5 indoor plants for busy apartment dwellers

A lush green garden is a dream for many of those living in strata apartments. If you haven’t got the space for a balcony garden, indoor plants are the way to go. For some people, however, the idea of transforming your home into a nature-filled oasis can be appear better on paper than it is in practice. Whether you’ve got a busy life or aren’t in touch with your green thumb, a handful of low-maintenance indoor plant are the best way to bring nature into the home without a great deal of upkeep – here are our picks.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a staple plant in many gardens – both indoor and outdoor – due to the medicinal benefits of its leaves. When massaged into the skin, the “gel” inside the leaves of this plant is often used to help relieve from burns and speed up the healing process. In addition to these benefits, caring for aloe vera is a relatively low-touch process. Aloe vera is adapted to thrive in dry climates, and can survive in dry soil for long periods of time between watering. However, these plants love bright areas – placing them beside or near a window ensures that they’ll get their daily dose of sunshine.

2. Snake plant

Also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue”, the snake plant is one of the most attractive indoor plants for busy working professionals. Requiring little attention, this plant can thrive on small amounts of water in both the sun and shade, so there is no need to feel guilty about leaving this leafy green alone for a week while you travel. Interestingly, snake plants are fantastic at increasing air quality – hugely beneficial to those who work indoors. These plants convert a large amount of carbon dioxide into oxygen due to their thick, large leaves. Furthermore, these plants can absorb airborne chemicals that can cause headaches and fatigue, according to a NASA study.

3. Succulents

Small and sweet, succulents are made for the climate of Gold Coast properties. These quirky little plants are armed to store water for the long term, allowing them to survive in the dry humidity that often comes with apartment living. When it comes to succulents, there are plenty of tones and shapes to choose from. From calm green to soft pink, burgundy and yellow, the colour palette available allows you to choose a succulent to tie your room together, or to best match your personality.

4. Zanzibar gem

The zanzibar gem – commonly referred to as the ZZ plant – is a great feature plant for your living space. Despite it’s lush and leafy appearance, the ZZ plant is a low-maintenance dream. The root system of this plant retains a large volume of water, and can rot if you over-water it. A ZZ plant will happily survive off a decent watering every few weeks. Don’t be put off by the size, either – zanzibar gem plants are slow growing, especially in low light. However, a ZZ plant isn’t for everyone – varieties of this plant can be poisonous to pets, so make sure it’s in a spot where your furry friends aren’t inclined to snack on its leaves.

5. Cacti

A popular fixture in many bedrooms, cacti are favoured for their asymmetric shape and need for little attention. Cacti are known for their water retention and generally only need watering once per week. Cacti need sunlight to survive, and slowly twist to face the brightest part of a space. To keep your cactus happy, place it on a sunny windowsill so it can soak up the sun and continue to thrive. There are plenty of different varieties to choose from when it comes to selecting a cactus, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your living space.

Looking for a new Gold Coast property to call home? Get in touch with the team at Ray White Surfers Paradise.