With a little bit of know-how and some TLC, you can grow stunning orchids in almost any room of your house. But if you’re looking for the absolute perfect spot to help them thrive, look no further than your bathroom! Because of their unique needs, bathrooms offer a fantastic environment for these tropical beauties—as long as you keep a few tips in mind.
High Humidity is Key
Most exotic orchids originally come from tropical and subtropical rainforests, which means they are used to warm, steamy air. To keep them happy in your home, you’ll want to aim for a humidity level of at least 60%, though they certainly won’t complain if it’s even higher!
Why the Bathroom is an Orchid’s Best Friend
Thanks to the warm, damp air from your daily showers, bathrooms and home spas are ideal for orchid cultivation. In fact, because the air is so moist, you can usually skip the daily root misting—your orchids will simply pull the moisture they need right out of the air.
The Best Orchid Varieties for Your Bathroom
While many orchids love the steam, these specific varieties are particularly big fans of the warm, humid bathroom life:
- The classic Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
- Vanda
- Dendrobium
- Cattleya
- Pansy Orchids (Miltonia)
- Cambria
A Note on Terrestrial Orchids
Most of the orchids listed above are epiphytic, meaning in nature, they actually grow perched up on trees. Terrestrial orchids (the ones that grow in the ground) aren’t always the best fit for a steamy bathroom. However, there is one notable exception: the Jewel Orchid. This ground-dweller loves a warm, humid bathroom just as much as its tree-climbing cousins.
Caring for Your Bathroom Orchids
For the most part, caring for an orchid in the bathroom is the same as anywhere else in the house. The only real difference is that you won’t need to mist the roots as often. You still need to make sure they get plenty of water and the right nutrients. If you’re growing them in pots, just be extra careful to avoid standing water or soggy substrate, as this can lead to root rot.
The Secret to Getting New Blooms
Once the blooming period is over, you might need to give your plant a little “wake-up call” to encourage new buds. For varieties like Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, and Cattleya, try moving them to a slightly cooler spot for a few weeks. A temperature drop of about five degrees is usually enough to trigger the growth of new leaves and beautiful new flowers.
