Each surface in your home offers an opportunity to add a touch of greenery to your space, from your kitchen windowsill to your at-home office desk. However, there are common concerns about buying houseplants in a small apartment, such as space and lighting requirements and toxicity to pets. The following list contains 10 of the best houseplants for small apartments and homes that thrive in all sorts of nooks and crannies.
Tips for Choosing a Plant for a Small Homes
You can brighten up even the smallest apartment space with the right houseplants. When choosing a new leafy companion, you should keep a few things in mind. When choosing which plants to bring into your home, keep these key points in mind.
Lighting
The first thing you should consider is how much light your new plant needs to thrive. There are some species, such as the jade plant, that require a lot of sunlight, while snake plants do well in lower light conditions.
Consider where you want your new plant to be and how much light it receives during the day. Once you know where to look for the ideal plant, you can narrow your search.
Expectations for Growth
Growing houseplants in a small apartment is a natural concern. Plants can be challenging to grow in small spaces, and you don’t want to buy one then find out it can’t thrive.
We recommend that you research the average maximum size of the species you are considering. If the plant will fit well in your apartment, this information will help you choose it.
Maintenance Requirements
You should also consider the maintenance involved with your new plant. Species have different requirements ranging from minimal care to high maintenance.
You may want to try out your green thumb on a low-maintenance houseplant if you are new to indoor plant care. Experienced plant owners may prefer to challenge themselves with a more challenging species.
Toxicity
In addition, when purchasing a houseplant, it is essential to know about its toxicity. Pet owners and families with young children should pay particular attention to this.
The majority of houseplants are considered harmless to people and animals, while others are poisonous. You can find out if a particular species is suitable for your apartment space by conducting a quick online search.
Positioning
You’ll then need to choose a location for your new houseplant within your small apartment. When making this decision, you should take into account the factors listed above.
Does the location provide enough sunlight and space for your plant to grow, as well as being out of reach of pets and children? Rotation is also necessary for some plants to ensure even light distribution across their foliage, so keep this in mind when positioning your plants. You’ll be sure to find the perfect plants for your small space when you keep these considerations in mind.
10 Great Houseplant for Small Apartments
Below, you’ll find 10 of our favorite varieties for small apartments to help you decide. Choose one or several, and enjoy the benefits of adding greenery to your home, such as air purification and inner peace.
Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plants make excellent first houseplants. With very little maintenance, this tall, green, and yellow plant can live anywhere in your apartment. Moreover, NASA studied the snake plant in their Clean Air Study, revealing its ability to filter toxins from air.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
If you want to explore the benefits of Feng Shui in your small apartment, lucky bamboo is a great houseplant to consider. Symbolizing growth, prosperity, and new beginnings, this perennial resembles true bamboo. Put this compact plant in your kitchen or on your desk to symbolize career growth and success.
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
Beautiful succulent growing from creeping vines with spherical leaves, String of Pearls spills its containers. If positioned on a surface or in a hanging basket, it adds a unique texture to any space. Due to its low maintenance requirements, this plant is perfect for small apartments.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
Beginners love the ZZ plant, as it has glossy foliage that stays vibrant even with minimal care. In addition, the plant brings Feng Shui benefits to your home. Place your ZZ plant in the wealth corner of your living space to attract good fortune into your life.
Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
If you want to grow a tree in a small space, try growing broadleaf lady palms indoors. According to this species, the air is filtered of toxins, and they can easily survive low-light environments.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Another easy tree to grow in your small apartment is the ponytail palm. If kept in small containers, these palms have thin, wispy leaves that cascade from their trunks.
Aloe Vera Plants
Aloe vera plants are a popular choice for apartment owners because of their low maintenance and healing properties. Gel found in this plant’s fleshy leaves is known to soothe the skin, and the plant itself symbolizes protection and good luck in some cultures.
Prayer Plants (Maranta leuconeura)
During the night, prayer plants have striking leaves that raise up in prayer. As a result of this unique quality, the prayer plant has come to represent gratitude. As it is tolerant of various light conditions, it makes a great apartment plant.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A spider plant is a low-maintenance species that can grow anywhere from your desk surface to a hanging planter in your living room. The thin, green and white striped leaves arch away from the plant, giving the plant a unique appearance.
Boston Ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Ferns are one of the most popular types of plants in small apartments, and Boston ferns are especially attractive thanks to their long fronds. They were also featured in NASA’s Clean Air Study and demonstrated the ability to eliminate certain toxins from the air.