Best Low-Maintenance Plants for Apartments in LA
Los Angeles apartments come with their own unique lighting, temperature, and space challenges — but the good news is that plenty of beautiful, low-maintenance plants thrive in LA’s climate and typical apartment setups.
Whether you’re a busy professional, new plant parent, or someone who simply wants greenery without the hassle, this guide covers the top plants that grow effortlessly indoors.
At St Clair Plant Care, we work with plants in apartments across LA and Long Beach every day — and these are the ones we consistently recommend for easy, healthy growth.
Why L ow-Maintenance PlantsAre Great for LA Apartments
Even though many LA apartments get indirect light, coastal haze, or heat from west-facing windows, the indoor environment here is still perfect for certain hardy, forgiving species.
Look for plants that can handle:
Medium to low natural light
Dry indoor air
Occasional heat waves
Inconsistent watering
Smaller spaces
The plants below are proven winners in all of those categories.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The gold standard of “set it and forget it” plants.
Why It’s Perfect for LA Apartments:
Thrives in low, medium, or bright light
Needs water only every 2–4 weeks
Handles AC, heat, and dry air
Extremely hard to kill
Care Tips:
Use a well-draining soil mix
Water only when the soil is fully dry
Avoid overwatering
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
A sleek, sculptural plant ideal for modern apartments.
Why It’s Perfect:
Tolerates low-light rooms
Grows slowly but steadily
Needs watering only every 2–3 weeks
Always looks polished
Care Tips:
Keep out of direct harsh sun
Water less in winter
Wipe leaves monthly to keep them shiny
3. Pothos (Golden, Jade, or Marble Queen)
One of the easiest trailing plants — perfect for shelves and corners.
Why It’s Perfect:
Loves indirect LA light
Bounces back after neglect
Great for adding greenery without taking floor space
Care Tips:
Water when the top 2" of soil is dry
Trim vines to maintain shape
Propagates easily in water
4. Philodendron Brasil or Heartleaf Philodendron
Soft, tropical, beginner-friendly greenery.
Why It’s Perfect:
Forgiving and fast-growing
Handles low light
Ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves
Care Tips:
Let soil dry slightly between waterings
Rotate for even growth
5. Dracaena Lisa or Dracaena Janet Craig
Tall, vertical, and elegant — great for apartments with limited floor space.
Why It’s Perfect:
Thrives in low to medium light
Ideal for corners
Minimal watering needs
Care Tips:
Water every 2–3 weeks
Filtered water is best (if possible)
6. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra)
True to its name — incredibly tough.
Why It’s Perfect:
Survives in low or bright indirect light
Very drought-tolerant
Perfect for bedrooms or shaded areas
Care Tips:
Water when soil is fully dry
Prefers to be ignored
7. Spider Plant
Classic, adaptable, and pet-friendly.
Why It’s Perfect:
Great for kitchens, bathrooms, or bright rooms
Grows offshoot baby plants
Handles inconsistent watering
Care Tips:
Water weekly or when stems feel limp
Loves bright, indirect light
8. Monstera (Deliciosa or Adansonii)
Tropical look with surprisingly low effort.
Why It’s Perfect:
Loves filtered LA light
Fast-growing and forgiving
Adds lush, designer-level style
Care Tips:
Water when the top 1–2" of soil is dry
Add a moss pole if you want taller growth
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Minimalist and sculptural.
Why It’s Perfect:
Loves bright, indirect light
Low watering needs
Looks expensive and modern
Care Tips:
Keep soil slightly moist in summer
Wipe leaves for shine
10. Peace Lily
If you want flowers with minimal effort.
Why It’s Perfect:
Tolerates low light
Produces beautiful white blooms
Tells you when it needs water (leaves droop, then perk up)
Care Tips:
Water when leaves begin to soften
Keep out of direct harsh sun
Which Low-Maintenance Plant Should You Start With?
For the easiest care possible, our top three beginner picks for LA apartments are:
Snake Plant
ZZ Plant
Pothos
For elevated design with low effort:
Dracaena
Rubber Plant
Monstera
Want Effortless Plant Care Without the Guesswork?
If you want your plants to stay healthy without worrying about watering schedules, pests, or repotting, St Clair Plant Care offers:
Weekly or monthly plant care
Repotting, soil refresh, and fertilizing
Plant sourcing + designer pots
Pest treatment and prevention
Your plants stay thriving — so your space feels vibrant, elevated, and alive.