Plants are powerful elements in the decoration of any space. They bring life, color, freshness, and even purify the air. When chosen correctly, plants can completely transform a room, offering comfort, tranquility, and even improving the air quality we breathe. For apartment dwellers, it is essential to choose the right plants for each room, considering factors like available light, humidity, and space.
In this article, we will explore the best plant options for each room of the apartment, taking into account different lighting, humidity, and space requirements, as well as providing essential care tips to ensure your plants grow and thrive.
1. Living Room: Plants that Create a Cozy Atmosphere
The living room is the heart of any apartment, a place to relax, entertain friends and family, or even work and read. Therefore, the plants in this space should contribute to a cozy and peaceful atmosphere while complementing the decor.
Suggested Plants for the Living Room:
- Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig): This plant, known for its large, thin green leaves, adds a touch of sophistication to the room. The Ficus Lyrata is ideal for brighter corners as it requires strong indirect light. Its imposing size also makes it a great option to fill empty spaces in the living room.
- Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant): The Snake Plant is a resilient plant that tolerates various light and humidity conditions. It is perfect for darker apartments or those with little time to care for plants. Additionally, it is great for purifying the air by removing toxins and improving the overall environment’s quality.
- Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): Another plant that stands out in living rooms is the Monstera. Its large, cut leaves add a tropical and modern touch. It prefers indirect light and should be watered moderately. This plant can also spread along a wall or be grown in a hanging pot, creating a more interesting look.
- Raphis Palm (Raphis excelsa): If you want a more exotic touch, the Raphis Palm is a great choice. It adapts well to indoor environments with indirect light and is known for its long, elegant leaves. This plant is also easy to care for and perfect for smaller living rooms or more enclosed spaces.
Care Tips for Living Room Plants:
- Light: Most of the plants suggested for the living room require indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can burn their leaves.
- Watering: Water the plants only when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding excess water, which can lead to root rot.
- Pots: Ensure you use pots with proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which could harm the root system.
2. Kitchen: Plants That Love Humidity and Moderate Light
The kitchen is one of the most active areas of the home, where we spend a lot of time preparing meals and interacting with family members. Additionally, kitchens tend to have more humidity due to the stove and sink, which can be beneficial for some plants.
Suggested Plants for the Kitchen:
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): If you love to cook, having basil in your kitchen is a great idea. It thrives in moderate light and is perfect for those seeking practicality, as its leaves can be used directly in meals. Basil also enjoys humidity, making the kitchen an ideal spot for it.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): English Ivy is a trailing plant that can be grown in hanging baskets or on supports, allowing it to spread along shelves. It thrives in environments with indirect light and high humidity, making it a good option for the kitchen.
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Like basil, chives are an easy-to-grow culinary plant that adapts well to environments with good natural light. Plus, chives help flavor your dishes and add a touch of greenery to the decor.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): The Peace Lily is an excellent choice for the kitchen because it tolerates low light and helps purify the air by removing toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde. It also enjoys humidity, making it ideal for the high-humidity kitchen environment.
Care Tips for Kitchen Plants:
- Light: Most kitchen plants prefer indirect or moderate light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can dry out the leaves.
- Humidity: Take advantage of the natural humidity in the kitchen but water with moderation. Aromatic plants like basil and chives may benefit from a little extra humidity, while others, like the Peace Lily, need consistently moist soil.
- Soil Drainage: Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot from excess water.
3. Bedroom: Relaxing Plants to Create a Tranquil Environment
The bedroom is where we rest and recharge, so it is essential to choose plants that not only add beauty to the space but also promote tranquility and relaxation. Many plants have calming properties and can improve sleep quality while purifying the air.
Suggested Plants for the Bedroom:
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its soothing aroma, lavender is perfect for the bedroom. It not only beautifies the space but also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. Lavender prefers direct sunlight, so it is ideal for a bright spot, such as near a window.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): Aloe Vera is a low-maintenance succulent that brings significant benefits. It helps purify the air and has healing properties for the skin. Place it near a window where it can receive indirect light for optimal growth in your bedroom.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos is a hardy plant ideal for bedrooms with low light. It can be grown in hanging baskets or placed on high shelves where it can spread. In addition to purifying the air, Pothos is easy to care for and tolerates drier environments.
Care Tips for Bedroom Plants:
- Light: Ensure your bedroom plants get the proper amount of light. Some plants, like lavender, prefer direct sunlight, while others, like Pothos, adapt to low-light conditions.
- Fresh Air: Keep the bedroom well-ventilated. Fresh air is essential for plant health and improves sleep quality.
- Humidity: Avoid overly dry environments. If your bedroom has air conditioning or heating, use a humidifier to maintain proper humidity levels for your plants.
4. Bathroom: Plants That Thrive in Humidity
The bathroom is one of the most humid rooms in an apartment, making it perfect for plants that enjoy moisture. Additionally, bathrooms typically have less natural light, so it’s important to choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions.
Suggested Plants for the Bathroom:
- Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Ferns are ideal for bathrooms as they love humid and shaded environments. They thrive in low-light areas and can be grown in hanging baskets or on shelves. Ferns also help purify the air.
- Orchids (Orchidaceae): Orchids are elegant plants that adapt well to bathroom conditions. They prefer humidity and indirect light, making them perfect for these types of spaces. Their exotic flowers can add a touch of charm to the bathroom.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The ZZ Plant is a resilient option that does well in low light and humid environments. It is also low maintenance, making it a great choice for those without a lot of experience with plants.
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): Lucky Bamboo thrives in bathroom humidity and can be grown in water or moist soil. It is also believed to bring good energy to the space according to Feng Shui principles.
Care Tips for Bathroom Plants:
- Light: Avoid placing plants in direct sunlight in the bathroom, as most bathrooms have little natural light. Choose plants that tolerate shade or indirect light.
- Humidity: Take advantage of the bathroom’s natural humidity but avoid keeping plants waterlogged. Water with moderation and ensure proper drainage.
- Cleaning: Given the high humidity in bathrooms, check plants regularly for mold or fungus and clean the leaves periodically to prevent fungal allergies.
Choose the Best Plants for Each Room
Choosing plants for each room in your apartment is a fantastic way to transform your space, bringing nature indoors and improving the overall environment. Remember that each plant has its own needs, such as light, humidity, and soil type, so it’s essential to study and understand the specifics of each species before placing them in your home.
By selecting plants for your living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, or other spaces, be mindful of lighting, humidity, and space factors. With a little attention and care, your plants will not only beautify your apartment but also contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable living space.
5. Balcony or Terrace: Plants that Endure Outdoor Conditions
The balcony or terrace of an apartment is a space that offers better ventilation and direct sunlight exposure, making it ideal for cultivating plants that thrive with more light and can tolerate external conditions. In this environment, you can explore a wider variety of plants, taking advantage of the luminosity and milder climate.
Suggested Plants for the Balcony:
- Geraniums (Pelargonium): Geraniums are great for sunny balconies. They bloom abundantly when they receive direct light and are quite resilient. They can be grown in pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets, creating a colorful and cheerful effect.
- Petunias (Petunia): Petunias are vibrant flowering plants that love the sun and adapt well to mild climates. They are perfect for wall pots, hanging baskets, or even creating small vertical gardens on the balcony.
- Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum): If you have a larger balcony, why not grow your own tomatoes? Tomato plants can be cultivated in large pots with plenty of direct sunlight for proper development. In addition to being a useful plant, the tomato plant offers beautiful flowers and fresh fruits.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is an aromatic herb that grows well on sunny balconies and can be used in various culinary dishes. It loves direct sunlight and is resistant to dry periods, making it ideal for growing in pots on the terrace.
Care Tips for Balcony Plants:
- Sunlight: Most balcony plants need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the space is very exposed to the sun, make sure the plants can withstand high temperatures.
- Pots and Drainage: Since the climate on the balcony may be drier or exposed to wind, it’s important to choose large pots with good drainage to prevent water from accumulating.
- Wind Protection: If your balcony is exposed to strong winds, consider using barriers to protect your plants. Hanging baskets or fixed pots can be a good option to prevent the plants from being knocked over. Additionally, water frequently to compensate for the faster evaporation of water in the outdoor environment.
6. Hallways or Passages: Compact Plants that Add Charm and Comfort
Hallways or passages in apartments are often overlooked spaces, but with the right choice of plants, these areas can be transformed into small green oases. The ideal plants for these spaces need to be compact, low-maintenance, and adaptable to areas with indirect light.
Suggested Plants for Hallways:
- Cacti (Cactaceae): Cacti are an excellent option for hallways, especially those with little light or ventilation. They can survive in drier conditions and require minimal maintenance. Additionally, their unique appearance and varied shapes make the space more interesting and modern.
- Succulents (Crassulaceae): Succulents, such as Echeveria and Crassula, are perfect for hallways since they don’t require much light and are quite resilient. They can be placed on small shelves or in decorative pots, creating a fresh and cozy atmosphere.
- Calatheas (Calathea): Known for their decorative leaves and vibrant patterns, Calatheas can add an exotic touch to hallways. While they prefer darker environments, they need regular moisture to thrive. They are low-maintenance plants, ideal for adding color and sophistication to smaller spaces.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): One of the most versatile plants, Pothos is a climbing plant that can be grown in hanging pots or placed on shelves. It adapts well to indirect light and can grow in a variety of conditions. Its rapid growth and attractive leaves make it a great choice for bringing life to hallways.
Care Tips for Hallway Plants:
- Light: Hallways usually have little natural light. Choose plants that adapt well to indirect or low light. If there is access to indirect or filtered light, opt for plants like Calatheas or Pothos, which are more tolerant of shade.
- Reminder: Keep the soil of hallway plants moist but not waterlogged. Since these spaces tend to be drier, a small humidifier can help maintain the plants’ health.
- Maintenance: Regularly check to ensure the plants are free of pests and perform occasional maintenance to ensure proper growth without compromising space.
7. Home Office or Work Space: Plants that Help Improve Productivity
With the rise of remote work, many people are creating home offices in their apartments. If you want to improve productivity and create a more pleasant environment, adding plants to your office is an excellent idea. Plants help reduce stress, improve air quality, and even enhance focus.
Suggested Plants for the Home Office:
- Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): The jade plant is known for its resilience and ease of care. It thrives in indirect light and is great for those looking for a low-maintenance plant. Additionally, the jade plant is believed to bring good luck and fortune, which can be inspiring for a work environment.
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): Lucky bamboo is an extremely easy-to-care-for plant that brings a zen touch to the space. Ideal for smaller areas, it only needs indirect light and a little water to grow well. Its presence can promote a sense of tranquility and increase concentration.
- Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller): In addition to being easy to care for, Aloe Vera has healing properties for the skin. It can be a practical and decorative addition to your home office. Aloe Vera prefers indirect light and spaced watering, making it perfect for those with busy schedules.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are an excellent choice for a home office because they are easy to care for and have air-purifying properties. Their dark green leaves and white flowers create a calm and harmonious environment, ideal for those who need concentration and focus.
Care Tips for Home Office Plants:
- Light: Home office plants should be placed in areas with indirect light, near windows but without direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.
- Space: Since home offices often have limited space, opt for small, compact plants like Lucky Bamboo and Jade Plants, which can easily be placed on desks or shelves.
- Watering: Water your plants moderately. Avoid overwatering and ensure the soil is not saturated, as this can lead to root rot.
Creating a Green and Healthy Environment in Every Room of Your Apartment
Now that you know the best plants for each room of your apartment, you can start transforming your space into a green and refreshing oasis. Each plant has its specific needs for light, moisture, and care, so it’s important to choose those that best suit the environment and your lifestyle.
Remember, by adding plants to your home, you’re not just decorating—you’re also improving air quality, creating a more tranquil atmosphere, and even promoting a sense of well-being. Whether in the bedroom, living room, office, or kitchen, there is always a perfect plant to bring harmony to your home.
Choose your plants with care, and enjoy the benefits they bring to your health, decoration, and mood. With regular care and the right plant for each space, your apartment will become more vibrant, healthy, and inviting.