Top 14 'Shelfie-and-Survivalist' Indoor Plants to maintain in a style-conscious small apartment - Goh Ling Yong
Living in a small apartment often feels like a masterclass in compromise. You trade square footage for location, a backyard for a balcony (if you're lucky), and your dreams of a sprawling indoor jungle for a single, sad-looking succulent on the windowsill. But what if I told you that you don't have to choose between style, space, and the life-affirming joy of greenery?
Welcome to the world of 'Shelfie-and-Survivalist' plants. These are the botanical superheroes of the urban jungle—plants that are not only stunningly photogenic and perfect for your meticulously curated shelves ('shelfie-worthy') but are also tough as nails ('survivalists'). They can handle a little neglect, thrive in less-than-ideal lighting, and won't outgrow your shoebox apartment in six months. They ask for very little but give back so much, from purifying your air to boosting your mood.
A principle we often discuss here on the Goh Ling Yong blog is that great design should be accessible, and that extends to biophilic design—our innate need to connect with nature. You don't need a sprawling home or a horticulture degree to cultivate a green oasis. You just need the right plants. So, let’s dive into the ultimate list of 14 champions that will transform your small space into a stylish sanctuary, one resilient leaf at a time.
1. The Indestructible Architect: Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
If plants had a 'most likely to survive the apocalypse' award, the Snake Plant would win, hands down. With its stiff, upright leaves that feature striking patterns of green, yellow, or silver, this plant is pure architectural elegance. It’s the definition of a statement piece that requires almost no effort to maintain.
The secret to its survival? Neglect. Seriously. The Snake Plant thrives when you forget about it. It stores water in its leaves, so it's incredibly drought-tolerant and susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings (we’re talking once a month in winter). It’s also not fussy about light, tolerating everything from bright, indirect sun to low-light corners where nothing else will grow.
Style Tip: For a modern, minimalist look, place a tall variety like 'Laurentii' in a simple ceramic pot on the floor. For your bookshelf, grab a compact 'Bird's Nest' (Sansevieria hahnii) variety. Its rosette shape adds texture without taking up vertical space.
2. The Polished Professional: ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is so low-maintenance you might wonder if it’s actually plastic. Its wide, waxy, dark green leaves are perfectly arranged on wand-like stems, giving it a polished and sophisticated look that elevates any room. It’s the perfect plant for a busy professional who wants a touch of green without the commitment.
Like the Snake Plant, the ZZ Plant is a master of survival. It grows from large underground rhizomes that store water, making it extremely drought-tolerant. It prefers bright, indirect light but is famously tolerant of very low light conditions, making it ideal for that dim hallway or office cubicle. Its only real enemy is too much water, so err on the side of underwatering.
Style Tip: The deep green of a ZZ Plant pops beautifully against a white or light-colored wall. Pot it in a metallic planter (brass or matte black) to create a chic, contemporary focal point on a side table or plant stand.
3. The Eager Trailblazer: Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
There's a reason the Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. This trailing vine is incredibly forgiving, grows quickly, and tells you exactly what it needs (the leaves droop when thirsty). Its heart-shaped, variegated leaves can create lush, cascading curtains of green, making a small space feel like a jungle hideaway.
Pothos is the ultimate beginner's plant. It can thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light, though its variegation will be more pronounced with more light. Water it when the top inch or two of soil is dry. If you forget, it will wilt dramatically but will perk right back up within hours of a good drink.
Style Tip: Let it trail from the top of a bookshelf or a hanging macrame planter. You can also train its vines to climb up a wall using small, clear adhesive hooks for a living wall effect that takes up zero floor space.
4. The Retro Giver: Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A charming throwback to the 70s, the Spider Plant is back in a big way. Its arching, grass-like leaves create a fountain of green, and its biggest party trick is producing "spiderettes"—tiny baby plants that dangle from long stems. These can be easily snipped off and propagated, meaning one plant can quickly turn into a whole family.
This is another non-fussy friend. Spider Plants prefer bright, indirect light but will tolerate lower light levels. They like their soil to be kept lightly moist but will forgive you if you let them dry out occasionally. They are also known for being excellent air purifiers, removing common toxins like formaldehyde and xylene.
Style Tip: The Spider Plant was born for a hanging basket. Place it in a corner near a window where its babies can dangle freely. A pot with a pop of color, like terracotta or a glazed blue ceramic, contrasts beautifully with its striped leaves.
5. The Sweetheart Vine: Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Often confused with Pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron is its slightly more delicate-looking cousin, with distinctly matte, heart-shaped leaves. This fast-growing vine is incredibly adaptable and brings a soft, romantic feel to any space it inhabits. Its trailing nature makes it another fantastic choice for adding vertical interest.
Care is a breeze. The Heartleaf Philodendron is very communicative, with leaves that will droop when thirsty. It's happy in low to bright indirect light, but avoid direct sun, which can scorch its leaves. It’s also incredibly easy to propagate—just snip a piece of stem with a few leaves and place it in water.
Style Tip: Drape it across a mantelpiece or let it spill over the edge of a floating shelf. For a unique display, place it in a glass vessel with water on your desk, where you can watch the roots grow.
6. The Unflappable Veteran: Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
This plant's name says it all. The Cast Iron Plant is virtually indestructible and was a staple in dim Victorian parlors for a reason: it can withstand conditions that would kill most other plants. Its large, deep-green, lance-shaped leaves add a bold, tropical feel without any of the tropical-plant fuss.
It is the undisputed king of low-light plants, capable of thriving in the shadiest corners of your apartment. It’s also tolerant of inconsistent watering, heat, and poor soil. Your main job is to wipe down its large leaves with a damp cloth every so often to keep them dust-free and glossy.
Style Tip: Since it grows slowly and has a strong upright form, the Cast Iron Plant works well as a floor plant in a dark corner. Place it in a textured basket or a dark, moody pot to enhance its dramatic foliage.
7. The Jewel Box Succulent: Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Want the geometric beauty of a succulent without the need for a scorching south-facing window? Meet Haworthia. Often called the Zebra Cactus, these small succulents feature striking white stripes, translucent "windows," or fascinating textures. They stay compact, making them perfect for tiny pots on a crowded desk or windowsill.
Unlike many of their sun-loving succulent cousins, Haworthias prefer bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some lower-light situations. This makes them far better suited for indoor apartment life. As with all succulents, the golden rule is to avoid overwatering. Let the soil become bone dry, then give it a thorough soak.
Style Tip: Create a mini succulent garden in a shallow bowl by grouping a few different Haworthia varieties together. Their small size and intricate patterns make them living works of art for a desk or nightstand.
8. The Soil-Free Sculptor: Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
For the ultimate minimalist and space-saver, it doesn't get better than an Air Plant. These fascinating epiphytes don't require any soil to live, absorbing moisture and nutrients through their leaves. This opens up a world of creative display possibilities that are simply not possible with other plants.
Care is simple but specific. They need bright, indirect light. To water them, submerge the entire plant in room-temperature water for about 20-30 minutes once a week, then gently shake off the excess water and let it dry upside down before returning it to its display. This last step is crucial to prevent rot.
Style Tip: The sky's the limit! Place them in a glass terrarium, mount them on a piece of driftwood, or suspend them in geometric metal holders (himmeli). They are living sculptures that add an airy, modern touch.
9. The Cascading Gem: String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Okay, this one is a slight step up in difficulty, but its 'shelfie' potential is off the charts. The String of Pearls, with its iconic bead-like leaves cascading down long, thin stems, is a showstopper. It’s the plant that will have all your guests asking, "What is that?!"
The key to keeping this beauty happy is a delicate balance of light and water. It needs plenty of bright, indirect light—a spot near an east-facing window is perfect. Its roots are very shallow, so it's prone to rot. Use a well-draining cactus mix and water only when the soil is completely dry and the "pearls" start to look slightly deflated.
Style Tip: This plant is made to spill. Place it on a high shelf or in a hanging planter where its strings can grow long and create a stunning waterfall effect.
10. The Minimalist's Dream: Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
With its flat, pancake-shaped leaves that seem to orbit a central stem, the Pilea is a master of graphic, minimalist design. It's a cheerful and charming plant that has dominated social media feeds for years, and for good reason. It’s also incredibly easy to propagate, as it sends up little "pups" from its base that can be shared with friends.
Pilea enjoys bright, indirect light. A good trick is to rotate it every few days to keep it from leaning too heavily toward the light source and to maintain its symmetrical shape. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and be sure not to let it sit in a soggy saucer.
Style Tip: The Pilea's unique form shines in a simple, clean-lined pot. A small terracotta or white ceramic pot on a stack of books or a minimalist side table is all it needs to make a statement.
11. The Quirky Pet: Marimo Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)
Looking for a plant that requires less care than a pet rock? The Marimo Moss Ball is your answer. It's not actually moss, but a rare form of spherical algae found in lakes in Japan and Northern Europe. They are considered good luck charms and make for a wonderfully quirky and serene decorative object.
Care could not be easier. Keep it in a glass container filled with tap water, and change the water every one to two weeks. It needs only low, indirect light. To keep its round shape, gently roll it in your hands every so often when you change the water. That's it.
Style Tip: Display your Marimo ball in a beautiful glass vessel—a simple vase, a science beaker, or even a fancy cocktail glass. You can add some decorative stones or pebbles to the bottom for extra visual interest.
12. The Unfussy Fern: Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Ferns are notoriously fussy, demanding high humidity that most apartments can't provide. The Bird's Nest Fern is the exception. Its broad, wavy, bright green leaves grow in a rosette pattern that resembles a bird's nest, adding a lush, tropical vibe without the diva-like demands of its relatives.
While it appreciates higher humidity (a good candidate for a bathroom with a window), it’s much more tolerant of average household conditions than, say, a Maidenhair Fern. It prefers medium to low indirect light and likes its soil to remain evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Style Tip: The crinkled texture of its leaves provides a wonderful contrast to smoother-leafed plants. Place it on a plant stand in your living room or on the bathroom counter to create a spa-like atmosphere.
13. The Splash of Color: Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)
If you crave color but don't want to mess with fleeting flowers, the Aglaonema is a game-changer. Modern cultivars come in an astonishing array of patterns featuring splashes of pink, red, silver, and cream against a green backdrop. It's a living piece of abstract art.
Best of all, this vibrant beauty is incredibly low-light tolerant. In fact, the varieties with darker green leaves can handle quite shady spots. The more colorful varieties will want a bit more bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrancy. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out before watering.
Style Tip: Choose a pot color that complements one of the accent colors in the leaves. A pink-splashed 'Lady Valentine' in a simple white or grey pot, for instance, is a stunning combination.
14. The Compact Charmer: Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomia is a vast and varied genus, but most share key traits: they are compact, have interesting foliage, and are semi-succulent, meaning they don't need frequent watering. From the striking stripes of the Watermelon Peperomia to the glossy, rubbery leaves of the Obtusifolia, there’s a Peperomia for every style.
These plants are perfect for small spaces because they stay small. They enjoy medium to bright indirect light and, because their leaves store water, they can handle periods of drought. Let the soil dry out significantly between waterings. They are also non-toxic, making them a great choice for pet owners.
Style Tip: Because of their small stature, Peperomias are perfect for grouping together on a windowsill or creating a "plant gang" on a floating shelf. Mix and match different textures and colors for a dynamic display.
Your Urban Jungle Awaits
Creating a green, vibrant home doesn't require a lot of space, a ton of sunlight, or an expert-level green thumb. It simply requires choosing the right botanical companions—plants that are as resilient as they are beautiful. These 14 'Shelfie-and-Survivalist' champions are proof that anyone can cultivate their own stylish indoor oasis.
As we love to say on Goh Ling Yong's blog, start small. Pick one or two from this list that speak to you, find them a perfect spot, and enjoy the process. You’ll be surprised at how quickly a little bit of green can transform your space and your state of mind.
Now it's your turn. Which of these hardy beauties are you planning to welcome into your home? Or do you have a favorite survivalist plant that didn't make the list? Share your top picks and plant shelfies in the comments below—we’d love to see them
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!