Best Plants for an Apartment
Plants are one of the best ways to brighten up your apartment and improve the air quality in your space. However, living in an apartment can present space and light limitations when growing and maintaining plants. On top of the fact that you may travel often, or your time caring for plants might be limited, you’ll also want to choose the hardiest plants that can live in your space while still being eye pleasing. Luckily, there are many apartment-friendly plants to choose from. Selecting the right plant is all a matter of knowing what you’re looking for.
Spider Plants
Also known as chlorophytum, spider plants are hardy and require little care. Generally, they need watering about once a week or every other week, depending on your heat and air conditioning systems. You should allow soil to dry about one inch down between watering. They’re also easy to reproduce, as baby spider plants grow right on the stems of the adult houseplant and can be picked and potted.
ZZ Plants
Zamioculus zamiofolia, or ZZ, are slow growers and are adaptable to just about any setting. With incredibly low light and watering requirements (only three times a month!), they’re perfect for forgetful people and those who travel frequently.
Aloes and Succulents
Aloes are a nice alternative to cacti with their thick and juicy leaves, but only need to be watered about once a week. They retain water just like cacti and are great for sunny apartments. Succulents require a bit more watering, but tend to be able to stand being neglected and will take apartment sunlight in stride and still last for years. If there are succulent plants native to your area, those will often grow better.
Philodendron
Also called Monstera, they come in a variety of different shades, though the lower light you have, the less vibrant the color. Monstera grow downwards, similar to ivy, and can therefore be used in hanging baskets and regular pots alike. Philodendron is good at tolerating dry air and limited shade. It tends to have few pest problems and requires limited quantities of water, especially in the winter. The only additional maintenance it may need is some liquid fertilizer every few weeks, but only during growing season. Note, however, that this plant may be toxic to some pets.
Philodendron Hybrids
Philodendron hybrid plants include Bird’s Nest philodendron, Autumn, or Limelight. Unlike regular philodendron, hybrids do not tend to climb and are characterized by broad, spade-shaped leaves. These typically require less water than most other houseplants. Allow one inch of soil to dry down between watering. Because they grow in the direction of the light, it is important to rotate these plants. They grow just as well with artificial lighting.
Bamboo
Bamboo is the ultimate hard-to-kill houseplant. You can store bamboo plants in glass bowls, which is great for space limitations, and refresh the water every fifteen days. The water doesn’t usually have to be more than a couple of inches deep. They don’t require any direct sunlight, and actually do much better in the shade.
