Creating an indoor oasis with apartment plants is an attainable goal for urban dwellers. With the right selection of plants, even the smallest living spaces can be transformed into a lush, green sanctuary. Here are 15 apartment-friendly plants to help you create your perfect indoor oasis.
Introduction
Living in an apartment in the city often means making compromises on space. But just because your home is compact doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice having plants. With strategic choices, even urban dwellers can craft beautiful indoor oases brimming with greenery and life.
The key is selecting plants that can thrive in low-light interiors. Many houseplants originated in the shady understory of tropical forests, making them well-suited to the dim conditions of most apartments. With the right care, these plants can flourish indoors, purifying your air, adding calming greenery, and helping you feel connected to nature.
Best Low-Light Apartment Plants
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
With tall, rigid leaves in various shades of green, snake plants have a striking, sculptural look. They are extremely tolerant of neglect and can survive for weeks without water in low-light spots. Snake plants are also excellent air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde. Their vertical growth habit makes them great choices for small spaces.
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
Nearly impossible to kill, cast iron plants earn their name from their ultra-tough constitution. Their long, pointed leaves add a tropical vibe. Cast iron plants can handle very dim light, neglected watering, and temperature fluctuations. Their ability to take anything your apartment can throw at them makes them perfectly low-maintenance.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
ZZ plants resemble miniature palm trees, with stout, succulent stems and lush crowns of glossy leaves. They store water in swollen rhizomes underground, allowing them to tolerate drought. ZZ plants do well in very dim corners and can go weeks without water. Their exotic, sculptural forms make them great statement pieces.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
With patterns of silver and green variegation, Chinese evergreens add visual interest and color. Their leaves are also believed to bring good luck! Slow but steady growers, they tolerate low humidity and low light levels, making them unfussy apartment residents. There are many interesting cultivars to choose from.
Philodendrons
This tropical plant family contains many great low-light choices like heartleaf philodendron, Brasil philodendron, and philodendron micans. Most philodendrons have vining growth habits, cascading beautifully out of hanging baskets. Their heart-shaped leaves come in a diverse range of colors like chartreuse, burgundy, bronze, and different shades of green.
Pothos
A classic houseplant, pothos features lush, heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines. Golden pothos and silver satin pothos add pops of bright color with their yellow and white variegation. Pothos can tolerate very low light, inconsistent watering, and a range of indoor conditions. They are easy to find and inexpensive.
Air Purifying Plants
Plants don’t just look pretty – they can actively purify the air in your home. Here are some great options:
Peace Lily
With glossy dark green leaves and elegant white blooms, peace lilies purify the air of volatile organic compounds like acetone, benzene, and formaldehyde. Let the soil dry between watering. They will wilt dramatically to tell you when they are thirsty.
Boston Fern
The long, gracefully arching fronds of the Boston fern lend a tropical feel. Boston ferns filter out airborne toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. Keep them evenly moist and provide bright, indirect light. Mist the leaves often for humidity.
English Ivy
Trailing English ivy makes an excellent hanging plant, with vines that can grow very long in ideal conditions. It effectively filters out airborne fecal particles, benzene, and formaldehyde. Let the soil dry out some between waterings.
Chrysanthemums
Widely available as potted plants or cut flowers, chrysanthemums come in a rainbow of colors. The hardy blooms also filter out benzene, ammonia, xylene, and formaldehyde from your home’s air.
Low Maintenance Species
If you don’t have a green thumb, consider these ultra low maintenance options:
Succulents
Succulents like aloe, echeveria, jade plants, and kalanchoe thrive on neglect. Most prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Their thick, moist leaves allow them to withstand drought. Succulents do well in sunny windowsills or under grow lights.
Air Plants
Air plants attach to surfaces instead of growing in soil, eliminating the need to water on a schedule. Soak or mist air plants when their leaves start to curl or turn pale. Air plants like bright, indirect light with some airflow. Mount them on driftwood, in glass terrariums, or displayed among pebbles.
Cacti
Cacti are made for arid climates and adapt well to the dry air inside. Let the soil dry thoroughly between watering and give them as much sun as possible. Choose small varieties like mammillaria, gymnocalycium, and opuntia for apartments. Avoid handling most cacti—their spines can give a nasty poke!
Hanging Plants
Maximize vertical space by hanging trailing plants in baskets from hooks in the ceiling:
- Pothos
- Philodendrons
- Wandering Jew
- String of Hearts
- Burro’s Tail succulent
- Air plants displayed with macrame
Use fishing line or plant hooks to suspend air plants creatively around your apartment. Display them at different heights for an eye-catching indoor jungle effect.
Matching Plants to Room Lighting Conditions
To help plants thrive, consider the lighting conditions in different rooms:
- Bright Bathroom – Try orchids, nerve plants, palms
- Sunny Kitchen – Opt for succulents, cacti, herbs
- Dim Bedroom – Choose pothos, zz plant, Chinese evergreen
- Low-light Office – Go with peace lily, cast iron plant, philodendrons
Caring for Apartment Plants
Follow these tips to keep apartment plants healthy:
- Water when soil is partly dry 2-inches down. Feel with your finger to check.
- Use room temperature water that hasn’t sat for days.
- Pour water until it drains freely from the drainage holes.
- Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth to keep plants breathing.
- Turn plants periodically so all sides get light.
- Mist leaves to boost humidity around tropical plants.
- Apply half-strength fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
- Prune back leggy growth to keep plants compact.
Bringing the Outdoors In
Even in an urban jungle, houseplants allow you to connect with nature and its rejuvenating qualities. They provide an oasis of living green amidst modern environments. With the right selections, apartment dwellers can craft indoor spaces that feel like lush gardens. A bit of careful nurturing will keep your apartment plants thriving for years to come. Soon your indoor oasis will feel like a secluded tropical retreat right in your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best low-light apartment plants?
Some excellent low-light options include snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, cast iron plant, and philodendrons. All can tolerate the dim lighting conditions found in many apartments.
Which houseplants purify air the best?
Top air-purifying plants are peace lily, English ivy, Boston fern, Chrysanthemums, and several types of philodendrons. Place these plants in rooms where you spend the most time.
What plants need almost no care?
Cacti, succulents, and air plants are very low maintenance. Water cacti and succulents only when the soil is completely dry. Air plants just need occasional soaking or misting.
Where is the best place to hang plants in an apartment?
Hang trailing plants like pothos or philodendrons in front of windows for a jungle effect. Also hang air plants or macramé from ceilings using fishing line or plant hooks. Get creative with vertical space.
How do I choose plants for each room’s lighting?
Bright bathrooms suit orchids, palms and nerve plants. Sunny kitchens can support succulents, cacti and herbs. Low-light bedrooms and offices call for Chinese evergreen, pothos and ZZ plants.
Conclusion
With the right selection of plants and a bit of care, even urban apartment dwellers can create an indoor oasis. Strategically choosing plants that thrive in low-light conditions is key. Consider air purifying qualities and ease of care when deciding which plants to bring home. Follow basic care guidelines to keep apartment plants healthy and lush. Soon your indoor oasis will provide a relaxing, rejuvenating space that brings nature into your daily life.