Here’s an expert take on the best low maintenance indoor plants for your apartment. (Getty Images)

Love the look of plants, but worried about keeping them alive? It’s true that cultivating greenery can be a challenge indoors, whether you’re working with too much humidity, too much dryness, a lack of natural light, or all of the above. But thankfully, online plant shops like the Sill are making it easier than ever to incorporate plant life into your decor, regardless of where you live. We spoke to the Sill’s director of marketing, Erin Marino, for tips on the best low-maintenance indoor plants for your apartment — so you won’t have to worry if you’re missing that green thumb. Here are her suggestions:

The Snake Plant is a great choice among small low maintenance indoor plants. (Courtesy of the Sill)

Snake Plant

Sansevieria trifasciata

Nicknamed “mother-in-law’s tongue,” this stylishly spiky plant is great for apartments for two reasons: First, while it prefers medium to bright indirect light, it can also tolerate low light. Second, because it’s a succulent, it only needs to be watered once every two to three weeks. As an added bonus, the snake plant appears on NASA’s top ten list of air purifying plants.

The ZZ plant, or Zanzibar gem, is another hardy indoor plant. (Courtesy of the Sill)

ZZ Plant

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Similar to the snake plant, the ZZ plant, or Zanzibar gem, can endure really low levels of light. “It’s also pretty drought tolerant,” according to Marino. “Huge bulbous ribosomes under the surface of the potting mixture can store a ton of water, so you only need to water it once a month.” If you’re out of your apartment a lot for travel or work, no problem.

Manhattan 1-2BR Rentals Under $3200 Article continues below

Morningside Heights

3111 Broadway

$3,195 No Fee

1 |

1

Washington Heights

502 West 167th Street

$2,395 No Fee

2 |

1

Upper West Side

218 West 79th Street

$3,100 No Fee

1 |

1

South Harlem

120 West 116th Street

$2,895 No Fee

2 |

1

Washington Heights

735 West 172nd Street

$2,400 No Fee

2 |

1

East Village

45 First Avenue

$2,450 No Fee

1 |

1

Lower East Side

106 Norfolk Street

$3,150 No Fee

1 |

1

West Village

165 West 4th Street

$3,000 No Fee

2 |

1

Lincoln Square

244 West 64th Street

$2,600 No Fee

1 |

1

Chelsea

241 West 15th Street

$2,900 No Fee

1 |

1

East Village

223 East 10th Street

$2,650 No Fee

1 |

1

Kips Bay

203 East 27th Street

$3,000 No Fee

1 |

1

The Pothos is also known as the “cubicle plant.” (Courtesy of the Sill)

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

The Pothos is also known as “the cubicle plant” because it can tolerate less-than-ideal environments. While it’s not as tolerant of low light as its friends the Snake and the ZZ, the Pothos doesn’t require direct sunlight. Also, if you’re short on square footage, it looks beautiful when displayed higher up on a shelf or hanging on a hook, with its leaves trailing down. It needs watering about every week or two, but, Marino says, “if you’re traveling for two weeks and forget to water it, it really bounces back after a hearty watering.”

The Philodendron is a classic low-maintenance plant for the home. (Courtesy of the Sill)

Philodendron

Philodendron hederaceum

Similar in appearance to the pothos, but with narrower, heart-shaped leaves, the Philodendron can put up with low to medium indirect light. “It’s a super hardy overall plant,” notes Marino, who suggests watering it every one or two weeks depending on how much light it receives. But like the Pothos, if you occasionally neglect it, it will easily bounce back. 

Marimo moss balls will add a different look to your interior space. (Courtesy of the Sill)

Marimo Moss Balls

Aegagropila linnaei

Available at the Sill, and at most aquatic supply stores, these little moss balls are about as low maintenance as it gets. They look great in a fish tank, a fish bowl or even a glass of water, and they prefer low indirect light. “What’s super cool about marimo is that they require almost zero maintenance,” Marino says. “Just change the water every time it gets a little dusty-looking.” Plus, you don’t have to worry about curious pets — they’re completely non-toxic.

Brooklyn 1-2BRs Under $3200 Article continues below

Williamsburg

100 Moore Street

$2,500 No Fee

2 |

1

Ditmas Park

839 East 19th Street

$2,908 No Fee

2 |

1

East New York

581 Liberty Avenue

$2,600 No Fee

2 |

1

Williamsburg

216 Devoe Street

$2,600 No Fee

1 |

1

Prospect Lefferts Gardens

341 Midwood Street

$2,500 No Fee

2 |

1

Sunset Park

4423 Fifth Avenue

$2,360 No Fee

2 |

1

Bushwick

38 Cooper Street

$2,700 No Fee

2 |

1

Bedford-Stuyvesant

655A Greene Avenue

$2,850 No Fee

1 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

735A Quincy Street

$2,699 No Fee

2 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

863 Hancock Street

$2,649 No Fee

2 |

1

Flatbush

2708 Snyder Avenue

$3,150 No Fee

2 |

1

Stuyvesant Heights

411 Chauncey Street

$2,495 No Fee

1 |

1

Lastly, Marino cautions the new plant owner to never overwater. “Plants are pretty hardy — you don’t need to water them every week for the most part,” she advises. “A good rule of thumb is to base watering on how much light the plant is getting.” For the abovementioned plants, Marino says to look out for wrinkly or wilting leaves, paired with dry potting mix — that’s usually a sign of a thirsty or under-watered plant.
—
Inspired to find your next place in New York? Whether you’re looking to rent or to buy, search NYC apartments on StreetEasy.