Houseplants have been scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, increase focus and improve air quality. There’s even evidence they can help you to recover from illness faster.
The lack of garden with an apartment gives you the perfect excuse to fill your home with indoor greenery and reap the benefits they provide 24/7.
Here’s a round-up of some of the best houseplants for apartments and don’t worry, they’re all beginner-friendly! (Some are even virtually impossible to kill ?)
Aloe Vera
This fleshy leafed succulent is nicknamed the ‘wonder plant’, and for good reason. The leaves contain aloe vera gel, which if you’ve ever been sunburned you’ll know is cooling, moisturising and repairing. It can also be applied to shallow cuts and grazes like shaving cuts. It’s basically a first-aid box in a plant!
Preferring bright, indirect light it can tolerate partial shade throughout the day. Ironically this plant can get a little sunburnt if exposed to too much direct sunlight! So, if you notice it start to take on a brown tinge, just move it away from the window.
Water when the soil is dry up to the first knuckle on your finger and if you plan to use the leaves cut with a clean knife. However, don’t consume the gel. Although available as ‘superfood drinks’, most household variations are not safe to eat.
Spider Plant
Remember those impossible-to-kill plants I mentioned earlier? Well, this is one of them.
Spider plants are considered one of the most adaptable houseplants out there. Tolerating most light conditions (although preferring bright, indirect light), they require little water. The spiderettes (offshoots) are easy to propagate too for even more houseplants.
The Spider plant ranks top for air purification, removing up to 95% of household toxins. You can breathe-easy with one of these around!
Jade Plant
With their miniature tree-like appearance, Jade plants have quickly become one of the most popular houseplants. Easy to care for and long-living, Jade plants adapt to the warm, dry environment of apartments perfectly.
The biggest issue with these houseplants is root rot so it’s important to let it dry out between watering. It goes dormant during the Winter so requires less water but during the growing season (Spring-Summer) give it a little more attention.
If you notice a red tint to the leaves don’t worry, that means it’s at optimum health – good job!
English Ivy
This tough, trailing plant can withstand pretty much anything you throw at it.
Available in a variety of shapes and colours, English Ivy will tolerant most light levels apart from direct sunlight. Preferring medium bright locations and away from drafts, this houseplant can be kept trimmed for a rounder appearance or left to trail depending on preference.
If you allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering and give the leaves the occasional misting you’ll have yourself a happy houseplant. English Ivy is another great air purifier too making it an ideal plant for apartments.
Zebra Plant
Coming in at only 8 inches tall max., this little guy packs a lot of personality into a small frame. Perfect for brightening up a coffee table, bookshelf or bedside table, this low maintenance houseplant is ideal for apartment living.
Tolerating low light, a Zebra plant prefers sunlight or spots with bright light conditions. Watering this houseplant is a little trickier to get right than most. Water when the soil is dry to the touch during the growing seasons and be careful not to overwater during the winter when they go dormant as they store moisture in the fleshy leaves.
Heart-Leaf Philodendron
Nicknamed the “Sweetheart Plant”, Heart-Leaf Philodendrons are easy to grow and can be ‘trained’ to climb along shelves or windowsills. For a fuller plant, just pinch after a leaf node to remove the trailing parts and keep it looking bushy.
With tropical origins the philodendron will tolerate dry air but prefers the occasional misting to increase humidity. The plant will wilt when it’s thirsty, but tends to bounce right back after a (tepid) watering so don’t worry. Keep the soil slightly moist during Spring/Summer and drier in Winter.
Thriving in medium to bright light conditions, small leaves or large gaps between them indicates that it’s not getting the sunlight it needs and might require a change of location. It’s the houseplant that talks!
Snake Plant
Practically fail-proof, these quirky plants like bright, indirect light but will do just fine in more shady spots (just don’t expect to see rapid growth!).
Requiring little attention, allow the soil to dry out between watering and sit back a enjoy the air purifying benefits of the Snake Plant. If kept in ideal conditions these plants are good growers, putting out runners that emerge from the soil as new plants. Allow them to get a few inches tall and then divide them into their own pots for more plants!
ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant or Zanzibar Gem is a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for houseplant that offers unique foliage, adding a focal point to any space.
A drought-tolerant plant, these are great if you frequently forget to water your houseplants! Keep them anywhere from bright to indirect light and they’ll be happy.
Mildly toxic, the ZZ Plant should be kept away from children and pets and not consumed (as with most houseplants). It’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling and wash your hands after to prevent any possible skin irritation.
Air Plants
The ultimate in low-maintenance houseplants, Air Plants don’t even require soil. They’re your no-mess solution to indoor gardening.
With a minimal root system, air plants can be hung, mounted, placed in terrariums & decorative containers or pretty much anywhere else really!
Tolerant of various light levels, the general rule of thumb is the lighter the colour of air plant, the more light it needs. Despite their name, air plants do still require watering which can be done one of two ways; mist two or three times a week or dunk them in room temperature water for a few seconds before shaking off the excess.
Hopefully you’re now feeling inspired to add a little greenery into your Trylon apartment. If you’ve already got the plants but nowhere to put them then enquire about one of our unique apartments today.
