Top 10 Indoor Potted Plants Every City Flat Must Have for Fresh Air, Beauty, and Health Benefits

Oct 27, 2025

—

Living in cities often means limited space, limited sunlight, and limited connection with nature. However, urban dwellers are increasingly turning to potted plants to transform their flats into refreshing green havens. Studies show that indoor plants can reduce air toxins by up to 60%, increase humidity, and even enhance mental well-being by 30%.

In small city apartments where balconies are rare and air quality is poor, having a few low-maintenance, air-purifying, and decorative plants can make a dramatic difference. This article explores the Top 10 Plants in Pots Every Flat Must Have, their benefits, maintenance requirements, and placement ideas to help you bring nature indoors.

Table: Quick Overview of Top 10 Indoor Potted Plants for Flats

Plant Name	Scientific Name	Benefits	Light Requirement	Watering Frequency
Snake Plant	Sansevieria trifasciata	Air purification, low maintenance	Low to moderate	Once a week
Money Plant	Epipremnum aureum	Brings positive energy, easy to grow	Indirect sunlight	2–3 times a week
Peace Lily	Spathiphyllum wallisii	Air purifier, elegant flowers	Low light	Once or twice a week
Spider Plant	Chlorophytum comosum	Removes formaldehyde, hardy	Bright indirect	2–3 times a week
Aloe Vera	Aloe barbadensis miller	Medicinal, air purification	Bright light	Once a week
Areca Palm	Dypsis lutescens	Adds humidity, freshens air	Moderate light	Every 2–3 days
Rubber Plant	Ficus elastica	Removes toxins, decorative leaves	Bright indirect	Once a week
ZZ Plant	Zamioculcas zamiifolia	Extremely low maintenance	Low light	Once in 10 days
Fern	Nephrolepis exaltata	Humidity-loving, lush foliage	Indirect light	2–4 times a week
Jade Plant	Crassula ovata	Symbol of prosperity, compact	Bright light	Once a week

1. Snake Plant – The Oxygen Booster

The Snake Plant, also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, is one of the most resilient houseplants you can have. It’s scientifically proven to release oxygen even at night, making it ideal for bedrooms.

Benefits:

Removes toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
Survives in low light and irregular watering.
Enhances indoor oxygen levels.

Maintenance Tips:
Water sparingly and avoid overwatering. Perfect for busy professionals who forget to water their plants.

Best Placement: Corners of bedrooms or living rooms.

2. Money Plant – The Prosperity Symbol

The Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is not just beautiful but also believed to attract wealth and positivity. According to NASA’s air study, it’s excellent at filtering indoor pollutants like xylene and carbon monoxide.

Benefits:

Easy to propagate and grow in both soil and water.
Improves air quality and indoor aesthetics.
Brings good fortune as per Feng Shui principles.

Maintenance Tips:
Keep it in indirect sunlight and water every 2–3 days. Trim occasionally for a fuller look.

Best Placement: Near windows or balconies, in hanging pots or decorative bottles.

3. Peace Lily – The Elegant Air Purifier

The Peace Lily is known for its glossy green leaves and white blooms that add sophistication to any indoor space.

Benefits:

Removes mold spores and common household toxins.
Increases humidity and helps reduce dry air problems.
Adds a sense of calm and luxury to the room.

Maintenance Tips:
Thrives in low light and needs watering once or twice a week. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Best Placement: Bedrooms, office tables, or shaded balconies.

4. Spider Plant – The Pollution Fighter

The Spider Plant is one of the best air-cleaning indoor plants and is particularly effective at absorbing carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

Benefits:

Safe for pets and children.
Excellent for homes near busy roads or industrial areas.
Grows quickly and requires minimal care.

Maintenance Tips:
Keep in bright, indirect sunlight and water 2–3 times per week.

Best Placement: Kitchen windowsills or hanging baskets in living rooms.

5. Aloe Vera – The Healer Plant

Known for its healing properties, Aloe Vera is a must-have indoor plant for every flat.

Benefits:

Air purifier and source of natural medicine for skin burns and cuts.
Produces oxygen while absorbing toxins.
Compact, making it suitable for smaller apartments.

Maintenance Tips:
Needs bright light and minimal watering—about once a week. Ensure proper drainage to avoid root rot.

Best Placement: Kitchen windows or balconies with ample sunlight.

6. Areca Palm – The Natural Humidifier

The Areca Palm is one of the most popular indoor palms. It’s known to improve air quality while adding a tropical charm to interiors.

Benefits:

Removes airborne toxins.
Increases humidity, which is beneficial in air-conditioned environments.
Can grow up to 6–7 feet indoors.

Maintenance Tips:
Water every 2–3 days and mist occasionally. Keep it in moderate light.

Best Placement: Living rooms or near entryways.

7. Rubber Plant – The Statement Piece

The Rubber Plant is known for its thick, glossy leaves that make it a decorative centerpiece.

Benefits:

Excellent at removing airborne toxins like formaldehyde.
Adapts well to indoor environments.
Adds height and color contrast to your plant setup.

Maintenance Tips:
Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and water once a week. Avoid overwatering.

Best Placement: Living room corners or near large windows.

8. ZZ Plant – The Zero-Effort Green Companion

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is almost indestructible, making it perfect for beginners or those with busy schedules.

Benefits:

Tolerates low light and drought conditions.
Helps remove toxins like xylene and toluene.
Shiny dark green leaves enhance interior aesthetics.

Maintenance Tips:
Water once in 10 days or when soil is completely dry.

Best Placement: Office desks, bedrooms, or shaded hallways.

9. Fern – The Moisture Lover

Ferns bring lush greenery to your flat while maintaining moisture levels in the air. They are ideal for homes with air conditioners or dry climates.

Benefits:

Natural humidifier and air purifier.
Reduces airborne pollutants and dust.
Gives a fresh, tropical look indoors.

Maintenance Tips:
Keep the soil moist and mist leaves regularly. Place in indirect sunlight.

Best Placement: Bathrooms or near kitchen windows.

10. Jade Plant – The Compact Lucky Charm

The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a symbol of prosperity and friendship, often called the “money tree.”

Benefits:

Requires minimal maintenance and water.
Stores water in its fleshy leaves.
Adds aesthetic appeal with its miniature tree-like appearance.

Maintenance Tips:
Place in bright sunlight and water weekly.

Best Placement: Study tables, balconies, or office corners.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Indoor Plants in Flats

Aspect	Recommendation
Light	Choose plants based on natural light availability in your flat.
Water	Avoid overwatering; use pots with proper drainage.
Fertilizer	Use organic compost every 2–3 months.
Air Circulation	Keep windows slightly open to let plants “breathe.”
Rotation	Rotate plants every few weeks to ensure even growth.

Benefits of Having Potted Plants in Flats

Improved Air Quality: Reduces pollutants like carbon dioxide and benzene.
Stress Reduction: Plants lower anxiety and improve mental clarity.
Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances interior design and adds natural color.
Better Sleep: Plants like Snake Plant and Peace Lily release oxygen at night.
Noise Reduction: Dense foliage absorbs sound and reduces echoes in small spaces.

According to environmental research, indoor plants can reduce airborne dust levels by 20%, and homes with greenery often experience better humidity balance and fewer allergens.

Conclusion: Green Living in Urban Homes

Creating a small indoor garden in your flat is not just a decorative choice—it’s a step toward healthier living. The top 10 plants discussed above are all space-efficient, low-maintenance, and proven to improve air quality. With the right care, even a small apartment balcony or a windowsill can become your private green retreat.

Start small—maybe with a Money Plant or Snake Plant—and gradually add variety. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice cleaner air, a calmer mood, and a refreshed living environment.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Plant growth and maintenance results may vary depending on local climate, care, and indoor conditions. Always research your specific plant variety before purchase.

About the author

I’m Himanshu Dhar, a dedicated MIS trainer proudly associated with I Turn Institute. My journey in the realm of data management and automation spans over 14 enriching years. My passion for this field extends to freelancing projects, where I bring real-world practicality into my teaching. My impact in education is marked by the success of over 25,000 students I’ve had the privilege of mentoring, hailing from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the classroom, I’ve had the honor of conducting corporate training sessions and seminars, catering to the unique needs of businesses. Let’s unlock your potential together in the realm of data analysis and automation.