Can You Put a Plant in the Shower? - Plant Care Guide

Yes, you can absolutely put a plant in the shower, and for many houseplants, it's actually a fantastic way to provide deep watering, increase humidity, and clean their leaves. This practice can mimic natural rainfall and offer numerous benefits that contribute to a plant's overall health and vigor, especially for tropical species.

What Are the Benefits of Showering Your Plants?

Showering your plants offers a surprising array of benefits that mimic natural rainfall, addressing several common houseplant issues and promoting healthier, more vibrant growth. It's a simple, yet highly effective, plant care technique.

Here are the key advantages of showering your plants:

Thorough and Even Watering: Unlike surface watering, a shower provides a deep, even soak for the entire root ball. Water saturates the soil completely, ensuring no dry pockets are left behind. This promotes healthy root development.
Washing Away Dust and Debris: Over time, leaves accumulate dust, dirt, and pet dander. Showering acts as a natural cleaning agent, washing away this buildup from the foliage. Clean leaves can photosynthesize more efficiently, leading to better plant health.
Pest Control (Physical Removal): A strong spray of water from the showerhead can physically dislodge and wash away many common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. This is a great first line of defense and can significantly reduce pest populations.
Increased Humidity: Showers naturally create a very humid environment. For tropical houseplants that thrive in high humidity, this temporary boost is incredibly beneficial, especially in dry indoor climates (due to heating or air conditioning). It helps prevent crispy leaf edges and promotes lush growth.
Rinsing Away Mineral Buildup: Tap water can sometimes leave behind mineral salts in the soil or on the leaves (white crust). Showering can help to flush out excess mineral salts from the potting mix through the drainage holes, preventing salt buildup that can harm roots.
Aeration: A good soak can help oxygenate the soil, especially if the top layer has become a bit compacted.
Stress Reduction: For some plants, the gentle "rain" of a shower can be a refreshing and invigorating experience, mimicking their natural environment and contributing to their overall well-being.

Incorporating a regular shower routine into your plant care can lead to noticeably healthier, happier houseplants.

How Often Should You Shower Your Houseplants?

The frequency of showering your houseplants depends on several factors, including the plant's species, the season, the indoor environment, and the presence of pests. Generally, showering is not an everyday task but a periodic treatment.

Here's a guide to how often you should shower your houseplants:

For General Health and Cleaning:
- Most houseplants benefit from a shower every 2-4 weeks during their active growing season (spring and summer). This helps wash dust off leaves and provides a thorough watering.
- During dormancy (fall and winter) or if your indoor environment is naturally humid, you might reduce this to once a month or every 6-8 weeks.
For Pest Control:
- If you notice a pest infestation (like spider mites or aphids), you might shower the affected plant every 3-5 days for a couple of weeks to physically dislodge the pests and disrupt their life cycle. Combine this with other pest treatments.
For Humidity Lovers:
- Plants that thrive in high humidity (ferns, calatheas, peace lilies, philodendrons) will especially appreciate regular showers, perhaps every 1-2 weeks during dry periods.
For Very Dusty Homes:
- If your home accumulates dust quickly, you might increase the frequency of leaf cleaning showers to once every 1-2 weeks.
Signs Your Plant Needs a Shower:
- Visible dust accumulation on leaves.
- Leaves looking dull or faded.
- Signs of minor pest activity.
- Soil is very dry and needs a deep soak.
- Crispy leaf edges (can indicate low humidity).

Always check your specific plant's needs. Plants like succulents or cacti, which prefer very dry conditions, should be showered less frequently and only when the soil is completely dry, or you might opt for a gentle misting rather than a full shower.

What Plants Thrive with Regular Showers?

Many houseplants, especially those originating from tropical or subtropical climates, thrive with regular showers because it mimics their natural habitat's abundant rainfall and high humidity. These plants benefit immensely from clean leaves and consistent moisture.

Here are types of plants and specific examples that love regular showers:

Tropical Foliage Plants: This is the largest group, as they naturally grow in humid rainforests.
- Examples:
  - Philodendrons and Pothos: Their large leaves collect dust easily and love humidity.
  - Monstera: Benefits from deep watering and leaf cleaning.
  - Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum): Appreciate high humidity and thorough watering.
  - Calatheas and Marantas (Prayer Plants): Prone to crispy edges in dry air, so showers are highly beneficial.
  - Ficus species (Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Plant): Their large leaves collect dust and benefit from a good rinse.
  - Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia): A large, tropical plant that thrives with showers.
Ferns: Most ferns are native to damp, shady forest floors and have high humidity requirements.
- Examples: Boston fern, Maidenhair fern, Staghorn fern (can be misted or given a gentle shower).
Epiphytic Plants (with caution): While they don't grow in soil, many epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) appreciate humidity.
- Examples: Some orchids (like Phalaenopsis) can get a gentle shower, but ensure their specialized orchid bark potting mix drains perfectly and dries out quickly afterward. Avoid letting water sit in their crowns. Air plants (Tillandsia) also benefit from a thorough dunking in water, which a shower can provide.
Plants Prone to Spider Mites: Regular showers are an excellent preventative for plants that commonly get spider mites, as the mites thrive in dry conditions.
- Examples: Ficus, croton, ivy, some palms.

In contrast, succulents and cacti, which prefer very dry conditions, should be showered less frequently and only when their soil is completely dry, to avoid rot. Always know your plant's specific needs.

What Precautions Should You Take Before Showering Plants?

Before putting a plant in the shower, taking certain precautions is essential to ensure the plant's safety, prevent damage, and avoid making a mess. A little preparation goes a long way for a successful shower experience.

Here are key precautions to take:

Check Soil Moisture (Crucial):
- Only shower plants that need watering. If the soil is already very wet, showering will lead to overwatering and potential root rot. Check with a soil moisture meter or by sticking your finger into the soil.
Ensure Proper Drainage:
- Your plant's pot must have drainage holes. A pot without drainage will cause water to sit, leading to root rot. If your decorative pot lacks drainage, remove the plant from its inner nursery pot before showering.
Use Lukewarm Water:
- Adjust the shower temperature to lukewarm or room temperature. Avoid very hot or very cold water, as extreme temperatures can shock the plant and damage its roots or leaves.
Protect the Soil (for some plants):
- For plants that don't like too much direct soil disturbance (e.g., some succulents or those with delicate topdressings), you can gently cover the top of the soil with plastic wrap or a small plastic bag to prevent excessive splashing or soil from washing out. For most plants, this isn't necessary if the stream is gentle.
Clean Up Loose Debris:
- Before showering, quickly pick off any large pieces of debris, dead leaves, or visible large pests from the soil surface to prevent them from washing down the drain.
Assess Plant Size and Delicacy:
- Size: Make sure the plant can physically fit and be maneuvered safely in your shower without damaging its foliage.
- Delicacy: Be gentler with plants that have very delicate leaves (e.g., maidenhair ferns) or fuzzy leaves (e.g., African violets), as too strong a spray can damage them or cause spotting.
Consider Plant Specifics:
- Succulents/Cacti: Shower very sparingly and ensure they dry out completely afterward to prevent rot.
- Orchids: Avoid getting water directly into the crown (center where leaves emerge) to prevent crown rot. Ensure excellent drainage.
Bathroom Cleanliness:
- Ensure your shower stall is clean and free of harsh chemical residues that could splash onto your plant.
Post-Shower Drying:
- Allow the plant to drain thoroughly in the shower or bathtub for 15-30 minutes before returning it to its spot. Do not let it sit in standing water. Ensure good air circulation to help leaves dry, especially for fuzzy-leaved plants or those prone to fungal issues.

By following these precautions, you can safely give your plants a refreshing and beneficial shower.

Can Shower Water Damage Plants?

Generally, shower water (tap water) is safe for plants, and showering can be highly beneficial. However, in certain circumstances, the characteristics of your tap water can potentially cause minor damage or issues for sensitive plants.

Here's how shower water could potentially cause damage:

Chlorine/Chloramines:
- Concern: Many municipal water supplies contain chlorine or chloramines to kill bacteria. While usually at low levels, some very sensitive plants can react to these chemicals, especially with prolonged exposure.
- Impact: Can cause yellowing or browning of leaf tips, especially in ferns or prayer plants.
- Mitigation: Let tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate (doesn't work for chloramines). Some gardeners use a shower filter or collect rainwater for their sensitive plants.
Hard Water (Mineral Buildup):
- Concern: Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- Impact: Can leave unsightly white mineral spots on leaves, especially on plants with glossy or dark foliage. While not directly damaging to the plant's health, it can block some light and reduce aesthetic appeal. Can also contribute to salt buildup in soil over time if not occasionally flushed.
- Mitigation: Wipe leaves dry after showering, or use distilled/rainwater for sensitive plants. Regular showering itself helps flush minerals from the soil.
Water Temperature Extremes:
- Concern: Very hot or very cold water.
- Impact: Hot water can scald leaves and shock roots. Cold water can also shock roots and cause chilling damage, especially for tropical plants.
- Mitigation: Always use lukewarm or room temperature water for showering plants.
Excessive Water Pressure:
- Concern: A very strong, direct jet of water from the showerhead.
- Impact: Can physically tear or bruise delicate leaves, damage tender stems, or dislodge small plants from their pots.
- Mitigation: Adjust the showerhead to a gentle, rain-like spray setting.

For the vast majority of houseplants, a gentle shower with lukewarm tap water, followed by good drainage, will be highly beneficial and cause no harm. Only for particularly sensitive plants or if you have extremely hard/chlorinated water might you observe minor issues.

How Do You Clean Plant Leaves Effectively in the Shower?

Cleaning plant leaves effectively in the shower involves a gentle but thorough process to remove dust, debris, and potential pests without harming the plant. The goal is to maximize the benefits of the shower.

Here's how to clean plant leaves effectively:

Prepare the Plant:
- Watering Status: Ensure the plant's soil is dry enough to need watering.
- Remove Debris: Before putting it in the shower, pick off any large, dead leaves or obvious debris from the pot or soil surface.
Adjust Water Temperature and Pressure:
- Turn on the shower and adjust the water to lukewarm or room temperature.
- Adjust the showerhead to a gentle, rain-like spray setting. Avoid a strong, direct jet that could damage delicate leaves.
Place the Plant in the Shower:
- Position the plant directly under the shower stream. For taller plants, you might need to use a sturdy stool or shelf in the shower.
Spray All Surfaces (Top and Bottom):
- Allow the gentle stream to thoroughly wet all the leaves.
- Crucially, angle the showerhead or turn the plant to ensure water reaches the undersides of the leaves. Many pests (like spider mites) hide here, and dust accumulates on both surfaces.
- Rotate the plant to ensure even coverage.
Gentle Manual Assistance (Optional):
- For plants with very large or dusty leaves (e.g., Ficus lyrata, Monstera deliciosa), you can gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth or sponge (just water, no soap!) while the water is running. This helps to loosen stubborn dust or grime.
- You can gently rub away any visible mealybugs or aphids with your fingers or a soft brush if present.
Flush the Soil:
- Allow the water to run through the potting mix for several minutes, flushing out any accumulated mineral salts or debris in the soil.
Thorough Draining:
- Once the leaves are clean and the soil is thoroughly saturated, turn off the water.
- Leave the plant in the shower or bathtub for 15-30 minutes to allow excess water to drain completely from the pot's drainage holes. Do not let it sit in standing water.
Air Dry Leaves (Important):
- Before returning the plant to its spot, allow the leaves to mostly air dry. For plants prone to fungal issues (e.g., those with fuzzy leaves), ensure good air circulation to help the leaves dry faster. You can gently blot larger leaves if desired.

By following these steps, you'll give your plants a refreshing spa treatment that cleans their foliage, promotes health, and keeps them looking their best.

Can Showering Plants Help with Pest Control?

Yes, showering plants is a highly effective, natural, and non-toxic method for pest control, especially for common houseplant pests. The physical action of the water stream is often enough to dislodge and remove many unwelcome invaders.

Here's how showering helps with pest control:

Physical Dislodgment:
- A strong, yet gentle, spray of water from the showerhead can physically knock off many soft-bodied pests like spider mites, aphids, and even mealybugs from the plant's leaves and stems.
- It's particularly effective at reaching the undersides of leaves, where many pests hide and lay eggs.
Disrupts Life Cycles:
- Regular showering helps to disrupt pest life cycles. By removing adults and nymphs, it prevents them from reproducing and establishing large, destructive colonies.
- For pests like spider mites that thrive in dry conditions, increasing humidity temporarily (during and after the shower) also creates a less favorable environment for them.
Washes Away Honeydew:
- Pests like aphids and mealybugs excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. This can attract ants and lead to sooty mold growth. Showering washes away this honeydew, keeping leaves clean and removing a potential food source for other problems.
Reveals Hidden Pests:
- The act of moving and closely examining your plants for a shower often allows you to spot nascent pest infestations before they become severe, enabling early intervention.
Reduces Dust (Pest Hiding Spots):
- By cleaning leaves, you remove layers of dust and debris that can serve as hiding places for pests, making your plant less hospitable to them.
Works Well with Other Treatments:
- Showering can be a first line of defense or used in conjunction with other organic pest control methods like neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. A good shower can clean the plant, making it easier for the subsequent treatments to be effective.

Important for Pest Control Showers:

Frequency: If actively battling pests, you might shower the plant every 3-5 days for a couple of weeks.
Thoroughness: Focus on spraying every nook and cranny, especially undersides of leaves and stem joints.
Gentle but Firm: Use enough pressure to dislodge pests, but not so much that you damage the plant.

Regular showers are an excellent component of an integrated pest management strategy for healthy houseplants, keeping common nuisances at bay without chemicals.

Can You Use Soapy Water in the Shower for Plants?

No, you should generally not use soapy water in the shower for plants, especially not regular dish soap or body soap. While diluted insecticidal soap can be an effective pest control agent, using it in the shower is typically not recommended, and harsh household soaps can be very detrimental to plants.

Here's why you should avoid regular soap and exercise caution with insecticidal soap in the shower:

Regular Soaps Are Harmful:
- Detergents and Chemicals: Most household soaps (dish soap, hand soap, shampoo, body wash) contain detergents, degreasers, fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals that are not formulated for plants.
- Damage Plant Cuticle: These harsh ingredients can strip the plant's protective waxy cuticle, leaving leaves vulnerable to moisture loss, sunburn, and disease.
- Clog Stomata: Soaps can clog the stomata (pores on leaves for gas exchange), interfering with photosynthesis and respiration.
- Residue in Soil: Soap residues in the soil can damage roots, alter soil pH, and inhibit nutrient uptake.
- Foaming: Creates excessive foam that is hard to rinse thoroughly.
Insecticidal Soap - Specific Use, Not General Showering:
- Purpose: Insecticidal soap (formulated with specific fatty acids) is designed to kill soft-bodied pests by disrupting their cell membranes. It's a targeted treatment.
- Application Method: It's usually applied with a spray bottle directly to affected areas, ensuring full coverage of pests, and often rinsed off after a short period (or as directed) to avoid plant stress.
- Not for General Cleaning: It's not meant for routine cleaning or deep watering in the shower. Using it this way means a large volume goes into the soil, potentially affecting the roots, and it's hard to ensure proper contact with all pests (who might get washed off before the soap can work).
- Residual Harm: Even insecticidal soaps can be drying or irritating to some plants with prolonged contact or if residue builds up in the soil.

Best Practice:

For general cleaning and hydration, use plain lukewarm water in the shower.
If you need to use insecticidal soap, treat the plant separately with a targeted spray bottle application, outside the shower, and then follow rinsing instructions. Don't use the shower as the application method for soapy solutions.

Keep your shower a soap-free zone for your plants to ensure their long-term health and avoid unintended damage.