Look, I get it. You’re living in a space where your coffee table doubles as your dining table, and you’re pretty sure your closet is smaller than most people’s pantries. But here’s the thing: cramped quarters don’t mean you have to give up on your green thumb dreams.
In fact, small apartments can be perfect for houseplants. You’ve got controlled temperatures, no unexpected frost, and the right plant can turn that awkward corner by your window into the most Instagram-worthy spot in your place.
The trick? Choosing plants that don’t need a greenhouse worth of space or a PhD in botany to keep alive. We’re talking compact growers, low-light lovers, and forgiving varieties that won’t guilt-trip you for forgetting to water them (again).
So let’s talk about the 17 best houseplants that’ll turn your cozy apartment into a thriving green space—without taking over your life or your square footage.
17 Houseplants For Small Apartments
Snake Plant
Source Pinterest: 13bees
Let’s start with the overachiever of the plant world. Snake Plants have these tall, sword-like leaves that grow straight up—meaning they fit perfectly on narrow shelves, side tables, or that sliver of counter space you’ve got left.
Why It Works: Snake Plants can survive in almost any light condition (seriously, I’ve seen them thrive in windowless offices) and only need water every 2-3 weeks. They’re also one of the few plants that release oxygen at night, making them great bedroom companions.
Best Conditions: Low to bright indirect light; well-draining soil; temperatures between 60-85°F. Water when the soil is completely dry—this plant would rather be neglected than overwatered.
Pro Tip: If you’re really tight on space, look for the ‘Black Gold’ variety. It stays more compact than standard Snake Plants but has the same bulletproof personality.
Peace Lily
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Peace Lilies are the elegant drama queens of the houseplant world—in the best way possible. Their glossy green leaves and white hood-like flowers bring serious style to small spaces, and they’ll actually droop when they need water (no guessing games here).
Why It Works: They’re NASA-approved air purifiers that remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from your space. Plus, they bloom multiple times a year with zero effort on your part.
Best Conditions: Low to medium indirect light (perfect for those north-facing windows); consistently moist soil; prefers humidity but adapts to normal apartment air. Keep away from cold drafts.
Pro Tip: Set it near your shower or kitchen sink where it can catch some ambient humidity. The steam makes Peace Lilies incredibly happy, and you’ll see lusher growth.
ZZ Plant
Source Pinterest: Pinterest
If plants had a “set it and forget it” mode, the ZZ Plant would be it. Those thick, waxy leaves aren’t just gorgeous—they store water like tiny reservoirs, so this plant can handle your busiest weeks (or, let’s be honest, your most forgetful moments).
Why It Works: ZZ Plants have rhizomes underground that store water and nutrients, making them nearly indestructible. They grow slowly, so they won’t outgrow your space anytime soon.
Best Conditions: Low to bright indirect light; well-draining potting mix; water only when soil is completely dry (usually every 2-3 weeks). Thrives in temperatures from 60-75°F.
Pro Tip: If the leaves start turning yellow, you’re overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. This plant would honestly prefer you ignore it a little.
Pothos
Source Pinterest: Kalindi VanderMolen
Pothos is the friend that makes you look good without even trying. Its trailing vines can cascade from shelves, wrap around curtain rods, or climb up a moss pole—your choice. And guess what? It grows in literally any lighting situation.
Why It Works: Pothos grows fast (like, you’ll actually see new leaves unfurling weekly) and can be trained to grow however you want. Plus, you can propagate cuttings in water and have new plants for free.
Best Conditions: Low to bright indirect light (though it grows faster in brighter spots); water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry; prefers temperatures between 65-85°F.
Pro Tip: Let it trail down from a high shelf to create the illusion of more vertical space in your apartment. Or train it along a wall using small hooks for a living wall effect that costs practically nothing.
Spider Plant
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Spider Plants are like the gift that keeps on giving. Not only do they look fresh with their arching, striped leaves, but they also produce baby “spiderettes” that dangle down like tiny green ornaments. It’s basically a plant that clones itself.
Why It Works: Spider Plants are serious air purifiers and adapt to almost any condition. They’re also non-toxic to pets, which is huge if you’ve got a curious cat or dog.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light (though they tolerate lower light); well-draining soil; water when the top inch is dry; prefers temperatures between 60-75°F.
Pro Tip: When those baby spiderettes appear, you can snip them off and pot them up to share with friends (or populate your entire apartment). They root easily in water or soil.
Chinese Evergreen
Source Pinterest: ace
Chinese Evergreens come in some seriously stunning color combos—think pink splashes, silver streaks, and deep red tones. They’re proof that you don’t need flowers to have colorful plants.
Why It Works: These plants are incredibly adaptable and can handle low light better than most colorful varieties. Their compact size makes them perfect for desks, nightstands, or bathroom counters.
Best Conditions: Low to medium indirect light; well-draining soil kept slightly moist; prefers temperatures above 60°F and appreciates humidity.
Pro Tip: The more colorful varieties (like ‘Siam Aurora’ or ‘Valentine’) need slightly more light to maintain their vibrant colors. Place them near a window with sheer curtains for best results.
Bird’s Nest Fern
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This fern looks like nature’s rosette, with bright green, wavy fronds that unfurl from the center. It’s got a tropical vibe without the tropical maintenance requirements.
Why It Works: Unlike most ferns that can be finicky, Bird’s Nest Ferns are relatively easygoing. They stay compact and bring that lush, jungle feel to small spaces without sprawling everywhere.
Best Conditions: Medium to bright indirect light (avoid direct sun which burns the leaves); consistently moist soil; loves humidity so bathrooms are perfect; thrives in 60-80°F.
Pro Tip: Mist the leaves regularly or set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. The extra humidity keeps those fronds looking crisp and prevents brown edges.
Calathea
Source Pinterest: Maison Bouture
Calatheas are the show-offs of the plant world, with leaves that look hand-painted in patterns of pink, purple, white, and green. Bonus: their leaves fold up at night (called nyctinasty), which is oddly mesmerizing to watch.
Why It Works: They stay relatively small and compact, making them ideal for tight spaces. Plus, those dramatic leaves make them instant focal points.
Best Conditions: Medium indirect light (too much sun fades the patterns); consistently moist soil; high humidity is crucial; temperatures between 65-80°F.
Pro Tip: Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated—Calatheas can be sensitive to chemicals. Room-temperature water is best; cold water can shock their roots.
Maidenhair Fern
Source Pinterest: Real Simple
Okay, I’ll be straight with you: Maidenhair Ferns are a bit more demanding than others on this list. But if you can give them what they need (humidity and consistent moisture), their delicate, lacy fronds are absolutely worth it.
Why It Works: These ferns stay relatively small and their fine texture creates beautiful contrast with bolder plants. They’re perfect for bathrooms where humidity is naturally high.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light but tolerates lower light; soil should stay consistently moist but not waterlogged; high humidity is non-negotiable; prefers 60-75°F.
Pro Tip: Check the soil daily with your finger—if the top feels even slightly dry, water it. This is one plant that doesn’t like to dry out between waterings.
Parlor Palm
Source Pinterest: Smart Garden Guide
Want that vacation resort vibe without leaving your apartment? The Parlor Palm delivers with its graceful, feathery fronds. It’s been a popular houseplant since Victorian times for good reason—it’s gorgeous and low-maintenance.
Why It Works: Parlor Palms are slow growers that adapt well to indoor conditions and lower light. They also help humidify the air naturally.
Best Conditions: Low to bright indirect light; well-draining soil kept slightly moist; prefers temperatures between 65-80°F; appreciates occasional misting.
Pro Tip: Yellow fronds usually mean overwatering. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings, and make sure your pot has drainage holes.
Boston Fern
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Boston Ferns are the quintessential hanging basket plant, with lush, cascading fronds that can make any space feel like a forest. They’re humidity lovers, which makes them perfect for small bathrooms.
Why It Works: Their compact root system means you don’t need a huge pot, and they grow in a rounded shape that looks amazing from any angle. Plus, they’re excellent air purifiers.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light; consistently moist soil (never let it completely dry out); high humidity; temperatures between 60-75°F.
Pro Tip: Give your Boston Fern a monthly “bath” by placing it in your shower and running lukewarm water over the fronds for a few minutes. This removes dust and gives it the humidity boost it craves.
Dumb Cane
Source Pinterest: Balcony Garden Web
With its broad, variegated leaves splashed in creamy white and green, Dumb Cane makes a bold statement without taking up too much floor space. It grows upright and relatively narrow.
Why It Works: It’s low-maintenance but looks high-end. The variegated patterns catch light beautifully and brighten darker corners.
Best Conditions: Medium to bright indirect light (too little light causes leggy growth); water when the top inch of soil is dry; prefers temperatures between 65-75°F.
Pro Tip: The name “Dumb Cane” comes from the fact that the sap can cause temporary speech loss if ingested—so keep this one away from pets and kids. Otherwise, it’s a fantastic low-maintenance choice.
Alocasia
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Alocasias have some of the most dramatic foliage in the plant world—think arrow-shaped leaves with prominent veins that look almost prehistoric. They’re definitely conversation starters.
Why It Works: While they look exotic and high-maintenance, most Alocasia varieties stay compact and adapt well to indoor conditions. Their architectural leaves make them instant focal points.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light; well-draining soil kept slightly moist during growing season; prefers humidity; temperatures between 65-80°F.
Pro Tip: Alocasias go dormant in winter and might lose some leaves—don’t panic! Reduce watering and they’ll bounce back in spring. It’s just their natural cycle.
Anthurium
Source Pinterest: HouseGardenDIY
Anthuriums are the plants that look like they’re always dressed up, with their glossy, heart-shaped “flowers” (actually modified leaves called spathes) in red, pink, or white. They bloom for months at a time with proper care.
Why It Works: They stay compact, bloom frequently, and their flowers last for 6-8 weeks each. Plus, they’re pretty forgiving if you miss a watering or two.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light (more light = more blooms); well-draining, slightly acidic soil kept moderately moist; prefers humidity and temperatures between 65-80°F.
Pro Tip: Feed with a diluted orchid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season to encourage more blooms. Those colorful spathes will keep coming!
Monstera Deliciosa
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Okay, hear me out. Yes, Monsteras can become massive. But a baby Monstera in a 6-8 inch pot is absolutely perfect for small apartments, and you can control its size by keeping it in a smaller pot and pruning occasionally.
Why It Works: Even small Monsteras have those iconic split leaves (once they mature a bit), and they’re incredibly trendy right now. They’re also easy to care for and adapt well to various light conditions.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light for best growth; well-draining soil; water when the top 2 inches are dry; prefers temperatures between 65-85°F.
Pro Tip: Provide a small moss pole or stake for your Monstera to climb—this encourages larger leaves with more splits. You can control its height by trimming the top growth.
Bamboo Palm
Source Pinterest: TIERRA Plants
Bamboo Palms bring that instant tropical resort feel with their slender, bamboo-like stems and feathery fronds. They’re excellent at filtering air and staying relatively compact.
Why It Works: Unlike real bamboo (which can be invasive), Bamboo Palms grow slowly and stay manageable. They’re also one of the best plants for removing formaldehyde from the air.
Best Conditions: Bright indirect light but tolerates lower light; well-draining soil kept slightly moist; prefers humidity; thrives in temperatures between 65-80°F.
Pro Tip: Wipe the fronds with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust. Clean leaves photosynthesize better and look healthier.
Philodendron Hope
Source Pinterest: Alicia Demmitt
Philodendron Hope is like the sophisticated cousin of other philodendrons, with deeply lobed leaves that have amazing texture. It stays relatively compact compared to its parent species.
Why It Works: This variety grows more upright than sprawling, making it perfect for corners or tight spaces. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance and forgiving.
Best Conditions: Medium to bright indirect light; well-draining soil; water when the top 2 inches are dry; prefers temperatures between 65-80°F.
Pro Tip: If you want bushier growth, you can trim the growing tips in spring. The plant will branch out and create a fuller appearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Overwatering: This is the number one plant killer in apartments. Most houseplants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. When in doubt, wait another day. Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil—if it’s moist, skip watering.
Not Enough Light: Even “low-light” plants need some light. If you’re in a truly dark apartment, consider a small grow light. They’re affordable and can make the difference between a thriving plant and a struggling one.
Ignoring Humidity: Central heating and AC can make apartments bone-dry. Group plants together to create a humid microclimate, or run a humidifier during winter months.
Using the Wrong Pot: Always make sure your pots have drainage holes. Sitting water = root rot = dead plant. It’s worth investing in proper pots with saucers.
Forgetting to Fertilize: Houseplants in pots eventually deplete their soil of nutrients. Feed your plants with a diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Ready to Green Up Your Space?
Here’s the truth: you don’t need a sprawling garden or a green thumb to bring life into your apartment. Start with one or two plants from this list—maybe a forgiving Snake Plant or a trailing Pothos—and see how it goes.
Every plant you keep alive is a small victory. And if something doesn’t make it? Don’t sweat it. Every experienced gardener has a plant graveyard story (or ten). The key is to keep trying, keep learning what works in your specific space, and enjoy the process.
Your small apartment has more potential for greenery than you think. So pick a plant, grab a pot, and get growing. Your space—and your mood—will thank you for it.
