When you live in a small apartment, space feels like gold. Every corner matters, and every item you bring in either makes the room feel bigger or smaller. That’s why choosing indoor plants for a small space is not just about decoration—it’s about creating breathing room, bringing in calm energy, and adding life without overwhelming your home.
I know this personally. Back when I first started renting small apartments in Buea, Cameroon, I felt how empty and tight those spaces could be. A simple snake plant in the corner changed the whole energy of the room. It was like I suddenly had a little piece of nature watching over me. Since then, I’ve experimented with different plants—some that thrived even when I forgot about them for weeks, and some that didn’t survive my lifestyle.
If you’re like me and you want the freshness of green life but without the headache, these are the best indoor plants for small apartments. They don’t take up much space, they’re forgiving, and they instantly make a room feel like home.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If you’ve ever doubted your plant-keeping skills, start here. The snake plant is tough. I remember one time I traveled for a week without watering it, and when I came back, it looked even stronger. Its tall, upright leaves don’t need much room, so it fits perfectly in a corner or next to your desk.
The best part? It helps clean the air, which is a big deal when you live in a small space where air can feel stuffy. Just keep it in indirect light, water it lightly every few weeks, and it will stand guard for years.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
If there’s one plant I recommend for beginners, it’s pothos. This plant grows like it wants to take over your apartment—but in a good way. You can hang it from the ceiling, place it on top of a wardrobe, or let it trail from a shelf.
I once had a pothos that I nicknamed “traveler” because its vines stretched all across my bookshelf. It instantly gave my room a cozy, jungle vibe without using up floor space. It’s also super forgiving if you forget to water it.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Some plants make a space beautiful; others make it peaceful. The peace lily does both. It has shiny green leaves and blooms with white flowers that brighten up any room.
I put mine near the window where the morning light hits, and it rewards me with flowers every few months. Peace lilies also clean the air, which is perfect if you spend a lot of time indoors working. Just keep the soil slightly moist, and it will keep glowing.
4. Aloe Vera
This one is both practical and stylish. Aloe vera doesn’t just look good with its thick, spiky leaves—it’s also handy to have around. I’ve cut a leaf more than once to use the gel for a burn or dry skin.
It thrives in sunlight, so I usually keep mine close to the window. It doesn’t ask for much, just water once in a while and plenty of sun. For a small apartment, aloe vera doubles as a decoration and a natural first aid kit.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
I call the spider plant the “happy plant” because of the way its striped leaves arch out like fireworks. It looks playful, and it’s very easy to grow. Even in low light, it manages to keep going.
The fun part is when it starts producing “babies”—little offshoots that hang down like mini plants. I once gave a few of these to friends as gifts, and they grew them into full plants. It’s perfect if you want a plant that keeps giving.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If your apartment doesn’t get much light, this plant is your friend. The ZZ plant has glossy, waxy leaves that look good all year round. It almost feels fake because it stays so perfect.
I keep one in the corner of my living room, far from the window, and it still thrives. It’s one of those plants that you can forget about and it will forgive you. For small apartments, its upright shape doesn’t eat up space.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
If you want a plant that makes a statement, go for the rubber plant. It has big, dark green leaves with a bold presence, yet it can fit in a small pot.
I added one to my apartment when I wanted something that felt more “serious” than pothos. It immediately gave the room a modern, classy touch. Just give it bright light and water it moderately.
8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plant is like having a little tree in your home. It’s small but sturdy, with thick leaves that look like coins. In some cultures, it’s seen as a symbol of luck and prosperity.
I like placing it near my workspace—it feels grounding and calm. Jade plants don’t need much water, and they grow slowly, which makes them perfect for small spaces.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
This plant is beautiful with its patterned leaves, often green mixed with silver or pink. It doesn’t need much sunlight, so it’s great if your apartment doesn’t get direct sun.
I once kept one in a shaded hallway, and it still thrived. It’s low-maintenance and adds a splash of color without demanding too much care.
10. Boston Fern
If you want a softer, more natural vibe, Boston ferns are amazing. Their feathery leaves spill out like a fountain, making them perfect for hanging baskets.
I had one in my living room, and it instantly made the place feel like a forest retreat. They like humidity, so they’re great if you keep them in the bathroom or kitchen.
11. Monstera Deliciosa
Also called the “Swiss cheese plant,” monstera is a favorite for its big leaves with natural holes. Even one plant can make your small apartment feel stylish and tropical.
I remember buying my first monstera and being shocked at how fast it grew. Within a few months, it started spreading wide, so I moved it near a corner to give it space. For small apartments, one pot is enough—it becomes the centerpiece.
12. Philodendron
Philodendrons are like cousins of pothos—easy, forgiving, and beautiful. They trail or climb, depending on how you guide them. I once grew one along my curtain rod, and it turned into a green wall.
They thrive in indirect light and don’t need constant attention, which makes them perfect for busy people who still want greenery at home.
How to Style Indoor Plants in Small Apartments
The secret to styling plants in small spaces is to go vertical. Hanging pots, shelves, and window ledges let you add greenery without sacrificing floor space. For example, I keep my pothos on top of my bookshelf and let the vines cascade down—it looks natural and saves room.
Mixing big statement plants like monstera with small accents like jade plant also creates balance. A few well-placed plants can make a small apartment feel open and alive without making it cramped.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Overwatering: This is the number one mistake. I’ve lost plants this way in the past. Always check the soil before watering.
-
Too much direct sun: Some plants burn if left in strong sunlight. I learned this when I placed my peace lily by the window and the leaves turned brown.
-
Ignoring repotting: As plants grow, they outgrow their pots. A quick repot every year or two keeps them healthy.
Final Thoughts
Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the calm and beauty of plants. In fact, the right plants make a small space feel more open, more breathable, and more alive. I’ve seen firsthand how adding just one snake plant or pothos can transform a room’s energy.
If you’re just starting, pick one or two from this list and see how they change your space. Trust me, once you experience the joy of living with indoor plants, you’ll never look at an empty corner the same way again.
