Bathrooms without windows may lack natural light, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be transformed into lush, green sanctuaries. Certain low-light plants thrive in these environments, adding life and freshness to what would otherwise be a dull space. Whether you're looking to improve air quality, create a calming atmosphere, or simply add a touch of nature, there are several houseplants that are ideal for very low light conditions. Here are the top five best plants for low light bathrooms.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plants, often known as "Mother-in-Law’s Tongue," are one of the most popular choices for low-light indoor plants. Their sturdy leaves and striking green and yellow patterns make them a fantastic focal point, even in spaces with little to no natural light.
Why Snake Plants Work Well in Bathrooms Without Windows:
Snake plants are incredibly adaptable and can thrive in low light, making them perfect for windowless bathrooms. They’re known for handling both dry and humid conditions well, so they’ll stay healthy whether your bathroom is misty or on the drier side.
Besides being hardy, snake plants have the added benefit of purifying the air. Plus, they’re super low-maintenance, needing only minimal watering and an occasional dose of plant food. This makes them an easy, practical choice for bringing greenery into your bathroom with little effort!
Care Tips for Your Snake Plant:
- Water sparingly—only when the soil is completely dry. Snake plants are susceptible to root rot in overly moist soil.
- Snake plants can thrive in very low light but will do well if occasionally rotated into brighter rooms.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is famous for its glossy, dark green leaves and its remarkable resilience, making it one of the best plants for low light environments. This hardy plant is known for its ability to survive in almost any indoor setting, even those with very low light.
Why ZZ Plants Are Ideal for Windowless Bathrooms:
- ZZ plants are very drought-tolerant and thrive in high humidity, making them well-suited to the moisture levels often found in bathrooms.
- Like the snake plant, the ZZ plant is another air-purifying powerhouse.
- It’s a very forgiving plant and will continue to look healthy even with minimal care.
Care Tips for Your ZZ Plant:
- Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Place in a low-light bathroom, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a favorite among houseplants due to its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves. It’s one of the easiest plants to care for and one of the top choices for bathrooms without windows. Pothos is exceptionally versatile, adapting well to low light and high humidity.
Why Pothos Is a Great Choice for Dark Bathrooms:
- Pothos is very forgiving of low-light conditions, which is perfect for windowless bathrooms.
- It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of greenery to bathroom shelves or hanging baskets.
- This plant is also known for its air-purifying qualities, helping to improve indoor air quality.
Care Tips for Your Pothos:
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting it sit in standing water.
- Pothos prefers moderate humidity, which it will readily find in most bathrooms. Mist the leaves occasionally if the bathroom is particularly dry.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are elegant, adaptable plants known for their striking white blooms and deep green foliage. These beauties can tolerate low-light conditions and thrive in humid spaces, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms without windows. With the right care, Peace Lilies can bloom consistently, bringing a touch of brightness to even the darkest corners.
Why Peace Lilies Are Perfect for Low-Light Bathrooms:
- They flourish in very low light, so they’re ideal for rooms without windows.
- Peace Lilies enjoy high humidity and can easily absorb moisture from bathroom showers, helping them stay lush and vibrant.
- They’re excellent at purifying the air, filtering out toxins commonly found indoors, making them great for improving air quality in bathrooms.
Care Tips for Your Peace Lily:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, as Peace Lilies are susceptible to root rot in overly wet soil. For better plant care, you can use a soil moisture meter to check how wet or dry the soil is.
- If the plant starts to droop, it’s a sign that it needs watering, but it will bounce back quickly once hydrated.
- Give the leaves a gentle misting now and then to maintain the high humidity they love. We use this continuous sprayer to mist our plants. Works like a charm!
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
The Boston Fern is a lush, leafy plant that can instantly transform a dull bathroom into a verdant oasis. Although slightly more demanding than the others on this list, Boston ferns thrive in humid, low-light environments, making them ideal for windowless bathrooms where there’s natural moisture from showers.
Why Boston Ferns Work Well in Humid Bathrooms:
- They flourish in high humidity and very low light, making them one of the best low-light plants for bathrooms with little air circulation.
- Boston ferns add a touch of softness to any room with their arching fronds, creating a tropical vibe.
- They are excellent at absorbing indoor pollutants, further enhancing the air quality in your bathroom.
Care Tips for Your Boston Fern:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, as ferns do not tolerate drying out.
- Mist the leaves regularly to maintain the humidity they love. If the bathroom isn’t humid enough, consider using a pebble tray or small humidifier nearby.
Extra Tips for Growing Low-Light Plants in Bathrooms Without Windows
If your bathroom has no windows, consider these tips to keep your plants healthy and happy:
- Rotate Your Plants: Moving plants to a brighter room for a few hours each week can provide them with a little boost of indirect light without overwhelming them.
- Use LED Grow Lights: Although your plant will likely be in the dark most of the day, consider using LED grow light bulbs, so that the light quality is best for your plants while it is turned on.
- Choose the Right Containers: Opt for pots with good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots, which can lead to root rot in low-light plants. Also use pots that are not heavy so that you can easily move them around if needed. These 3D printed pots have great drainage, are light, and so cute!
Why Low-Light Indoor Plants Are Perfect for Windowless Bathrooms
Adding very low light plants to a bathroom without windows doesn’t just improve the aesthetics; it creates a calming and refreshing atmosphere. With the right plant choices and minimal care, you can enjoy a green, inviting bathroom year-round. Whether you choose a hardy Snake Plant, a classic Boston Fern, or a cascading Pothos, these low-light indoor plants will help you create a small, green sanctuary, even in a space with no natural light.
These five plants are among the best plants for low light and humidity, making them ideal for your windowless bathroom. Embrace the power of greenery to breathe new life into your bathroom today!