Apartment-FriendlyTropical Houseplants 

Tropical houseplants bring a refreshing and exotic atmosphere into any living space, instantly brightening up your home. Many of these stunning plants are not only visually appealing but also quite easy to maintain, even if you're just beginning your plant care journey. Whether you’re looking to add greenery to small spaces or make a bold statement, tropical plants offer versatility and vibrant beauty.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best beginner-friendly tropical houseplants, pet-safe options, and essential care tips to help you grow your indoor jungle.

Best tropical houseplants for beginners

If you’re new to plant care, or about to move into your first apartment and are excited to decorate with greenery, start with these tropical beauties that require minimal attention:

Monstera Deliciosa

The Monstera, also known as the "Swiss cheese plant," is famous for its striking split leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can handle some neglect, making it perfect for busy plant owners.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Water regularly but let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: Thrives in 65°F to 85°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed monthly during the growing season.

ZZ Plant

The ZZ Plant is a low-maintenance choice perfect for beginners, students, and busy individuals. Its glossy, dark green leaves add a modern touch to any space, and it thrives in low light and drought conditions–the perfect plant when you’re often out of town, or heading on vacation, and unable to water regularly.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity is fine.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: 60°F to 75°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant with elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities–perfect for studios or one-bedroom apartments. It’s also forgiving when it comes to watering, making it ideal for beginners.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Low to medium, indirect light.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly.
• Soil: Well-draining, organic potting mix.
• Temperature: 65°F to 80°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer.

Bird of Paradise

With its large leaves and striking orange blooms, the Bird of Paradise adds a dramatic, tropical feel to any space. It thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Bright, indirect light; can tolerate some direct sun.
• Watering: Keep soil moist in spring/summer; allow it to dry out in winter.
• Humidity: Requires high humidity; mist regularly.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: 65°F to 85°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 2-3 weeks during growing season.

Snake Plant

The Snake Plant is almost impossible to kill and thrives in various lighting conditions. Its upright, sword-like leaves make it perfect for any modern space.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Low to bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Water when the soil is dry; be careful not to overwater.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity.
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy potting mix.
• Temperature: 60°F to 85°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed once a month during spring and summer.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is known for its large, variegated leaves, making it a bold addition to any room. It's adaptable to varying light conditions but requires careful handling due to its mildly toxic sap.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Medium, indirect light.
• Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Humidity: Enjoys higher humidity levels.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: 60°F to 75°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 6-8 weeks during spring and summer.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is famous for its large, sculptural leaves, making it a stunning centrepiece in any home, and serves as the perfect backdrop for video calls for those apartment dwellers who work from home. It requires bright, indirect light and careful watering to thrive.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity; mist regularly.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
• Temperature: 65°F to 75°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer.

Pet-friendly tropical houseplants

For plant lovers with pets, choosing non-toxic, pet-friendly tropical plants for your pet-friendly apartment is essential. Fortunately, there are beautiful tropical plants that are both safe for your pets and easy to care for:

Ponytail Palm

With its unique, bulbous base and cascading curly leaves, the Ponytail Palm is a drought-tolerant, pet-safe plant that's perfect for smaller apartments. It requires minimal care and adapts well to various light conditions.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Bright, direct light; can tolerate lower light.
• Watering: Water sparingly; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity.
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy potting mix.
• Temperature: 60°F to 80°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed once every 6 months.

Bromeliads

Bromeliads bring a vibrant pop of colour with their long-lasting blooms and are pet-safe. They thrive in humid environments and are perfect for bright, indirect light settings, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

Care Instructions:

• Light: Bright, indirect light.
• Watering: Fill the central “cup” with water and change it regularly; water the soil sparingly.
• Humidity: High humidity; mist often.
• Soil: Well-draining, loose potting mix.
• Temperature: 60°F to 85°F.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Care tips for thriving tropical houseplants

Taking care of tropical plants indoors can be simple if you understand their natural needs. By following these simple houseplant care instructions, you and your family, or you and your roommates can develop green thumbs!

Light:

• Most tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light.
• Place near windows with sheer curtains for filtered sunlight.
• Rotate plants to ensure even light exposure.
• Use grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

Humidity:

• Tropical plants need high humidity.
• Use a humidifier or mist plants regularly.
• Place plants in naturally humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
• Pebble trays with water can help increase humidity around plants.

Watering:

• Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Water more in spring/summer and less in winter (dormant period).
• Ensure pots have drainage to prevent soggy roots.
• Avoid letting plants sit in standing water.

Temperature:

• Ideal temperature range: 65°F to 80°F.
• Avoid exposing plants to cold drafts or direct heat sources.
• Gradually acclimate outdoor plants to sunlight to avoid shock.

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with diluted liquid fertilizer.
• Reduce fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.

Finding the perfect apartment for your tropical houseplants 

When selecting an apartment, it's essential to consider the right environment for both you and your plants. Boardwalk offers loads of apartments for rent across Canada with plenty of natural light, which is perfect for tropical houseplants that thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Many of our properties also feature spacious balconies, ideal for creating an outdoor mini-garden. 

Whether you’re looking for a cozy studio or a larger two and three bedroom apartments for rent, Boardwalk can help you find an apartment that suits both your needs and those of your indoor jungle. Explore apartments for rent on bwalk.com or reach out to our support team and we can help you find your perfect suite.