Houseplants for Apartment Living
Living in New York City is no joke—tiny kitchens, loud streets, and, if you’re lucky, a windowsill with a sliver of sunlight. But greenery? That’s a must. At Ed’s Plant Shop, we’ve scouted the top plant picks that thrive in tight spaces and bring serious city vibes.
Whether you’re a new plant parent or a long-time leaf lover, here are the best houseplants for the apartment lifestyle, straight from our team of urban plant nerds.
1. Bella Palm – Poncho’s Pick
Poncho, our resident shop pup, woofs in favor of the Bella Palm! Its soft, arching fronds add a tropical feel without taking over an apartment. This palm brings a lush, leafy look to an apartment. Check the listing for its light, watering and care requirements.
Shop it: Bella Palm
2. Scindapsus Exotica – Ed’s Pick
Looking for drama without the drama? Scindapsus Exotica has velvety, silver-splashed leaves that make a statement even in the smallest studio. Its trailing foliage works well on a shelf or in a hanging planter. Check its care requirements before choosing a spot.
Shop it: Scindapsus Exotica
3. Calathea ‘Dottie’ – Christine’s Pick
Need a little glam in your tiny walk-up? The Calathea ‘Dottie’ has deep purple-black leaves with hot pink pinstripes that command attention. It loves a humid corner and brings vibrant color to a room. Choose a position that meets its light requirements.
Shop it: Calathea ‘Dottie’
4. Raven ZZ Plant – Zoya’s Pick
Zoya’s Raven ZZ pick brings bold, glossy foliage to a minimalist space. Its upright shape makes a striking contrast with trailing plants. Check the available sizes and care guidance before choosing its place in your apartment.
5. All the Hoyas! – Abby’s Pick
From Krimson Queen to the twisted Variegated Rope Hoya, Abby is ride-or-die for Hoyas. Hoyas offer a wide range of leaf shapes and growth habits. Care varies by species, so check each plant’s light and watering guidance before choosing one for your space.
Shop it: Hoya Collection
6. Pothos – Nikki’s Pick
The ultimate plant BFF. Nikki’s go-to for greening up her space while working from home is the classic Pothos. Easy to grow, easy to love, and easy to propagate for plant babies to gift your friends.
Shop it: Pothos Plants
Turn Your Concrete Jungle Into a Green Getaway
No backyard? No problem. With the right houseplants for your apartment, you can create your own urban jungle—no matter your square footage. Explore the plants linked above and compare their sizes, light requirements and care needs to find a good fit for your space.
Other apartment-friendly plants to explore:
-
Snake Plant (upright, architectural foliage)
-
Monstera (statement piece for bright spaces)
-
Philodendron Brasil (easy trailing greenery)