15 Best House Plants for NYC Apartments (Low Light & Pet Safe)

Living in a New York City apartment comes with many perks — world-class culture, incredible food, and endless energy. But it also comes with challenges for plant lovers: limited natural light, small spaces, dry radiator heat, and the ever-present question of whether your new plant will harm your cat.

The good news? There are dozens of beautiful, hardy plants that thrive in NYC apartment conditions. At TJ Flowers & Events, we've been selling plants and succulents to New Yorkers for years, and we know exactly which varieties succeed in apartment living.

Here are our 15 top picks for NYC apartments — organized by light needs, pet safety, and maintenance level.

Low-Light Champions

Many NYC apartments face light wells, air shafts, or north-facing windows that receive minimal direct sunlight. These plants don't just survive in low light — they thrive.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Dracaena trifasciata)

Light: Low to bright indirect | Water: Every 2-3 weeks | Pet safe: No (mildly toxic to cats and dogs)

The snake plant is arguably the perfect NYC apartment plant. It tolerates neglect, thrives in low light, purifies air, and looks architecturally stunning in any décor style. Its upright, sword-like leaves come in varieties from dark green to variegated gold-and-green.

Why New Yorkers love it: You can forget to water it for a month and it'll still look great. Perfect for frequent travelers or busy professionals. It also releases oxygen at night (most plants release CO2), making it ideal for bedrooms.

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Light: Low to bright indirect | Water: When top inch of soil is dry | Pet safe: No (toxic if ingested)

Pothos is the ultimate beginner plant and one of the most popular houseplants in NYC. Its trailing vines look gorgeous cascading from shelves, hanging baskets, or trained to climb a wall. Varieties include golden pothos (green with yellow variegation), marble queen (white and green), and neon pothos (bright chartreuse).

Why New Yorkers love it: It grows fast, propagates easily (just snip a vine and put it in water), and tells you when it's thirsty by drooping slightly. It's virtually impossible to kill.

3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Light: Low to bright indirect | Water: Every 2-3 weeks | Pet safe: No (toxic if ingested)

The ZZ plant is a stunning, glossy-leaved beauty that looks like a living sculpture. Its thick, waxy leaves reflect light beautifully, brightening even the darkest corner. The "Raven" variety features dramatic, nearly black foliage that's incredibly popular with design-conscious New Yorkers.

Why New Yorkers love it: It stores water in its thick rhizomes, so it can go weeks without watering. It actually does BETTER with neglect — overwatering is its only real enemy.

4. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Light: Low to medium indirect | Water: When top 2 inches of soil are dry | Pet safe: Yes!

Named for its near-indestructible nature, the cast iron plant has survived in the darkest corners of Victorian parlors since the 1800s. Its broad, dark green leaves are elegant and unfussy. It's also one of the few low-light plants that's safe for cats and dogs.

Why New Yorkers love it: If your apartment gets barely any natural light, this is your plant. It handles temperature fluctuations (hello, NYC radiator heat), drafts, and irregular watering without complaint.

Bright Indirect Light Stars

If your NYC apartment has east- or west-facing windows, these plants will reward you with gorgeous growth.

5. Orchids (Phalaenopsis)

Light: Bright indirect | Water: Weekly (ice cube method works) | Pet safe: Yes!

Phalaenopsis orchids are one of the most rewarding plants for NYC apartments. Despite their exotic reputation, they're surprisingly easy to care for. They bloom for 2-3 months at a time, and with proper care, they'll rebloom year after year.

Why New Yorkers love it: Orchids are elegant, long-lasting, and available in an incredible range of colors. They're perfect for windowsills, desks, and coffee tables. Plus, they're completely pet-safe — a huge bonus for apartment dwellers with cats. Browse our orchid collection for varieties perfect for your space.

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6. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Light: Bright indirect | Water: Weekly | Pet safe: No (toxic if ingested)

The iconic "Swiss cheese plant" has become the poster child of millennial plant culture — and for good reason. Its dramatic, fenestrated leaves make a bold design statement in any space. In the right conditions, it grows quickly and can become a stunning focal point.

Why New Yorkers love it: It's Instagram-worthy, grows impressively large (even in apartments), and has become an iconic part of NYC's aesthetic. A healthy monstera can produce leaves over 2 feet wide.

7. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Light: Bright indirect (consistent!) | Water: When top inch is dry | Pet safe: No (toxic to pets)

The fiddle leaf fig is the "it" plant of interior design — featured in countless home décor magazines and design blogs. Its large, violin-shaped leaves are dramatic and elegant. However, it's notoriously finicky about changes in environment.

Why New Yorkers love (and sometimes hate) it: When it's happy, nothing looks more stunning. But it can drop leaves dramatically if moved, drafted, overwatered, or under-watered. It's the diva of houseplants — beautiful but demanding.

8. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

Light: Bright indirect to direct | Water: When top 2 inches are dry | Pet safe: No (mildly toxic)

Want to feel like you're in the tropics? A bird of paradise brings instant resort vibes to any NYC apartment. Its large, banana-like leaves create a dramatic, architectural presence. Given enough light, it may even produce its iconic orange and blue flowers indoors.

Why New Yorkers love it: It transforms a room instantly, making even a studio apartment feel like an exotic retreat. It's surprisingly tough and can handle NYC's temperature fluctuations.

Pet-Safe Favorites

For NYC apartment dwellers with cats and dogs, pet-safe plants are non-negotiable. Here are the best options that are completely safe for furry family members.

9. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Light: Low to bright indirect | Water: When soil is mostly dry | Pet safe: Yes!

The spider plant is a classic for good reason: it's easy, adaptable, pet-safe, and produces adorable "babies" (plantlets) on long runners that you can propagate and share with friends. It's one of NASA's top air-purifying plants.

Why New Yorkers love it: It's a great gifting plant — grow it, propagate the babies, and give them to friends. It handles everything from low light to bright indirect light. Cats love to play with (and sometimes munch on) the trailing runners, and fortunately, it's completely non-toxic.

10. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Light: Medium indirect | Water: Keep soil consistently moist | Pet safe: Yes!

Boston ferns are lush, feathery, and bring a softness to any room. They love humidity, making them perfect for NYC bathrooms. They're excellent air purifiers and completely safe for cats and dogs.

Why New Yorkers love it: In a hanging basket near a bathroom window, a Boston fern creates a spa-like atmosphere. NYC's steam-heated apartments in winter can be dry, so regular misting or a nearby humidifier keeps them happy.

11. Calathea (Calathea / Goeppertia)

Light: Medium indirect | Water: Keep moist but not soggy | Pet safe: Yes!

Calatheas are the art lovers' plants — their leaves feature stunning patterns that look hand-painted. Varieties like Calathea orbifolia (striped silver-green), Calathea medallion (purple undersides), and Calathea rattlesnake (wavy, patterned) are all gorgeous conversation pieces.

Why New Yorkers love it: The dramatic leaf patterns are like living artwork. They also fold their leaves up at night and open them in the morning (earning the nickname "prayer plants"), which feels magical.

12. Peperomia

Light: Medium indirect | Water: When top inch is dry | Pet safe: Yes!

Peperomias are compact, adorable, and incredibly diverse. From the rippled leaves of Peperomia caperata to the round, coin-like leaves of Peperomia polybotrya (raindrop), there's a peperomia for every taste. Their small size makes them perfect for NYC apartments where space is at a premium.

Why New Yorkers love it: They're small enough for a desk, bookshelf, or windowsill — no floor space required. They're also slow-growing, so they won't outgrow their spot.

Succulents and Easy-Care Options

13. Succulents

Light: Bright direct or indirect | Water: Every 2-3 weeks | Pet safe: Most are safe (varies by species)

Succulents are perfect for sunny NYC windowsills. Their ability to store water in their thick leaves makes them ideal for forgetful waterers. Popular varieties include echeveria (rosette-shaped), aloe vera (medicinal and attractive), haworthia (compact and stripy), and jade plants (lucky and long-lived).

Why New Yorkers love them: They're compact, stylish, and nearly maintenance-free. A collection of succulents on a sunny sill adds instant charm. Browse our succulent collection for varieties perfect for your space.

14. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Light: Low to medium indirect | Water: When leaves start to droop | Pet safe: No (toxic to cats and dogs)

The peace lily is a stunning, low-maintenance plant that produces elegant white "flowers" (actually modified leaves called spathes). It's one of the best air-purifying plants available and thrives in low-light conditions that would challenge most flowering plants.

Why New Yorkers love it: It literally tells you when it's thirsty — its leaves droop dramatically, then perk right back up after watering. It's the most communicative plant you'll ever own.

15. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Light: Medium to bright indirect | Water: When top inch is dry | Pet safe: No (mildly toxic)

The rubber plant's large, glossy, dark green (or burgundy) leaves make it a dramatic and elegant addition to any room. It grows into a tree-like form that can reach 6-10 feet indoors, creating a stunning focal point.

Why New Yorkers love it: It has the dramatic look of a fiddle leaf fig but is significantly easier to care for. It tolerates lower light conditions and isn't as sensitive to environmental changes.

NYC Apartment Plant Care Tips

New York apartments present unique challenges for plants. Here are tips specific to NYC living:

Dealing with Radiator Heat

Steam radiators can make NYC apartments extremely dry in winter. Combat this by grouping plants together (they create their own humidity microclimate), using pebble trays filled with water under your pots, running a humidifier, and misting humidity-loving plants regularly.

Maximizing Limited Light

If your apartment has limited natural light, clean your windows regularly (NYC grime blocks a surprising amount of light), use mirrors to reflect light toward plants, consider a grow light for darker corners, and choose low-light tolerant varieties from our list above.

Small Space Solutions

Use vertical space: wall-mounted planters, hanging baskets, and tall plant stands maximize greenery without sacrificing floor space. Trailing plants like pothos can be trained along high shelves or window frames. Compact plants like peperomias and succulents fit on windowsills and desks.

Where to Buy Plants in NYC

At TJ Flowers & Events, we carry a curated selection of healthy, apartment-ready plants including orchids, succulents, and popular houseplants. We offer same-day delivery throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, so your new green friend arrives fresh and healthy.

Shop Plants & Succulents

Quick Reference: The Best Plant for Your Situation

• Almost no light: Snake plant, ZZ plant, or cast iron plant
• Cats and dogs: Spider plant, Boston fern, calathea, orchid, or peperomia
• Frequent traveler: Snake plant, ZZ plant, or succulents
• Tiny space: Peperomia, succulents, or a small orchid
• Dramatic statement: Monstera, bird of paradise, or rubber plant
• Air purifying: Snake plant, spider plant, pothos, or peace lily
• Bathroom: Boston fern, calathea, or pothos
• Office desk: Peperomia, small succulent, or mini orchid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest plant to kill for a NYC apartment?

The snake plant (Sansevieria) is widely considered the hardest plant to kill. It tolerates low light, infrequent watering (every 2-4 weeks), temperature fluctuations, and general neglect. ZZ plants and pothos are close runners-up. All three are excellent choices for first-time plant parents.

Are orchids hard to care for in an apartment?

Despite their exotic reputation, phalaenopsis orchids are actually one of the easiest flowering plants to care for. They need bright indirect light (an east-facing window is ideal), water once a week (the ice cube method works well), and temperatures between 65-80°F — basically, normal apartment conditions. They bloom for months and rebloom annually with proper care.

Which house plants are safe for cats?

The safest popular houseplants for cats include: spider plant, Boston fern, calathea/prayer plant, orchids (phalaenopsis), peperomia, cast iron plant, and most succulents (specifically echeveria and haworthia). Always check the ASPCA's toxic plant database if you're unsure about a specific variety.

How often should I water my apartment plants?

There's no universal watering schedule — it depends on the plant, pot size, soil type, light level, and humidity. The best approach is to check the soil: most plants prefer to dry out partially between waterings. Stick your finger an inch into the soil; if it's dry, water thoroughly. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, especially in lower-light NYC apartments.

Can I keep plants near a radiator?

It's best to keep plants at least 3 feet from radiators. The hot, dry air can dehydrate leaves and dry out soil quickly. If radiator placement is unavoidable, choose tough plants like snake plants or ZZ plants, water more frequently, and mist the leaves regularly. A pebble tray with water under the pot can also help maintain humidity around the plant.