Integrating vining plants into your shower offers a unique opportunity to bring lush greenery into your home. This growing trend provides a distinct aesthetic and a refreshing connection to nature, transforming a utilitarian space into a vibrant, living environment.
Why Vines Belong in Your Shower
Vines in a shower space offer several benefits. Aesthetically, their trailing forms and vibrant foliage soften the hard lines of tile and porcelain, creating a more inviting atmosphere. The natural elements contribute to a soothing ambiance, cultivating a spa-like retreat. Some plants also improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, enhancing the space’s freshness.
Selecting the Ideal Vines for Your Shower
Choosing the right vines is crucial for their success in a shower environment, which typically features high humidity and often lower light levels. Plants that naturally thrive in tropical or subtropical conditions are generally well-suited for these conditions, adapting well to consistent moisture and fluctuating temperatures.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A popular and resilient choice, Pothos tolerates various lighting conditions and temperature shifts. It thrives in high-humidity environments, making it suitable for shower settings, and its trailing vines can grow quite long.
Philodendrons (Philodendron spp.): With their broad, heart-shaped leaves, Philodendrons appreciate moderate light and the moisture found in bathrooms. They are forgiving of light shifts, and their soil prefers to stay lightly moist.
English Ivy (Hedera helix): This adaptable vine tolerates low light and benefits from consistent humidity. It is known for its robust nature and its ability to climb or trail beautifully.
Hoyas (wax plants): These vining plants prefer bright, indirect light but also thrive in humid conditions, making them suitable for bathroom windowsills if sufficient light is available. They have thick, waxy leaves and many varieties appreciate the increased moisture in the air.
Staghorn Ferns (Platycerium spp.): Unique epiphytic plants, Staghorn Ferns can be mounted and flourish in humid environments with bright, indirect light. They absorb moisture directly from the air and are often displayed on mounting boards, mimicking their natural growth on trees. These ferns prefer consistent humidity and do not require soil.
Essential Care for Shower Vines
Caring for vines in a shower requires specific considerations due to the unique environmental factors. Watering needs are often reduced because the high humidity from showers keeps the surrounding air moist. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring the plant is not sitting in consistently soggy conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Light conditions in bathrooms vary significantly, from bright indirect light near windows to very low light. Plants like Pothos and Philodendron are adaptable to lower light. For plants requiring more light, consider supplementing with a grow light if natural light is insufficient.
Fertilizing shower vines should be done sparingly, typically once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Over-fertilizing in a consistently moist environment can lead to nutrient buildup. Pruning helps maintain shape and encourages fuller growth, particularly useful for managing long trailing vines.
Air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions. Using an exhaust fan during and after showers can help circulate air, reducing stagnant moisture around the plants. Periodically showering the plants themselves helps clean their leaves of dust and can deter pests, mimicking natural rainfall.
Creative Ways to Display Shower Vines
Displaying vines in your shower can enhance the space.
Hanging planters: A popular choice, suspended from ceiling hooks or sturdy shower caddies, allowing vines to cascade. Ensure the system is securely installed to support the plant’s weight, especially after watering.
Suction cup shelves: Affixed to smooth shower walls, these provide elevated spots for smaller potted vines. They suit plants that appreciate direct humid air contact without extensive trailing space.
Mounted epiphytes: For plants like Staghorn Ferns, mounting them directly onto waterproof boards or bark chips creates striking living art. This allows them to absorb moisture from the air.
Ledges: Placement on existing ledges, such as a tub or wide windowsill, offers a simple display. Use pots with drainage holes and saucers to catch excess water.
Rotate plants periodically to encourage even growth, especially with uneven light exposure.
Addressing Common Challenges
While shower environments benefit many vines, challenges can arise.
Mold and Mildew: These can develop due to constant humidity and poor air circulation. Ensure good ventilation with an exhaust fan or by opening a window after showering.
Pests: Pests like spider mites can appear, though high humidity deters some. Regularly inspect leaves and shower plants to remove dust and dislodge pests. If an infestation occurs, insecticidal soap is effective.
Insufficient Light: This can cause leggy growth. If a plant shows signs, relocate it to a brighter spot or supplement with a grow light. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or insufficient light.
Root Rot: A common issue from overwatering in moist environments. Use pots with drainage holes and allow soil to dry between waterings. If suspected, remove the plant, trim affected roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.