Is The Shower The Perfect Spot For Growing Plants? Here's What To Know

One brief search on Pinterest is enough to convince anyone that turning your bathroom into a makeshift greenhouse is the most relaxing way to decorate. But while filling every nook and cranny with plants looks good, is it maintainable? Plenty of people have used greenery to elevate their washroom space and create a lush backdrop, but this trend might require a little more effort and planning than those aesthetic Pinterest boards show. While there are many plant species that like humidity, there's a big difference between healthy amounts of moisture in the air and an environment that could be detrimental for your plant babies. It would be easy to assume that your shower could be a great place to grow and house your plants. After all, they will have access to moisture and humidity, which species like Pothos and Snake plants like. While you certainly want to keep your greenery hydrated, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. 

Your shower could suit moisture-loving plants, but root rot, fungus, and even mold could become an issue if you don't have proper ventilation. Before adding in any plants, take time to research which species will thrive in lower light and higher humidity. If you plan to put plants in or near the shower, make sure they will have enough light and air circulation to avoid these issues. Air circulation is so important because it helps your roots dry enough while also giving your plants the CO2 they need and carrying away elements they don't need, like oxygen.

As long as you have a fan or a window to let in air flow, you can raise a variety of leafy friends in your shower. Consider species that aren't affected by frequent water droplets on their leaves, like air plants or moth orchids. In nature these plants grow in areas where moisture often accumulates on them. Pothos pull their water and hydration from humidity in the air as well, so you really only need to properly water them every week or two or whenever the soil is too dry. Arrowhead vines are another good plant for your humid bathroom because they like the moisture and lower light and are.

One way to avoid moisture issues is to remove plants from the shower and allow them to hang out in ventilated areas where they can dry out a little before returning them to their shelves or hanging areas. When you do this, place those that need a little more natural light near windows or other light sources. Some showers have a window in the alcove where you wash, and that could always be propped open after you finish to give plants air. If you don't have proper natural light to help your leafy friends grow, consider adding a grow light to a certain area where they can still benefit from it, or pick shade-loving plants like snake plants or spider plants. Other tips for growing healthy houseplants in your bathroom include checking the soil regularly.

If there's too much moisture and not enough airflow in your shower, some of the fungus you might expect to find on your plants is mold, root rot, and mildew, or even mushrooms. Mold and mildew can pop up on the leaves or the roots within the soil, so if your greenery isn't thriving the way it should, know how to recognize and deal with root rot. Fungus may appear in spots on your plant in yellow, black, or brown colors, and the leaves could wilt or fall off. 

Once you find the plants that will work for your space, make sure you know their watering schedule, as you will want to give them proper hydration aside from the humidity they take in. Keep plants without cluttering the shower by hanging them from ceiling hooks or placing them on your shower head. You can use the water from your bath or shower to hydrate your plants, just keep in mind how much you're adding in if going straight from the tap. It's important to still provide proper drainage for your plants to avoid root rot, so make sure to store them in pots that have holes so water can pour out and not oversaturate the soil.