Discover the Best Plants for Bathrooms Without Windows
Want to turn your windowless bathroom into a calm, tropical retreat? Even without natural sunlight, you can still bring in lush greenery that thrives in humidity and low light.
I’ve always dreamed of having a spa-like bathroom filled with steam, cascading vines, and deep green leaves. While my home only has one small bathroom window, I’ve found that many hardy plants actually love this kind of environment.
The best plants for bathrooms without windows are those that tolerate moisture, warmth, and minimal light—like Peace Lilies, Ferns, Snake Plants, Lucky Bamboo, Air Plants, Philodendrons, Aspidistras, and Spider Plants. These not only beautify your bathroom but also purify the air you breathe.
Even without windows, most bathrooms have some artificial or reflected light, and that’s enough to help your plants thrive when paired with regular watering.
Here are the 9 best plants for windowless bathrooms that will bring life to your space.
1. Peace Lily
The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) is known for its glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms that symbolize harmony and peace. Native to South American rainforests, it thrives in humid, low-light spaces, making it perfect for bathrooms.
Keep its soil moist but not soggy, and avoid direct sunlight. Rotate it occasionally to a brighter spot for balance.
2. Ferns
Ferns love moisture and warmth, thriving in steamy bathrooms. Their long, soft fronds give your space a refreshing jungle feel while purifying the air.
The best types for dark bathrooms include:
- Boston Fern – full and classic, great for hanging pots.
- Bird’s Nest Fern – smooth, wavy leaves with an architectural look.
- Blue Star Fern – unique blue-green leaves that filter toxins.
- Rabbit Foot Fern – cute fuzzy roots that peek from the soil.
3. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is one of the toughest plants out there. It tolerates low light, humidity, and neglect like a champ. Its upright, sword-like leaves add a bold touch to small bathrooms and help remove airborne toxins.
Water sparingly and let the soil dry completely between waterings.
4. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) adds a spa-like vibe to your bathroom. It grows happily in water and needs no soil. Just keep it in a vase, change the water every couple of weeks, and watch it thrive. It’s also considered a symbol of good fortune and positivity.
5. Air Plants
Air Plants (Tillandsia) are soil-free wonders that absorb moisture through their leaves. They’re perfect for hanging terrariums or mounted displays and only need a quick soak in water once a week. Their sculptural look makes them a beautiful addition to small, steamy spaces.
6. Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also called Devil’s Ivy, is an ideal plant for low-light, high-humidity environments. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves look stunning on bathroom shelves or hanging baskets. It’s low-maintenance and forgiving if you forget to water it.
7. Philodendrons
Philodendrons are hardy and fast-growing plants that love warm, humid corners. Water them weekly and keep the soil lightly moist. Great varieties for windowless bathrooms include:
- Xanadu – compact with thick, deep green leaves.
- Heartleaf – romantic vines that thrive under artificial light.
8. Aspidistra
Nicknamed the Cast Iron Plant, the Aspidistra can handle just about anything—low light, irregular watering, and fluctuating temperatures. Its deep green leaves instantly brighten dark bathrooms. Water only when the soil is dry, and rotate plants every few weeks for a light boost.
9. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is a resilient favorite that thrives in moist, low-light spaces. Its arching leaves and small white flowers add charm to any bathroom. Even better, it naturally removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need sunlight to have a thriving bathroom jungle. With the right selection of humidity-loving, shade-tolerant plants, you can transform even the darkest corner into a soothing green sanctuary. These plants will clean your air, elevate your mood, and turn every bath into a moment of calm escape.