• Photos: Favorite plants for the bath

It's easy to turn a bathroom into a tropical paradise. And the best time is now, during the dreary winter months.

Bathrooms are the perfect home for houseplants. The moisture there bathes them and deters pests such as spider mites. Most bathroom surfaces resist water and are easily cleaned. Many have natural light. And it's handy to water plants that sit inches away from a faucet.

Louie Favorite / AJC (ENLARGE)
Frothy fern and soft white flowers add to the tranquil mood of a bath by designer Randy Korando.
Joey Ivansco / AJC (ENLARGE)
'Neanthe Belle' palm pairs nicely with a cymbidium orchid, creating a refined atmosphere next to the bathtub.
(ENLARGE)
Designer Jackie Naylor graces a garden tub with full-leaved peace lilies in built-in marble planters.
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"What's so good about a bathroom is the humidity and tropical environment.That's their natural habitat. Most houseplants originated in South America or another tropical area," said Dorthea Williamson, a Pike Family Nurseries horticulturist and buyer.

And bathrooms, which have been commanding more space in homes for years, often allow room for "private gardens."

Areas around seldom-used garden tubs are a great place to begin.

Garden tubs have been popular in Atlanta for a long time, said designer Jackie Naylor of Jackie Naylor Interiors, who is certified in kitchen and bath design. Yet, she added, most of her clients say they don't often bathe in the tub, preferring to take showers.

That space won't be wasted if the tub is surrounded by foliage that can be enjoyed every day. Don't have a garden tub? Even the smallest of bathrooms offers spots for a plant or two.

Bathroom gardeners can choose from a variety of sizes, textures and colors. Fill the room with a single variety or mix plants.

When Naylor renovated her own bathroom, she filled marble containers on both sides of her garden tub with peace lilies — exclusively.

"The peace lily is one of the easiest plants because it lets you know when it needs water. It will wilt over. It says, 'Water me,' " said Naylor.

When mixing plant varieties, pay attention to leaf size and texture. "A fern always softens an arrangement with a large-leafed plant," said Naylor.

Another consideration is color, said Randy Korando, co-owner and lead designer of Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts. He likes mixing variegated plants but says all the plants' colors must be compatible.

Those color options continue to grow. Gardeners can choose from every shade of green — including chartreuse — to black and very trendy dark purple, said Williamson.

Blooming plants are also a popular choice.

"Orchids are good. They last a long time, and you get a big bang for the buck," said Korando.

An orchid blooms for months — and can brighten bathroom gardeners' spirits all through the off season.

HOUSEPLANT TIPS

WATER

• Don't water too often. "People who say they have a brown thumb are usually trying too hard. They water plants too much," said Dorthea Williamson. She generally recommends putting a finger into the soil. If it is dry at the first joint, water the plant.

• Also recognize that plants have different needs for water. Know which of your plants require less water and which require more.

• When using water monitor sensors, removed them from the soil and wipe with a paper towel. Sensor tips can deteriorate if they are left in the soil.

LIGHT

• Keep light levels in mind when selecting plant varieties.

• Think about back lighting or overhead lighting to add nighttime drama.

"Dimmers for overhead lights, then a halogen light over a plant invites you into the room like a piece of artwork," said Jackie Naylor.

• While many bathrooms have abundant natural light, if you are renovating, consider adding a skylight in a darker room.

CHOOSING CONTAINERS

• Choosing a container is important, its color and style can make or break a room.

• Sometimes one larger pot is better than four or five little pots.

• Bring in several different pots when choosing plants to get the right match.

• Keep pots in same colors, shapes when assembling a grouping.

DRAINAGE

• Use gravel at the bottom of containers to help with drainage

• For decorative containers, many plant owners simply place potted plants inside the containers

• When repotting into a decorative or functional container, use light good-quality potting soil. When you open the container, the soil should flow easily through your fingers, not compress into a ball.

MULCHING, FERTILIZING

• Live moss can be a good cover for the soil, but when choosing it, be aware that it can hold moisture and smell musty.

• Orchid bark can also be used.

• In a contemporary setting, consider polished or tumbled stones.

• Remember that ideally, the plant should be so thick and lush that you don't need much cover over the soil.

• Consider the season when fertilizing. During active growing months (spring and summer), fertilize every two weeks. Trim back to once a month in the fall and winter seasons.

NOT RECOMMENDED

• Ferns generally shed, and can be messy. But there is an exception. If you want to use ferns, go with a "Mother fern," Aspenium bulbiferum, which loves humidity and doesn't shed.

• Cactus won?t thrive in moist bathroom conditions

• Some plants, such as Areca palm, Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, need more light than is available in many bathrooms