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Plants are often what makes an apartment feel like a home. They bring warmth and create a more relaxed, ambient atmosphere.

Personally, over the years, I’ve experimented with various flowers, small bushes, and houseplants – with mixed results.

Being constantly on the go makes it tough to keep them thriving . I often rely on friends to water them, leave detailed instructions, and still come home to dehydrated (or drowned and rotting) greenery. Yet, that never stopped me of purchasing more and more.

If you’re wondering which are some plants to have at home that are not difficult to maintain but at the same pretty, you’ve arrived at the right place. Let’s look at some plants that would bring a bit of flair and personality in any apartment.

Orchid

I find orchids absolutely gorgeous. Contrary to popular belief, they are super easy to grow and maintain. Even if you forget to water them, they will be alright, so you don’t really have to worry too much.

Orchids are often said to dislike changing their location, so pick a spot and leave them there. They love the sun, though, so ideally they should be placed close to a window where they can receive sunlight on a regular basis. Having healthy plants are usually put close to a sunny window and left there during their lifecycle.

Many say they struggle with keeping them alive, describing them as “difficult”.

Orchids hate sitting in wet soil. Instead of watering from above, I let them absorb water from their saucer or by soaking the flower pot and letting it drain fully. In this way, they get the chance to enjoy water without drowning. It is advisable to water depending on the season. While in the summer this could be once a week, during the winter should be about twice a month. I guess, this is the tricky part – finding a good balanced watering routine

Orchids are also really diverse. This makes them even more appealing – they come in different sizes and colours, allowing anyone to pick from a wide variety of options. Regardless of whether you choose white or pink, they are mesmerisingly beautiful, bringing an aesthetic feeling to any home.

Chinese money plant

Another quite common plant to grow at home is the Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides). Popular due to its coin-shaped leaves, it is also known as pancake plant or UFO plant. Another name for it friendship plant because it is so easy to propagate and share with friends.

Moreover, They enjoy water but dislike to stay soggy. You have to water abundantly and then let the soil fully dry before watering again. Otherwise, there is a risk that the roots start rotting.

While they enjoy light, Chinese money plants are not fans of direct sun exposure. So, make sure to place your plant at a relatively light place near a window where they won’t be fully blasted with sunshine.

Interestingly, the plant made its way to Europe from China as a result of “cutting passed on from one person to another,” writes Pilea. According to the website, the Chinese money plant was first picked by George Forrest in 1906 and 1910 in the Cang Mountain range in Yunnan Province in China. It became popular in the 60s and 70s in the UK. Today, its effortless care and quirky vibe make it a staple indoors.

Monstera

Another very common houseplant is the Monstera. It’s one of those plants that instantly draws attention.

Monsteras, also known as Swiss cheese plants, are known for their beautifully ornamented leaves and their size. The love for monsteras comes from their unique heart-shaped leaves, full of unique gaps. This is one of the reasons for the plant becoming so popular among houseplant lovers.

There are many different types of monsteras, but the most common is Monstera deliciosa, the classic version you see in living rooms everywhere. And the best thing about them is that they are super simple to care for.

Monsteras tolerate low light but thrive in bright indirect light so tucking them in a corner of your apartment will definitely not be a huge issue. Additionally, they are very low maintenance so if you also forget to water them, they will be perfectly alright.

You can also regulate their growth, once you repot the into a bigger pot, they will keep growing but if you’re happy with their size, you simply don’t have to do anything.

Succulent plants

If you’re looking for something even lower-maintenance, though, succulents are a great options. They are a group of plants that store water in their leaves. This is the reason why they are so thick and fleshy, according to Succulent and Sunshine. What’s more, they come in all shapes and sizes, which makes them a popular choice for outdoor gardens and indoor spaces alike.

Some popular succulents among plant enthusiasts are aloe vera, agave, Christmas cactus, and snake plant.

I have only ever had aloe veras, popular for their their medical benefits. They are usually used to ease scrapes and burns but also for more serious health issues such as acnem psoriasis, and skin damage, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The gel from the aloe vera could also be found in different ointments, lotions, cosmetics, and drinks. But more importantly, it is a great decoration for an indoor space.

Caring for aloes isn’t difficult. They do not require much water but when you water, make sure you do it deeply. After watering the soil should feel moist but before you water again it should dry out.

Final thoughts

Answering the question which house plant is the best one turned out to be way more difficult than expected. Regardless of what you choose, keeping some greenery at home to bring personality and ambience is always nice. Whether you are a monstera kind of person or you prefer small cacti, it doesn’t matter.

If you have no plans, start with one – your apartment will thank you.

If you have many, and you are not sure what to do – there are many resources online, people would be more than willing to answer questions, and you can use digital apps such as PictureThis, which can identify plants and tell you haw to take care of them.