Easy Indoor Plants For Your Home

According to the latest Census, about 10% of Australians now reside in apartments. While apartment living offers benefits such as convenience, affordability, and prime locations, it does have some drawbacks—most notably, the lack of a private garden or backyard.

Spending time around greenery and nature has been shown to improve mental health, boost focus, and provide clean air. To help you bring a touch of nature into your urban home, we’ve compiled a list of low-maintenance plants that are perfect for apartment living.

1. Air Plants

Air plants, or Tillandsia, are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their stylish look and adaptability to almost any interior. True to their name, these plants absorb nutrients from the air, requiring minimal care.

When you first get an air plant, soak it in water for roughly 30 minutes, then allow it to dry completely overnight, ideally upside down. The next morning, position it in your chosen spot. After that, simply mist it occasionally depending on the season—more often in hot, dry summer months, and less frequently during cooler, darker winters. Curled leaves indicate the plant needs water, while dry leaf tips suggest too much sunlight.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera not only adds a touch of greenery to your apartment but also provides soothing gel for minor burns and cuts. NASA also lists it as a natural air purifier.

Be careful not to overwater Aloe Vera. Use well-draining soil, such as cactus or sandy mix. While it enjoys sunlight, too much direct exposure can brown the leaves. Two to three hours of bright sunlight daily is ideal. Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. In summer, this may mean watering every 1–2 weeks, while in winter, it could extend to once every 6–8 weeks.

3. African Violets

These vibrant plants bring a splash of color to any room. Native to Tanzania and Southeastern Kenya, African Violets thrive in moderate to bright indoor light, making them ideal for living rooms or bedrooms.

They need just enough water to keep the soil slightly moist, but never waterlogged. All-purpose potting soil is suitable and easily available at garden centers.

4. Herbs

Herbs are a fantastic option for apartment dwellers. Not only do they enhance your space visually, but they also elevate your cooking. Sunlight is essential, so balconies or sunny windowsills are the best locations. Resilient choices include oregano, parsley, basil, and chili, while mint, thyme, and sage are also excellent options.

Herbs can be planted individually in small pots or grouped together in larger containers. Clay pots are preferred, but plastic works too. Because balcony pots dry faster due to wind and sun, they require more frequent watering, especially for south-facing balconies. Most herbs need partial to full sunlight for a portion of the day to grow strong and flavorful.

5. Spider Plants

If your apartment doesn’t get much sunlight, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are ideal. Native to South Africa, these plants thrive in low-light conditions and produce shoots that self-propagate. They also help purify the air and may even bloom small white flowers in summer.

Spider plants look beautiful in hanging baskets or draping from shelves. Use general potting soil and don’t worry if the pot seems small—their roots prefer a snug space. During the first year, keep the soil consistently moist. In spring and summer, monitor moisture levels carefully, and consider using a liquid fertilizer once or twice a month to encourage growth.

Even the hardiest plant requires some care, but by choosing the right species for your apartment and following simple maintenance steps, you can easily enjoy greenery indoors while reaping the benefits of nature.