The lush and leafy world of indoor gardening in a small flat or apartment: mission impossible?
Not at all! There are loads of great houseplants that don't need a tonne of space, maintenance, or constant watering. Some are pretty inexpensive too.
While all plant care necessarily takes time and love, don't feel that you can't have a healthy indoor jungle when you are renting or living in a flat.
We have collected some of the best apartment plants that are suitable for indoor gardening so that you can transform your living space into a verdant paradise with minimal hassle.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Meet the Spider Plant: the superhero of the plant world. With its arching leaves resembling spider legs, this green companion is a real breeze to care for. In fact, you would probably actually struggle to kill it off (famous last words).
Place it in a nice hanging basket, and watch it produce long leaves that dangle from above, creating a playful spectacle in any room.
Super cheap and easy to find pretty much anywhere, this one is a great beginner plant that brings an instant boost to any small space.
Pilea Peperomioides: Flat as a pancake
The Pilea Peperomioides, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, boasts round, coin-like leaves that bring a touch of whimsy to your space. There is something very satisfying about this plant's waxy spherical leaves. It also looks good as a small or a large plant.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Virtually unkillable
For all the self-proclaimed plant assassins out there, fear not! The ZZ Plant is virtually indestructible: I can personally vouch for it!
It thrives on neglect and low light, making it the perfect companion for those who forget to water or are just too busy. I have known ZZ plants to just exist for 15+ years in the same pot, neglected, but alive. This one is great for anyone who travels a lot.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Stylish serpent
This plant has sleek, upright leaves that are as stylish as they are sturdy. With minimal care requirements, this plant can survive in almost any condition, making it a low-maintenance friend that still adds a dash of drama to your decor.
It is perfect for table-top or shelf displays.
Succulents: Tiny Trendsetters
Succulents are compact, photogenic, and effortlessly cool. Arrange them in quirky containers or mix and match different varieties to create your mini desert oasis. With their quirky shapes and vibrant colors, succulents are the tiny trendsetters your indoor garden needs.
They also need less watering than a lot of plants, and as they have recently become quite trendy, you will also be able to find many different kinds and fun colours of succulents.
Monstera Deliciosa: Swiss Cheese Sensation
If your goal is to turn your living room into a tropical paradise, the Monstera Deliciosa is here for you. With its large, fenestrated leaves resembling Swiss cheese, this plant adds a touch of drama and elegance to any space. It's a statement piece that's sure to spark conversations, and we love it because it's also one that takes to a moss pole!
There are loads of mature Monsteras out there for sale (we got a great one off Facebook Marketplace). These thick stems and big leaves really offer you a lot of bang for your buck.
There are also other types of Monstera you might want to consider, such as the Adansonii (pictured below).
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
With its large, fiddle-shaped leaves, this plant commands attention and brings a touch of sophistication to your living space. While they can be hard to please, if you get it right, these are really show-stopping houseplants. We love the deep green of their leaves, and it is nice to see that so many people are embracing fiddle leaves.
Aloe Vera: Multitasker
Not just a pretty face, Aloe Vera is the ultimate multitasker. Beyond its striking appearance, it offers the soothing balm of its gel for your skin. Keep this spiky companion on your windowsill, and you'll have both a stylish decor element and a natural remedy for life's little burns.
Hoya: Waxy and versatile
Hoyas are very versatile and make excellent hanging plants. Hoya plants are known for their waxy, star-shaped leaves. They are also forgiving of occasional neglect and can thrive in various light conditions.
Pothos: Flexible chameleon
Pothos plants have heart-shaped leaves that can vary in colour from green to variegated shades of green and white or yellow. They are a great trailing plant and look really good trailing down shelves, especially with their versatile colouring.
Air Plants (Tillandsia): Floating above it all
Why not add the quirky and carefree Air Plants into the mix? These little wonders don't need soil to survive, making them the ultimate free spirits of the plant kingdom. Attach them to driftwood, hang them in glass orbs, or let them float in the air – these plants are as playful as it gets!
Why get plants in the first place?
- Aesthetics: a quick and cheap way to make a flat a "home"
- Air purification: plants are known for their ability to purify indoor air by removing toxins. This makes them excellent choices for improving indoor air quality, which is especially beneficial for those who spend a lot of time indoors
- Hobby potential: you may find yourself getting into plants, which is no bad thing. There is a lovely indoor plant community out there waiting for you!
Plants grow and give back more with time, adding to your collection.
There you have it: some easy plants that will turn your living space into a playful and vibrant indoor garden. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a greenery newbie, these quirky companions are sure to bring joy, style, and a breath of fresh air to your home. So, grab your watering can, put on your gardening gloves, and let the indoor jungle adventure begin! Happy planting!
