Living in the city can be thrilling—fast-paced days, endless coffee options, and everything within walking distance. But while apartment living has its perks, finding time (and space) to nurture greenery isn’t always easy. If your workdays stretch long or your travel schedule is relentless, it might seem like keeping houseplants alive just isn’t in the cards.
Here’s the good news: not all indoor plants are high-maintenance divas. Some are more like old friends—you can forget to call for a bit and they’ll still be glad to see you. These plants handle neglect like pros and ask very little in return, making them perfect for busy folks who still want a bit of green around the house.
And if you happen to share your apartment with a Belgian Shepherd, these plant choices are sturdy enough to coexist with a curious four-legged companion.
Below are ten tried-and-tested low-maintenance indoor plants that thrive in apartments, studios, or shared homes—no greenhouse or green thumb required.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If there’s a poster child for hard-to-kill houseplants, the snake plant wears the crown. With its upright, sword-like leaves and sharp contrast of greens and yellows, it adds structure to any room.
Why it works:
- Tolerates low light
- Doesn’t need much watering (every 2–3 weeks is fine)
- Helps filter indoor air
It can handle being ignored for a while—and even seems to thrive on it. Just don’t overwater it. If the soil feels dry, you’re doing just fine.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Shiny, waxy leaves and a gentle arch give the ZZ plant a tidy, sculptural look. It’s often mistaken for an artificial plant—mainly because of how little it changes and how well it holds up.
Why it works:
- Thrives in low-light spots
- Infrequent watering (once every 2–3 weeks)
- Resistant to pests and root rot
ZZ plants are slow growers, so they stay compact and neat, even if you don’t repot them for years.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos has earned the nickname “Devil’s Ivy” because it’s almost impossible to kill. With vines that trail or climb, it’s ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves.
Why it works:
- Grows in low to bright light
- Fast-growing and forgiving
- Bounces back quickly after missed waterings
- It also roots easily in water, so you can propagate new plants from cuttings in a jar by your kitchen sink.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Want something that flowers indoors but still doesn’t need babying? Peace lilies check both boxes. They produce elegant white blooms and lush green foliage.
Why it works:
- Tolerates low light
- Droops dramatically when thirsty—making it easy to read
- Filters air toxins like benzene and formaldehyde
Water it about once a week and keep it out of direct sun. That’s about it.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
The name says it all. Cast iron plants are slow-growing but incredibly durable. They’ll hang in there through low light, drought, and even a forgotten weekend away.
Why it works:
- Grows well in shaded corners
- Tolerates dust and inconsistent care
- Rarely needs repotting
It’s not flashy, but it earns its keep with resilience and a calm, classic look.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants bring a bit of retro flair with their striped, arching leaves and mini “pups” that dangle like ornaments. They’re crowd-pleasers and thrive on neglect.
Why it works:
- Adapts to a range of light conditions
- Recovers quickly from stress
- Purifies indoor air
Bonus: once it starts producing baby plants, you can snip and pot them for easy gifts or to fill out other corners of your space.
7. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plants are handsome—broad, deep green leaves that sometimes blush with burgundy tones. They add instant character to a corner without asking much in return.
Why it works:
- Prefers bright, indirect light but survives low light
- Needs watering only when the soil dries out
- Grows tall with minimal input
Wipe the leaves every so often to remove dust and help them breathe.
8. Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)
Long, thin leaves with red edges give this plant a bit of drama. It’s a solid pick for small spaces, especially because it grows vertically rather than wide.
Why it works:
- Drought-tolerant
- Enjoys indirect light
- Doesn’t demand much pruning
You’ll often see it in offices or lobbies because it keeps its shape and needs very little hands-on care.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
If you like colourful leaves but don’t want the commitment of flowering plants, Chinese evergreen might be your match. Some varieties have splashes of silver, red, or even pink.
Why it works:
- Grows in low light
- Doesn’t mind dry indoor air
- Only needs watering every week or two
It’s slow and steady, and one of the best choices if your apartment doesn’t get much natural light.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe is known for its skin-soothing gel, but it’s also a tidy, sculptural plant that asks very little of its owner. Keep one on a sunny windowsill, and you’re set.
Why it works:
- Loves bright, indirect light
- Prefers dry soil—don’t overwater
- Handy for minor burns or dry skin
Just remember: aloe doesn’t like soggy feet. A well-draining pot is key.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to overhaul your schedule to keep houseplants alive. These ten low-maintenance beauties will forgive missed waterings, adjust to odd lighting, and add calm and texture to even the busiest city apartment.
So whether your home is a high-rise studio or a shared townhouse, there’s room for green. And with the right plants, it won’t feel like a chore—it’ll feel like coming home.
