The best plants for a small apartment stay mostly under 3 feet, live on one window’s light, and cost about $4 to $50 each. Below are 18, from hanging pothos to a 6-ft dragon tree, each with light needs, pet safety and a retailer price.
Key Takeaways
- Go vertical: trailing plants on hooks and shelves use air, not floor.
- Low light is common in apartments; snake plant, ZZ, cast iron plant and pothos all tolerate it.
- Pothos, philodendron, snake plant, ZZ, jade, aloe and dragon tree are toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Spider plant, parlor palm, cast iron plant and basil are not.
- Most picks cost $10 to $35 in a 4- to 6-inch pot at Home Depot or Walmart.
- Choose one tall floor plant and let the rest live on shelves, hooks and sills.
Trailing Plants for Shelves and Hooks
Trailing plants use the emptiest space in a small apartment, the air above furniture, so they add green without costing a single square foot of floor.
1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos trails more than 5 feet if left unpruned, according to Costa Farms, so a high shelf or hook is the right home. NC State Extension lists bright indirect light as best but says it tolerates low light; let the mix dry between waterings. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats. Costa Farms sells a medium plant for $34; Walmart listed an 8-inch Costa Farms 2-pack at $19.49.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Heartleaf philodendron cascades from a hanging pot or climbs a small moss pole. NC State says it survives long periods in very low light but prefers medium light, and wants soil kept slightly moist, drier in winter. Vines can reach 6 feet, so trim to size. It is toxic to dogs and cats because of calcium oxalates. Home Depot listed a 6-inch plant on a totem pole at $36.97.
3. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
String of pearls trails 1 to 3 feet wide from a small hanging pot placed near a bright window. NC State says to use cactus mix and not let it sit wet, but not to let it dry out completely either. The ASPCA lists it as toxic, so hang it out of reach. Home Depot listed a 4-inch plant from Shop Succulents at $13.99.
4. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
A hoya is a slow twining vine that looks tidy trained around a small hoop on a windowsill. NC State recommends bright indirect light year-round, soil allowed to dry between waterings, and notes it likes high humidity. The ASPCA lists Hoya carnosa as non-toxic to dogs and cats, a rare pet-safe vine. Home Depot listed a 4-inch plant at $22.99; Walmart listed a 4-inch Krimson Queen at $16.99.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant arches 1 to 1.5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, then sends out baby plantlets you can pot for free. NC State lists medium light as best, deep shade as tolerable, and soil kept moist but drought tolerant. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic for both dogs and cats. Home Depot listed a National Plant Network 2-pack of 6-inch plants at $28.97, about $14.49 each.
Upright Plants for Corners and Floors
One tall, narrow plant in an empty corner reads as intentional styling, while several floor pots read as clutter, so pick one or two from this group.
6. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plant grows in upright clumps with leaves up to 4 feet long, which keeps its footprint narrow. NC State says it handles very low light and should be watered sparingly, in winter only every one to two months. The ASPCA lists it as toxic (under its older name Sansevieria) and notes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Home Depot listed a Costa Farms Laurentii at $34.99; Walmart had a 12-inch Costa Farms plant at $20.99.
7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A ZZ plant stays a tidy 2 to 4 feet tall and wide and grows slowly, so it rarely outgrows its corner. NC State says it prefers bright indirect light but tolerates low light, and wants soil to dry out between waterings, as little as monthly in winter. The ASPCA lists ZZ plant among toxic houseplants. Home Depot listed a Costa Farms 6-inch plant at $19.97.
8. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Cast iron plant forms upright clumps 1 to 3 feet tall and handles the dimmest corner better than almost any houseplant. NC State lists partial to full shade as ideal and says direct sun is not tolerated. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats. It is slow and pricey: Walmart listed a 6-inch plant around $29, while Home Depot listed a Wekiva Foliage 6-inch at $53.59.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor palm gives a small-room tropical look without a wide canopy; NC State says indoor stems usually stay shorter than 5 feet and that a north or east window works best. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Walmart listed a 4-inch Hirt’s plant at $7.99; Home Depot listed a 6-inch Neanthe Bella at $43.15.
10. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Dragon tree is the one statement plant: NC State puts it near 6 feet indoors, with thin stems that barely take floor space. It likes bright indirect light, dries between waterings, and browns when fluoride in tap water builds up. The ASPCA lists Dracaena as toxic to dogs and cats. Walmart listed a 26-inch Costa Farms Grower’s Choice marginata at $28.50, a fair price for a plant that fills a corner from floor to ceiling.
Compact Plants for Desks and Side Tables
Small pots under 8 inches wide fit a desk, nightstand or bathroom counter, and they are the cheapest way to add a plant to a room.
11. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
Baby rubber plant tops out near 2 feet and has thick, glossy leaves that store water. NC State says it likes bright indirect light, tolerates low light for a few months, and should dry between waterings, since overwatering is the main problem. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Home Depot listed a Peperomia Thailand in a 4-inch pot at $20.89, and a 3-pack of 4-inch variegated plants at $29.55.
12. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Chinese money plant stays 8 to 12 inches tall and wide in a compact clump, with round leaves that lean toward the light, so turn the pot weekly. NC State says bright indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic. Home Depot listed an Altman Plants 4.25-inch pot at $24.99; Walmart listed a 2.5-inch Hirt’s plant at $9.99 plus shipping.
13. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violet stays 6 to 9 inches tall and blooms indoors under bright, filtered light. NC State advises watering from the bottom and keeping leaves dry to prevent spots. It likes high humidity, so a pebble tray helps. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic for dogs, cats and horses. Walmart listed blooming 4-inch plants at $32.99, so buy one only if you want flowers.
Sunny Windowsill Plants
A bright sill gives succulents and herbs the light they need and keeps them off your floor and furniture.
14. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Aloe grows 1 to 2 feet tall in a compact rosette and needs full sun or partial shade. NC State says to let the soil dry out completely between waterings and to use a pot with drainage holes, ideally clay. The ASPCA says aloe is harmful to dogs and cats, causing vomiting, lethargy and diarrhea. Walmart listed a Costa Farms 7-inch aloe in a 4-inch pot at $13.97.
15. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade grows slowly to 3 to 6 feet over many years, so a small pot stays small for a long time. NC State says to put it in a sunny spot and water only when soil is dry, with less in fall and winter. The ASPCA lists jade as toxic to dogs and cats. Walmart listed a variegated plant in a 3.25-inch pot at $11.99 and a 2-inch plant at $5.99.
16. Haworthia (Haworthiopsis attenuata)
Haworthia stays 4 to 12 inches tall and wide and, unlike most succulents, tolerates lower light. NC State says bright indirect light is best, with watering only after the mix dries and a pot with drainage. Dim light fades the leaf pattern, so keep it within a few feet of a window. The ASPCA lists Haworthia as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Walmart listed a 4-inch Haworthia Wide Zebra at $13.90.
17. Echeveria (Echeveria elegans)
Echeveria forms a flat rosette of blue-green leaves, each up to about 2.5 inches long, and needs the brightest sill you have. NC State says it prefers dry, well-drained soil and that overwatering is the most common problem. Use a shallow pot with drainage holes. The ASPCA lists Echeveria as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Walmart listed an 8-pack of 4-inch rooted rosettes at $86.99, about $10.87 each.
18. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is the one plant here you eat, and NC State says it prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil, so give it the sunniest sill. Dwarf types stay near 6 inches; others reach 2 to 3 feet. The ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Home Depot listed a Bonnie Plants 3-pack of sweet basil plugs at $10.90, about $3.63 each.
Quick Reference: Size, Light and Pets
| Plant | Size indoors | Light | Pet-safe | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | Trails 5+ ft | Low to bright indirect | No | $19-$34 |
| Heartleaf philodendron | Vines to 6 ft | Low to medium | No | $37 |
| String of pearls | 1-2 ft tall, 1-3 ft wide | Bright indirect | No | $14 |
| Wax plant (Hoya) | Vining | Bright indirect | Yes | $17-$23 |
| Spider plant | 1-1.5 ft | Medium | Yes | $14-$20 |
| Snake plant | Leaves to 4 ft | Very low to bright | No | $21-$35 |
| ZZ plant | 2-4 ft | Low to bright indirect | No | $20 |
| Cast iron plant | 1-3 ft | Shade | Yes | $29-$54 |
| Parlor palm | Under 5 ft | Low to bright indirect | Yes | $8-$43 |
| Dragon tree | About 6 ft | Bright indirect | No | $29 |
| Baby rubber plant | Up to 2 ft | Low to bright indirect | Yes | $10-$21 |
| Chinese money plant | 8-12 in | Bright indirect | Yes | $10-$25 |
| African violet | 6-9 in | Bright filtered | Yes | $33 |
| Aloe | 1-2 ft | Sun | No | $14 |
| Jade | 3-6 ft | Sun | No | $6-$12 |
| Haworthia | 4-12 in | Bright indirect | Yes | $14 |
| Echeveria | Rosettes | Sun | Yes | $11 |
| Basil | 6 in-3 ft | Sun | Yes | $4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants are good for small apartments?
Compact, forgiving plants that trail or grow upright: pothos, spider plant, snake plant, ZZ plant, parlor palm and the succulents above. They need one window’s light, fit on a shelf, hook or sill, and recover from a missed watering better than fussy tropicals.
How do you fit plants in a small space?
Use height, not floor. Hang trailing plants from ceiling hooks or a tension rod, line a sill with small pots, add a corner shelf, and choose a single tall floor plant. See indoor hanging plant ideas and plant shelf and corner ideas.
What is the best low-light plant for an apartment?
Cast iron plant and snake plant are the most shade-tolerant here, and NC State says snake plant handles very low light. ZZ plant and pothos are close behind. More options are in our low-light indoor plants guide.
Are these plants safe for cats and dogs?
Only some. The ASPCA lists spider plant, wax plant, cast iron plant, parlor palm, baby rubber plant, Chinese money plant, African violet, haworthia, echeveria and basil as non-toxic. Pothos, philodendron, snake plant, ZZ, jade, aloe, string of pearls and dragon tree are toxic, so hang them high.
Do you need a grow light in a dark apartment?
Only if no window gives usable light. A clip-on LED grow light on a plug-in timer can keep a snake plant or pothos going in a windowless corner. If you can, move the plant to a brighter window every few weeks instead.
Pick One Tall Plant and a Few Small Ones
Start with a single floor plant such as a snake plant or dragon tree, add one trailing plant overhead, and fill a sill with two or three small pots. For care that needs even less attention, see our best low-maintenance indoor plants, then style the group with indoor plant styling ideas. If your bathroom gets steam, the best bathroom plants for humidity are a separate list.
Prices checked October 2026.