Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to settle for bare walls and boring corners. There’s plenty you can do to make a space feel like your own—without putting your security deposit on the line. One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to add personality and warmth? Plants. They bring texture, life, and a sense of calm that furniture and paint just can’t match.
Still, not all plants (or planters) play nicely with temporary living situations. Some need too much light, too much water, or just take up too much room. So we’ve pulled together a list of 20 plants that are well-suited to renters—easy to care for, low-risk for your floors and walls, and great at making your place feel more grounded and lived-in.
Snake Plant
Revered for its architectural elegance, the Snake Plant is an ideal choice for renters seeking low-maintenance greenery. Known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, it’s resilient and can tolerate low light. Its upright leaves, resembling swords, bring a touch of modernity to any space. The Snake Plant is a natural air purifier, absorbing toxins to freshen your home. Simply place it in indirect sunlight and water sparingly, letting the soil dry between waterings. Whether you possess a green thumb or not, this plant promises to thrive, offering beauty and function without demanding attention or resources.
Pothos
Pothos, sometimes called Devil’s Ivy, is famed for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Perfect for hanging baskets or shelves, it adds a lush feel to small spaces. Its adaptability to various lighting conditions makes it a favorite among renters. Whether in bright light or shaded corners, Pothos thrives with minimal care. This fast-growing plant can be propagated easily, sharing its charm with friends. Simply snip a cutting and watch it root in water. With its forgiving nature, Pothos brings greenery and ease to your home, inviting a sense of tranquility and freshness.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is celebrated for its waxy, glossy leaves and robust nature. It’s almost indestructible, thriving in low light and requiring infrequent watering. Ideal for those who frequently travel or forget their plants, the ZZ Plant adapts effortlessly to your routine. Its striking aesthetic enhances any decor, from minimalist to eclectic styles. This plant is not just about looks; it’s an excellent air purifier. Place it in a well-draining pot and let its resilience do the rest. Enjoy a touch of nature without the hassle of constant maintenance.
Peace Lily
With its elegant white blooms, the Peace Lily exudes tranquility and beauty. Renowned for purifying indoor air, it can remove toxins, improving the ambiance of any room. It thrives in low to medium light, making it suitable for less sunny corners. Water it when the soil feels dry, and it will reward you with lush foliage and stunning flowers. The Peace Lily is more than just a plant; it’s a symbol of peace and purity. Its gentle presence complements various interior designs, creating an inviting and serene atmosphere in your rental space.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant, with its arching green and white striped leaves, is a classic favorite. It’s perfect for beginners, known for forgiving nature and ease of care. Spiderettes, or small offshoots, dangle from the mother plant, adding visual interest. These charming “babies” can be propagated to grow new plants. Tolerant of various lighting conditions, it thrives best in indirect sunlight. A natural air purifier, the Spider Plant keeps your home’s atmosphere fresh. Its lively appearance and adaptability make it an excellent choice for renters seeking greenery with minimal commitment.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is not just a plant; it’s a natural remedy. Known for its soothing gel, it’s perfect for minor burns or skin irritations. This succulent thrives on neglect, requiring little water and indirect sunlight. Place it in a sunny kitchen window for best results. Its sculptural quality and health benefits make it a multifunctional addition to any rental. Aloe Vera’s ability to propagate offshoots ensures you’ll have new plants to share. Easy to maintain and beneficial in many ways, this plant offers aesthetic appeal and practical uses, becoming an indispensable part of your home.
Rubber Plant
Elegance and drama blend in the Rubber Plant, with its large, glossy leaves that demand attention. It’s ideal for renters who desire a bold statement in their decor. Place it near a window with filtered light, and it will grow gracefully upwards. This plant can tolerate occasional neglect but loves a regular watering schedule. The Rubber Plant’s striking presence is matched by its ability to clean the air, making it both beautiful and functional. Its rich foliage pairs well with modern designs, providing a lush backdrop to any room in your rental.
Boston Fern
The Boston Fern, with its feathery fronds, brings an air of elegance and nostalgia. Often found in hanging baskets or decorative pots, it thrives in high humidity and indirect light. Perfect for a bathroom or sunroom, it adds a touch of green softness. Its ability to filter pollutants from the air enhances indoor quality. Keep its soil moist and mist its leaves for the best result. For renters, the Boston Fern offers vintage charm without permanence, allowing style flexibility. Its ethereal beauty complements both classic and contemporary interiors, transforming your space into a refreshing haven.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are versatile and resilient, making them perfect for indoor living. With their heart-shaped leaves, they add warmth and vitality. Whether climbing a trellis or trailing from a basket, they adapt to various settings. They thrive in moderate light and need watering when the soil dries. This plant’s easygoing nature and air-purifying qualities make it a rental favorite. Its ability to grow in different forms ensures it fits your style, whether modern or bohemian. Philodendrons offer a lush, lively atmosphere, inviting you to bring the outdoors into your home with ease.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, or the Swiss Cheese Plant, is loved for its unique, perforated leaves. It brings an exotic touch to any rental, making ordinary spaces extraordinary. Best suited for bright, indirect light, it grows rapidly, creating a bold presence. It requires watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. This plant’s dramatic foliage and easy care make it a beloved choice for renters. Its name reflects its monstrous size, but its charm lies in the beauty of its leaves. Monstera adds character and style, turning your space into a tropical retreat.
Jade Plant
Known as the money plant, the Jade Plant symbolizes prosperity. Its thick, succulent leaves make it drought-tolerant, perfect for busy lifestyles. Place it on a desk or windowsill where it can soak up the sun. With minimal care, the Jade Plant can live for years, growing slowly into a small, tree-like form. This resilient plant is a symbol of good fortune and enduring beauty. For renters, it’s an ideal companion, offering greenery and a touch of mystique. Its compact size and ease of care make it a delightful addition to any living space.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a statement plant, known for its large, violin-shaped leaves. Its bold presence transforms any room into a stylish haven. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistent watering. The Fiddle Leaf Fig can be finicky, but its beauty is worth the effort. Its architectural elegance suits modern, minimalist spaces, adding height and drama. For renters seeking a centerpiece, this plant delivers. While it may require occasional attention, the Fiddle Leaf Fig rewards with vibrant growth and visual impact, becoming the focal point of your interior design.
Cast Iron Plant
True to its name, the Cast Iron Plant is nearly indestructible. Its dark green, lance-shaped leaves thrive in low light and are highly tolerant of neglect. Perfect for renters with busy lifestyles, it requires minimal care. This plant fits well into shaded corners, adding greenery without fuss. Its resilience makes it a symbol of strength and endurance, ideal for those who want living decor with little commitment. The Cast Iron Plant complements various styles, from vintage to modern, providing a touch of nature’s fortitude to your home.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen plants are celebrated for their stunning foliage and adaptability. With leaves splashed in shades of green and silver, they light up any room. They thrive in low to medium light and need infrequent watering. Ideal for busy renters, this plant is both beautiful and undemanding. Chinese Evergreen’s air-cleaning abilities enhance indoor quality. Whether in a modern office or a cozy corner, it adds elegance and freshness. Its forgiving nature and decorative appeal make it a perennial favorite, fitting seamlessly into various decors and enriching your home environment.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo, associated with prosperity and good fortune, is a symbol of positive energy. Its elegant stalks can be shaped into spirals, adding a decorative touch. Perfect for low-light areas, it grows in water with minimal care. Arrange in a glass vase with pebbles for a zen feel. Lucky Bamboo offers an attractive, easy-care option for renters seeking both beauty and symbolism. It thrives with little attention, embodying resilience and tranquility. Whether in an office or home, its presence brings balance and harmony, making it a cherished addition to any space.
Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm, once a symbol of lavish Victorian parlors, remains a favorite for its graceful fronds and easy care. It thrives in low to moderate light, perfect for indoor settings. Its lush, green foliage creates a relaxed, elegant vibe. Ideal for renters, it requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional watering. The Parlor Palm adds a touch of tropical allure to any room. Its compact size and gentle demeanor make it versatile for various spaces, from living rooms to offices. Experience the timeless charm of this exquisite plant in your rental.
Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest Fern is known for its unique, wavy fronds that radiate from a central point. It thrives in humidity, making it ideal for a bathroom. This fern prefers indirect light and consistently moist soil. Its unusual appearance adds a contemporary touch to decor. Perfect for renters, it requires simple care and offers a striking visual. The Bird’s Nest Fern’s fresh, green hue and dynamic shape bring vitality to any space. Embrace its charm and low-key elegance, transforming your rental into a lively, refreshing retreat.
Peaceful Peperomia
Peperomia is a delightful, compact plant with thick, shiny leaves. Its small size makes it perfect for tight spaces, like shelves or tables. It thrives in low to moderate light and requires minimal watering. Peperomia’s attractive foliage and low maintenance make it ideal for renters. Its versatility in design complements various styles, from contemporary to bohemian. This plant’s subtle beauty and resilience bring a touch of nature indoors, enhancing your living space with ease. Peperomia invites tranquility and charm, making it a beloved choice for plant lovers.
Kentia Palm
The Kentia Palm exudes sophistication, with its tall, arching fronds that bring a tropical vibe. It thrives in various lighting conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. This palm is perfect for renters who want to add height and elegance without complex care requirements. It requires regular watering but is otherwise low-maintenance. The Kentia Palm’s regal appearance makes it a centerpiece in any room, complementing modern and classic decors alike. Its enduring charm and graceful form transform spaces, offering a slice of paradise within your home.
Areca Palm
The Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly Palm, is cherished for its feathery, arching fronds. It thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistent watering. This palm brings a lush, tropical feel to any rental space. Its ability to filter air pollutants enhances indoor air quality, making it a healthy choice. Ideal for renters, the Areca Palm is both stylish and functional. Its vibrant presence and easy care make it a popular option for those seeking greenery with flair. Transform your home into a serene oasis with this elegant plant.