It’s no secret houseplants have become a phenomenon over the last several years, with studies not only showing that filling your home with leafy friends can improve mental health, but they can also actively reduce stress and aid sleep.
In that time, the indoor houseplant craze has included everything from mini succulents, huge fiddle leaf figs and even, our very own marie claire guide to letting your star sign decide which lively floral is best for your home.
The latest hanging greens trend is one that we just couldn’t wait to try: botanical showers.
Just like it sounds, the botanical shower trend is all about filling your bathroom with bright and colourful plants that make that experience all the more like a calming oasis—and it’s fitting for a year as chaotic as 2020.
“Creating a botanical shower or bathroom is all about bringing plants into the space that have properties that make you healthier and happier,” Geneva Vanderzeil, founder of Collective Gen, tells marie claire. “There are so many plants that you can bring in that will thrive in low light and humid conditions, and also purify and hydrate the air around you, making your bathroom an amazing space to be in.”
Below, we spoke with Geneva, as well as florist Sarah Amey on how best to achieve the emerging trend—from picking the best plants to how to properly care for them.
How And What Are The Best Plants To Pick For A Botanical Shower?
“All you have to do is pick some plants for the space that match the conditions in terms of light, water and airflow, and then set them up in and around your shower,” says Geneva. “It’s best to place them in locations where they won’t get any hot water on them, on ledges or hanging is a great option.”
“For the best results, I love Aloe, Eucalyptus, Monstera, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Bamboo, Ivy, Snake Plant and the Cast Iron Plant.”
“Hearty plants such as Aloe, Zanzibar, Peperomia, Devils Ivy, Monstera and Maidenhair Ferns all work really well because they enjoy the humidity and moisture that the shower creates,” adds Sarah.
How Does One Care For And Ensure The Longevity Of Their Plants?
The good thing about this trend is it looks great, makes you feel like you’re immersed in nature and requires little upkeep.
“The condensation from the shower will do a lot of the nourishing plant care work for you on a daily basis,” says Sarah.
What will make caring for your botanical shower easier, adds Geneva, is picking the right plants from the get-go.
“It’s important to pick plants that will thrive in the space and to consider ones that have hydrating and purifying qualities,” she suggests. “I love Aloe, Eucalyptus, Monstera, Dieffenbachia, Pothos, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Bamboo, Ivy, Snake Plant and the Cast Iron Plant”
What Are The Benefits That Go Along With A Botanical Shower?
There are “so many” benefits that go along with filling your bathroom space with more greenery, says Geneva.
“Obviously, visually this sort of space creates an amazingly calming experience, but they also purify the air, some plants actively remove toxins and also put moisture and hydration back into the air. They’re so good for body and mind.”
Sarah says, “Plants bring so much value and happiness to peoples lives and I think by including them in your shower it creates a beautiful space for a more positive wellness experience in your daily routine.”
How Can People Add To Their Self-Care Routine To Accompany Their Plant-Filled Shower?
To really make the most of the experience, try adding in products that are enriched with plant-based ingredients.
“For me, it makes sense to bring the power of plants from your space into your beauty routine,” says Geneva. “The first plant I chose for the bathroom was Aloe Vera. These plants are so incredibly hydrating, are one of the best plants to keep in the house, and due to the humidity in the bathroom, require virtually no watering.
“It’s also an insanely hydrating botanical and great for soothing your skin. I’ve noticed, personally, using the Herbal Essences bio:renew Potent Aloe collection has been so hydrating for my hair, the Aloe in it has made my hair so nourished and shiny.”
Sarah agrees, saying: “Having the perfect mix of healthy plants in gorgeous on-trend pots and top quality products like Herbal Essences bio:renew Potent Aloe collection of sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners along with their new Potent Aloe hair oils, packed full of nourishing ingredients like aloe, argan and coconut oils to use on your hair in your own botanical shower.”
