Best Indoor Plants for Low-Light Apartments

The tricky part about finding the right plants to live in your space is that each apartment is unique in terms of the amount of natural light it receives. For example, apartments with south-facing windows experience a lot of sunlight, whereas apartments with north-facing windows can get very little direct sunlight.

The good thing is that plants have grown in and adapted to a wide range of environments, so there are species that are suited perfectly for your home. In the case of low-light apartments, there are many hardy plant options that thrive in less-than-ideal light conditions. Don't worry, wherever you live, you'll be able to use that green thumb of yours!

Here are some of the best indoor plants for apartments.

Snake Plants

Snake plants are popular among apartment dwellers because they're well-suited to a variety of different environments. These low-fuss plants are perfect for beginners and experienced plant parents alike, and they're widely available at home and garden stores year-round.

Standard snake plants don't require too much light. While they definitely thrive in sunlight, they're also happy without it, making them extremely versatile for many different types of spaces. Be careful: snake plants are easy to overwater, so give yourself some sort of reminder to go easy on the watering schedule two times per month (or whenever the dirt is dry for several days) will be sufficient.

An added bonus is that these plants have air-purification abilities and actively clean the air in your home.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreens are sturdy little plants that have no desire for sunlight. They thrive in low-light conditions, and direct sunlight can actually harm them.

They also need very little water. You can leave the pot dry for several days before you water it again (start by watering every 3-5 days and see how the plant responds). Chinese evergreen plants are characterized by their beautiful multi-green leaves and will spruce up even the drabbest apartment!

If you have a Chinese evergreen, make sure to keep your apartment above 60 degrees Fahrenheit as they don't enjoy cold environments. 
 

ZZ Plant

You've likely seen the ZZ plant at some point in your life since they are very popular decorative plants. Their thick, green leaves are a perfect addition to every indoor garden and are ideal for low-light spaces.

The ZZ plant is native to East Africa and has become a favorite all around the globe. An added bonus with the ZZ plant is that they don't attract pests and only need to be watered three to four times a month.
 

Best Plants for Patios & Balconies

What if you're lucky enough to have a bright and sunny patio or balcony space?

As long as you live in a location where the weather doesn't get too harsh, you will be able to house many different kinds of plants. While not all plants are ideal for standard patio or balcony environments, there are plenty of resilient plants that will thrive in your outdoor space.

Here are some options for your patio or balcony plant collection.
 

Herbs and Spices

One of life's greatest joys is growing and harvesting your own herbs and spices. Imagine the immense pride you'll experience when you garnish your favorite pasta dish with homegrown basil!

Each herb has its unique needs, but in general, herbs tend to thrive in warm, outdoor environments. If there is ever inclement weather, you can easily move them indoors to your windowsill.

Herbs vary in terms of water and sunlight, but fortunately, they don't take up too much room. They fit perfectly in narrow spaces, which is good for maximizing your patio and balcony area. Here are some of the easiest herbs and spices to grow at home:

• Mint - This might be America's most popular herb and is a key ingredient in tea blends, ice cream flavors, dental products, and much more. The mint plant produces a sweet aroma that will fill your patio or balcony space, and its little green leaves are the perfect addition to drinks like iced tea and lemonade. Don't be surprised if mint seedlings show up throughout your garden. These plants are known to spread easily!

• Thyme - Thyme is one of the most durable and resilient plants you can find! They can be stepped on, trampled on, and mowed over and will still come back thriving. Thyme grows best with lots of sunlight, so be sure to place your plants strategically for maximum sun exposure.

• Basil - Fresh basil is a pure delight and a crucial element in Italian cuisine caprese, bruschetta, pizza, pesto, and more. The basil plant thrives in small containers and enjoys a healthy dose of sunlight and water. They can also grow very quickly, so it's suggested that you trim them down if they reach over 6 inches tall. As they say in Italy buon appetito!

Croton

The name of the Croton plant sounds like something out of a sci-fi film, but it's actually a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. Today, the Croton is quite common in both indoor and outdoor gardens the world over.

For beginner plant parents, these are perfect since they're both beautiful and low-maintenance. They come in many different color configurations that mix vivid greens with stunning pinks and reds.

The Croton will help bring your space to life.
 

Caladium

Caladium is another low-maintenance plant with a natural beauty that is guaranteed to enliven your space.

Their color profile is similar to the Croton, but the leaves are broad and lily pad-like with red veins running across a bed of greens. They thrive in warm temperatures but also do well in more temperate climates. Best of all, they don't attract pests and require minimal watering.  

Begonias 

How about flowers?

One of the easiest species to care for is the begonia, another tropical plant that produces gorgeous blossoms in a variety of colors. They do well in both sun and shade, so you have options when it comes to placement.

Begonias are an easy-going species, which makes them perfect for plant parents of all experience levels. 

Best Plants for Complete Beginners 

What if you're a complete beginner or are still developing your green thumb?

Here are some apartment-friendly options that are very simple to care for! 

Succulents

The world of plants is endlessly fascinating. From the Amazon forest to the Saharan desert to the icy peaks of the Himalayas, different plant species have found ways to thrive in a multitude of climates, no matter how extreme.

Succulents are a subset of plants that have adapted to arid conditions by storing water in thick, fleshy leaves. Some examples are plants like aloe vera, jade, and echeveria.

Their evolved resilience is the reason why they are so easy to take care of they require very little water to stay alive. As a matter of fact, its easier to overwater than to underwater a succulent!

Plant stores will almost always have a section for succulents, making it easy to find the species that works best for your home.  

Monstera

The monstera plant is immediately recognizable with its large, perforated leaves that grace the homes of people all around the world.

Colloquially known as the Swiss cheese plant because of the splits in their leaves, these common house plants are perfect for beginners because they grow well in a multitude of light conditions and require water only when their soil is dry.

An added bonus is that they are a part of the current zeitgeist and get a lot of love on social media!  

Peace Lily

Peace lilies are beautiful flowering plants that work well in many indoor environments. They are characterized by tall, white blooms that frame a part of the plant known as the spadix, a spiked appendage that has developed to attract pollinators.

They are great plants for beginners because they are very communicative! Whenever they need water, their leaves will begin to droop, signaling that its time to give them a drink.

Of course, they also look fantastic, and the unique flowers will add some elegance to your home.