Who doesn’t love having some greenery and plants in every room? They’re brilliant at improving our moods and making us feel better.
Ok, that might be a stretch! But they’re still great though. And having plants in your bathroom can turn it from something that feels more like a clinic into a spa.
But how do you grow plants in a bathroom without windows?
Well, that depends. What’s your bathroom like? Is it steamy or dry? How often are you in there with the lights on? Do you have space for plants or just small shelves? There’s a lot to think about.
If you’re looking for a simple solution then plants that are fine without much light are probably your best option. You won’t need a grow light as a regular bathroom light will be enough and other than that you care for them in the same way as in any other room.
So I’ll show you the best plants for bathrooms without windows, how to care for them, what to think about in terms of light, the best pots and more.
Can Plants Grow in a Bathroom Without Windows?
Simply – yes. Nature intended plants to grow with sunlight, so that’s what they prefer. But whilst they won’t grow as well as if they were in a sunny spot, there are lots of plants that survive and even do well in bathrooms without natural light. If you get the artificial light right and have appropriate humidity levels you can have some lovely plants in your bathroom.
Things to Consider in a Bathroom Without Windows
The first thing to think about is the light. Further down we will look at artificial lighting but for now you should be looking at plants that can grow in low light.
Don’t choose plants that need bright, direct sunlight – they just won’t survive. And plants that are already stressed are likely to struggle even more as they get used to an environment that isn’t right for them.
Humidity is actually your friend here. Most bathrooms have higher humidity because of the showers and baths, and lots of houseplants love this. To some extent this offsets the lack of light in a bathroom.
Also think about your bathroom habits. If you rarely use it, the lights will be off most of the time. If it’s your main bathroom the plants will at least get some artificial light when you’re in there.
The Best Plants for Bathrooms Without Windows
1. Snake Plant
Snake plants are one of the toughest houseplants around. They don’t mind the little light you get in a windowless bathroom. And they’re pretty hard to kill, which is always a bonus for any of us who might forget to water our plants.
They like to dry out between waterings, making them perfect for bathrooms where you might forget to water regularly. They come in a few different patterns and heights, from the dwarf varieties (about 8 inches) to the bigger ones (up to 4 feet).
I’ve had a snake plant in my downstairs toilet (no window) for over 2 years now. It’s not growing very fast but it’s still alive and still green which is a win in my book!
Water Needs: Let the soil dry completely between each watering.
Light Needs: Doesn’t mind very low light though they grow faster with more light.
Humidity: Not fussy, will be fine with dry or humid conditions.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is basically impossible to kill. It grows from rhizomes that store water, which means it can go for weeks without needing water.
It does grow slowly in low light though but will stay healthy for long periods with only the most minimal care. Their stems and leaves have a waxy costing that keeps them looking healthy appearance even in conditions they don’t particularly like.
Water Needs: Allow the soil to dry out completely; they hate sitting in wet soil.
Light Needs: Doesn’t mind very low light conditions.
Humidity: Adaptable to any humidity level.
If you’re not convinced try these 10 benefits of growing a ZZ plant to change your mind.
3. Pothos
Golden pothos, silver pothos, neon pothos – all varieties are fine low light situations. They’ll grow more slowly without windows, but they look so good it’s worth it.
Pothos can be grown in water alone, which is a fun option for bathrooms. Just put the cuttings in a glass container and change the water every couple of weeks. If you’re growing it in soil then they like to dry slightly between waterings.
Water Needs: Let the top of the soil dry before watering again.
Light Needs: Fine with to low light; some of the variegated varieties may fade a bit and lose their color.
Humidity: Likes humidity but doesn’t need it.
For more help with pothos plants see
4. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are one of the few plants that will actually bloom without much light, although they won’t have as many flowers if they were in a brighter spot.
They love humidity and will let you know when they need more water by drooping their leaves. They’ll perk back up quickly after getting some water though.
Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Light Needs: Is fine low light.
Humidity: Loves high humidity, so great for being near a shower.
Grow a peace lily with this easy guide and tips for successful and healthy peace lilies.
5. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreens look fantastic and come in lots of different patterns. From green and silver to even sometimes pink or red. The darker green varieties are best for very low light.
They grow well in bathrooms and don’t need a lot of maintenance. They’ll like the humidity and can deal with irregular watering.
Water Needs: Let the top inch of soil dry out between each watering.
Light Needs: Is happy with low light; varieties with more color need a bit more light.
Humidity: Enjoys humidity which makes it just right for bathrooms.
6. Cast Iron Plant
With a name like “cast iron” you know this plant means business. They got their tough reputation during the Victorian era when they survived in dark homes that would have killed most other plants.
The grow slowly but steadily and can reach about 2 feet in height. They’re perfect for bathroom corners or on the tops of then counters.
Water Needs: Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Light Needs: One of the houseplants that’s most accepting of a lack of light.
Humidity: Not particular about humidity levels.
7. Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the mosts adaptable houseplants. They’ll grow fewer “babies” (the small plants that grow from their stems) in low light but will still look good.
They’re pretty relaxed when it comes to light and humidity and are excellent at purifying the air. The variegated varieties may lose some of their stripes in very low light though.
Water Needs: Keep the soil lightly moist.
Light Needs: Adapts well to low light though the variegation may fade.
Humidity: Is fine with average to high humidity.
Get started with spider plants using this simple guide to growing them.
8. Philodendron
Philodendrons, especially the heartleaf variety, are great for bathrooms.
In fact I’ve found that philodendrons are some of the most forgiving plants when it comes to light. Mine sits on top of my bathroom cabinet and only gets light when I’m in there brushing my teeth or showering. But it’s still giving me new leaves regularly.
Water Needs: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Light Needs: Ca adapt well to low light.
Humidity: Likes high humidity.
9. Ferns (Boston Fern, Bird’s Nest Fern)
Ferns are perfectly suited for bathrooms as they love humidity. The Boston fern and Bird’s nest fern are particularly good choices for windowless bathrooms because they don’t mind a lack of light and cope with better than some other types of ferns.
They will appreciate being near showers as they can then enjoy the steam fork them.
Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist.
Light Needs: Like indirect light but don’t mind lower light.
Humidity: Do well in high humidity; bathroom steam is perfect.
10. Dracaena
There are a few types of Dracaena that grow well in low light, the likes of Dracaena fragrans (corn plant) and Dracaena marginata (dragon tree). They grow slowly in less light but stay looking good with minimal care.
Water Needs: Let the soil dry out slightly between each watering.
Light Needs: Doesn’t mind low light, though in the very dark it may cause some leaves to drop off.
Humidity: Likes humidity but doesn’t require it.
11. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo isn’t bamboo at all – it’s actually a type of Dracaena. It can grow in water alone which is useful for bathrooms. It’s got no problems with low light and requires minimal care.
Water Needs: If growing in water then change that water every 2 to 4 weeks.
Light Needs: Very tolerant of low light.
Humidity: Adaptable to all humidity levels.
12. Prayer Plant
Prayer plants like medium light but a lot of the varieties can also adapt to lower light too, especially if they get a good amount of artificial light when the bathroom is in use.
Water Needs: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Light Needs: Likes medium light but can get on fine with lower light.
Humidity: Loves high humidity so the steam from a bathroom is ideal.
Artificial Lighting Options
If your bathroom really doesn’t get any natural light at all you then it might’ve worth using something to get additional light.
LED grow lights: You can install these under cabinets or shelves and they will give your plants all the light they need.
Full-spectrum LED bulbs: Replace your regular bathroom bulbs with full spectrum versions that copy natural sunlight.
Timer controlled lights: Set lights to stay on for 8 to 12 hours every day to give your plants light even when you’re not using the bathroom.
Remember that even plants that don’t mind low light need some light. If your bathroom is pitch black most of the time then you’re going to need to use either an artificial light or move your plants to brighter spots on a regular basis.
FAQ and Tips
How Often Should I Water Plants in a Bathroom Without Windows?
It depends on the plant but generally less often than the same plants in brighter spots. Plants grow more slowly in low light and therefore use less water.
Will My Plants Get Leggy Without Windows?
Yes, this does happen sadly. Plants stretch toward the light so you might notice them leaning toward the door or any artificial lights you’re using.
Rotate them from time to time to get even better growth and just accept that they may be a bit more stretched out than the same plants if they were growing in a brighter spot.
Can I Use Regular Light Bulbs for Plants?
Standard bulbs give some light plants can use but they’re not great. Full spectrum LEDs or grow lights specific for plants are much better if you want your plants to really well rather than just survive.
How Do I Know if My Bathroom Is Too Dark for Plants?
If you can’t read a newspaper in your bathroom with just the current light, it’s probably too dark for most plants without using some extra grow lights. Start with the plants on this list that don’t mind very little light (snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos) and see how they do.
Should I Fertilize Plants in a Low-Light Bathroom?
Yes, but not as often as plants in brighter spots. In very low light plants grow more slowly and need less nutrients. Fertilize at half the recommended strength and about half as often as recommended on the package.
Can I Grow Succulents in a Bathroom Without Windows?
Generally not recommended. Most succulents need bright light and low humidity which is the opposite of what a windowless bathrooms have. So stick with the plants recommended above for a better chance of success.
Final Thoughts
Growing plants in a bathroom without windows isn’t impossible you just have to choose the right types and know what they need. The high humidity in bathrooms actually makes them perfect for a lot of plants, especially the ones that are originally from tropical areas.
Don’t worry if it doesn’t work out on your first try though. It might take some trial and error to get right.
Start with one or two of the plants that are hard to fail with, like snake plants or ZZ plants, then maybe as you get more confident try other ones.
I hope this has helped you find a houseplant for your windowless bathroom. With a bit of care and the right choice even the darkest bathroom can become somewhere that is a home to plant life.
And don’t forget that even if they grow a bit slower or look a little different than they would in better conditions it’ll be worth the extra attention they might need.
