Learn all about How to Grow Any Plant in Bathroom Even without Windows, and help them thrive with minimum care!
How about you walk into a windowless bathroom surrounded by lush plants creating a serene atmosphere? Well, if this sounds next to impossible as you believe plants cannot survive in such a condition, our informative guide on How to Grow Any Plant in Bathroom Even without Windows is here to polish your green thumb with some important tips!
Can Plants Survive in Windowless Bathrooms?
Plants can indeed survive and even thrive in windowless bathrooms, provided they are given the appropriate care and environmental conditions. While it’s true that all plants need some form of light to carry out photosynthesis, there are species that are adapted to low-light conditions, making them suitable candidates for windowless spaces.
However, if you wish to grow any plant in a bathroom without windows or one that receives minimal light—you got to modify the other factors to support plant growth. Also, it is a wise take to pick those plants that can thrive in limited light and highly humid conditions, something that most bathrooms provide.
How to Grow Any Plant in Bathroom Even without Windows?
Growing plants in a windowless bathroom don’t involve any special technique but a few tricks that must make the growing conditions favorable for its growth.
1. Provide Artificial Lighting
As we all know, every plant needs some sort of light source to photosynthesize, and since your bathroom lacks natural sunlight, artificial lighting can be the solution. These are the most viable options that cover almost every kind of plant growth.
- Fluorescent Lights: These are energy-efficient and provide a broad spectrum of light suitable for plants that do well in minimal or low light sources.
- LED Grow Lights: Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and produce a suitable spectrum of light for plant growth. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit your bathroom space, best for vining houseplants such as Pothos or Philodendrons.
- Light-Emitting Plasma (LEP): This technology produces a full spectrum of light that closely mimics sunlight. LEP lights are more expensive than other options, but they are energy-efficient and long-lasting. It is more suited for plants that require a considerable amount of light to thrive, such as flowering or variegated species.
Note: Do remember to fix the light source at a distance of 6-12 inches away from the plants, as too much intensity can burn their leaves and stunt their growth. Also, ensure to pick the appropriate light source that suits your plant requirements.
2. Install Reflective Surfaces
Maximize the available light in your windowless bathroom by incorporating reflective surfaces. These surfaces can help distribute artificial light more evenly and increase its intensity. You can achieve this by using mirrors, metallic surfaces, or installing reflective film on walls or shelves near your plants.
3. Change Their Place Temporarily
If you notice the plants growing leggy or starting to wilt, move them to a sunnier spot for just a few hours each week to provide a more natural growing environment. A few hours of sunbath can stimulate their growth, rejuvenate their leaves, and promote the development of healthy roots.
However, do not expose them to harsh afternoon sunlight or prolonged exposure all at once, as this sudden fluctuation can do more harm than good.
4. Reduce Watering
Bathrooms have a humid atmosphere which keeps the soil in pots moist for longer periods. This increases the risk of overwatering. To avoid it, reduce the frequency of watering the plants. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil and water only when it feels dry to the touch.
When watering, make sure to water the soil thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot. Avoid letting your plants sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot and other issues.
5. Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Most low-light plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), which is comfortable for both plants and humans. Be cautious of sudden temperature fluctuations caused by hot showers or drafts, as they can stress your plants and hinder their growth. To ensure optimal temperature conditions, use a thermometer to monitor the bathroom temperature and make adjustments as needed.
6. Use Low Strength Fertilizer
Since plants in windowless bathrooms don’t get a natural light source, they grow at a slower pace and hence require less frequent fertilization. Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and mix it at half the recommended strength. Apply the fertilizer every 8-10 weeks during the growing season to provide essential nutrients for your plants.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage your plants.
7. Keep an Eye for Pests
Pests can be a matter of concern in windowless bathrooms as they thrive more in moist environments. Regularly inspect your plants for common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
If you notice any pests, remove them manually using a soft cloth or cotton swab. To stay on the safe side, spray your plants with neem oil or insecticidal solution every 4-5 weeks. This will bar the chances of persistent infestations that might become even more active in the lack of air circulation.
8. Keep them Tidy
Regular pruning and cleaning are crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your bathroom plants, as they already are prone to pest infestation in the moist atmosphere of bathrooms. Prune any dead or yellowing leaves with clean, sharp scissors to encourage healthy growth and prevent the spread of diseases.
Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime, which can hinder the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. Additionally, cleaning the leaves also helps maintain the aesthetic appeal of your plants, contributing to a refreshing bathroom environment.
Best Plants to Grow in Bathrooms Without Windows
Now that you know How to Grow Any Plant in Bathroom Even Without Windows, a more practical approach can be to choose low-light loving plants that can naturally thrive in windowless bathrooms, that too without much effort.
1. Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremmum aureum
With its heart-shaped, variegated leaves and trailing growth habit, this hardy vine can survive in low light and humidity; hang it from the ceiling or place it on a high shelf, allowing its tendrils to cascade down.
Learn about the Best Pothos Varieties here
2. Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Dracaena trifasciata
With its tall, sword-like leaves and air-purifying properties, this low-light-loving plant prefers humidity and can be placed on the floor or a countertop to add a striking, vertical element to your bathroom.
3. Arrowhead Plant
Botanical Name: Syngonium podophyllum
Boasting arrow-shaped leaves and a love for humidity, this plant can thrive when grown in water; place a cutting in a vase on a bathroom shelf, changing the water regularly.
4. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Sporting long, arching leaves with white stripes, this adaptable plant can tolerate high humidity and low light; hang it near the shower or place it on a shelf for a fresh, air-purifying addition.
5. Lucky Bamboo
Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
With its slender, green stalks and ability to grow in water, this popular houseplant brings good luck and can thrive in low light; place it near the sink or on a bathroom shelf for a touch of greenery.
6. Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
Known for its fleshy, spiky leaves and healing properties, this succulent thrives in low light and requires little water; place it on a counter or windowsill and provide occasional access to natural light.
7. Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Showcasing delicate, feathery fronds, this fern thrives in high humidity and cool temperatures found in windowless bathrooms; hang it near the shower or place it on a shelf, and provide periodic access to artificial light.
8. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Known for its glossy, dark green leaves and drought tolerance, this slow-growing plant adapts well to low light conditions; place it on a countertop or shelf, ensuring it gets occasional access to supplemental lighting.
9. Dumb Cane
Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia
Featuring large, tropical leaves with a distinct pattern, this plant thrives in humid environments and artificial light; place it on a bathroom counter or floor, and rotate it with other plants to maintain its health.
10. Baby Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia
With its thick, glossy leaves and compact size, this humidity-loving plant requires occasional indirect light and minimal watering; place it on a bathroom shelf or windowsill for a touch of greenery.
11. Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema
Featuring leathery, patterned foliage, this slow-growing tropical plant tolerates poor light and adds a touch of green to your bathroom; place it on a countertop or windowsill for a splash of color.
Look at the Best Types of Aglaonemas here
12. Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron
With its heart-shaped leaves and vining habit, this plant enjoys moderate and artificial lighting, making it perfect for the bathroom; hang it from the ceiling or place it on a high shelf for a cascading effect.
Here are the Best Types of Philodendrons that Thrive in Water
13. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
Sporting long, dark green leaves, this hardy plant can tolerate low light and requires occasional rotation with other plants; place it on the floor or a countertop and water sparingly.
14. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
With its attractive, dark green foliage and white, hood-like flowers, this low-light-loving plant enjoys the high humidity found in bathrooms; place it on a countertop or shelf, ensuring it gets periodic access to supplemental or natural light.
15. Experiment with Hydroponics
Consider growing your bathroom plants using a hydroponic system. It allows plants to grow without soil, using water and nutrients instead. This method can be a clean and space-saving solution for a bathroom. Just get a cutting of hydroponic flowering plants or other plants and place it in a jar of water by the sink or on the shelf.
