One of the best additions you can make to an apartment is to add a few live plants here and there to brighten up each room. Plants can add color, scent, and a feeling of tranquility that can’t easily be matched. However, it is important to choose your plant carefully, as not all pot plants are suited to life in a condo. Below is a selection of plants that tend to thrive in an apartment situation.
African violets do very well in dim light. It’s perfect for NYC apartments, but don’t over-water and try not to touch the sensitive leaves while watering.
The African violet, or Saintpaulia, is a small plant with soft, deep green, velvety leaves. This plant thrives indoors, and is generally hardy if cared for properly. Although the leaves themselves are pretty, this plant really comes into its own when it flowers. The flowers on an African violet are stunningly bright and beautiful, complimenting the leaves beautifully and adding a splash of vibrant color to any room. These plants need a moderate amount of water once a week, and don’t like to get too cold. They require large amounts of filtered sunlight, but do not do well if placed in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Adding a small amount of fertilizer to your African violet each week can also help it to thrive.
The Peace Lily plant goes very nicely in city apartments. It’s a very forgiving plant. Keep the soil slightly moist and mist the plant every week or two. When the lily blooms, you’re in for a lovely treat.
If you’re looking for a plant that can create a tranquil, soothing atmosphere – a peace lily (Spathiphyllum) will fit the bill. As the name suggests, these plants can’t help but give off a calming, peaceful vibe, and will definitely have you feeling relaxed in no time at all! To keep your peace lily peaceful, make sure it is near a window but not in direct sunlight. These plants require regular watering, whenever the soil appears dry. Add enough water to dampen the soil, but ensure there is no standing water in the pot. Misting the leaves a few times each week with a spray bottle will also help to keep your peace lily healthy.
Low light? No problem with this air breathing plant. Just run it under the faucet two or three times a week.
One of the trendiest apartment plants are the all popular air plants, or Epiphytes. These plants are special because they don’t have a root system, and instead obtain water and nutrients through their leaves. Your plant will need watering two or three times a week, and you can do this by submerging the plant fully in water or holding it under running water for a couple of minutes. That’s about all the care these plants require.
Fig trees, with their distinctive large, flat leaves, also make fantastic house plants. While miniature varieties are available, it is important to realize that these will not produce fruit. Fruiting varieties can grow quite large, but this can be limited
Put a tree in your living room or bedroom! We’re talking about a miniature fig tree raised as a bonsai tree. Water it once in a while. With a little skill and luck, this tree can outlive you!
if they are restricted to smaller pots. Your fig tree will do best if it is in direct sunlight. Keeping it near an open window may also help, as fresh air is something the fig tree seems to like. If you have a balcony, it is definitely a good idea to move your fig tree outside for the summer months, as long as it doesn’t get too cold overnight. Small amounts of regular water are required, and you will need to move your tree to a larger pot as it starts to outgrow the one it is currently in.
This plant can grow large even in a tiny pot. It is also said to bring good fortune. That’s why it’s called a Chinese Money Tree. Now if only you could get it to play the stock market.
A Chinese money tree is a unique, sophisticated looking and (despite the name) affordable plant that will look great in any apartment. These plants are relatively easy to care for and require only a little water once a week, especially if they are planted in water retaining cactus soil. These trees actually like having their roots tightly packed, so if you think you’re pot is too small it’s probably actually the perfect size. These trees grow best out of direct sunlight and in a moderate temperature – don’t keep them in a room that gets very cold overnight.
Kurt Jacobson is a surfing enthusiast with a background in real estate. Having moved 10 times in the past 7 years, he thrives on helping others learn from his experiences. When he’s not out shredding waves he writes about condos for rent for RentFinder.co.
All images courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons
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