Chinese Evergreen in Bathroom: Benefits and Care Tips
The Chinese Evergreen, with its lush, broad leaves and captivating variegated patterns, brings a touch of elegance and tranquility to any space, and its presence in a bathroom creates an oasis of serenity. Known for its adaptability and low maintenance, this plant thrives in low light and humid environments, making it the perfect companion for a bathroom setting.
As the steam from a warm shower envelops the room, the Chinese Evergreen in the bathroom adds an air of natural beauty, its vibrant green hues softly contrasting with the sleek, clean lines of modern decor. The plant not only purifies the air but also infuses the space with a calming, tropical ambiance, transforming your bathroom into a retreat of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Is Chinese evergreen good for bathroom?
Yes, the Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is an excellent plant for the bathroom. It thrives in the humidity that bathrooms typically provide, making it well-suited to the moisture-rich environment. The plant also adapts well to low to medium indirect light, which is common in bathrooms.
Even in windowless bathrooms, it can survive under artificial lighting. Its minimal care needs, tolerance for low light, and preference for humid conditions make it an ideal choice for adding greenery to your bathroom space.
Read More: The 10 Best plants for bathroom without natural light
Does a Chinese evergreen like humidity?
Yes, the Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) loves humidity. It thrives in humid environments, which help keep its foliage lush and healthy. In fact, higher humidity levels can promote better growth and prevent issues like browning leaf edges.
This makes the plant particularly well-suited for bathrooms or other areas in the home with elevated moisture levels. If the air in your home is dry, occasional misting or placing the plant on a humidity tray can help provide the moisture it enjoys.
10 Benefits of Chinese Evergreen in Bathroom
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular indoor plant known for its hardiness and beautiful foliage. When placed in a bathroom, this plant offers numerous benefits. Here are ten detailed advantages of keeping Chinese Evergreen in your bathroom:
1. Air Purification
Chinese Evergreen is well-known for its air-purifying qualities. The plant can remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. Bathrooms often have cleaning agents and personal care products that release chemicals into the air, making this plant an excellent natural purifier.
2. Humidity Tolerance
Bathrooms are generally more humid than other areas of the home due to regular use of showers and baths. Chinese Evergreen thrives in humid environments, making it an ideal plant for bathrooms. It can also benefit from the moisture in the air, reducing the need for frequent watering.
3. Low Light Adaptability
Chinese Evergreen can tolerate low-light conditions, which are common in bathrooms with limited or no natural sunlight. This plant can still grow and maintain its vibrant foliage even in dimly lit spaces, making it a practical choice for bathrooms without direct light sources.
4. Aesthetic Appeal
The striking, colorful foliage of the Chinese Evergreen adds a touch of beauty and elegance to your bathroom decor. Its lush, green leaves with patterns of silver, white, or red can enhance the overall ambiance, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
5. Low Maintenance
Chinese Evergreen is known for being low maintenance, which is perfect for busy households. The plant requires minimal care, making it easy to maintain even in the bathroom. Its ability to withstand irregular watering and adapt to varying light conditions ensures that it stays healthy without constant attention.
6. Stress Reduction
Having plants in your bathroom, such as Chinese Evergreen, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. The greenery can create a calming environment, which is beneficial during baths or showers when you’re looking to unwind. The presence of natural elements in a bathroom can have a positive impact on mental well-being.
7. Mold and Mildew Prevention
Due to the plant’s natural ability to absorb moisture, Chinese Evergreen can help reduce excess humidity in the bathroom. This can potentially help prevent mold and mildew growth, which thrives in damp environments. While the plant won’t eliminate mold, it can contribute to maintaining a healthier bathroom environment.
8. Improved Indoor Air Quality
In addition to purifying the air from toxins, Chinese Evergreen can help increase oxygen levels in your bathroom. As part of the photosynthesis process, it releases oxygen, which can make the air feel fresher and improve overall air quality, especially in a confined space like a bathroom.
Read More: Snake Plant in Bathroom Without Window: Care Tips
9. Compact Size and Versatility
Chinese Evergreen comes in various sizes, making it versatile for bathrooms of different sizes. Whether placed on a windowsill, a shelf, or a countertop, the plant’s compact size and adaptability make it easy to fit into various bathroom layouts. This versatility ensures that even small bathrooms can benefit from this plant.
10. Enhanced Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, plants are considered to bring positive energy and balance to a space. Chinese Evergreen is believed to attract good luck and prosperity, making it an ideal plant for enhancing the energy in your bathroom. Its presence can contribute to a more harmonious environment, aligning with the principles of Feng Shui.
Care of Tips of Chinese Evergreen in Bathroom
The Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage and easy-care nature. When grown in a bathroom environment, it can thrive due to the humidity and low to medium light conditions often found in this space. Here are full care details for keeping your Chinese Evergreen healthy in a bathroom setting:
1. Light Requirements
- Low to Medium Indirect Light: Chinese Evergreen does well in low to medium light, which is common in bathrooms. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Artificial Light: If your bathroom has no windows, the plant can adapt to artificial light. Ensure it’s placed where it can receive light from a bulb, preferably fluorescent or LED lights that mimic natural light.
2. Humidity
- High Humidity: Chinese Evergreen thrives in humid environments, making the bathroom an ideal location. The humidity from showers and baths will help keep the plant happy.
- Mist Occasionally: While the bathroom’s natural humidity is usually sufficient, you can mist the plant occasionally during dry periods or if your bathroom isn’t used frequently.
3. Watering
- Keep Soil Moist but Not Waterlogged: Water your Chinese Evergreen when the top inch of soil feels dry. In the high humidity of a bathroom, it may need less frequent watering than in other areas of your home.
- Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has drainage holes and always empty any excess water from the saucer.
4. Temperature
- Stable Temperatures: Chinese Evergreen prefers temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Bathrooms generally maintain a warm, stable temperature, which is ideal for this plant.
- Avoid Cold Drafts: Keep the plant away from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops, which can stress the plant.
Read More: Snake Plant in Bathroom Feng Shui: Benefits and Tips
5. Soil
- Well-Draining Potting Mix: Use a peat-based, well-draining potting mix. You can also add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow for growth. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one.
6. Fertilizing
- Moderate Feeding: Feed your Chinese Evergreen with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Skip Fertilizing in Winter: Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down.
7. Pruning
- Remove Dead or Yellow Leaves: Occasionally, remove any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant looking its best and prevent pests.
- Trimming for Shape: You can trim back any overgrown stems to maintain a compact shape.
8. Pests and Diseases
- Watch for Pests: Although relatively pest-free, check occasionally for common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
- Prevent Root Rot: Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, which can be a concern in high-humidity environments.
9. Toxicity
- Toxic to Pets and Humans: Chinese Evergreen is toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
10. Additional Tips
- Rotate the Plant: Rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure even growth and that all sides receive equal light.
- Cleaning the Leaves: Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them looking shiny and healthy.
How often should you water a Chinese evergreen?
You should water a Chinese Evergreen when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Generally, this means watering every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the environment. Factors such as the plant’s location, humidity levels, and the season will influence how often you need to water.
For example, in a humid bathroom or during the cooler months, the plant may need less frequent watering compared to a drier room or during the warmer growing season. Be sure not to overwater, as Chinese Evergreens are prone to root rot if kept in soggy soil. Always allow excess water to drain and avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Read More: Peace Lily in Bedroom Feng Shui: Benefits and Tips
Can Chinese evergreen get too much sun?
Yes, Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) can get too much sun. It prefers low to medium indirect light and can suffer from leaf damage if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to become scorched, leading to brown, crispy patches or fading colors.
If you notice signs of too much sun, such as leaf burn or discoloration, move the plant to a spot with indirect light or filtered light. In bright, sunny rooms, you might also use sheer curtains or blinds to diffuse the light and protect your plant.
Conclusion
The Chinese Evergreen in the bathroom is a match made in heaven, combining the plant’s natural preference for humidity with the often steamy conditions of this space. Bathrooms typically offer the low to medium indirect light that Chinese Evergreen thrives on, and the elevated moisture levels from daily showers or baths help to keep its vibrant leaves lush and healthy.
This resilient plant adapts well to artificial lighting, making it a suitable option even in windowless bathrooms. In addition, its minimal care requirements allow it to flourish with only moderate attention, like occasional watering and misting.
Regular grooming and fertilizing during the growing season will reward you with a beautiful, low-maintenance green companion that enhances the aesthetic of your bathroom while purifying the air. However, ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering are key to preventing root rot in this humid environment.
The Chinese Evergreen in the bathroom not only adds a natural touch of tranquility but also provides a sense of calm and relaxation, making it an ideal addition to this often-used but sometimes overlooked part of the home.
