to it! Fiddle-Leaf Figs hate being moved you see and it can take them a while to settle into a new home.