15 Easy-Care Plants Perfect For Low-Light Apartments In New York
Living in a New York apartment often means dealing with limited natural light. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of having greenery around! I’ve put together a list of plants that thrive in low-light conditions and require minimal maintenance.
These hardy varieties will brighten up your space and improve air quality without demanding too much of your time or perfect sunshine.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Nearly indestructible, these striking plants with tall, sword-like leaves can survive weeks without water. I love how they actually prefer to be neglected a little – perfect for busy New Yorkers!
Snake plants purify air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, making them ideal for stuffy apartments. They grow slowly and stay compact, fitting perfectly on windowsills or floor corners.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Cascading vines of heart-shaped leaves make pothos a stunning choice for shelves and hanging planters. You’ll find them in varieties from golden-streaked to marbled white, all equally tough in low light.
My pothos survived three apartment moves and periods of total neglect. Simply trim back leggy vines to encourage fullness. Place them on high shelves where their trailing tendrils can create a dramatic waterfall effect in your space.
3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Splashed with silver, pink, or red variegation, Chinese evergreens bring color to dark corners without needing much light. These plants have been my secret weapon for brightening up north-facing windows where nothing else would grow.
Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. The older these plants get, the more beautiful and full they become. Their tolerance for inconsistent care makes them perfect for New Yorkers with unpredictable schedules.
4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Living up to its name, this Victorian-era favorite survived the coal-filled, dim parlors of the 1800s and will certainly handle your apartment’s challenges. Its broad, leathery leaves create a lush backdrop without demanding attention.
Incredibly slow-growing, a cast iron plant rarely needs repotting or pruning. I’ve had mine for five years in the same pot! They shrug off drafts, temperature fluctuations, and irregular watering – common issues in older NYC buildings.
5. Philodendron Heartleaf
Heart-shaped leaves on vining stems make this plant an absolute charmer. Unlike fussier houseplants, heartleaf philodendrons actually prefer moderate to low light and will let you know they’re happy by producing new leaves regularly.
Training them up a moss pole creates a stunning vertical accent in tight spaces. For New York apartments where floor space is premium, growing upward is smart! Just water when the top inch of soil dries out and trim occasionally to encourage fullness.
6. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Glossy and gorgeous, ZZ plants have become my go-to recommendation for friends who claim they kill everything. Their waxy, dark green leaves reflect what little light you have, brightening up even the dimmest corners.
Water them just once a month and watch them thrive. Native to drought-prone areas of Africa, these plants store water in their bulbous roots, making them incredibly resilient to neglect.
7. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Arching leaves with babies dangling from long stems give spider plants their distinctive, playful appearance. They’re practically a living mobile for your apartment! These plants thrive in indirect light, making them perfect for that spot a few feet from your window.
Spider plants produce adorable “pups” you can snip off and root in water to create new plants. I’ve furnished friends’ apartments with offspring from my original plant. They’re non-toxic to pets, an important consideration in small New York living spaces.
8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Elegant white blooms rising above glossy green leaves bring a touch of sophistication to any room. Peace lilies dramatically droop when thirsty, giving you a clear signal it’s watering time – no guesswork required!
Beyond their beauty, these plants are champion air purifiers. I’ve kept one in my bathroom for years where it thrives in the humidity and low light. Just wipe dust from leaves occasionally to keep them looking their best.
9. Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)
Slender trunks topped with spiky, ribbon-like leaves bring architectural interest to any room. Dragon trees have been my reliable companions through three different Manhattan apartments, adapting beautifully to each new lighting situation.
Growing slowly but steadily, these plants can eventually reach impressive heights. The narrow footprint makes them perfect for tight corners. Brown leaf tips are normal – just trim them with scissors. Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings.
10. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Feathery fronds bring tropical vibes to even the dreariest New York winter days. Despite its exotic appearance, the parlor palm thrives in the same conditions as most apartments: warm, somewhat dry, with filtered light.
Victorian-era New Yorkers popularized these palms for their ability to survive in gaslit parlors. Mine has been thriving for years in a spot that never sees direct sun. Growing just 2-4 feet tall at maturity, they’re appropriately sized for apartment living and rarely outgrow their space.
11. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Glossy, oversized leaves in deep green or burgundy make rubber plants statement pieces in any room. Unlike their fussier fig cousins, rubber plants adapt well to low light conditions typical of New York apartments.
Growing steadily but manageably, they can become impressive specimens over time. I rotate mine quarterly for even growth. Their thick leaves store water efficiently, meaning less frequent watering – perfect for weekend travelers. Wipe leaves occasionally to keep them dust-free and shining.
12. Peperomia Obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Compact and cheerful with spoon-shaped leaves, peperomias pack personality into a small package. Their succulent-like qualities mean they store water in thick leaves, forgiving you when watering slips your mind during busy weeks.
Available in variegated forms with cream or yellow edges, these plants add brightness to shadowy corners. I’ve kept one on my office desk for years with just fluorescent lighting. They rarely exceed 12 inches in height, making them perfect for small apartments where space is precious.
13. Monstera Deliciosa
Those iconic split leaves have become Instagram favorites, but beyond their photogenic qualities, monsteras are surprisingly adaptable to low light. While they won’t grow as quickly or develop as many splits without bright indirect light, they’ll still thrive and add tropical drama to your space.
My monstera has been happy six feet away from a north-facing window for years. Climbing varieties can be trained up supports, saving floor space. Their large leaves act as natural air humidifiers – a bonus during dry New York winters.
14. Calathea Rattlesnake (Calathea lancifolia)
Wavy leaves with intricate patterns resembling reptile skin make this plant a visual stunner. While calatheas have a reputation for being divas, the rattlesnake variety is more forgiving in typical apartment conditions than its cousins.
Watching these plants move throughout the day is fascinating – leaves rise at night and lower during daytime. I keep mine in my bathroom where the humidity makes it especially happy. Group with other plants to create a humid microclimate that mimics their native tropical environment.
15. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Unlike their fussier fern relatives, bird’s nest ferns bring tropical vibes without the high-maintenance attitude. Their crinkled, apple-green fronds emerge from a central rosette that resembles – you guessed it – a bird’s nest.
These ferns tolerate drier air than most, though occasional misting keeps them happiest. I’ve had success placing mine in bathrooms where shower steam provides perfect humidity. Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy, and avoid getting water in the central “nest” to prevent rot.
