The Agony Plant on How to Master Bathroom Botanics

Every month, AnOther's dedicated Agony Plant – otherwise known as Nik Southern from the iconic London floristry Grace & Thorn – draws upon her extensive expertise to answer your questions and queries about best botanic practice. Today, having scoured the social media landscape, she addresses the popular question: which plants are best suited to bathrooms? 

Hi there Agony Plant, 

I don't know about you, but there's nothing I like better than a bathroom full of plants. I share a house in North London with three other girls and find that our one bathroom is not only the most used space, but also the most popular – hence why we've all spent so much time and effort trying to make it as beautiful as possible, in the hopes of creating a plush, pampering sanctuary! However, the various succulents and potted plants we've introduced to spruce it up have all either rotted (the horror) or suffer from droopy, wilting leaves. I wondered if you could give me some pointers for plants that can thrive in bathrooms through winter and beyond? 

Gratefully yours, 

Anna M-B 

Hi Anna M-B,

First things first: succulents will only survive in a bathroom that gets plenty of direct sunlight. I think in your case, with the number of girls that live in the house and the amount of action your bathroom gets, would only lead to creating a hostile environment for the humble desert plant, which flourishes in dry conditions.

Succulents are drought-resistant plants and don't bode too well in humid environments, which can cause that rotting of the leaves of which you speak. Personally, I would opt for plants that LOVE humidity (remember: always take a plant back to its roots – its natural environment – to see it thrive).

For example, Maidenhair Ferns and Boston Ferns all enjoy bathroom humidity as they originate from forests and swamps. The best bathroom plants have low light requirements, as many bathrooms have small or no windows. Other brilliant options are Spider Plants, (easy, easy, easy and they produce babies in the spring!) Philodendrons, (a beautiful, fast-growing hanging plant) and Calatheas (a patterned tropical dream). 

Remember, plants are dormant during the winter so they require far less watering than in the spring or summer months. Also, keep the soil of the Boston and Maidenhair Ferns moist (they appreciate a misting once a week), the other plants (Spider, Philodendron and Calathea) you should only water once the soil is dry. Good luck girls!

KEEP IT GREEN.

The Agony Plant

xoxo

NB: Have a burning question about botany? Want to ask the Agony Plant for advice? Email: asktheagonyplant@dazedmedia.com or Tweet your query to @anothermag using the hashtag #asktheagonyplant