5 Low-Light Bathroom Plants Only Experienced Plant Lovers Know About

2. Microsorum Musifolium (Crocodile Fern)

Okay, so after my Silver Bay success, I got cocky and decided to hunt down something even more exotic. That’s when I discovered the Microsorum Musifolium – and let me tell you, this plant is absolutely wild.

The first time I saw those textured leaves, I literally thought someone was pranking me with a fake plant. The resemblance to actual crocodile skin is uncanny – hence the nickname that stuck.

Those Incredible Crocodile-Textured Leaves

The leaf texture on this fern is unlike anything else in the plant world. Each frond has these raised, bumpy patterns that create shadows and depth – it’s like nature decided to get artistic.

I’ve had guests ask if it’s real because the crocodile skin pattern looks almost too perfect to be natural. The texture becomes more pronounced as the plant matures, which makes older specimens incredibly striking.

Light reflection off those textured surfaces creates this amazing visual interest that changes throughout the day. In my bathroom’s morning light, the leaves look completely different than they do under evening LED lighting.

The deep green coloration with subtle blue undertones makes this fern a showstopper against white bathroom tiles. It’s definitely a conversation starter when people notice it during dinner parties.

Why It Crushes Boston Ferns in Bathrooms

I used to be a Boston fern devotee until I discovered how much better Crocodile Ferns handle bathroom conditions. Boston ferns are drama queens – they drop leaves if you look at them wrong.

Humidity tolerance is where Crocodile Ferns really shine. While Boston ferns get crispy edges from inconsistent moisture, this epiphytic fern actually loves the steam fluctuations.

The root system is completely different – Crocodile Ferns naturally grow on trees in tropical forests, so they’re designed for the kind of moisture cycling that happens in bathrooms.

Temperature stability is another huge advantage. Boston ferns hate the temperature swings from hot showers, but Crocodile Ferns just roll with it like they’re back in their native Malaysian rainforest.

Mounting Techniques for Living Wall Art

This is where things get really fun – wall mounting transforms your bathroom into a tropical oasis. I spent weeks researching the best mounting techniques after my first attempt was a disaster.

Sphagnum moss is your best friend for mounting Crocodile Ferns. I wrap the root ball in damp moss, then secure it to a piece of cork bark or driftwood with fishing line.

The key is creating proper drainage while maintaining moisture retention. I learned this after my first mounted fern developed root rot from staying too wet.

Placement height matters more than I initially realized. Mount your fern at eye level or slightly above – the textured leaves look best when viewed from below at an angle.

For small bathrooms, I recommend using floating shelves with mounted specimens rather than trying to create a full living wall. Less overwhelming but still incredibly impactful.

Seasonal Care That Actually Works

Winter care threw me for a loop the first year – I didn’t realize these ferns need different treatment during dormant months. Growth slows dramatically from November through February.

Watering frequency needs to drop by about 50% during winter months. The bathroom humidity stays consistent, but the plant’s water uptake decreases significantly.

Spring awakening is when Crocodile Ferns really take off. I increase watering and start a monthly feeding schedule with diluted liquid fertilizer once new growth appears.

Summer maintenance involves more frequent misting of the moss mounting medium. The increased air conditioning can dry out mounted specimens faster than potted ones.

Sourcing These Rare Beauties

Finding Microsorum Musifolium took me months of searching. Your typical big box stores don’t carry this rare fern variety – you’ll need to get creative.

Specialty online nurseries are your best bet, but expect to pay$40-80 for a decent-sized specimen. It’s worth every penny once you see how it transforms your space.

Plant swaps and Facebook groups sometimes have collectors selling divisions. I found my second Crocodile Fern through a local rare plant group for half the retail price.

Etsy sellers occasionally have small specimens, but quality varies wildly. Always check seller reviews and ask for recent photos before purchasing.

Botanical gardens sometimes have plant sales where you can score unusual varieties. I got lucky at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s annual sale last spring.

Want to add some serious color drama to your bathroom plant collection? Click below to discover the Peperomia Clusiifolia ‘Rainbow’ and learn why its pink edges are driving plant collectors absolutely crazy! 🌈