5 Indoor Plants That Thrive in Your UIUC Apartment This Spring

So, you’ve survived another Illinois winter. With the sun’s rare appearance, your apartment starts to feel like a sad box. Luckily, Spring is finally here, and a few plants might be exactly what you need to brighten up your space. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a plant person to keep plants alive – even if you don’t have good windows or you forget to water things on a schedule, these plants can survive in *almost* any situation. We’re making it easy with our beginner-friendly list of plants perfect for anyone living in an apartment.

1. Snake Plant

I’m sure you heard that the Snake Plant is the plant no one can kill. While they still require regular maintenance, these plants are good for anyone who has a set it and forget it mentality. They like low light, don’t need frequent watering, and can bounce back if neglected. According to costafarms.com, a study by the American Horticultural Therapy Association has found that caring for snake plants increases levels of self-esteem. Watching your snake plant thrive will bring you daily joy and want to make you get other plants to fill your space with.

2. Pothos

Another great low-maintenance plant is a Pothos. Only needing the bare minimum, Pothos grow fast and trail beautifully off shelves or hang off surfaces. These are the kind of plants that make you feel like you have your life together. It will grow a lot in high-light situations and will still grow even in low-light situations. Water it when you remember, but don’t worry if it goes without water for a few days or a week or two. These plants want to survive as much as you want to keep them alive.

Considered an incredibly relaxing plant to keep in your home. And don’t call them boring – according to joyusgarden.com, “You might think this plant is boring and uninteresting because you’ve seen them everywhere. This beauty has such a wide variety, colors, and foliage you won’t even believe they’re the same plant. I got the classic 1, known as the Golden Pothos. Its leaves are bright green with slight golden variegation. You can find Pothos in different shades of green, different leaf sizes, and different varieties.” This will easily brighten up your space and make you feel like you have a green thumb!

3. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant is a great addition to your home because it looks like it belongs in a trendy coffee shop. Used just as much for decor as it is for gardening, its dark, waxy leaves are gorgeous. If you neglect it, it really doesn’t care. Many people with green thumbs would agree that this is a plant they started with. And according to FNP.com, “The ZZ plant stores moisture in its […] leaves, so it doesn’t require frequent watering. In fact, it can go for weeks without a drink, making it perfect for anyone who’s busy or new to caring for plants. Its low-maintenance nature is one of the main reasons why people love the ZZ plant; it’s both beautiful and hassle-free.” 

4. Peace Lily

Another chill plant that actually does something is the Peace Lily. Not just leaves and vines, the Peace Lily blooms in the spring. One day, you might walk into your apartment and just see flowers, and what a great feeling that would be. It also removes mold spores and toxins in the air, which is great if you’re in an older building. The Peace Lily is also great at communicating, and it’ll droop a little bit when it’s thirsty, which is helpful if you often forget to water your plants. Make sure you make a note that the peace lily is toxic to pets. If you have a cat that likes to chomp on leaves, maybe skip this one.

5. Spider Plant

Spider plants are incredibly fun plants to keep in your home. When they grow, they grow these little offshoots called spiderets that dangle off the plant. These are easily clip-able and can be given to friends and family to grow their own. These plants can tolerate a lot of different conditions and are known for their ability to rebound when neglected. So even if you go on vacation, this plant will still be happy to see you when you come home. Its favorite spot is hanging near a window, but anything with regular light will keep it happy. Once you find its sweet spot, you’ll be growing little Spider Plant babies to give out to your friends in no time.

Spring is the best time of year to grow plants in your home because more light is coming through your windows, even if your apartment doesn’t get a ton of light on a day-to-day basis. Now that the sun is out almost every day, unlike in winter, your plants will grow fast and show how happy they are. These plants will help make your space feel more alive in the season of blooming and growing. And honestly, after the winter we all had, everyone could use a little beauty in their space.