do succulents do well in bathrooms

Do Succulents Do Well in Bathrooms?

Succulents are becoming an increasingly popular choice for houseplants. With their drought-resistant abilities and low maintenance needs, succulents seem like the perfect option to add some greenery to any room. But how do succulents fare in one of the most humid rooms in a house – the bathroom? Can succulents thrive in bathrooms or should they be kept elsewhere?

In short, most succulents can do quite well in bathrooms as long as some care is taken to provide the right conditions. The hot and humid environment of a bathroom replicates the native climate of many succulents. While they don’t need huge amounts of water, most succulents are adapted to seasonal rainfall and appreciate higher humidity. Bathrooms tend to provide consistent moisture from showers and baths which succulents can thrive on.

That being said, there are some factors to consider when choosing succulents for a bathroom and caring for them in this environment With the right succulent species and proper care, your bathroom can offer the perfect growing conditions for these drought-resistant plants

Choosing the Best Succulents for Bathrooms

When selecting succulents for your bathroom, choose varieties that naturally thrive in humid, tropical environments Succulents native to jungles or coastal regions are used to damp conditions and warm temperatures. Some great options include

• Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – With its upright sword-like leaves, the snake plant handles low light and high humidity well. NASA tests found it effective at removing toxins from indoor air.

• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – Spider plants have long arching leaves with baby plantlets that hang from the tips. They tolerate low to bright light and frequent watering.

• Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) – Though not a true palm or succulent, this elephat foot plant has a thick trunk and long strappy leaves. It adapts well to indoor conditions.

• Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum) – This trailing succulent has dangling stems covered in fleshy, water-storing leaves. Keep it in bright light and let the soil dry between waterings.

• Zebra plant (Haworthia fasciata) – Haworthia’s stiff, pointed leaves banded with white markings give it high humidity tolerance.

• Air plants (Tillandsia species) – With no soil needed, air plants mounted on wood or shells can add great texture. Mist them regularly.

Cacti and succulents from drier regions may not appreciate the constant humidity. Avoid placing soft-leaved succulents like some Echeveria or fuzzy-leaved plants in a steamy bathroom.

Caring for Succulents in Bathroom Conditions

To keep bathroom succulents healthy, there are some care requirements to meet:

Lighting – Most bathrooms lack sufficient natural light from windows. Place succulents near bathroom windows if possible or use grow lights to supplement.

Watering – Test soil before watering and cut back on frequency. High humidity can easily keep soil moist. Allow potting mix to dry out before rewatering.

Drainage – Use terra cotta pots with drainage holes. A porous potting mix prevents soggy roots. Add perlite, gravel or sand to mix.

Air circulation – Stagnant humid air increases rot risk. Use a small fan to keep air moving. Open windows or run bath fans when showering.

Sun exposure – If the bathroom has a sunny window, rotate plants regularly to prevent one-sided growth toward the light.

Pest prevention – High humidity can lead to fungal diseases. Remove dead leaves immediately, isolate new plants and treat any pests quickly.

Temperature – Avoid placing plants near heat sources like radiators or hot pipes. Move plants to a cooler spot if leaves brown.

Ideal Bathroom Conditions for Succulents

The bathroom environment can be manipulated to create the perfect growing space for succulents. Here are optimal bathroom conditions to aim for:

• Humidity between 40-60%. Lower humidity than a jungle, but higher than their native deserts.

• Daytime temperatures from 70-80°F. Avoid overheated or freezing bathrooms.

• Bright, indirect light up to 6 hours a day if no natural sunlight available.

• Substantial air circulation from windows, vents or fans.

• Infrequent but deep watering only when the soil dries out.

• Well-draining pots with drainage holes and quick-drying potting mixes.

By providing these favorable conditions, a bathroom can become an ideal miniature greenhouse for raising succulents indoors!

Where to Place Succulents in a Bathroom

When positioning your succulents within a bathroom, look for suitable spots like:

Windowsills – Near windows is the brightest location with fresh air. South or east facing windows are ideal. Rotate plants occasionally.

High shelves – Place small succulents above eye level out of the splash zone.

Hanging planters – Hang succulents from hooks away from showers and tubs. Plants in hanging pots need less frequent watering.

Bathroom counters – Counter spaces by sinks provide humidity and filtered light. Avoid contact with water in sinks or splashes.

Floor areas – Larger upright succulents can sit on the floor away from water sources. Keep visitors in mind.

Wall-mounted – Mounted wood boards or hanging wall planters work well for cascading or trailing succulents.

Set succulents on bathroom surfaces that won’t be damaged by moisture. Use saucers under pots to prevent stains or mold. Move plants when cleaning the bathroom.

Best Practices for Healthy Bathroom Succulents

Follow these tips and your bathroom succulents can thrive for years:

• Choose succulent varieties that like humidity and warmth. Jungle cacti, spider plants and ponytail palms are great options.

• Allow potting soil to dry out between waterings. Add sand or perlite to improve drainage.

• Provide as much bright, indirect light as possible. Supplement with grow lights if needed.

• Increase air circulation and ventilation. Run fans, open windows, keep doors open when possible.

• Remove dead leaves immediately to prevent disease. Watch for pests like mealybugs.

• Avoid placing succulents directly in shower spray, near hot pipes or on cold windowsills.

• Rotate plants to ensure even sunlight exposure to all sides and prevent stretching toward light.

• Repot every 2-3 years in the spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix.

The key to growing healthy succulents in bathrooms is choosing tropical varieties, providing light and air circulation, using well-draining soil, and avoiding overwatering. With a little attention to their care, succulents can add vibrant green accents to enjoy while you soak and relax!