Bathrooms without windows can often feel A bit lifeless and dull, But there’s an easy solution to brighten up the space. Growing plants. Believe it Or not, some plants thrive in the unique conditions Of a windowless bathroom. The humidity from showers, along with artificial lighting, can create A favorable environment for certain flora. In this guide, we’ll explore which Plants Can Grow In A Bathroom Without Windows, turning A once dreary space into A vibrant, living oasis. Whether you’re looking to add A touch of green to your décor Or seeking A new gardening challenge, These plants could be the perfect solution.
Why Is Choosing The Right Plant Important For A Bathroom Without Windows?
Choosing the right plant for A bathroom without windows is crucial because the specific conditions Of such A space can be quite challenging for many plants. The lack Of natural light, higher humidity, and potential temperature fluctuations require careful selection Of plants that can thrive under these constraints.
Selecting the wrong type of plant may lead to poor growth, disease, Or even death of the plant, failing to achieve the aesthetic Or air-purifying benefits one might seek. By choosing plants that are well-suited to A windowless bathroom’s environment, You ensure not only the health and longevity Of the plants but also enhance the overall appearance and ambiance Of the space, turning it into A refreshing and soothing retreat.
How Often Should I Water Plants In A Bathroom Without Windows?
Watering plants in A bathroom without windows requires careful consideration, As the higher humidity levels often found in bathrooms can reduce the plants’ need for frequent watering. Generally, It’s advisable to check the soil’s moisture level at least once A week by touching it. If the soil feels dry at about an inch below the surface, It’s time to water.
Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering, particularly in A bathroom where humidity may already provide some moisture to the plants. Plants like ferns, snake plants, And ZZ plants, Which are suitable for low-light and high-humidity conditions, typically need less frequent watering.
Observing the specific needs Of the chosen plants And adjusting the watering schedule based on the actual conditions in your bathroom will lead to optimal growth and vitality.
Which Plants Are Known To Thrive Best In Low Light?
In low-light environments, Such as bathrooms without windows, certain plants are known to thrive better than others due to their natural adaptation to lower light levels. Some Of the best plants for these conditions include the Snake Plant (Sansevieria), ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), and various types of ferns like the Boston Fern.
These plants are accustomed to growing under the canopy Of larger plants in their natural habitats, Where sunlight is filtered And reduced. Their ability to flourish in low-light conditions makes them ideal choices for spaces within homes that lack direct Or abundant sunlight, turning what could be A challenging environment into An opportunity for lush greenery.
Best 20 Plants That Can Grow In Bathrooms Without Windows
1. Snake Plant
Known for its tall and striking leaves, The Snake Plant is an ideal choice for A windowless bathroom. It requires minimal light and is very forgiving in terms Of watering, making it suitable for this unique environment. Additionally, It’s renowned for its air-purifying qualities, absorbing toxins And releasing oxygen.
2. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is another excellent option for A bathroom without windows. It can thrive in low-light conditions and appreciates the higher humidity often found in bathrooms. With its attractive, Arching foliage and baby plantlets that dangle down, It adds a lovely aesthetic touch.
3. Zz Plant
The ZZ Plant is known for its glossy, dark green leaves And its ability to withstand neglect. It can grow in low light and requires infrequent watering. Its resilience and stylish appearance make it A perfect candidate for A bathroom without windows.
4. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are prized for their beautiful white blooms And dark green foliage. They can grow in low-light conditions and are known to thrive in the humidity Of a bathroom. Besides adding elegance, Peace Lilies are also recognized for their air-cleaning properties, removing common household toxins.
5. Pothos
Pothos is A popular houseplant known for its attractive trailing vines And heart-shaped leaves. It’s incredibly versatile And can thrive in low-light conditions. This plant is great for A bathroom without windows, As it can tolerate neglect And still look beautiful.
6. Bamboo
Bamboo can bring An exotic and calming touch to A bathroom. It’s often used in decorative arrangements and can grow without direct sunlight. Bamboo prefers A humid environment, which makes A bathroom an ideal location. Just be cautious with watering and choose A species that’s suitable for indoor growth.
7. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is different from true bamboo And is actually a member Of the Dracaena family. It’s A favorite for indoor spaces due to its unique appearance And the belief that it brings good fortune. Lucky Bamboo can grow in low light And even thrive in just water with some pebbles, making it A fitting choice for A windowless bathroom.
8. Bromeliads
These tropical plants are known for their vibrant colors And unique shapes. Bromeliads can thrive in low-light conditions And appreciate the humidity often found in bathrooms. They require little maintenance, And their exotic appearance can add A splash Of color to the space.
9. Boston Fern
Boston Ferns are A classic choice for indoor gardening And can flourish in A bathroom without windows. They love humid environments, And their feathery fronds create A lush, natural look. Regular misting and A shady spot will help keep them happy.
10. Moss
Mosses offer an interesting option for A bathroom without windows. They thrive in damp, low-light conditions and can be used to create A living piece of art or A unique moss wall. Moss needs consistent moisture, making the humid environment Of a bathroom an ideal setting for growth.
11. Cast Iron Plant
Aptly named, The Cast Iron Plant is incredibly resilient And can endure low-light conditions and neglect. It’s an ideal choice for A windowless bathroom, offering a lush, dark green foliage that can enhance the space without requiring constant care.
12. Aglaonema
Also known as Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema is renowned for its beautiful variegated leaves and its ability to adapt to low-light conditions. It enjoys the humidity typically found in bathrooms, And its various color patterns can add A sophisticated touch to the decor.
13. Heartleaf Philodendron
With its lovely heart-shaped leaves, the Heartleaf Philodendron is A charming addition to A bathroom without windows. It grows well in low-light conditions and appreciates the higher humidity levels. Its trailing vines can create A stunning visual effect.
14. Begonia
Begonias offer an array Of leaf shapes, colors, And blooming varieties that can brighten up A windowless bathroom. While they appreciate bright light, many types can adapt to lower light levels as well. They enjoy humidity but do require careful watering, As they’re susceptible to root rot. By selecting A shade-tolerant variety and monitoring its water needs, you can enjoy the lively appearance Of Begonias in your bathroom.
15. Aloe Vera
While Aloe Vera typically loves sunlight, some varieties can adapt to less bright spaces like A bathroom without windows. It’s not just an attractive succulent but also renowned for its medicinal properties, including healing burns and skin irritations. Aloe Vera requires well-draining soil And infrequent watering, making it relatively low-maintenance. Placing it in the brightest spot you have and providing artificial light if necessary can keep it thriving.
16. Orchids
Many people are surprised to learn that some orchids can grow well in bathrooms without direct sunlight. Varieties such as Phalaenopsis Orchids can adapt to lower light levels And enjoy the humidity that bathrooms typically provide. Their stunning blooms And elegant stems can add an exotic touch to the space. Care includes allowing the potting mix to dry slightly between waterings And providing indirect artificial light if needed. Orchids may require A bit more attention but can reward you with their unmatched beauty.
17. Calathea
Known for its strikingly patterned leaves and often referred to as A “prayer plant,” Calathea thrives in low-light and high-humidity environments. The leaves’ movement, folding at night like hands in prayer, adds A unique touch. Calathea prefers indirect light And needs to be watered when the top inch Of soil feels dry. Its beauty and intriguing behavior can bring A tropical vibe to A windowless bathroom.
18. Marimo Moss Balls
These fascinating aquatic plants are A species Of green algae shaped into balls And found in freshwater lakes. Marimo Moss Balls are great for A bathroom without windows, As they thrive in low-light conditions. They can be kept in a transparent container filled with water and occasionally turned to keep their round shape. Simple to care for And intriguing to look at, They add an unusual and calming presence.
19. Anubias
Anubias is A genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants. They’re often used in aquariums but can be grown in damp, low-light conditions like A bathroom. Their lush green leaves And sturdy nature make them an attractive addition. They can be planted in soil Or grown hydroponically and appreciate the higher humidity often found in bathrooms.
20. Bucephalandra
Another aquatic plant, Bucephalandra, is slowly gaining popularity in the houseplant community. It can be grown submerged or emersed and thrives in A bathroom’s humid, low-light conditions. Its unique leaf textures and potential to bloom underwater provide A distinct visual appeal. It can be grown in A container with water or even incorporated into an indoor water feature.
Do I Need To Provide Artificial Light For My Bathroom Plants?
Artificial light may be necessary for bathroom plants if the space lacks natural light entirely, especially if you have selected plants that need more than very low light to thrive. While some plants can adapt to low-light conditions, providing artificial light can help them grow more vigorously And maintain their health.
LED grow lights Or fluorescent bulbs that mimic the spectrum of natural sunlight can be A good investment. These lights can be set on A timer to replicate a day And night cycle, usually for about 12-16 hours of light per day.
Providing artificial light not only supports the plants’ growth but can also enhance the appearance of your bathroom, allowing you to enjoy A lush, thriving green space even in the absence of windows.
How Do I Know If My Plant Is Not Thriving In The Bathroom?
Determining if A plant is not thriving in the bathroom involves observing changes And signs of distress. Common indicators may include yellowing or browning leaves, wilting, stunted growth, Or dropping leaves.
Overly dry or soggy soil can also signal improper care. If A plant that usually blooms fails to do so, Or if the foliage loses its vibrancy, These could be signs of an unhappy plant as well. The root of the problem might be related to lighting, watering, humidity, Or even disease.
Regular observation and understanding the specific needs Of your chosen plant can help you make adjustments in its care, Whether that means moving it to a better location, adjusting water frequency, providing artificial light, Or altering the humidity levels. Responding to these signs early can help you restore your plant to health And keep your bathroom’s green oasis flourishing.
How Do I Prevent Mold Or Fungus Growth On Plants In The Bathroom?
Preventing mold or fungus growth on plants in the bathroom involves careful management Of moisture and air circulation, As these environments are often humid and damp. Firstly, avoid overwatering the plants, As soggy soil can promote fungal growth. Using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes will help prevent water from stagnating.
Secondly, make sure to remove any dead or decaying plant material, As this can be A breeding ground for mold. Increasing air circulation by using a fan or regularly airing out the bathroom can also help keep the area dry And inhibit fungal growth. If you notice any signs Of mold or fungus, remove the affected parts of the plant and consider using A natural fungicide like neem oil.
Lastly, choosing plants that thrive in humid environments and carefully spacing them to allow air movement can create a healthy balance that keeps mold and fungus at bay, allowing your bathroom plants to thrive without unwanted growth.
The Final Thoughts
Cultivating plants in A bathroom without windows is A rewarding endeavor that transforms A utilitarian space into a lush sanctuary. With careful selection, plants like Snake Plant, Spider Plant, ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, Pothos, Bamboo, Orchids, Marimo Moss Balls, and many others can thrive in low-light, humid conditions typical of windowless bathrooms. While some might require artificial lighting and attention to moisture management, the diversity and adaptability of these plants offer ample opportunities to infuse life, color, And serenity into the bathroom.
By understanding the specific needs And characteristics of each plant, You can create A personalized, thriving garden that enhances your daily routines and adds a touch of nature to an often overlooked part Of the home.
