Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. It is the gaseous state of water. The more water evaporates in the air, the higher humidity. For some plants, high humidity is a death sentence.
If you like succulents and want to put some in your bathroom but aren’t sure if they’ll make it, this article will definitely help you!
With their sculptural shapes and lush textures, succulents can add striking visual interest to any indoor space. But how do these drought-tolerant plants fare in humid bathrooms that often lack bright light? Luckily, some succulents are well-suited to the unique growing conditions found in most bathrooms.
By choosing the right succulents and providing attentive care, you can create a beautiful thriving oasis of green in your bathroom. In this article we’ll explore the best succulent varieties for bathrooms and how to care for them.
Why Succulents Can Work Well in Bathrooms
Bathrooms present a tricky environment for many houseplants with the combination of high humidity and frequently low light But succulents possess adaptations that allow some varieties to flourish
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Drought tolerance – Succulents store water in leaves and stems so they’re less affected by bathroom humidity.
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Shallow roots – They need less soil depth, working well in smaller bathrooms
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Flexibility in lighting – Some do fine with low light from bath windows or artificial light.
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Compact sizes – Succulent varieties stay small enough to suit tight spaces.
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Air purification – Succulents remove toxins, helping counteract poor ventilation.
With proper plant selection and care, succulents can add charm and fresh air to your bathroom oasis.
Best Succulent Varieties for Bathrooms
When choosing succulents for your bathroom, look for these characteristics:
- Tolerant of low, indirect light
- Native to tropical or subtropical climates
- Appreciates humid conditions
- Slow growth and compact size
- Low watering needs
Here are some great options to consider:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
This classic houseplant handles low light and irregular watering. Its long, pointed leaves even suit cramped quarters. Snake plants come in dwarf cultivars under 1 foot tall, perfect for bath shelves.
Aloe Vera
Aloe thrives on kitchen and bath windowsills. Its plump, fleshy leaves store plenty of water. The added benefit of being able to use the soothing gel makes this a practical and pretty choice.
Haworthia
At just 3-6 inches tall, graceful Haworthia fits anywhere. Its compact rosettes come in various patterns. Haworthia tolerates partial sun and appreciates humidity.
Gasteria
This petite succulent stays under 6 inches tall, ideal for tight spaces. Gasteria flourishes in shade and high humidity. Use diminutive varieties like Gasteria ‘Little Warty’ or Gasteria batesiana ‘Barberton’.
Cacti
Miniature cacti make excellent bath decor. Squat species like gymnocalycium, rebutia, and mammillaria grow slowly. Look for tropical jungle or rainforest cactus varieties.
For best results, situate these plants near bath windows or supplemental lighting. Avoid direct hot sun, which can scorch delicate leaves.
Tips for Growing Healthy Succulents in Bathrooms
To help your bathroom succulents thrive, follow these care guidelines:
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Allow soil to partially dry between waterings. Drainage holes are essential.
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Provide bright, indirect light near windows or with grow lights. Rotate plants periodically.
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Use terracotta or glazed ceramic planters that can “breathe” and evaporate excess moisture.
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Choose sandy, fast-draining soil. Amend potting mix with extra perlite or pumice.
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Keep plants up high, away from shower spray and splashes. Allow space for air circulation.
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Apply balanced cacti/succulent fertilizer at 1/4 strength every 3-4 months during spring and summer.
With proper selection and care, succulents can add vibrant green accents to beautify your bathroom. Their sculptural shapes and low maintenance needs make them ideal plants for the unique conditions found in bathrooms.
Common Questions About Growing Succulents in Bathrooms
If you’re considering adding succulents to your bathroom, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Which succulents are best for low light bathrooms?
Snake plants, aloe vera, haworthia, and gasteria tolerate low light well. Miniature jungle cacti are also lower light options.
How can I provide light for bathroom succulents?
Situate near windows if possible. Rotate plants weekly for even growth. Add supplemental lighting like grow lights or fluorescent bulbs.
Should I plant succulents directly in bathroom soil?
No, regular potting soil stays too wet. Use a cacti/succulent mix amended with extra perlite and gravel for drainage.
How often should I water bathroom succulents?
Wait until soil is completely dry, then water deeply. This may vary from weekly to every 2-3 weeks depending on conditions. Let excess flow out drainage holes.
Should I fertilize succulents in my bathroom?
Apply a balanced diluted cacti fertilizer every 3-4 months during active growth in spring and summer. Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
With the right plant picks, care techniques, and decor, you can create a stylish succulent oasis even in the challenging conditions of bathrooms. Try out a variety or two, and see how they enhance your space with their sleek, sculptural beauty.
Can succulents survive in a bathroom?
To answer your question quickly, yes, you can put succulents in the bathroom. However, some succulents will do better there than others.
When people bring plants indoors to beautify spaces, the bathroom is often the last place they think of.
This is because most bathrooms normally have high humidity and do not get much sunlight. However, most succulents (not all) are naturally hardy, they can thrive in typical bathroom conditions.
Because they like high humidity and some shade, these succulents do best in bathrooms that have low light, indirectly lit light, or filtered light.
Which succulents and cacti are suitable for bathrooms?
Bathrooms usually have high humidity and little sunlight which are not suitable for most house plants. However, there are plants that actually thrive in such conditions. These include tropical plants like ferns, air plants, and the Peace Lily.
As mentioned, some varieties of succulents and cacti are highly tolerant to low light and high humidity conditions. These indoor plants also have amazing air purification benefits as well.
Let’s take a look at a handful of these guys to put on your shopping list.