Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of houseplants. In fact, adding a touch of green can completely transform your cozy space, making it feel fresh, inviting, and alive.
The best part? There are so many plants that thrive in small spaces without hogging all your sunlight—or your square footage! Whether you’re looking to brighten up a corner, bring some life to your shelves, or create your own tiny jungle, there’s a houseplant out there perfect for you.
Let’s dive into the best houseplants that can turn even the smallest apartment into a lush, green retreat!
17 Houseplants For Small Apartments
Snake Plant
Source Pinterest: 13bees
The Snake Plant is a lifesaver for small apartments. Its upright, slim leaves take up hardly any space while adding a modern vibe. Plus, it thrives on low light and little water—perfect if you’re not a plant expert.
Peace Lily
Source Pinterest: Dollarnomics | Personal Finance, Frugal Living + Lifestyle
The Peace Lily brings a touch of elegance to tiny spaces with its glossy leaves and occasional white blooms. It loves shady corners and helps clean the air, making your small apartment feel fresher and more inviting. Low maintenance and beautiful? Win-win.
ZZ Plant
Source Pinterest: Pinterest
The ZZ Plant is the ultimate low-maintenance green companion for small spaces. Its glossy, thick leaves look polished and thrive in low light and dry conditions. If you’re often out or forgetful, this plant will still look flawless.
Pothos
Source Pinterest: Kalindi VanderMolen
Pothos is the perfect trailing beauty for small apartments. It grows like a charm in nearly any light and looks stunning draped from a shelf or hanging pot. It’s low-maintenance but makes a big style statement.
Spider Plant
Source Pinterest: tipnut.com
Spider Plants are ideal for tight spaces thanks to their compact, arching leaves. They’re great in hanging baskets or tiny pots, and they produce cute baby plants you can share or keep. Plus, they’re tough and easy to care for.
Chinese Evergreen
Source Pinterest: ace
Chinese Evergreens are both beautiful and adaptable, perfect for small apartments. Their vibrant leaves add pops of color, even in low-light corners. They’re tough enough for new plant parents and thrive with minimal effort.
Bird’s Nest Fern
Source Pinterest: TODAY Show
The Bird’s Nest Fern is like a little green oasis for your small home. Its ruffled, bright green leaves fit perfectly in cozy spots and add a tropical feel. It loves indirect light and a bit of humidity, making it easy to care for.
Calathea
Source Pinterest: Maison Bouture
Calatheas bring color and personality to your small apartment with their striking patterns and rich hues. They’re great for low-light spots and make a statement without taking up much room. Just keep the soil moist, and they’ll reward you with their beauty.
Maidenhair Fern
Source Pinterest: Real Simple
The delicate, lacy leaves of the Maidenhair Fern add a soft and elegant touch to small spaces. It’s perfect for a bathroom shelf or a cozy corner where it can enjoy some humidity. Keep it happy with regular watering, and it’ll brighten up your home.
Parlor Palm
Source Pinterest: Smart Garden Guide
The Parlor Palm is the perfect way to add a tropical vibe to your small apartment without taking over the room. It’s compact, thrives in low light, and its feathery leaves bring a breezy, relaxed feel. Easy to care for and always stylish.
Boston Fern
Source Pinterest: timesnownews.com
Boston Ferns are lush, full, and perfect for adding greenery to small spaces. Their cascading fronds look amazing on shelves or hanging pots. They love indirect light and a bit of humidity, so a small apartment is their dream home.
Dumb Cane
Source Pinterest: Balcony Garden Web
The Dumb Cane is bold and beautiful, with large, patterned leaves that add a tropical feel to small rooms. It thrives in low light and only needs occasional watering. Perfect for brightening up tight spaces with minimal effort.
Alocasia
Source Pinterest: realestate.com.au
Alocasia plants, with their dramatic arrow-shaped leaves, are a stylish choice for small apartments. They’re compact but eye-catching, making them a centerpiece in any room. Just give them bright, indirect light, and they’ll thrive.
Anthurium
Source Pinterest: HouseGardenDIY
Anthuriums bring a pop of color to small spaces with their vibrant blooms and shiny green leaves. They’re compact and thrive in indirect light, making them perfect for apartment living. Bonus: Their flowers last for weeks!
Monstera Deliciosa
Source Pinterest: DianaOmnia | Fashion | Style | Yoga | Art
While usually a big plant, a baby Monstera fits perfectly in small apartments and grows into a showstopper. Its unique split leaves add a bold, trendy vibe to any corner. It thrives in bright, indirect light and adapts well to small pots.
Bamboo Palm
Source Pinterest: TIERRA Plants
The Bamboo Palm is like a breath of fresh air for compact living spaces. Its slender, airy leaves create a zen-like feel without taking up too much room. It’s low maintenance and great for purifying the air.
Philodendron Hope
Source Pinterest: Alicia Demmitt
Philodendron Hope is a small-space star with its big, textured leaves and compact growth. It’s easy to care for and adds instant greenery to any corner or shelf. A perfect choice for a stylish but low-maintenance plant.