The Best Plants for Apartment Living

Want to add a touch of green to your home but worried you don't have enough space or sunlight? Living in an apartment doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams of creating a lush, indoor garden. Many houseplants thrive in smaller spaces and can adapt to the typical conditions found in apartment living, like lower light and drier air.

This guide will walk you through the best plants for apartment living, helping you choose the perfect green companions to brighten up your space. We'll cover a range of low-maintenance options that are perfect for both beginner plant parents and seasoned gardeners. By the end, you'll know exactly which plants will flourish in your home and how to care for them.

Why Add Plants to Your Apartment?

Before we get to the list, let's talk about why you should consider adding some greenery to your apartment. Plants are more than just pretty decorations; they offer a host of benefits that can improve your quality of life.

Improved Air Quality: Plants are natural air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and many can also filter out common household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. This can lead to a healthier living environment, especially in smaller, enclosed spaces.
Reduced Stress: Studies have shown that interacting with indoor plants can help reduce stress and anxiety. The simple act of caring for a plant can be a calming and mindful activity, providing a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Aesthetic Appeal: Let's be honest, plants look great! They add color, texture, and life to any room. Whether you prefer a minimalist look with a single statement plant or a bohemian jungle vibe, greenery can transform your apartment into a stylish and inviting home.
Increased Humidity: Plants release water vapor through a process called transpiration, which can help increase the humidity levels in your apartment. This is particularly beneficial during dry winter months, as it can help alleviate dry skin and respiratory issues.

Top Plants for Your Apartment

Ready to turn your apartment into a green oasis? Here are some of the best, most resilient plants that are perfect for apartment dwellers.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law's tongue, is arguably the most low-maintenance houseplant you can own. It's renowned for its ability to survive in almost any condition. Its striking, upright leaves make it a modern and stylish addition to any room.

Light: Snake plants are incredibly versatile when it comes to light. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions, making them perfect for apartments that don't get a ton of sun.
Water: This is a drought-tolerant plant. You should let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is the most common way to kill a snake plant, so when in doubt, it's better to underwater.
Why it's great for apartments: Its hardiness and tolerance for low light make it a no-fuss option for busy residents or beginners. Plus, it's one of the best plants for purifying the air.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is another champion of neglect. With its wide, dark green, glossy leaves, it looks almost artificial because of its perfection. It's a slow grower, but its stunning appearance makes it well worth the wait.

Light: Like the snake plant, the ZZ plant is happy in low to bright indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so keep it away from south-facing windows.
Water: It has large, potato-like rhizomes under the soil that store water, so it's extremely drought-tolerant. Water it only when the soil is completely dry, typically once every 3-4 weeks.
Why it's great for apartments: Its ability to thrive on neglect and in low light makes it an ideal choice for anyone who claims to have a "black thumb."

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is a trailing vine that is incredibly easy to grow. It's famous for its heart-shaped leaves, which can be green, variegated with white, or yellow. You can let it cascade down from a hanging basket or train it to climb up a wall.

Light: Pothos is adaptable but prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate low light, but its variegation may fade.
Water: Water your pothos when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. It's quite forgiving if you forget to water it occasionally.
Why it's great for apartments: Its trailing nature makes it perfect for adding vertical interest to small spaces. It’s also very easy to propagate, meaning you can easily create new plants for yourself or friends.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant is a classic houseplant for a reason. It has long, arching leaves that give it a fountain-like appearance. It also produces "spiderettes," or baby plants, that dangle down from the mother plant, which can be easily repotted.

Light: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light but are quite adaptable. Avoid direct sun, which can burn the leaves.
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. They are more tolerant of dry soil than overly wet soil.
Why it's great for apartments: They are non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for animal lovers. Their ability to produce new plants is also a fun and rewarding feature.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

If you're looking for a plant that flowers, the peace lily is an excellent choice. It features elegant white blooms that stand out against its dark green foliage. It's also known for its air-purifying qualities.

Light: Peace lilies prefer medium to low indirect light. They can even thrive under fluorescent lights, making them great for office spaces or rooms without much natural light.
Water: They like to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A peace lily will dramatically droop when it's thirsty, but it perks right back up after a good drink.
Why it's great for apartments: Its ability to bloom in lower light conditions brings a touch of floral beauty to spaces where other flowering plants might struggle. The dramatic wilting is a helpful, impossible-to-miss reminder to water it.

Find Your Perfect Green Oasis

Creating an indoor garden is one of the best ways to make your apartment feel like a true home. With these low-maintenance options, you can enjoy all the benefits of houseplants without the stress.

If you're currently searching for apartments for rent in Wilmington, NC, and envisioning where your new green friends will live, consider a community that embraces beautiful, natural surroundings. A great living space provides the perfect canvas for your indoor gardening projects.

Contact Oasis at Riverlights today to schedule a personal tour of our apartments and discover a community designed for a vibrant and beautiful lifestyle.