Not every room in the house gets natural sunlight. Bathrooms, offices, basements, and interior bedrooms often lack windows, which makes it tricky to choose plants.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the calming greenery and health benefits of houseplants.
Many indoor plants thrive in low-light or even no-light conditions when supported with artificial lighting. These plants are resilient, low-maintenance, and perfect for brightening up dark corners.
Here are the best plants for rooms without windows that can survive and look stunning indoors.
1. Snake Plant
The snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the toughest indoor plants for no-light conditions.
Its upright sword-shaped leaves make it a stylish choice for modern interiors. Snake plants don’t need much sunlight and can grow well under fluorescent or LED lights, making them suitable for windowless rooms.
They also improve indoor air quality by removing toxins. With minimal watering and little attention, they can thrive for years.
2. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is another superstar for dark spaces.
Its waxy, glossy leaves reflect whatever light is available, giving it a vibrant appearance even in dim rooms. ZZ plants are nearly indestructible, requiring very little water and tolerating neglect.
They grow slowly but steadily and are highly adaptable to artificial light, making them perfect for offices, bathrooms, and bedrooms with no windows.
3. Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors, even without natural light. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves grow well under artificial lighting, such as fluorescent bulbs.
It’s a versatile plant that can be placed on shelves, in hanging baskets, or trained to climb. Pothos also filters indoor air, helping to create a healthier environment. With just occasional watering, it thrives beautifully in windowless rooms.
4. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are well-loved for their graceful white blooms and ability to survive in low-light spaces. In a room without windows, they do well with fluorescent or LED lights.
They are also great natural air purifiers, removing mold spores and toxins from the air.
Peace Lilies prefer slightly moist soil, so regular but moderate watering will keep them healthy. Their elegant presence makes them perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.
5. Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the cast iron plant is nearly indestructible.
It grows slowly but survives in almost any condition, including dark rooms. Its deep green, strappy leaves bring a lush look to spaces with no windows.
Cast iron plants require very little water and can live for years with minimal care. They are ideal for people who want a long-lasting, durable plant in challenging indoor environments.
6. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen plants are among the best choices for windowless spaces because they tolerate very low light and still produce attractive, patterned leaves.
They come in a variety of shades, including green, silver, and even red. These plants also adapt well to artificial lighting and require minimal watering.
With their striking foliage, they can brighten up any dim interior and add a pop of color.
7. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo, although not a true bamboo, is a hardy plant that can grow without direct sunlight.
It is often grown in water with pebbles or in soil, making it versatile for different settings.
Lucky Bamboo thrives under artificial lighting, especially fluorescent lights, and is associated with good luck and positive energy in Feng Shui. Its compact size makes it ideal for desks, shelves, or bathrooms.
8. Dracaena
Dracaena plants come in many varieties, most of which are tolerant of low or no natural light.
Their tall, elegant form makes them excellent statement plants for dim rooms. They adapt well to artificial lighting and grow steadily without much care. Dracaenas also help clean indoor air by removing toxins.
With just occasional watering, they remain healthy and vibrant, making them perfect for offices or living areas without windows.
9. Philodendron
Philodendrons are fast-growing, adaptable plants that thrive in low-light conditions. In windowless rooms, they do best with fluorescent lighting.
Their heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth habit make them ideal for shelves or hanging planters.
Philodendrons require only moderate watering and occasional pruning to keep their shape. They add lush greenery while demanding very little care.
10. Spider Plant
Spider plants are another excellent choice for windowless rooms. They grow well under artificial light and produce long, arching leaves with attractive stripes.
Once mature, they create small baby spider plants that can be propagated easily. Spider plants are low maintenance, requiring just occasional watering and indirect artificial lighting. They’re also pet-safe and great for improving indoor air quality.
11. Ferns
Ferns, such as the Boston fern, are excellent choices for windowless rooms because they thrive in low light and high humidity.
They look lush with their feathery fronds and bring a fresh, natural vibe to indoor spaces. While ferns prefer indirect light, they do surprisingly well under fluorescent bulbs, making them ideal for basements or bathrooms.
The key to keeping them healthy is to maintain consistent moisture and mist their leaves to replicate their natural humid environment.
12. Aglaonema
Also called Chinese Evergreen, Aglaonema is one of the most shade-tolerant indoor plants.
With its broad, colorful leaves in shades of green, silver, or even pink, it brightens dark spaces beautifully. It doesn’t need direct sunlight and does well under artificial lighting.
Aglaonema is very low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and dusting. Its attractive foliage makes it a centerpiece in rooms without windows, adding both style and freshness.
13. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm has been a favorite indoor plant for centuries, especially in low-light interiors.
With its delicate, arching fronds, it creates a tropical feel even in dark corners. Parlor palms tolerate shade extremely well and grow steadily under fluorescent or LED lights.
They require minimal care, needing only occasional watering once the soil starts to dry out. Their elegant, compact size makes them perfect for offices, bedrooms, or hallways with no natural light.
Tips for Growing Plants in Rooms Without Windows
- Use fluorescent or LED grow lights to provide adequate light for your plants.
- Rotate plants occasionally so they grow evenly.
- Avoid overwatering, since low-light plants typically need less water.
- Choose hardy plants known for shade tolerance.
- Dust leaves regularly so they can absorb the available light efficiently.
Even if your room doesn’t have natural sunlight, you don’t have to miss out on the beauty of indoor plants. From snake plants and ZZ plants to peace lilies and lucky bamboo, there are plenty of options that thrive under artificial lighting.
These plants not only enhance your interior design but also improve air quality and boost your mood. With minimal care, you can transform even the darkest corners of your home into green, inviting spaces.