If you’re a city dweller, the chances are that you live in an apartment or a condo unit. While these units are very comfortable and convenient, the living space may also be cramped. Any little thing that you can do to brighten up your living quarters will go a long way to making it even healthier and more comfortable.
One of the things that you can do to best make your apartment or condo unit healthier is to get a plant or two. The burst of color – whether it’s green or some other hue – increases the visual appeal of your home. More so, plants placed indoors can help filter the air and create a healthier environment.
You have to understand, however, that not all plants are meant to be kept in close quarters. Before you go ahead and purchase all the potted plants that you can find in the nursery, you have to make sure first that those plants are suitable for apartments and similar living areas. Here are some of the best plants that you can get to complete you interior decoration.
Chinese evergreen
This plant is not called evergreen for no reason! The Chinese Evergreen is very easy to take care of – just place a pot in your bedroom or even bathroom. It is not that sensitive to humidity or levels of light. One word of caution – do not let the temperature in the room go below 60 F for long periods of time.
Aloe vera plants
Aloe vera is another plant that can add a splash of green to your home. There are many varieties of aloe vera plants, but all of them are quite easy to take care of. In fact, they have been dubbed ‘pregnant plants’ because they grow easily even if you do not spend much time and effort tending to them. All that you really need to do is place these kinds of plants by the window as they need lots of sunshine. As for water, once a week should be just fine!
Lucky bamboo
If you get a lucky bamboo plant, then you’re one lucky plant owner indeed! This indoor plant has become quite popular in the recent years, especially as gifts. They are small and will fit in even the smallest apartments. They are also quite pliable, with growers creating all sorts of designs by manipulating how the stems grow – making the plants great conversation pieces. And, if you’re interested in the stories behind these plants, you’ll be happy to know that Lucky bamboo plants are known to bring prosperity, health, and happiness to the owner.
Bird’s nest ferns
Bird’s nest ferns are perfect for indoors as these group of plants do not need much sunlight. In fact, they grows best in filtered sunlight and light shade, and might just shrivel up and die if exposed to too much direct sunlight! However, being a rainforest plant, bird’s nest ferns need to have their soil moist. Make sure that you check the moisture level at least twice a week – adjust your watering schedule as necessary.
Dracaena Limelight
Want to have a glow in the dark plant? Then the dracaena limelight is what you need. Seriously, this plant has light green leafy foliage that has a glowing effect in the dark. Where do you think it got its name?
Here’s an added benefit: this plant is known to purify the indoor air better than many other indoor plants. Not only do you have something that glows, but you get your air cleansed as well!
ZZ or eternity plant
Native to eastern Africa, the ZZ or eternity plant is perfect for any apartment. One, it can thrive in low light. It does do better when there is more sunlight (not direct but filtered), but it will be okay in your semi-dark quarters. Two, it does not need much watering. You do not have to worry about your long weekend trip outside of the city. The ZZ will take care of itself in that period. Of course, a 3-month holiday is a different story altogether. Three, it grows slowly. No worries about your apartment looking like a jungle with this plant.
Spiderplant
Ask any person who has a green thumb, and they will tell you that the spiderplant is a great plant for newbies. Actually, there are several kinds of spiderplants, but all of them are very very easy to take care of. If you’re that stressed about not being able to take care of your indoor plant, spiderplants are perfect as only the worst kind of neglect will kill these.
Looking at them, they may seem fragile, but they are in fact, tough critters; and they are very pretty to boot! I think these are my favorite plants as they really do liven up the atmosphere.
English ivy
If you prefer plants that you can hang somewhere in your apartment, you can try the English ivy. This plant is very versatile, making it a favorite among green thumbs. If you have more space, you can spread it out; if you are cramped for space, you can also limit the spread of this plant. The English ivy has a bright green color that will not fail to enhance the visuals of your apartment. However, it does turn pale and sickly looking if exposed to too much direct sunlight, so make sure you hang the plant somewhere that does not receive direct sunlight.
Peace lily
Also called closet plant, the peace lily is always makes it to lists of best household plants. The great thing about the peace lily is that it has white half-shaped blooms, which provides a pretty contrast to the deep green leaves. This plant thrives in low light spaces but needs a lot of water. However, you have to make sure that the soil is dry before you give it more water.
Rubber plant
This plant is probably one of the most common houseplants. The leaves can come in either deep green or burgundy. Whichever variety you choose, it is important to remember that the plant needs a lot of water. As opposed to other kinds of house plants, the rubber plant needs its soil to be moist all the time. The good news is that it does not need much light.