Indoor Plants That Thrive in Apartments 

Strata Living
Written By Narada Kapao | StrataYou

Top 10 low-light, low-maintenance plants for Australian apartments 

Bringing greenery into your apartment is one of the easiest ways to improve your living space. Indoor plants not only add colour and life to your home but can also purify the air and boost your wellbeing. 

If you’re renting or own an apartment—whether in humid Cairns, dry Alice Springs, or chilly Hobart—there are indoor plants that will thrive in your environment.  

Here are ten of the best low-maintenance, low-light indoor plants suitable for all Australian climates, along with care tips to keep them looking their best. 

 

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) 

  • Why it’s great: Tough, sculptural, and extremely drought tolerant. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes – removes toxins like formaldehyde. 

  • Care tip: Let soil dry completely before watering (every 2–3 weeks). Thrives in any light except direct sun. 

 

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) 

  • Why it’s great: Very low care; perfect for forgetful plant owners. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes. 

  • Care tip: Water only when soil is dry. Tolerates dark corners and infrequent watering. 

 

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) 

  • Why it’s great: Beautiful white flowers and glossy leaves. 

  • Air-purifying: Excellent – removes mould spores and VOCs. 

  • Care tip: Water when leaves start to droop. Keep away from cold drafts. 

 

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) 

  • Why it’s great: Fast-growing vine that thrives in all conditions. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes – great for indoor toxins. 

  • Care tip: Trim regularly. Likes indirect light and light watering. 

 

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) 

  • Why it’s great: Bold, glossy foliage and sturdy growth. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes. 

  • Care tip: Wipe leaves to remove dust. Likes bright, indirect light and moderate watering. 

 

6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) 

  • Why it’s great: Decorative foliage and thrives in low light. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes. 

  • Care tip: Avoid overwatering. Great in shaded areas of the home. 

 

7. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) 

  • Why it’s great: Almost indestructible – handles heat, cold, and neglect. 

  • Air-purifying: Limited, but great for adding greenery to tough spots. 

  • Care tip: Tolerates very low light and minimal watering. Ideal for dark corners. 

 

8. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) 

  • Why it’s great: Trailing vine with lovely heart-shaped leaves. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes. 

  • Care tip: Likes humid spots like bathrooms. Water when the top of the soil feels dry. 

 

9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) 

  • Why it’s great: Easy to grow and produces baby plants ("pups"). 

  • Air-purifying: Excellent – removes carbon monoxide and xylene. 

  • Care tip: Bright, indirect light preferred. Water once the top layer of soil is dry. 

 

10. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) 

  • Why it’s great: Compact palm that thrives indoors without direct sun. 

  • Air-purifying: Yes. 

  • Care tip: Likes consistent moisture but not soggy soil. Perfect for cooler southern climates. 

 

Extra Benefits of Indoor Plants 

  • Cleaner air: Many of these plants help remove toxins and boost oxygen. 

  • Stress relief: Being around greenery can reduce anxiety and improve focus. 

  • Better acoustics: Foliage absorbs sound, which helps in high-density living. 

  • Natural humidity: Plants release moisture into dry indoor air, helping skin and lungs. 

 

General Care Tips for Apartment Plants 

  1. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot. 

  1. Avoid overwatering – more indoor plants die from too much water than too little. 

  1. Dust leaves every few weeks to keep plants breathing. 

  1. Rotate your plants occasionally so they grow evenly. 

  1. Group plants together to raise humidity naturally. 

 

Final Thoughts 

With the right selection, apartment living can be green, healthy, and full of life. Whether you're living in a studio in Sydney or a penthouse in Perth, these ten indoor plants are perfect companions. They’ll purify your air, beautify your space, and demand very little in return. 

Start with one or two and grow your indoor jungle from there! 

Disclaimer: 

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction  

Narada Kapao | StrataYou

Narada is no stranger to the strata sector, having worked across a number of strata and property management services companies over the years—but owning in strata has given him an entirely new perspective.

As a new owner, he has seen firsthand the ups and downs of strata living, which has inspired him to help other owners better understand how it all works and how they can get the most out of both their unit and their community as a whole.

Together with his vast network of industry experts and trusted thought leaders (i.e. people who know a lot more than he does), Narada sheds light on key issues from across the strata sector in a simple and digestible way.

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