Step into your bathroom and imagine being greeted by a vibrant oasis where nature’s beauty thrives amidst steamy showers and tranquil moments of self-care. Imagine lush green succulents delicately placed on shelves, hanging gracefully from macramé planters, or adorning your windowsill, breathing life into every corner of this often overlooked space.
Succulents are a great choice for bathrooms because they are low-maintenance and can thrive in the humid environment. They also add a touch of greenery and style to any bathroom.
In this blog post, we unveil the top 11 succulents that are not only perfectly suited for your bathroom but also possess the ability to refresh your senses, purify the air, and fill a touch of natural elegance into your sanctuary.
So, join us on this journey as we bring the beauty of succulents to your bathroom decor.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Succulents for Bathroom
Lighting Requirements and Placement Options
When selecting succulents for your bathroom, it’s important to consider the lighting conditions. While most succulents thrive in bright, indirect light, some varieties can tolerate lower light levels. If your bathroom receives ample natural light, you can opt for succulents like Aloe Vera or Zebra Plant that prefer bright conditions. Consider low-light tolerant succulents such as Snake Plant or Chinese Money Plant for bathrooms with limited light.
Placement options in the bathroom can vary depending on available space and lighting. You can place succulents on countertops, windowsills, or shelves near windows to maximize their exposure to natural light. Hanging succulents like the Fishbone Cactus can be suspended from the ceiling or wall-mounted planters to add a unique visual element.
Size and Space Limitations in the Bathroom
Considering your bathroom’s size and space limitations is crucial when selecting succulents. Opt for compact varieties like the Ox Tongue Succulent or Chinese Money Plant if you have a small bathroom with limited surface area. These smaller succulents can be placed on shelves, in small pots, or as part of a succulent arrangement.
For larger bathrooms with more space, you can experiment with larger succulents like the Elephant Bush or Aloe Vera. These statement plants can be placed on the floor in decorative pots or as focal points on a vanity or bathroom corner.
Watering Needs and Humidity Levels
While succulents are known for their water-storing capabilities, it’s essential to strike a balance with watering in the bathroom. Bathrooms tend to have higher humidity levels, which can result in moisture buildup around the succulent’s roots. To prevent overwatering and potential root rot, ensure that your succulents are planted in well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions and adjust the frequency based on the specific needs of each succulent.
Maintenance and Care Tips For Succulents in Bathrooms
Following a few care tips specific to the bathroom environment is important to keep your bathroom succulents thriving.
- Regularly monitor the humidity levels in the bathroom and provide adequate air circulation to prevent excessive moisture.
- Wipe any water droplets or condensation from the leaves to avoid fungal diseases.
- Look for pests such as mealybugs or spider mites, which can be more prevalent in humid conditions. Inspect your succulents regularly and take appropriate measures if any pests are detected.
The Top 11 Succulents for Bathroom Decor
Now that we’ve explored the factors to consider when choosing succulents for the bathroom let’s dive into the top seven succulents that are perfect for bathroom decor.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular succulent known for its fleshy, pointed leaves and healing properties. It has a striking architectural form and produces vibrant orange or yellow tubular flowers.
Care Requirements
Aloe Vera thrives in bright light and requires well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot. It prefers moderate humidity levels and can tolerate drier conditions.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Place an Aloe Vera plant on a sunny windowsill or a shelf near a window. It’s spiky leaves and vibrant flowers add a touch of drama and color to your bathroom decor.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, features upright, sword-shaped leaves with variegated patterns of green and yellow. It has a striking architectural form that adds a contemporary touch to any bathroom.
Care Requirements
Snake Plants are extremely resilient and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. They are also known for purifying the air and removing toxins. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as they are susceptible to root rot. Snake Plants can thrive in average humidity levels found in bathrooms.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Place a tall Snake Plant in the corner of your bathroom to create a bold statement. You can also opt for smaller varieties and arrange them in a grouping for a visually appealing display on a shelf or countertop.
Zebra Plant
The Zebra Plant, scientifically known as Haworthia Fasciata, is a small succulent with striking, dark green leaves adorned with white horizontal stripes. Its unique pattern resembles zebra stripes, hence the name.
Care Requirements
Zebra Plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They are well-suited for small spaces and do not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as they are prone to root rot. They can adapt to the humidity levels commonly found in bathrooms.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Display a Zebra Plant on a windowsill or shelf where it can receive partial sunlight. Its compact size and visually appealing stripes add a touch of elegance to any bathroom decor.
You may also read Bathroom Plants That Absorb Moisture
Elephant Bush
The Elephant Bush, also known as Portulacaria afra, is a versatile succulent with small, round leaves that resemble the ears of an elephant. It has a trailing habit and can be grown as a hanging plant or a bonsai.
Care Requirements
Elephant Bush thrives in bright light but can adapt to lower light conditions. It is drought-tolerant and requires infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering. It can tolerate the humidity levels commonly found in bathrooms.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Hang a trailing Elephant Bush from the ceiling or place it in a hanging basket near a window to allow it to cascade down. Its unique leaf shape and cascading growth make it a stunning addition to any bathroom decor.
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is a charming succulent with round, coin-shaped leaves with a glossy green color. It is known for its cute and compact form.
Care Requirements
Chinese Money Plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They require well-draining soil and moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. They can adapt to the humidity levels in bathrooms.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Place a Chinese Money Plant on a windowsill or a shelf where it can receive bright, indirect light. Its petite size and unique leaf shape make it a delightful addition to bathroom decor. You can also propagate it easily and create a cluster of Chinese Money Plants for a visually appealing display.
Fishbone Cactus
The Fishbone Cactus, scientifically known as Epiphyllum anguliger, is an eye-catching succulent with long, flat, and uniquely shaped stems that resemble the bones of a fish. It produces stunning night-blooming flowers.
Care Requirements
Fishbone Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot and damage the plant. It appreciates moderate humidity levels, making it suitable for bathrooms.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Hang a Fishbone Cactus in a macrame hanger near a window to showcase its unique trailing stems. Its distinctive shape and occasional blooms will add a touch of whimsy and intrigue to your bathroom decor.
Ox Tongue Succulent
The Ox Tongue Succulent, scientifically known as Gasteria, is a small succulent with thick, tongue-shaped leaves. It comes in various colors and patterns, including dark green, light green, and variegated.
Care Requirements
Ox Tongue Succulents prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. They are drought-tolerant and require infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. They can adapt to the humidity levels commonly found in bathrooms.
Placement and Styling Ideas
Place an Ox Tongue Succulent on a windowsill or a shelf where it can receive partial sunlight. Its unique leaf shape and compact size make it an interesting addition to any bathroom decor.
Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)
The panda plant, also known as the pussy ears plant, is a compact succulent with fuzzy, velvety leaves with silvery-gray color and brownish-red tips. Its soft texture and adorable appearance make it a delightful addition to any bathroom decor.
Care Requirements
- Panda plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive a few hours of sunlight daily.
- Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings, as panda plants are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Water less frequently during winter months. It can adapt to average humidity levels in bathrooms.
- Gently remove dust or debris from the leaves with a soft brush and report when necessary.
Placement and Styling Ideas
- Place a panda plant on your bathroom vanity or windowsill to add charm and a cozy, natural vibe.
- Combine panda plants with other succulents of varying textures and colors in a terrarium for an eye-catching display.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Echeverias are beautiful rosette-shaped succulents in various colors, including green, blue, pink, and purple. Their stunning colors and compact size make them ideal for adding a touch of elegance to bathroom decor.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Echeverias thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can receive several hours of sunlight each day.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and then water deeply. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
- Humidity: Echeverias prefer lower humidity levels, so ensure good ventilation in the bathroom to prevent excessive moisture buildup.
- Maintenance: Remove any dead leaves from the base of the plant and repot when necessary.
Placement and Styling Ideas
- Create a striking display by planting a variety of echeverias in a shallow, wide container and placing it on your bathroom countertop.
- Incorporate echeverias into a living wall or vertical garden to add texture and color to your bathroom space.
The String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
The string of pearls is a unique succulent with trailing stems adorned with small, bead-like leaves. Its cascading growth habit makes it perfect for hanging planters or placing them on high shelves, adding a whimsy to your bathroom decor.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: The string of pearls prefers bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it can receive a few hours of sunlight each day.
- Watering: Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
- Humidity: String of pearls can tolerate average humidity levels found in bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Trim any dry or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and repot when the plant becomes root-bound.
Placement and Styling Ideas
- For a whimsical and unique display, hang a string of pearls in a macramé planter near your bathroom window or from the ceiling.
- Combine a string of pearls with other trailing succulents in a hanging basket for a lush, cascading effect.
Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum)
The donkey’s tail or Burro’s tail is a trailing succulent with long, trailing stems covered in plump, bluish-green leaves. Its unique appearance and cascading growth make it a captivating choice for hanging planters or shelves in your bathroom.
Care Requirements
- Lighting: Burro’s tail thrives in bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it can receive several hours of sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause the delicate leaves to become mushy and rot.
- Humidity: Burro’s tail can tolerate average humidity levels in bathrooms.
- Maintenance: Avoid touching or moving the stems frequently, as they are delicate and prone to breaking. Repotting is rarely needed.
Placement and Styling Ideas
- Hang a trailing donkey’s tail in a macramé hanger near your bathroom window to create an enchanting display.
- Place the potted donkey’s tail on a high shelf or ledge where its cascading stems can drape down, adding a unique focal point to your bathroom decor.
FAQ
Q: Do succulents do well in bathrooms?
A: Yes, succulents can thrive in bathrooms. Many succulent varieties can adapt to the conditions typically found in bathrooms, such as lower light levels and higher humidity. However, choosing the right succulent species that can tolerate these conditions is important.
Q: Can succulents survive in a windowless bathroom?
A: Succulents generally require some light to thrive, so a completely windowless bathroom may not provide enough natural light for them. However, you can still successfully grow certain low-light-tolerant succulents in a windowless bathroom by using artificial grow lights or occasional exposure to natural light from other areas of your home.
Q: Which succulents like humidity?
A: While most succulents prefer drier conditions, a few succulent species can tolerate higher humidity levels. Some examples include Rhipsalis, Hoya, and certain varieties of Echeveria and Haworthia. These succulents have adaptations that allow them to withstand more humid environments, making them suitable choices for bathrooms or other areas with increased moisture levels.
Q: Can cacti live in bathrooms?
A: Cacti, a type of succulent, generally prefer drier conditions and are better suited for environments with lower humidity. Bathrooms often have higher humidity levels and may not provide the ideal conditions for most cacti to thrive. However, some cacti species, such as Epiphyllum and certain types of Schlumbergera (Christmas Cactus), are more adaptable to increased humidity and can be considered for bathroom environments with proper care and ventilation.
Conclusion
Succulents offer a delightful and practical way to enhance your bathroom decor. With their air-purifying properties, ability to thrive in humid environments, low-maintenance requirements, and natural beauty, succulents are the perfect companions for creating a soothing and rejuvenating oasis in your bathroom. From the captivating Aloe Vera to the elegant Snake Plant and the unique patterns of the Zebra Plant, there’s a succulent for every style and preference.
By considering factors like lighting, space limitations, watering needs, and humidity levels, you can select the perfect succulents to flourish in your bathroom. Remember to provide them with adequate care, including well-draining soil, appropriate watering practices, and protection from direct sunlight or drafts.
So why wait? Embrace nature’s wonders and bring the charm of succulents into your bathroom.
