Defying Nature: How To Grow Plants In Rooms Without Windows

Are you looking to add some greenery to a room without windows? Don’t let a lack of natural light hold you back! Numerous plants can survive in dimly lit spaces, making them an ideal pick.

Here are some of the best plants for rooms without windows, as well as tips for caring for these plants and creating a thriving indoor space.

4 Plants For A Room Without Windows

snake plant in a room without windows next to bed

Not all plants necessitate direct sunlight to be healthy. In fact, there are wide varieties of plants that can tolerate low light and still thrive.

Here are a few plant options to consider for your windowless room:

  • Sansevieria: Also known as snake plants or mother-in-law’s tongue, sansevieria are tough and resilient plants that can tolerate low light levels and infrequent watering. They’re also known for their ability to filter indoor air pollutants, making them an excellent choice for a room without windows.
  • Philodendron: Philodendrons are classic houseplants that can thrive in low-light conditions. There are many varieties, ranging from trailing plants to climbing vines. Just be sure to provide them with well-draining soil and water them when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Pothos: Pothos are another popular low-light plant that’s easy to care for. These vining plants are known for their heart-shaped leaves and can add a touch of greenery to any room. Just be sure to avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to root rot.
  • Ferns: Various ferns can prosper in low lighting, making them an ideal pick for a room with no windows. They will benefit from consistent watering and elevated moisture levels, so think about spraying the leaves or putting the pot on a plate of stones filled with water.

These are only a few examples of plants. Be sure to research the specific care requirements for any plant you’re considering, as each may have slightly different needs.

Tips for Caring for Low-Light Plants

Growing plants in a room without windows can present unique challenges, but with some care and attention, you can grow thriving indoor plants. 

Here are a few tips to remember:

  • Use grow lights. If your room doesn’t get any natural light, consider using grow lights to give your plants the energy they need to grow. Be sure to look into the various types of grow lights and select an appropriate one.
  • Pay attention to watering. Low-light plants may not need as much water as plants that receive plenty of sunlight, but they still need to be watered regularly to stay healthy. Be sure to check the soil moisture level frequently and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
  • Keep the humidity high. Many low-light plants appreciate high humidity levels, which can be challenging to achieve in a room without windows. Think about spraying the leaves periodically or putting the pot on a tray of stones filled with water to bump up the humidity.
  • Fertilize sparingly. These plants may not need as much fertilizer as plants that receive plenty of sunlight, so be sure to follow the specific care instructions for your plants. Overfertilization can lead to leaf burn and other problems.

Since grow lights are the key to making this work, let’s explore them more.

herb plant growing in a windowless kitchen room with a grow light

Types of Grow Lights

Different kinds of grow lights can be used, each with advantages and disadvantages. The most common grow lights for houseplants are fluorescent, LED, and HID (high-intensity discharge).

When choosing a grow light for your houseplants, consider the size of your plants, their light requirements, and your budget. In addition, it would be wise to research each grow light, look at reviews and weigh the advantages and disadvantages before purchasing one.

Fluorescent Grow Lights: These are a popular choice for small plants and seedlings because they emit a soft, diffuse light that’s easy on the eyes and gentle on plants. 

Fluorescents are also energy efficient and relatively inexpensive. However, they produce less light intensity than other types of grow lights, so they may not be suitable for larger plants or plants requiring high light levels.

LED Grow Lights: LED grow lights are more expensive than fluorescent lights but have a longer lifespan and are more energy efficient. 

LEDs also produce a higher light intensity, making them suitable for larger plants and plants with high light requirements. However, they can be more taxing on the vision and may necessitate extra cooling arrangements due to the warmth they generate.

HID Grow Lights: HID grow lights are the most powerful type of grow light, producing a high intensity of light suitable for large plants with high light requirements. 

They’re also relatively inexpensive and easy to find. However, they consume a lot of electricity and produce a lot of heat, so they may require additional cooling measures.

SolTech is one of the leading brands of grow lights. Often used as supplemental lighting during winter months.

Setting Up Your Grow Light System

Once you’ve chosen the right grow light for your plants, it’s time to set up your grow light system. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

  1. Choose a location for your grow light setup. Make sure the location is close to an electrical outlet and has enough space for your plants and grow light.
  2. Set up a grow light stand or shelf. This can be as simple as a shelf or table or purchase a dedicated grow light stand. Make sure the stand is sturdy and can support the weight of your grow light and plants.
  3. Assemble your grow light. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to correctly assemble your grow light.
  4. Hang the grow light above your plants. The distance between the grow light and the plants will depend on the grow light you’re using and the size of your plants. As a general rule, keep the grow light about 12 inches above small plants and seedlings and 18-24 inches above larger plants.
  5. Plug in the grow light and turn it on. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for turning on and adjusting the intensity of the light.
  6. Monitor your plants. Keep an eye on your plants to ensure they’re getting the right light. If the leaves start to yellow or the plants begin to stretch, it may be a sign that they’re not getting enough light. Adjust the height of the grow light or increase the intensity of the light as needed.
davin
Website | + posts

Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.