Although bamboo varieties do exist that can be grown indoors, like the Chimonobambusa marmorea, the most popular bamboo plant, which is kept in bathrooms, is actually not a bamboo plant at all.
The Lucky bamboo plant, or Dracaena sanderiana, does well when kept in the bathroom because it thrives in areas with low light. This plant can also be kept in a bowl of water if it is still quite young, and it helps give your bathroom a very zen and oriental feel that will help you relax while you take your bath.
Lucky bamboo plant
The lucky bamboo plant, or Dracaena sanderiana, is native to the countries of Southeast Asia. This plant has been used in Feng Shui for over 5,000 years by the Chinese. This makes the lucky bamboo plant a popular gift between families and business partners. Another reason the plant is so popular is because it can be bent and shaped into different designs.
This plant is also low maintenance and very easy to care for, which is why a lot of homes and even offices have them. If the lucky bamboo is grown in water, the water just needs to be changed once a week, and if it is planted in potted soil, the soil should be damp. Never let the soil become dry, but also do not water it too much. They prefer indirect light with a room temperature of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember that these plants come from the rainforests of Asia, so simulating those living conditions is best.
How suitable is a bamboo plant for the bathroom?
Size
There are many different varieties of bamboo, which means they also come in a wide range of sizes. Some bamboo can reach up to 98 feet tall in nature. They spread using underground rhizomes, resulting in bamboo clumps. These rhizomes can be pruned to keep the bamboo from spreading too much.
Keeping bamboo small is important, especially if you wish to keep it indoors. They grow quite fast and they will take over your house if you do not keep them under control.
Humidity
Because these plants are native to rainforests, they love being in a humid environment. So, you should remember to spray the bamboo with water everyday, or you can choose to place a pebble tray below your bamboo to keep the humidity high around it.
If you are keeping the bamboo plant in the bathroom, you might not need to do either of these things since the bathroom is already pretty humid as it is.
Temperature
There is a reason bamboos are often used as a metaphor for resilience. They are very adaptable to different weather conditions. Even if they feel most at home in a tropical climate, some bamboos are also known to survive mountain and desert conditions.
Bamboo species such as Fargesia and Phyllostachys can even tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Due to the bamboo’s hardiness, the normal temperature in your bathroom should be fine for your bamboo.
Light
Bamboo is very adaptable when it comes to the light it needs to survive. They do fine in either direct sunlight or in low light situations. This makes them great choices for the bathroom.
Bamboo like the Pseudosasa japonica, Pleioblastus viridi-striatus, and the Chimonobambusa marmorea can thrive in moderate light levels when potted.
Examples of bamboos that do well in low light are Indocalamus tessellatus and the Indocalamus latifolius.
Water
The most crucial factor when growing bamboo is water. They want their soil to be damp almost all the time. If you allow the soil to become dry, the leaves on the bamboo will curl to minimize evaporation and conserve water. The moment you water the bamboo, the leaves will rehydrate and unfurl.
Can you put the lucky bamboo plant in the bathroom?
Yes, you can put the lucky bamboo plant in the bathroom, because it is not sensitive to low light conditions. It can grow either in soil or just in water, so if you do not want soil in your bathroom, you can put the lucky bamboo in a vase or bowl of water. Just place some pebbles in the container so the bamboo can root. Always check if the plant still has water so that it is always hydrated.
What are other plants that do well in the bathroom?
Orchids
Orchids do well both indoors and outdoors, depending on the species. Their beautiful flowers add a lot to the decor of a bathroom. They tend to flower in a high humidity setting, which a bathroom has.
Orchids often have a reputation for being difficult to grow because they seem delicate and temperamental, but put them on the windowsill of the bathroom where they get exposure to indirect sunlight, and the orchid should be fine.
Spider plants
This plant also does well in a dimly-lit room, which a bathroom often is. This is a great choice for the bathroom since it has the ability to remove impurities from the air. These plants also reproduce by sprouting new buds which can be repotted. They only need to be watered twice a week, and should be placed in front of the bathroom window with indirect light exposure.
Aloe vera
This succulent is one of the most popular houseplants because of how easy it is to care for. All it needs is to be situated in a spot near a window. This plant is known in many cultures as a miracle plant because of its multiple health benefits.
Conclusion
There are many different varieties of bamboo and some can grow to be up to 100 feet tall, while others can be small enough to keep as indoor plants.
While there are some true bamboo plants that can be grown in your bathroom, the most popular “bamboo” plant is, in fact, not a part of the bamboo family.
The lucky bamboo plant is a native plant of the rainforests of Asia and has been regarded as great for Feng Shui by the Chinese because of the good fortune it brings to whoever it is gifted to.
Lucky bamboo makes a good bathroom plant because it does not need a lot of sunlight to thrive. It can be planted in soil or in a bowl with pebbles and water. It is very low maintenance and can add an aura of zen and tranquility to your bathroom.
Image: istockphoto.com / asiantiger247