COLUMNIST: jordan TRAINER
An asparagus fern is one of my favourite plants for a room with high humidity. It has soft, feathery, green foliage which droops down as it matures, and looks great on a shelf or in a plant hanger.
It is best to keep an asparagus fern in a bright spot but away from direct sun. The humidity of the bathroom will benefit this plant and help to prevent any brown or dry leaf edges. When it comes to watering, allow the soil to partially dry out at the top, typically every 7-12 days for a desk size plant. If you are unsure you can place your finger into the soil and feel for dampness. Although this plant loves humidity make sure not to over-water to prevent root rot.
In the spring and summer months feed it with a liquid houseplant food for faster and healthier growth. If you prefer this plant to stay small and compact, simply snip off any branches you do not want with a pair of scissors or pruners to maintain its shape.
Re-pot every couple of years using a houseplant soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. You can also sprinkle some worm-castings around the stem of the plant for added nutrients which will filter down over time to keep the soil and roots healthy.
There are over 60 species of calathea plants and all of them thrive in high humidity rooms. They do best in humidity levels of around 75%+ making a bathroom the best location to grow in. They come in different colours, sizes, and patterns but my top pick is the Calathea concinna ‘Freddie’.
It is fairly easy to care for and much less prone to brown leaf edges and yellowing leaves. It is compact and does not get too large making it a great choice for a shelf or window area, thriving in bright, filtered light. Position it to avoid intense afternoon sun which can cause the leaves to curl up and shrivel.
Much like the asparagus fern let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry before watering, usually every 7-12 days, allowing the water to completely drain through the pot.
Calathea plants are non-toxic, making it a great choice if you have pets or small children.
Known as the Swiss Cheese plant, Monstera adonsonii is a smaller version of its cousin, the Monstera deliciosa. It is native to Central and South America where it grows like wildfire and will do the same indoors in a bright spot with medium light. It can be trained up a moss pole or rope, or just let it trail down. Although it is fast growing, the adonsonii variety has much smaller leaves, with holes in between the leaves called fenestrations, making it an ideal choice indoors.
It is best to allow the soil to only dry out slightly in between waterings, usually every 7-10 days. If you allow the soil to dry out too much the leaves at the base can quickly turn yellow and fall off. If over-watered the leaves can turn yellow with brown or black spots. Avoid this happening by checking the plant every few days.
Monstera plants should be re-potted every year or when you can see roots coming out the base of the pot. A general houseplant mix is fine but add a few handfuls of orchid bark, perlite, and some worm casting into the soil mix for best results. Feed every two weeks from March-November for better growth with a diluted liquid feed.
Howea forsteriana also known as the Kentia Palm, makes a great bathroom plant with its majestic look which will add height and structure to the space, and help to soften the hard edges and corner areas.
It is a slow growing plant but can reach a mature height of around 40 feet. It thrives in partial shade to bright, indirect exposure. Avoid direct sun which can scorch and cause the fronds to turn brown.
This palm prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil. You can achieve this by using a general houseplant soil mix and adding in some sand, grit, or perlite to increase the drainage.
A Kentia Palm prefers lightly damp soil so try not to let the soil dry out too much. Do not allow the soil to become too soggy and waterlogged. This is a common mistake and can quickly kill the plant. If you are unsure, use a moisture meter which will indicate how wet or dry the soil is.
For a bathroom with low or no natural light, a Cast Iron plant makes an excellent choice. Like the name implies, it is very hardy and can tolerate conditions other plants cannot handle.
It is a great air-purifying plant to have and will help to improve air quality within the home. The leaves are prone to collecting dust so it is a good idea to clean the leaves with a damp cloth or banana skin every few weeks to keep them shiny and looking their best.
Aspidistra does best in bright, indirect light, and will survive and tolerate irregular waterings making it a great choice for those new to plant keeping or who have busy lifestyles. Ideally it is best to allow the soil to partially dry at the top before watering, usually every 7-12 days for a smaller plant.
The Aspidistra may not be the most interesting houseplant to look at but it does add greenery, and paired with a colourful planter or plant stand, it can definitely become a focal point in a bathroom.
Jordan Trainer is Glasgow-based, plant enthusiast, and business owner of Partick Mini Market. With a passion for houseplants, he has been growing and collecting them for almost 10 years.
In his column for Scotland Grows, Jordan recommends his favourite houseplants for beginners.
Keep up with Jordan on his Instagram and Facebook feeds, or pop into his shop at 286 Dumbarton Road, Partick, G11 6TD.