The 10 best house plants for windowless bathrooms

house plants for windowless bathrooms

The Unique Challenge of Windowless Bathrooms

Bathrooms present a unique environment for plants, especially those without windows. These spaces are typically characterized by high humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and a lack of natural light. While these conditions might seem challenging, they actually mimic the natural habitats of many tropical and subtropical plants, making windowless bathrooms surprisingly suitable for certain species.

The high humidity in bathrooms is a boon for many plants, as it reduces the need for frequent watering and helps maintain lush, healthy foliage. The warm, steamy environment created by showers and baths can be particularly beneficial for plants that thrive in tropical conditions.

However, the lack of natural light in a windowless bathroom presents the most significant hurdle. Plants require light for photosynthesis, the process by which they produce energy for growth.

In the absence of sunlight, artificial lighting becomes crucial. LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs can provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth, and many of the plants on this list can thrive under these conditions.

So, when selecting the best house plants for windowless bathrooms, it’s important to choose species that can tolerate low light conditions, high humidity, and occasional temperature fluctuations. The following list includes some classic bathroom plants as well as more unusual options that can add a unique touch to your space.

However, please note, no plants can survive without light and some plants here, whilst great for bathrooms, but do need a little more light than others. So make sure you can give these plants enough artificial light, or some time elsewhere in the house, from time to time, where there is more light available.

1. Marimo Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)

moss ball Marimo

Marimo Moss Balls are not actually moss, but a rare form of spherical algae. These velvety green orbs grow naturally in lakes in Japan, Iceland, and parts of Eastern Europe. They range in size from about 2-5 inches in diameter and have a soft, fuzzy texture.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: Marimo Moss Balls thrive in low light conditions and high humidity, making them perfect for windowless bathrooms. They’re aquatic plants, so they can be displayed in clear glass containers filled with water, adding a unique decorative element to your bathroom.

Care notes: Place the moss balls in a clear glass container filled with dechlorinated or spring water. Change the water every 1-2 weeks. Gently roll the balls occasionally to maintain their round shape. They prefer cool temperatures, so they’re well-suited to bathrooms that don’t get too warm. No soil or fertilizer is needed.

2. Rex Begonia (Begonia rex-cultorum)

Begonia rex-cultorum
Begonia rex-cultorum by Nemracc is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Rex Begonias are known for their stunning, colourful foliage. Their large, heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of patterns and colours, including shades of pink, red, silver, and green. The leaves often have a metallic sheen, adding to their ornamental value.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: These plants thrive in high humidity and can tolerate low to moderate light conditions, making them ideal for windowless bathrooms. Their vibrant, eye-catching foliage will add a splash of colour and interest to your bathroom decor.

Care notes: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. They prefer high humidity, so regular misting or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water is beneficial (although this may not be necessary if the bathroom is frequently steamy).

Provide bright, indirect artificial light, if possible, for the best leaf colouration. Avoid getting water on the leaves when watering, as this can lead to fungal issues. Trim off any damaged or dying leaves to encourage new growth.

3. Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plant in bathroom

The Zanzibar Gem, also known as the ZZ plant, is a striking, glossy-leaved plant with thick, fleshy stems. Its dark green, oval-shaped leaves grow in a feather-like pattern, giving it an elegant, sculptural appearance.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: The ZZ plant is renowned for its ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making it perfect for windowless bathrooms. It’s also extremely drought-tolerant, thanks to its rhizomatous roots that store water.

Care notes: This plant prefers to dry out between waterings. It’s susceptible to overwatering, so err on the side of caution. Clean the leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shiny. The ZZ plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers warmth.

4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’)

Description: The Chinese Evergreen ‘Silver Bay’ is a striking variety with large, oval leaves featuring a beautiful silver and green variegation. It has a bushy, compact growth habit that makes it an excellent choice for bathroom counters or floors.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: This plant thrives in low to moderate light and high humidity, making it ideal for windowless bathrooms. Its air-purifying qualities are an added bonus in a small space.

Care notes: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This plant appreciates warm temperatures and high humidity. Wipe the leaves regularly to remove dust and maintain their striking appearance.

5. Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)

Peacock Plant (Calathea makoyana)

The Peacock Plant, or Calathea makoyana, has stunning foliage. Its large, oval leaves feature intricate patterns of light and dark green, with a purple underside. Interestingly, the leaves move throughout the day, folding up at night in a prayer-like position.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: This tropical beauty loves high humidity and indirect light, making it perfect for a bathroom environment. Its dramatic foliage can add a touch of exotic flair to your space.

Care notes: Keep the soil consistently moist and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. Use filtered water if possible, as Calatheas can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water. Provide warm temperatures and avoid drafts.

6. Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)

Maturing Staghorn Fern

The Staghorn Fern is an unusual epiphytic plant that grows on other plants or surfaces in nature. It has two types of fronds: flat, round basal fronds that adhere to surfaces, and long, antler-like fertile fronds that give the plant its name.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: This fern thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it an excellent choice for a windowless bathroom. Its unique growth habit allows for creative mounting options, such as on a wooden board or in a hanging basket.

Care notes: Mount the fern on a wooden board or in a hanging basket lined with sphagnum moss. Water thoroughly when the moss feels dry, and mist regularly to maintain humidity. Provide bright, indirect artificial light.

7. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)

White Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis) by Mokkie is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Nerve Plant is a low-growing, spreading plant with distinctively veined leaves. The veins can be white, pink, or red, creating a striking contrast against the dark green leaf surface.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: Fittonias love high humidity and warm temperatures, making them ideal for bathroom environments. Their compact size makes them perfect for small spaces or terrariums.

Care notes: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide high humidity through regular misting or by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. Fittonias can tolerate low light but will have more vibrant colors with brighter, indirect light.

8. Rabbit’s Foot Fern (Davallia fejeensis)

Rabbits' foot fern - Davallia fejeensis

The Rabbit’s Foot Fern is named for its fuzzy rhizomes that creep over the edge of its pot, resembling rabbit’s feet. It has delicate, lacy fronds that add a soft, feathery texture to any space.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: This fern thrives in high humidity and indirect light, making it well-suited to bathroom conditions. But it is a bit borderline for use in a completely windowless bathroom. If will do okay as long as there is light in the room for a few hours per day.

Its unique rhizomes add an interesting visual element as they spill over the edges of hanging baskets or mounted planters.

Care notes: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist regularly or place on a humidity tray to maintain high humidity. Provide bright, indirect artificial light if you can. The fuzzy rhizomes can be left to grow naturally or trimmed if desired.

9. Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia)

The Watermelon Peperomia is a compact plant with striking foliage. Its round, fleshy leaves have a silvery-green pattern resembling watermelon rind, hence its common name.

This plant thrives in high humidity and can tolerate low to moderate light conditions. Its compact size makes it perfect for small bathroom spaces, and its unique foliage adds visual interest. Again, this is a plant that needs more than minimal light, so will only work in a windowless room if you can give it a reasonable amount of artificial light.

Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This plant is susceptible to overwatering, so err on the side of caution. Provide bright, indirect artificial light for best leaf coloration. Clean the leaves occasionally to maintain their distinctive pattern.

10. Earth Star (Cryptanthus bivittatus)

Earth Star (Cryptanthus bivittatus)
Earth Star (Cryptanthus bivittatus) by Mokkie is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Earth Star is a bromeliad with a striking rosette form. Its leaves are typically striped or banded with contrasting colours, often in shades of pink, green, and white. The plant has a low, spreading growth habit.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: This plant thrives in high humidity and can tolerate low light conditions, making it ideal for windowless bathrooms. Its compact size and unique colouration make it an eye-catching addition to small spaces.

Care Notes: Keep the central cup of the rosette filled with water, changing it regularly to prevent stagnation. The soil should be kept lightly moist. Provide bright, indirect artificial light for best color development.

11. Jewel Orchid (Ludisia discolor)

Jewel Orchid - Ludisia discolor
Jewel Orchid – Ludisia discolor by Björn S… is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Jewel Orchid is prized for more for its foliage rather than its flowers. Its velvety leaves are dark purple or reddish-brown with striking red or golden veins. While it does produce small white flowers, the leaves are the main attraction.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: This unusual orchid prefers warm, humid environments and can tolerate low light conditions, making it well-suited to windowless bathrooms. Its striking foliage adds a touch of luxury to any space.

Care notes: Plant in a well-draining orchid mix and keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide high humidity through regular misting or a pebble tray. While it can tolerate low light, brighter indirect light will result in more vibrant leaf colouration.

12. Medusa’s Head (Tillandsia caput-medusae)

Tillandsia caput-medusae
Tillandsia caput-medusae – Photo by David J. Stang is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Medusa’s Head is an air plant with long, curling tendrils that resemble the mythological Medusa’s snake-like hair. It doesn’t require soil to grow, making it a unique and low-maintenance bathroom option.

Why it’s good for bathrooms: As an air plant, it absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air, thriving in the humid environment of a bathroom. Its soil-free nature makes it versatile in terms of display options.

Care notes: Soak the plant in water for about 30 minutes once a week, then shake off excess water and allow it to dry completely. Mist lightly between soakings. Provide bright, indirect artificial light. This plant can be displayed in a variety of creative ways, such as mounted on driftwood or suspended in glass globes.

Summing up

In conclusion, the high humidity and warm temperatures typical of bathrooms can support a diverse array of plant life, from classic favorites to more unusual specimens. By choosing plants that thrive in low light conditions and providing appropriate care, you can transform your windowless bathroom into a vibrant, green space that purifies the air and adds a touch of nature to your daily routine.

Remember to monitor your plants closely, adjusting care as needed, and enjoy the process of cultivating your own bathroom jungle.

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