Bringing real greenery into your apartment or city home is easier than you think—even when you don’t have a garden or terrace or you lack extensive space. The right plants brighten your life, clean the air, and fit your style or schedule. Here are five small-space plant ideas, with setup, light needs, and upkeep tips, plus a simple look at costs.
1.Closed Terrariums
Closed terrariums are tiny plant worlds sealed inside glass. They are perfect for coffee tables, nightstands, or any corner with soft, indirect light. A terrarium creates a microclimate that rarely needs to be watered, making it perfect for species that require high humidity levels. Plus, terrariums are usually budget-friendly. Kits range from $15 to $40, and they are almost mess-proof, making them great for both renters and those new to city gardening.
You don’t have to be alone when setting up your indoor greenery! Some in-depth guides and professionals can help you learn more about terrariums and find the support you need to create a wonderful, low-maintenance indoor garden.
2. Hanging Cuttings
If your windowsill is full but there’s ceiling space, hanging plant cuttings in glass bottles or jars is a stylish, zero-soil solution. Use cords, wire, or wall hooks to suspend bottles and display pothos, philodendron, or tradescantia cuttings. These are also some of the easiest house plants to grow!
Just top up water every week or so and trim roots as needed! This option is nearly mess-free and costs only a few dollars per bottle. It’s a renter’s dream for green style without having to drill holes or risk damaging floors due to heavy vases and watering.
3. Mason-Jar Herb Gardens
No yard? No problem. A mason jar herb garden can sit right in your kitchen window, delivering fresh basil, mint, or parsley all year. Fill wide-mouth jars with a base of pebbles, a bit of charcoal for drainage, and nutrient-rich potting mix.
Plant seeds or small herb plants, and water lightly as herbs don’t like soggy roots. Most need at least 5–6 hours of sun, so pick your brightest sill. Mason jar gardens are inexpensive to start and simple to maintain, with cleanup almost as fast as making your favorite tea. Plus, they can add greenery and give you an introduction to gardening - both of which can boost mental health!
4. Moss Frames
Moss frames are an excellent idea to turn wall space into living decoration. Choose a frame with preserved or low-maintenance live moss, which doesn’t need soil and only needs misting every week or two. If you are looking for an even lower-maintenance option, opt for moss frames that use preserved moss. These never need watering, making care zero-fuss! Hang in a spot with indirect light and enjoy hands-off greenery!
5. Windowsill Microgreens
If you are looking for plants that offer excellent decoration and can be served at the table, microgreens—tiny sprouts like radish, broccoli, or sunflower—grow easily in small trays or pots on a sunny windowsill.
Just sprinkle seeds on top of moist soil, cover until they sprout, then uncover and keep them damp. You’ll have snippable greens in less than two weeks to use in your next recipe!
