It’s true most cacti live in the driest places and can withstand the intense sun. Despite this, there are those cacti that still need some moisture, especially in the driest months of the year. Such cacti can do well in the bathroom, where there’s plenty of moisture in the air.
But can cacti really thrive in the bathroom? Well, the answer to this depends on the species. Some species can thrive well in low and humid conditions, while others require drier climates. The ones that survive well in the bathroom absorb the excess moisture in the air and use them for their growth. Cacti plants such as snake plants, orchids, jade plants, mistletoe, and zebra plants can do well in the bathroom.
It’s not only the plants that will benefit from the moisture in the bathroom. A touch of greenery from precious cacti can also give a rather dull bathroom some life. Cactuses give your bathroom the beauty it deserves at a cheaper cost with less maintenance. They also purify the air and ensure you get a good supply of oxygen in the bathroom.
If you want to know how cacti survive in the bathroom and which types do well in such conditions, you’re in the right place. Read this article to the end to learn about that.
Can Cactus Do Well in the Bathroom?
Before you introduce your precious cactus in the bathroom, you need to know if they can survive there. Fast forward, everyone understands that cacti need lots of sunlight, and even those who prefer shade still need a few hours of sunlight. So, what happens to your precious cactus kept away in the confines of the bathroom that sometimes don’t even have a window?
Well, cacti are not the same, and not all of them need direct sunlight. There’s no denying that those cacti that can survive in the bathroom still need some light, and you need to find them an artificial light that you can’t get directly from the sun.
Some cacti species can survive well in a humid environment because they can absorb excess water from the air. They absorb the water in the air and keep them for future use. These cacti can thrive well in the humid environment hence ideal for giving your bathroom some beautiful greenery.
The cacti have different adaptation techniques that enable them to cope with low light conditions. But if your bathroom doesn’t get enough light, you can use artificial lighting to provide grow light to your bathroom cacti.
But even in humid conditions, don’t forget that these cacti still need moisture, and you should never forget to water them. Ensure you water your bathroom cacti from time to time whenever you feel that the soil is dry. If your bathroom has a window, this will be the ideal place to keep them.
Benefits of Keeping Cactus in the Bathroom
If you keep your cactus in the bathroom, it’s not only the plant that will benefit, but you’ll also share the benefits. Here are some of the advantages you get from growing your cactus in the bathroom.
Get a Touch of Greenery
The bathroom is a dull place but also deserves some makeover with a touch of nature. The striking appearance of your cactus plant is enough to give your bathroom the appeal that everyone will notice. If you get the perfect cacti for your bathroom, you’ll get decorative plants with colorful pots. To maintain their striking appearance, make sure they grow in ideal conditions by ensuring your pots get perfect drainage holes at the bottom.
Air Purification and Oxygen
The bathroom area is usually small and enclosed. This is likely to make them get damp and smelly. Having some plants there purifies the air, and there’s no better plant to do this than cacti. While purifying the air, your cacti will also provide the bathroom area with fresh oxygen that everyone needs while having a relaxing bath.
To ensure you receive enough oxygen, cacti use the carbon dioxide in the air for photosynthesis and give out fresh oxygen. So, if you’re craving for some fresh air supply in that small room, it will be a good idea to get some cacti in there.
You’ll Feel More Relaxed
After a long day of work or having some outdoor fun, you’ll feel so exhausted and drenched in sweat. The bathroom becomes the ultimate place to refresh. If your bathroom has some plants, you’ll feel much calmer and relaxed taking a refreshing bath. So, if you’re always looking forward to some refreshing moments in your bathroom, add some touch-ups to it by growing cacti in there.
Drawbacks of Growing Cacti in the Bathroom
While cacti do great in the bathroom, growing them there also comes with some drawbacks. Here are some cons of growing cacti in the bathroom you should watch out for before you proceed.
The Cactus Can Grow to Big
Imagine taking a shower, but the plants you have in the bathroom keep scratching your back? Some cacti can grow so big that the small space in your bathroom might not accommodate them anymore. The feeling of the plants touching you can be unsettling. Unless you have enough space, some cacti plants might not be ideal for the bathroom, even if they can still thrive there.
You Might Forget to Water Them
Just because your plants are in the bathroom with plenty of moisture doesn’t mean you should neglect their need for some water. Many people make the mistake of thinking their plants get enough water from the atmosphere; hence, they don’t need watering. The plants require less frequent watering, but this doesn’t mean they can do without watering completely.
The Possibility of the Cactus Dying
Remember, your bathroom environment is not the natural habitat of your cacti, and the possibility of them dying there is high. Apart from high humidity, the bathroom is also exposed to various chemicals from your shower gels that might not be favorable to them. If you leave the bathroom window open, some may not like the drought.
How to Keep Your Plants in the Bathroom
If you’re going to put some plants in the bathroom, you’ll need to enjoy their beauty. This will depend on how you keep them in the bathroom in the first place. There are several ways to display your plants in your bathroom and enjoy the breathtaking view of nature.
The best and most common way of all of them is the use of hanging baskets placed near the bathroom window. Make sure it doesn’t get splashed with water. Another option is the bathtub tray to give the space a classy look. If your bathroom receives very low light, the window sill can be an excellent location for your cactus.
Cactus Plants That Grow in the Bathroom
There are plenty of cactus plants that can grow well in the bathroom as long as they get the care they need. Here are a few of those species to look for.
Snake Plant
Snake plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue. This plant is nearly impossible to kill, and you can find different varieties in almost all growing conditions. The plant can tolerate both low light and bright light conditions. The bathroom is another place you can put snake plants, and it thrives perfectly, as long as you get the correct species.
Orchid Cacti
This is another great plant that grows perfectly in humid conditions and will appreciate that environment in your bathroom. You’ll appreciate having an orchid in your bathroom as it keeps the place bright with its gorgeous flowers for several months. The plant grows in bark instead of soil and prefers damp growth material but not wet. Get different orchids to your bathroom, and make sure you introduce them to the bright, filtered light in your bathroom window.
Mistletoe
This is an epiphytic cacti species that comes with beautiful white and yellow flowers. This plant is used to getting minimal and indirect sunlight thanks to its natural habitats of the South America region. The plant can do pretty well in areas with high humidity; hence perfect for the bathroom. You can put it in hanging pots in the bathroom to display its beauty.
Jade Plant
Jade plant is another great plant that you can introduce to your bathroom, thanks to its long life. The plant is super easy to care for. Jade plants will prefer warm, dry conditions but can still thrive in the moist conditions of the bathroom. Remember to keep the soil around the jade plant moist.
Zebra Plant
This is another plant that prefers bright indirect sunlight and will not mind growing in the bathroom. Make sure you water it often if you want it to grow well. If treated well, the zebra plant will reward you with its beautifully striped foliage and breathtaking golden flowers. You can use it in the bathroom or just indoors generally.
Summary
Now you have your answer. If you love cacti and are wondering whether you can also treat your bathroom to some greenery, then the answer is yes. There are plenty of cacti that can thrive under the humid conditions of the bathroom. However, you have to be careful with the types you introduce because not all cacti appreciate such environments. Also, don’t forget to take care of your cacti, such as watering and giving them the needed sunlight to thrive.
Last update on 2022-12-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
