The 10 Best Plants For Apartment Living

There are so many reasons why you might choose to bring plants into your apartment. Our leafy green friends not only add beauty but also improve air quality and enhance your overall well-being. Here are ten of the best plants that thrive in apartment conditions.

1. Snake Plant

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue, is known for its striking appearance. Its upright, sword-like leaves come in various shades of green with yellow or white edges.

Care Tips: Snake Plants actually thrive on neglect. They require minimal water, making them ideal for busy apartment dwellers. Place them in indirect sunlight and water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

2. Spider Plant

The Spider Plant is a classic choice for apartment living due to its adaptability and air-purifying qualities. Its arching green leaves with white stripes make it a beautiful addition to any room, giving that much-needed sense of liveliness and greenery.

Care Tips: Spider Plants are easy to care for and propagate. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions. Water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.

3. ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant is a tough, resilient plant that can survive in low light and drought-like conditions. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a touch of elegance to any apartment space, from bedrooms to living rooms.

Care Tips: ZZ Plants require very little maintenance. They can thrive in low to bright indirect light and need infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

4. Pothos

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a versatile and forgiving plant. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves are perfect for hanging baskets or shelves. This is a pretty plant that makes a sweet addition to anyone’s home.

Care Tips: Pothos can thrive in a variety of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. They are also very tolerant of irregular watering, so if you forget to water your leafy friend, it will survive. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to keep these plants happy.

5. Peace Lily

Peace Lilies are popular options for their beautiful white flowers and lush green leaves. They are also excellent air purifiers, which means they remove toxins from the air. This makes them perfect for apartment living.

Care Tips: Peace Lilies prefer low to medium light and thrive in humid environments. Water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. These plants will always let you know when they’re feeling thirsty – look for a slight droop to know when to water them.

6. Rubber Plant

The Rubber Plant is a striking addition to any apartment with its large, glossy leaves that come in shades of green, burgundy, and even variegated varieties. It makes a bold statement in any room.

Care Tips: Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. They also appreciate occasional misting to keep their leaves dust-free and hydrated.

7. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not only a beautiful plant with its thick, fleshy leaves but also a useful one. The gel inside the leaves has soothing properties and can be used to treat minor burns and skin irritations.

Care Tips: Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect light. It prefers a well-draining soil mix and infrequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

8. Boston Fern

Boston Ferns add a touch of lush greenery to any space with their feathery leaves. They are perfect if you want to add a tropical feel to your apartment. These plants are a bit more demanding than others on this list but well worth the effort for their beautiful foliage.

Care Tips: Boston Ferns thrive in high humidity and bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity. 

9. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreens are known for their attractive, variegated leaves that come in various shades of green, silver, and red. 

Care Tips: Chinese Evergreens are easy to care for and can thrive in low to medium light. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. They prefer well-draining soil and moderate humidity.

10. Succulents

Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for creating a mini desert landscape in your apartment.

Care Tips: Succulents require bright, direct light and well-draining soil. Water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common mistake with succulents, so err on the side of caution.

Bringing It All Together

Incorporating plants into your apartment not only beautifies your space but also promotes a healthier living environment. When selecting plants for apartment living, consider factors such as light availability, humidity levels, and your ability to maintain them.

Tips for Success

1. Assess your space – Before purchasing plants, evaluate the light in your apartment. Some plants thrive in low light, while others need bright, indirect light. Whether you’re renting a room in Chicago or apartment-sharing in Austin, you can find the perfect plant for your space.
2. Start small – If you’re new to plant care, start with one or two low-maintenance plants like the Snake Plant or ZZ Plant. As you gain confidence, you can expand your collection.
3. Proper potting – Make sure your plant pots have drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.
4. Consistent care – Stick to a watering routine and monitor your plants for signs of over or under-watering.
5. Consider humidity – If your apartment is dry, use a humidifier or place a tray of water near your plants to increase humidity.

Final Thoughts

Bringing plants into your apartment can be a rewarding experience, providing tranquility and connecting you to nature, even in the middle of the city. Our ten picks are perfect choices for apartment living. Pick one, two, or five, and enjoy a thriving indoor garden.