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These houseplant décor ideas for living rooms in apartments can help you create a lush, inviting space without taking up too much room. With the right plants and styling tricks, even a small apartment living room can feel vibrant and full of life.

But which plants work best – and how can you display them in a way that maximizes space and style?

Let’s explore creative ways to decorate your apartment living room with indoor plants.

Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚

 How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.

💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.

🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.

☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.

🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.

🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.

1. Monstera Deliciosa

apartment living room with a monstera plant

The Monstera Deliciosa is a popular choice for apartment living rooms. Its large, glossy leaves with unique splits and holes add a tropical vibe to any space. You can place it in a corner to create a focal point or near a window for optimal growth.

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn’t need frequent watering. It’s perfect for busy apartment dwellers who want a low-maintenance option. As it grows, you can train it to climb a moss pole or trellis for a dramatic vertical display.

Consider pairing your Monstera with a stylish pot to complement your decor. A sleek white ceramic or a woven basket can enhance its natural beauty and tie it into your living room’s aesthetic.

2. Fiddle Leaf Fig

apartment living room with a fiddle leaf fig

Fiddle leaf figs are popular houseplants that can make a big impact in your living room. Their large, violin-shaped leaves add a touch of drama and tropical flair to any space. Place your fiddle leaf fig in a bright corner, near a window that gets plenty of indirect sunlight.

Choose a stylish pot that complements your décor – a sleek white ceramic or a woven basket both work well. Or, to create visual interest, group your fiddle leaf fig with smaller plants or decorative objects.

Either way, remember to dust the leaves regularly to keep them looking their best.

3. Snake Plant

apartment living room with a snake plant

Snake plants are perfect for apartment living rooms. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and can thrive in low light conditions. These plants have tall, upright leaves that add a modern, sculptural element to your space.

Place a snake plant in a sleek pot on the floor near a window or in a corner to create visual interest. You can also group smaller snake plants on a shelf or side table for a mini indoor jungle effect.

Their air-purifying qualities make them a great choice for improving your apartment’s air quality too.

4. Pothos

apartment living room with a pothos plant

Pothos are a great choice for adding greenery to your living room. These low-maintenance plants can trail beautifully from shelves or hang from the ceiling in macrame planters. You’ll love how they soften the edges of your space and create a lush, jungle-like atmosphere.

Try draping your pothos’ vines along your curtain rod or winding them around a decorative ladder. They’re also perfect for brightening up bare corners.

With their heart-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in various light conditions, pothos are a versatile and attractive option for any apartment living room.

5. ZZ Plant

apartment living room with a zz plant

ZZ plants are perfect for apartment living rooms. They’re tough and can handle low light conditions, making them ideal for darker corners. These plants have glossy, deep green leaves that add a touch of elegance to any space.

You can place a ZZ plant on a side table or bookshelf to create visual interest. Their unique shape works well as a standalone accent piece. For a modern look, try putting your ZZ plant in a sleek, minimalist pot.

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These plants don’t need much water or care, so they’re great for busy apartment dwellers. You’ll love how they brighten up your living room with minimal effort on your part.

6. Aloe Vera

apartment living room with an aloe vera plant

Aloe vera plants are perfect for apartment living rooms. They’re low-maintenance and purify the air, making them a practical choice. Place an aloe vera in a sunny spot near a window for the best growth.

These succulents look great in modern ceramic pots or hanging planters. You can group a few smaller aloes together on a coffee table or bookshelf for a mini desert vibe. Their spiky leaves add interesting texture to your décor.

Aloe vera’s healing properties are an added bonus. Keep one in your living room for quick access to its soothing gel for minor burns or cuts.

7. Spider Plant

apartment living room with a spider plant on a shelf

Spider plants are perfect for apartment living rooms. They’re easy to care for and look great in hanging baskets. Place one near a window for the best growth. Their long, arching leaves add a touch of greenery to any space.

You can also set spider plants on shelves or tables. Their offspring, called “spiderettes,” dangle down – creating a cascading effect. This makes them ideal for decorating empty corners or bare walls.

Spider plants help purify the air too. They remove harmful toxins, making your living room healthier. Consider grouping a few together for a lush, jungle-like vibe in your apartment.

8. Peace Lily

apartment living room with a peace lily plant

Peace lilies are great for adding a touch of elegance to your living room. These low-maintenance plants thrive in low light, making them perfect for apartments. Place a peace lily in a decorative pot on your coffee table or end table for an instant style boost.

You can also group several peace lilies of different sizes to create a striking display. Their glossy green leaves and white flowers will brighten up any corner. Don’t forget to water them regularly – they’ll let you know when they’re thirsty by drooping slightly.

9. Succulent Terrarium

apartment living room with a succulent terrarium

A succulent terrarium can be a great addition to your living room. These mini glass gardens are perfect for small spaces and low-maintenance plant lovers. You can create your own by layering pebbles, activated charcoal, and soil in a clear container.

Add a variety of small succulents like echeverias, sedums, and haworthias. Mix different shapes, sizes, and colors for visual interest. You can even include tiny decorative elements like miniature figurines or colored stones.

Place your terrarium on a coffee table, bookshelf, or windowsill. It’ll add a touch of nature to your space without taking up much room. Plus, it’s a fun DIY project you can do with friends or family.

10. Bamboo Palm

apartment living room with a bamboo palm

Bamboo palms are great for adding a tropical vibe to your living room. These plants thrive in low light, making them perfect for apartments. Place one in a corner to create a lush focal point.

You can pair your bamboo palm with a stylish planter to match your décor. Try a woven basket for a boho look or a sleek ceramic pot for a modern feel.

Keep your palm happy by misting it regularly and wiping its leaves to remove dust. With proper care, it’ll grow tall and full, bringing a slice of paradise to your space.

11. Bird of Paradise

apartment living room with a bird of paradise plant

Bird of Paradise plants add a tropical flair to your living room. These large, striking plants have broad leaves and unique flower-like bracts that resemble a bird’s head. Place one in a bright corner to create a focal point.

They’re perfect for filling empty spaces and adding height to your décor. Bird of Paradise plants thrive in sunny spots, so position them near a window. Use a decorative pot that complements your room’s style to enhance the overall look.

Remember to give your Bird of Paradise enough space – they can grow quite tall. Regular misting will help keep the leaves looking lush and glossy.

12. Rubber Plant

apartment living room with a rubber plant in the windowsill

Rubber plants are great for adding a touch of drama to your living room. Their large, glossy leaves create a bold statement and can fill empty corners nicely. Place your rubber plant in a stylish pot that complements your décor.

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light – so position yours near a window, but not in direct sunlight. They’re low-maintenance and don’t need frequent watering, making them perfect for busy apartment dwellers.

As rubber plants can grow quite tall, they’re ideal for spaces with high ceilings. You can prune them to control their size and shape if needed. Their rich green foliage adds a fresh, natural element to any room’s design.

13. String of Pearls

apartment living room with a string of pearls plant on a bookshelf

String of Pearls plants add a unique touch to your living room. These trailing succulents look great in hanging baskets or on high shelves. Their pearl-like leaves cascade down, creating a waterfall effect.

Place a String of Pearls near a window for the best growth. They don’t need much water, making them perfect for busy apartment dwellers. You can also drape them over the edge of a bookshelf or let them trail down a plant stand.

For a modern look, try putting your String of Pearls in a sleek white pot. The contrast between the green “pearls” and the white container will catch everyone’s eye.

14. African Violet

apartment living room with an african violet on a shelf

African violets are perfect for brightening up your living room’s nooks and crannies. These compact plants thrive in indirect light, making them ideal for apartment spaces. Place them on a side table or windowsill to add a pop of color with their vibrant purple, pink, or white blooms.

You’ll love how easy these plants are to care for. They don’t need much water – just keep the soil slightly moist. African violets also do well in small pots, so they won’t take up too much space in your apartment.

Try grouping a few African violets together for a charming display. Their fuzzy leaves and delicate flowers will bring a touch of nature to your living room without overwhelming the space.

15. Kentia Palm

apartment living room with a palm

Kentia palms are perfect for apartment living rooms. These elegant plants can grow up to 10 feet tall, making them a striking focal point. They’re low-maintenance and thrive in indirect light, ideal for spaces with limited sunlight.

Place your Kentia palm in a large decorative pot near a window or in a corner. It’ll add a tropical vibe to your room without overwhelming the space. The palm’s arching fronds create a soft, natural canopy that can help soften harsh lines in modern interiors.

For a cohesive look, pair your Kentia with smaller plants or decorative objects. You can also use it to frame furniture pieces like a couch or armchair. With proper care, this palm will be a long-lasting addition to your living room décor.

16. Philodendron Heartleaf

apartment living room with a heartleaf philodendron on a table

Philodendron heartleaf plants are perfect for apartment living rooms. Their heart-shaped leaves cascade beautifully from hanging baskets or shelves. You can also train them to climb walls or trellises, creating a lush green backdrop.

These low-maintenance plants thrive in indirect light, making them ideal for spaces with limited sunlight. They’re also great air purifiers, helping to keep your living room fresh and clean.

Try placing a philodendron heartleaf on a bookshelf or desk to add a pop of greenery. You can even let it trail down from a high shelf for a dramatic effect. With minimal care, these versatile plants will quickly become a favorite in your apartment décor.

17. Chinese Evergreen

apartment living room with a chinese evergreen plant on a side table

Chinese Evergreen plants are perfect for apartment living rooms. They’re low-maintenance and thrive in low to moderate light conditions. Place one on a side table or bookshelf to add a touch of green to your space.

These plants come in various leaf patterns and colors, from dark green to silver. You can choose one that matches your décor style. Chinese Evergreens also help purify the air, making them both beautiful and practical.

To style your Chinese Evergreen, try placing it in a decorative pot or basket. This will enhance its visual appeal and complement your living room’s aesthetic.

18. Boston Fern

apartment living room with a boston fern hanging in front of a window

Boston ferns are perfect for adding a lush, tropical vibe to your living room. These graceful plants thrive in bright, indirect light and love humidity. Hang them in a decorative macramé planter near a window for a striking focal point.

You can also place Boston ferns on plant stands or shelves. Their cascading fronds create a soft, elegant look that complements many décor styles. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.

For a bold statement, group several Boston ferns of different sizes together. This creates a mini indoor forest that’ll make your apartment feel like a peaceful oasis.

Just remember to give them enough space to spread out their beautiful fronds.

19. Majesty Palm

apartment living room with a palm

The Majesty Palm can transform your living room into a tropical oasis. This tall, elegant palm thrives in bright, indirect light – perfect for placing near a window. Its lush, feathery fronds add a touch of green luxury to any space.

You’ll love how the Majesty Palm softens harsh corners and brings life to bare walls. For a bold look, try placing it in a large, colorful pot. Or keep it simple with a classic white or neutral container.

Remember to mist your palm regularly and keep the soil moist. With proper care, it’ll grow into a stunning focal point in your apartment. The Majesty Palm is sure to impress guests and create a relaxing atmosphere in your living room.

20. Cast Iron Plant

apartment living room with a cast iron plant on a wooden stand

The Cast Iron Plant is a tough, low-maintenance houseplant that’s perfect for apartment living rooms. It thrives in low light conditions and doesn’t need much water, making it ideal for busy plant parents.

This plant’s dark green, leathery leaves add a touch of elegance to any space. You can place it in a decorative pot on the floor or on a side table to create a focal point in your room.

The Cast Iron Plant grows slowly, so you won’t need to worry about it outgrowing its space. It’s also known for its air-purifying qualities, helping to keep your living room fresh and clean.

21. English Ivy

apartment living room with a hanging English ivy

English ivy in a hanging basket adds a touch of greenery to your living room. It’s easy to care for and grows quickly, making it perfect for apartment dwellers. Hang it near a window for best results.

You can place the basket on a shelf or from the ceiling. The trailing vines create a cascading effect that softens the room’s edges. It’s also great for purifying the air.

Choose a basket that complements your décor style. Woven baskets give a natural look, while metallic ones add a modern touch. Remember to water regularly and trim as needed to keep it looking neat.