Some plants just were n’t meant for apartment life — no matter what the label says .
You grease one’s palms them . You irrigate them . You whisper angelical nothings . And they still fell leaves like it ’s their full - clip line .
Do n’t lease your windowsill become a graveyard for moody greenery . These 19 plants might thrive in glossy Instagram photos , but in real apartments with real lighting , they throw tantrums .
keep your money , your time , and your saneness . hop the drama queens and bewilder with plants that actually want to live on with you . No grow lights . No magic fog rituals . Just unripe good that outlast — and even thrives — without making you solicit .
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a stunning plant that seems to be on every interior decorator ’s indirect request tilt . However , this beauty postulate conditions that are rarely found in apartments . With its need for bright , indirect light , it often ends up in dim corners , leading to sad , drooping leaves . The lack of humidness adds to its struggle , making it a high - maintenance choice for most apartment dwellers . If you ’re still tempted to own one , be get up for a challenge ! Its popularity might lure you in , but sustaining its wellness is no simple effort in pie-eyed , dim spaces .
Boston Fern
witching and lush , the Boston Fern can fill a way with greenery , yet it demands atmospheric condition often miss in apartments . This plant needs a high level of humidity , which the fair flat just ca n’t provide . Brown frond are a common pot , with low humidity and temporary watering schedule contributing to its dying . For those who dream of verdant ferns , investing in a quality humidifier might be a necessity . Otherwise , the Boston Fern will remain a green dreaming rather than a reality in apartment livelihood .
Gardenia
gardenia are known for their beautiful blooms and intoxicating scent , but they ’re also infamous for being divas in the plant humans . Apartments often lack the bright light and steady temperatures that Gardenias need , leading to disappointing blooms or none at all . The challenge is further compounded by their pauperization for proper air circulation . In an flat , they may become more of a source of foiling than joyfulness . If you have your substance set on Gardenias , devise for a battle to meet their demanding requirement .
Maidenhair Fern
The aerial Maidenhair Fern enchants with its delicate frond , yet its beauty is often suddenly - last in apartments . This fern is exceptionally sensitive to change in humidness and luminance . apartment , with their ironic air travel and fluctuating temperature , can spell doom for these frail plant . Even with punctilious upkeep , the Maidenhair Fern often struggles to survive . Aptly make for its delicate nature , it ’s a plant that requires attention and perfect conditions , making it a challenging option for most flat gardens .
English Ivy
English Ivy is a classical pick for its elegant chase after vines , but apartments pose legion challenge for this works . It craves bright light and high humidness , yet often finds itself in dim , dry space . The focus of short light and moisture can contribute to browning leave of absence and stunt growing . While tempt for its aesthetic appeal , English Ivy ask conditions that apartments frequently lack . If you ’re compulsive to grow it , consignment to providing proper guardianship , including lighting and humidity , is essential .
Orchid
Orchids captivate with their graceful flush , yet they pose a real challenge to apartment dweller . These works command a accurate balance of light , temperature , and humidity — elements often missing in apartment place setting . Fluctuating temperatures and unequal lighting lead to unhappy Orchids . Often placed on windowsill lack enough light , their flush quickly wither . For apartment gardeners dreaming of Orchids , the conflict to mime their ideal conditions can be an acclivitous battle . seat in grow visible radiation and preserve consistent care can aid , but success is never guaranteed .
Calathea
Calathea industrial plant are admired for their dramatic foliage blueprint , but they can be quite finicky in apartments . These plant take high humidness and coherent , collateral light to boom , yet apartments often fail to provide such shape . Without these , their leaves may curl and browned , lead to a sad - looking plant . If you ’ve pass for the collection of a Calathea , preparation to asseverate the idealistic surround and close supervise their attention is lively . Otherwise , this flora ’s beauty can quickly pass off away in the confines of an flat .
Jasmine
Jasmine ’s fragrant blooms conjure thoughts of romanticism , but the reality of growing this industrial plant in an flat can be far less fascinating . It demands bright sparkle and cooler temperature during its flower phase , condition not easily found indoors . Often , flat lack the light loudness Jasmine needs . Without sufficient brightness level , flowers may not flower , and leaves may wither . For those dreaming of a Jasmine - scented home , the effort to recreate its favorite environs may overbalance the rewards , realize it best look up to from afar .
Bonsai
Bonsai trees represent patience and prowess , but flat living can quiz the solitaire of even the most dedicated bonsai caretaker . They require heedful attention to light , humidity , and watering schedules . Unfortunately , the typical apartment surround often lacks the raw light need to keep these miniature trees thrive . Without accurate care , a Bonsai may languish , losing leaves and vitality . For those charm by their intricate stunner , understanding the loyalty expect is primal . Otherwise , these little trees may continue an unrewarding challenge in flat lifetime .
African Violet
African Violets are beloved for their coloured heyday , yet they can be amazingly difficult to keep in apartments . They want specific conditions , include bright but not direct Inner Light , and careful watering . Often , apartments provide less than idealistic kindling , leading to drooping peak and foliation . maintain the delicate balance needed for these plants may try frustrating . For those who adore African Violets , investing in suitable grow light and maintaining consistent attention is crucial . Without these , the vivacious blooms may remain a fleeting glimpse of lulu .
Peperomia
Peperomia plants are eff for their wide-ranging folio shapes and easygoing nature , yet even these exonerative plants can struggle in flat . They favour bright , indirect light , a term not always available in apartment configurations . Without it , leafage can become leggy and less vibrant . Although not as fussy as some other plant , Peperomia still requires attention to firing and watering . For those seeking a depleted - maintenance plant , ensure that even these modest penury are met can be a challenge in the circumscribed space and light of an flat .
Spider Plant
Spider Plants are often heralded as easy to give care for , yet even these resilient plants can waver in apartment . scurvy spark and inconsistent watering are rough-cut perpetrator , leading to brown tips and less vigorous growth . While they can tolerate neglect , prolonged poor conditions can take a price . In an apartment setting , measured position and aid to lacrimation schedule can help maintain their health . However , the promise of an indestructible industrial plant may not arrest rightful without some feat to mimic their ideal surround .
Cactus
Cacti are synonymous with desert resiliency , yet they often struggle in apartments where sunlight is scarce . They hunger bright , verbatim brightness , a feature often miss in most apartments . Without it , cacti can become etiolate , with thinning and pale growth . For those wishing to harness the magic spell of these desert dwellers , positioning them in the brightest spot useable is of the essence . Even then , fit their instinctive environment remains a challenge , score them a potentially frustrating choice for flat horticulture .
Succulent
succulent are trendy and admired for their unique shape , yet they can be astonishingly difficult to keep vibrant in apartments . Without sizeable sunlight , they often become long-legged , losing their succinct charm . find enough brightness in an apartment can be a trying task , go out these plants struggling . For those drawn to succulents ’ light - care reputation , empathise their lighting needs is paramount . Placement in the sunniest possible spot is essential to keep them thriving , yet achieving the veracious conditions can remain knotty for many flat dwellers .
Rubber Plant
Rubber Plants are screw for their sheer leaf , but they demand specific conditions that apartments often lack . Without adequate lighting , their leaves can sag and recede their semblance . While they can adapt to lower light , prolonged dim condition guide to less vigorous increment . For those beguile by their architectural solicitation , aid to placement and lighting is of the essence . Ensuring they have enough collateral light can avail keep their beauty , yet the challenge of apartment living may still pose substantial vault to their succeeder .
Begonia
Begonias dazzle with their colourful flush and unique leaf , yet their care can be a stumble block in flat . They flourish in bright , indirect light and need heedful watering . Apartments , often lacking consistent lighting , can lead to faded blooms and unhappy plants . For those beguile with their charm , invest in desirable light resolution and defend a strict lacrimation routine is life-sustaining . Though they promise beaut , the battle to meet their needs may lead to letdown in flat setting .
Philodendron
Philodendrons are a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts , but they require sure conditions to thrive . They favor burnished , indirect light , and short lighting can lead to yellowing leaves . Apartments often miscarry to provide this , resulting in less vigorous development . Though know for their adaptability , assure proper inflammation and maintenance is key to maintaining them . For those who roll in the hay their lush appeal , recognise the need for suited condition can make or better their success in flat living .
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are often pick out for their breeze - purifying qualities , yet they demand more care than their reputation suggests . They require consistent lighting and watering , and apartments frequently miss the necessary atmospheric condition . wilt farewell are a vulgar issue , indicate poor health . For those attract to their calm beauty , understanding the need for proper care is of the essence . Although they can conform to various conditions , maintaining optimum health in an apartment scene can be a challenge , often leading to a less than peaceful plant .
Lady Slipper Orchid
The Lady Slipper Orchid , with its unique and magical pouch - corresponding petal , promises temptingness yet often falters indoors . Its aboriginal subtropical habitat demands humidity and specific light conditions , a challenge in many apartments . This raw beauty requires punctilious care , involve consistent moisture without overwatering . In low - light apartment , it contend to photosynthesize efficiently , conduct to limp leaves and stunted growth . Its picky nature and susceptibility to take root rot make it a heartbreaking choice for indoor plant enthusiasts . Did you make love ? The Lady Slipper ’s pollination mental process is a wonder , involving intricate interaction with specific insect species , adding to its captivating mystique .


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