Everyone, even novice plant owners, knows most plants require a decent amount of sunlight. Shelves and other setups beside windows tend to work best for them. But when you’ve run out of space in your living area or bedroom, or you’re looking to brighten up other rooms, you might find yourself on the hunt for a new plant corner.
Try placing botanicals in the bathroom, say experts. Houseplants can offer unique and decorative properties to the space, but not every bathroom has a window, and not every plant can thrive in its unpredictable conditions. So, what plants bloom best here? We got the low-down on what greenery can turn your bathroom into a jungle paradise.
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Staghorn ferns, which come from humid regions like Australia and Africa, will work best with these stuffy environments. “Ferns love humidity but are not very forgiving,” says Jessica Douglass, owner of Flowers & Weeds. Allow the soil to dry between watering as too much moisture can stress out the fern.
“Pothos are great trailing vines that have flexible lighting requirements,” says Douglass. Also known as golden pothos or Devil’s Ivy, the flowering plant flourishes in most lighting conditions, bright or not, making them great contenders for bathrooms. Much like ferns, pay careful attention to the soil as it needs to dry out completely between watering. These vine-like plants can either rest on a stand or hang. Pothos are well known to be great air purifiers and reduce indoor air toxins.
Zamioculcas thrive in humid environments and don’t require much light or water. Sometimes called the Zanzibar Gem, these greens are native to Southern and Eastern Africa, making them the perfect candidate for warm, moist areas. “They are super easy to care for and grow to a manageable size,” says David Sherwood of Sherwood’s Forest Nursery & Garden Center.
Anthurium (also known as the laceleaf, tailflower, or flamingo flower) is one of the more visually appealing plants one can put in their bathroom. These plants produce a red or pink heart-shaped flower and can be grown in a 6–8-inch pot. They thrive best in well-lit rooms but should never be exposed to direct sunlight. According to Sherwood, these flowery plants will bloom for many months.
Orchids are a no-brainer choice for the humid—and often damp—environment of bathrooms. A beautiful addition to any room, these flowers require a lot of natural light and do best when near east- or west-facing windows. Never over-water these. If cared for well, orchids can live up to 100 years.
Calathea’s decorative leaves can add color to a bathroom, but take note of the care needed to help these plants grow. Because of their exotic nature, they prefer indirect sunlight as too much can burn the leaves. Distilled, rain, or tap water that has sat overnight is best to water these as they are sensitive to most waters. “If you want something that will have a fuller foliage, then maybe a Calathea is just what you need,” says Kathleen Witek, the owner of Garden District STL.
