If your apartment feels a bit dull or lifeless, you’re not alone. City living often means sacrificing outdoor space, natural greenery, and that refreshing feeling of being close to nature. But here’s the good news: you don’t need a backyard or balcony to surround yourself with beautiful plants. You just need the right ones.
Adding the best indoor plants for apartments doesn’t just elevate your space aesthetically—they also help purify the air, reduce stress, and improve your mood. Whether you’re dealing with low light, limited floor space, or you’re simply a newbie to plant care, this guide will help you choose the perfect greenery to fit your lifestyle.
And here’s the kicker: According to a NASA Clean Air Study, certain indoor plants can filter up to 87% of toxins in the air within just 24 hours. Another study by the University of Exeter found that having houseplants in living spaces can increase productivity and mental well-being by up to 47%.
Modern living often traps us indoors for most of the day, where air quality is typically worse than outside. Thankfully, some houseplants don’t just brighten up your space—they actively clean the air you breathe. According to a landmark study conducted by NASA, certain indoor plants can help remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. This makes greenery not only a design choice but a smart investment for your health.
Let’s explore the top 10 apartment-friendly indoor plants that are not only stunning but also low-maintenance, space-saving, and ideal for urban homes.
Best Indoor Plants for Apartments
🌱 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Also known as the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” this plant is a dream for apartment dwellers. It thrives on neglect, tolerates low light, and only needs to be watered every 2–3 weeks.
Why It’s Great for Apartments
- Air-purifying champion (removes benzene, formaldehyde)
- Takes up minimal space
- Ideal for bedrooms or dimly lit corners
🧠 Pro tip: Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth and don’t overwater—its roots are sensitive to soggy soil.
🍃 2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is practically impossible to kill, which makes it one of the best indoor plants for apartments and beginners. It has vibrant green, heart-shaped leaves that cascade beautifully over shelves or hanging baskets.
Why You’ll Love It
- Grows quickly in almost any light
- Purifies air and removes toxins
- Great for vertical space (hang it or let it trail)
🌿 Bonus: Cuttings root easily in water, so you can propagate new plants from a single stem.
🪴 3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
This plant is famous for its waxy, dark green leaves and its ability to survive in low light with little water. It’s often referred to as the “toughest indoor plant.”
Features
- Needs watering only once a month
- Great for shady corners and offices
- Adds modern elegance to any décor
🔥 Did You Know? The ZZ Plant is one of the few houseplants that tolerates fluorescent lighting, making it ideal for apartments with little sunlight.
If your apartment is dimly lit, you’ll appreciate our detailed article on low‑light indoor plants—full of varieties that thrive without bright sunshine.
🌼 4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
With its graceful white blooms and lush green leaves, the Peace Lily adds a touch of serenity to any living space. It’s also a strong air purifier, according to NASA’s study.
Ideal For
- Medium to low light conditions
- Apartments needing natural fragrance
- Absorbing mold spores from the air
🚿 Care tip: It enjoys humidity, so place it in a bathroom with natural light if possible.
🪻 5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
One of the most adaptable and resilient houseplants out there, Spider Plants are great for hanging baskets and shelves.
Perks
- Non-toxic and pet-friendly
- Grows “baby” plants that you can replant
- Cleans indoor air and boosts humidity
🌱 Spider plants are excellent at absorbing carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals.
Click here to explore our picks for the best kitchen-friendly plants, curated to purify air and add joy to your cooking corners.
🌿 6. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
This dramatic, glossy-leaf plant can make a statement in any apartment. It loves bright, indirect light and grows into a bold, architectural feature if well cared for.
Why It Stands Out
- Can grow tall but remains space-efficient
- Requires minimal watering
- Adds bold contrast to light-colored interiors
🧪 Rubber plants secrete a white sap—keep out of reach of pets and kids.
🍀 7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are perfect for beginners due to their easy-going nature. They come in various shades of green and even red, making them great for décor variety.
Highlights
- Tolerates low light and dry air
- Grows well in bathrooms or bedrooms
- Adds color without needing flowers
💧 Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
🌸 8. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
Famous for its fascinating leaf movements, the Calathea opens and closes its leaves based on the time of day.
Great For
- Low-light areas
- People who enjoy interactive, living décor
- Creating a jungle-like atmosphere
☁️ Calatheas love humidity—try placing them on a pebble tray filled with water.
🌴 9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Bring the tropical vibes indoors with this elegant palm that requires little attention.
Benefits
- Thrives in low-light environments
- Grows slowly, perfect for small corners
- Non-toxic to pets
🕊️ Adds a calming, resort-like feel to any room without taking over space.
🍂 10. Aloe Vera
Not just for sunburns, Aloe Vera is a functional and stylish plant that belongs in every apartment.
Why It’s a Must-Have
- Needs minimal water and full sun
- Offers healing gel from the leaves
- Small enough to place on kitchen counters or window sills
☀️ Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for best growth.
If you’re looking to enrich your indoor plant collection with edible greenery, don’t miss our guide on indoor herb garden ideas—a perfect companion to your plant picks.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Indoor Plant for Your Apartment
When selecting the best indoor plants for apartments, consider:
- Lighting: North-facing = low light; South-facing = bright light
- Space: Use vertical solutions like wall planters or hanging baskets
- Care level: Start with hardy plants if you’re a beginner
- Pets: Choose non-toxic plants if you live with animals
📈 Real Stats That Back It Up
- EPA notes that indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air.
- Adding just one medium houseplant per 100 square feet is enough to boost oxygen levels, according to horticulturist Bill Wolverton (NASA).
- Millennials are the biggest buyers of houseplants, especially those living in urban apartments, contributing to a $1.7 billion indoor plant market in the U.S. alone.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the easiest plant to grow in an apartment?
Pothos, Snake Plant, and ZZ Plant top the list for low-maintenance care.
Q: Which plants are safe for pets?
Spider Plant, Parlor Palm, and Calathea are non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Q: Can I grow plants in a windowless apartment?
Yes! Choose low-light champions like the ZZ Plant, Peace Lily, or Snake Plant. You can also supplement with grow lights.
📝 Final Thoughts
Transforming your apartment into a green oasis doesn’t require a green thumb or a lot of space. With the right choices, you can enjoy cleaner air, better moods, and a more beautiful home—all with minimal effort.
So whether you’re starting with one or going all-in with a leafy collection, these are truly the best indoor plants for apartments—beautiful, beneficial, and blissfully easy to care for.
Home Kitchen Magazine is a blog dedicated to giving you inspiration and tips every day about the home, kitchen and garden.
