The Best Houseplants for Shared Living Spaces: Low-Maintenance and Air-Purifying Options

Living with roommates can be a rewarding experience, but decorating communal spaces often requires consideration. Houseplants enhance indoor environments by adding greenery, purifying the air, and creating a cozy atmosphere.

However, not all plants thrive in shared homes. The best options are easy to maintain, adaptable, and beneficial for indoor air quality.

Choosing the right greenery ensures that everyone enjoys the benefits without the hassle of complicated care routines. Here are the top houseplants for shared living spaces.

1. Snake Plant: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Choice

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are ideal for busy households. These resilient plants can handle it if you forget about them, making them perfect for shared spaces where schedules vary. They require less watering and thrive in both low and bright light conditions.

Benefits:

• Removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air
• Survives with little water, requiring only occasional care
• Adds a striking vertical element to any room

With its upright, modern look, the snake plant complements various décor styles and thrives even in the most inconsistent environments.

2. Pothos: The Effortless Hanging Vine

Pothos, often called devil’s ivy, is another excellent choice for communal spaces. Its trailing vines create a lush, cascading effect, making it a perfect plant for shelves or hanging baskets. This hardy plant grows well in indirect light and only needs occasional watering.

Benefits:

• Filters airborne pollutants and increases oxygen levels
• Grows rapidly with minimal maintenance
• It thrives in low-light conditions, making it suitable for any room

Since it requires little attention, pothos is an excellent addition to shared homes where plant care responsibilities may vary.

3. Peace Lily: Beauty and Function Combined

The peace lily is a top choice for those seeking a touch of elegance. Known for its white blooms and deep green foliage, this plant thrives in moderate, indirect light. It also has powerful air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

Benefits:

• Absorbs airborne toxins, improving indoor air quality
• Signals when it needs water by drooping slightly
• Adds a sophisticated touch to communal spaces

While it does require occasional watering, the peace lily is generally easy to maintain, making it an excellent plant for shared apartments.

4. ZZ Plant: Nearly Indestructible

The ZZ plant is an excellent option for those who forget to water their plants. With thick, glossy leaves, this species thrives in various lighting conditions and requires less watering than other options.

Benefits:

• Tolerates neglect and irregular watering schedules
• Thrives in both bright and low-light settings
• Adds a modern, sculptural look to living spaces

Because of its adaptability, the ZZ plant is a perfect choice for communal living. It ensures greenery without added stress.

5. Spider Plant: A Classic Air-Purifier

Spider plants are among the best choices for shared homes because of their easy care and air-purifying abilities. Their arching green-and-white leaves bring vibrancy to indoor settings and can thrive in various conditions.

Benefits:

• Removes toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde
• Tolerates occasional neglect and requires minimal upkeep
• Produces baby plants that can be shared or replanted

With a playful, energetic appearance, spider plants are great for making common areas feel lively and inviting.

6. Aloe Vera: Practical and Aesthetic

Aloe vera isn’t just a stylish succulent, but it also has practical benefits. Known for its soothing gel, which is often used for burns and skin irritation, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light and needs infrequent watering.

Benefits:

• Provides natural skin-healing properties
• Requires little water and minimal maintenance
• Adds a touch of greenery without overwhelming the space

Aloe vera’s versatility and durability make it a fantastic choice for shared homes. It offers both an aesthetic look and functional benefits.

7. Rubber Plant: A Bold Statement Piece

The rubber plant is an excellent choice for those looking to add a more dramatic element to their living space. Its large, glossy leaves make a bold statement while requiring minimal care. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can also adapt to lower light levels.

Benefits:

• Improves air quality by absorbing pollutants
• Requires only occasional watering
• Adds a stylish, modern touch to communal areas

Its robust nature ensures it can survive occasional neglect, making it an ideal plant for busy households.

8. Cast Iron Plant: The Ultimate Resilient Option

The cast iron plant lives up to its name —it withstands neglect, low light, and not a lot of watering. This plant is perfect for individuals who travel frequently or have unpredictable schedules.

Benefits:

• Extraordinarily durable and tolerant of various conditions
• Requires less watering and maintenance
• Thrives in low-light environments

The cast iron plant’s deep green foliage and tough nature make it an excellent addition to any shared living space.

Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Home

Selecting the right houseplant depends on the household’s needs. Some plants need more sunlight, while others prefer more shade. Understanding how to care for your plant will ensure it thrives without becoming a burden.

For those looking to find a shared home with a welcoming environment (and roommates who love plants), SpareRoom can help. It connects people with ideal living arrangements all over the US, helping them find rooms to rent in San Francisco, NYC, Boston, and other cities. Creating a comfortable home starts with the right roommates and plants.

Conclusion

Houseplants bring warmth, cleaner air, and a calming atmosphere to shared homes. Choosing low-maintenance, air-purifying plants ensures everyone can enjoy the benefits without added responsibility.

Whether it’s a snake plant’s resilience, pothos’ cascading beauty, or the peace lily’s air-cleansing power, the right greenery enhances any communal living space. By selecting plants that fit different lighting and care requirements, roommates can enjoy the beauty of nature without extra stress.