7 Best Plants for Condo Living

From naturally cleaning the air to reducing your stress levels, there are a number of reasons to incorporate plants into your condominium unit. However, with limited space and natural sunlight, growing and sustaining the life of plants can be a challenge. Here’s a list of sturdy, low-maintenance plants perfect for condo living.

 

Aloe Vera

The aloe vera plant is a succulent plant known for its cosmetic and medicinal uses. It is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant that grows in tropical climates.

Where to place it: Kitchen and bathroom. Place them in small pots in areas with bright light.  If you have pets in your unit, make sure to put this plant on elevated areas. Aloe vera is known to have toxins that may be dangerous to your furbabies.

Plant care tip: Aloe vera is a succulent mainly made up of water. Make sure to keep the soil moist.

 

Cactus

Cacti are perhaps the easiest indoor plants to grow at home. These low-maintenance succulents offer endless color variations, making them a favorite among newbie and experienced gardeners alike.

Where to place it: Cactus needs a little sunshine from time to time. Place them near windows or on the balcony. You may also line up smaller, potted variants on countertops.

Plant care tip: Avoid over-watering your cacti. Depending on the size and variant, cacti should only be watered once or twice a month.

 

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen is a common plant found in Filipino households.  It has big, marbled leaves that give a refreshing look to your home.

Where to place it: Consider adding these to your living area. Make sure to keep out of your pets’ reach. It is toxic to cats and dogs.

Plant care tip: This plant can thrive even in low light. You just need to regularly water it.

Snake Plant

The snake plant (also known as the mother-in-law’s tongue), is a flowering plant that is perfect for condo living. It is a low-maintenance plant that needs a minimal amount of light and water to live. It is also known to absorb air toxins and naturally purify air.

Where to place it: Snake plants thrive, whether you place these plants to the most remote corners of your bedroom or right by the doorway. Make sure to keep your pets away from these plants, as these can be deadly poisonous.

Plant care tip: Snake plant can easily rot. Drain the soil well and avoid over-watering.

 

Peace Lilies

Peace lilies make excellent houseplants for your condominium unit. They easily brighten up a living space, while also effectively purifying the air.

Where to place it:  
Peace lilies in the living room can have a calming and relaxing effect.

Plant care tip:  The wide leaves of peace lilies tend to be a dust magnet. Regularly washing or wiping the leaves help it process sunlight better.

Contrary to its name, the Lucky Bamboo is not a bamboo plant at all. Its scientific name is Dracena sanderiana, which belongs to the same family as the lilies.  This house plant can grow in soil or water to about 2-3 feet in height. It cannot survive under direct sunlight.

Where to place it:  The lucky bamboo is one of the most popular feng shui cures.

  1. East: The lucky bamboo plant helps attract awesome health for family members when placed in East.
  2. South-East (SE): SE is the zone of money & wealth. A lucky bamboo plant here will help strengthen the finance & bring in more money in to the family.

Plant care tip:  The Lucky Bamboo plant grows well in a vase filled with pebbles with just an inch of water above the pebbles. You can add a drop of liquid fertilizer once a week to encourage growth. It can also grow in well aerated potted soil.

 

Bonsai Trees

Bonsai is a Japanese term that literally translates to “planted in a container.” Bonsai are temperate climate trees grown outdoors, although a number of tree species thrive indoors.

Where to place it:  Your bonsai will need ample lighting. Make sure they are getting a sufficient amount of sun exposure. It is best to place your bonsai in the balcony, or near windows.

Plant care tip:  Keep your bonsai moist at all times, especially during the growing season. Mist the upper part of the plant, and never allow the plant to dry out.

 

A bit of freshness in your condominium unit is possible. Although space and natural sunlight may pose challenges, there are plants that can thrive in these environment.  Happy planting!