Living in Washington means dealing with gray skies and rain for much of the year. Indoor plants can transform your apartment into a vibrant, living space that feels fresh even on the dreariest days.
Adding greenery to your home not only improves air quality but also boosts your mood and creates a more welcoming environment.
1. Peace Lily
Peace lilies thrive in Washington’s low light conditions, making them perfect for apartments with few windows. Their elegant white blooms stand out against glossy dark leaves, creating a sophisticated focal point.
They’re excellent air purifiers too, removing common household toxins. Just water when the soil feels dry, and watch for drooping leaves – they’ll tell you when they’re thirsty!
2. Snake Plant
Nearly indestructible, snake plants forgive even the most forgetful plant parents. Their striking upright leaves with yellow edges bring architectural interest to any room.
Thriving in dry conditions, they’re perfect for busy Washingtonians who travel frequently. They work overtime while you sleep, converting carbon dioxide to oxygen at night – unlike most houseplants which only do this during daylight hours.
3. Pothos
Cascading vines of heart-shaped leaves make pothos a showstopper on any shelf or hanging basket. Their adaptability to various light conditions suits Washington’s seasonal light changes perfectly.
Golden pothos varieties add subtle brightness with variegated yellow-green leaves. Propagate them easily by snipping stems and placing in water – watch roots develop before your eyes! Share cuttings with neighbors for instant apartment-warming gifts.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants bring whimsy with their arching stems and baby “spiderettes” that dangle playfully from the mother plant. Their cheerful nature combats Washington’s notorious winter blues.
Adaptable to various light conditions, they’ll thrive near east or west-facing windows. Pet owners rejoice – spider plants are non-toxic to curious cats and dogs! They’re also champion air purifiers, helping filter Washington’s damp air.
5. ZZ Plant
Glossy, dark green leaves arranged in a distinctive pattern make ZZ plants stand out in any room. Native to drought-prone areas of Africa, they store water in their bulbous roots, requiring minimal attention.
For Washington apartment dwellers with erratic schedules, ZZ plants forgive irregular watering. They tolerate low light conditions beautifully, thriving even in windowless bathrooms or dark corners where other plants surrender.
6. Rubber Plant
Dramatic burgundy-green leaves make rubber plants a bold statement piece in Washington apartments. Starting compact, they can grow impressively tall when happy, creating a living sculpture.
Their thick, glossy leaves reflect what little natural light filters through Washington’s cloud cover. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and maximize their light-reflecting properties.
7. Monstera Deliciosa
Nicknamed “Swiss cheese plant” for its distinctive hole-punched leaves, monsteras bring tropical vibes to dreary Washington winters. Their dramatic, sculptural appearance creates an instant focal point in any room.
Despite their exotic looks, they’re surprisingly easy to care for. Place in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Watch as new leaves unfurl, each one developing more characteristic holes than the last!
8. Chinese Money Plant
Round, coin-shaped leaves on delicate stems give Chinese money plants their charming personality. Their compact size makes them perfect for Washington apartment windowsills or small side tables.
Legend says they bring prosperity to their owners – something every apartment dweller can appreciate! They propagate readily, producing baby plants around their base that can be separated and potted. Native to shady forest floors, they appreciate bright, indirect light.
9. English Ivy
Reminiscent of Washington’s lush forests, English ivy brings a touch of woodland magic indoors. Trailing vines can be trained up trellises or allowed to cascade from shelves, creating living curtains of green.
Beyond their beauty, English ivy ranks among NASA’s top air-purifying plants. They prefer cooler temperatures and moderate humidity – perfectly aligned with Washington’s climate. Mist occasionally during drier winter months when apartment heating systems run.
10. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The darling of Instagram, fiddle leaf figs make dramatic statements with their violin-shaped leaves. Their tall, tree-like growth habit fills vertical space in Washington apartments with high ceilings.
Native to rainforest conditions, they appreciate Washington’s natural humidity. Position near east-facing windows for gentle morning light. While somewhat finicky, their showstopping presence makes them worth the extra attention for plant enthusiasts ready for a rewarding challenge.
11. Boston Fern
Feathery fronds of Boston ferns add softness to Washington apartments, contrasting beautifully with modern furniture’s hard lines. Their lush appearance evokes the misty undergrowth of Pacific Northwest forests.
Thriving in Washington’s natural humidity, they’re perfect bathroom companions. The shower’s steam creates their ideal environment! Hang them from macramé holders to create a cascading green waterfall effect, bringing movement and life to static spaces.
12. Aloe Vera
Beyond its medicinal properties, aloe vera brings sculptural beauty to Washington apartments. Its fleshy, pointed leaves create interesting geometric patterns that complement modern décor.
Place on sunny windowsills where its compact growth won’t overwhelm the space. As a bonus, keep the plant accessible for occasional sunburn relief during Washington’s surprise summer heat waves! Its water-storing abilities mean infrequent watering – perfect for forgetful plant parents.
13. Jade Plant
Symbolizing good luck and prosperity, jade plants bring positive energy to Washington apartments. Their thick, glossy leaves resemble small coins, adding a touch of whimsy to office desks or kitchen counters.
Jade plants thrive on neglect, perfect for busy Washingtonians. Their succulent nature stores water, requiring minimal attention even during weekend getaways to the mountains or coast. With proper care, they become heirloom plants, growing for decades into miniature trees.
14. Prayer Plant
Prayer plants perform a fascinating nightly ritual – their leaves fold upward like hands in prayer as darkness falls. Their striking red veins and patterned leaves add visual interest to Washington apartments even on the grayest days.
Appreciating Washington’s natural humidity, they rarely need misting. Their compact size suits small spaces perfectly. Group with other tropical plants to create a lush corner that transports you from rainy Seattle to a jungle paradise.
15. African Violet
Delicate purple, pink, or white blooms make African violets the perfect antidote to Washington’s gray days. Unlike many flowering houseplants, they bloom year-round when happy, providing constant color.
Their compact size makes them ideal for small apartments. Place on bathroom counters where they’ll appreciate the humidity from your shower. Their velvety leaves add interesting texture among smooth-leaved plants, creating visual contrast in your indoor garden.
16. Air Plants
No soil needed! Air plants (Tillandsia) are the ultimate low-maintenance option for Washington apartment dwellers. Their alien-like appearance adds unique texture to any space.
Display them in glass terrariums, hang from fishing line for a floating effect, or nestle among crystals on bookshelves. Simply mist weekly or soak monthly in water. Their minimal care requirements make them perfect for plant beginners or those with unpredictable schedules.
17. Philodendron
Heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines make philodendrons instant classics in Washington apartments. Their easygoing nature forgives occasional neglect, perfect for those weekend hiking trips to Olympic National Park.
Adaptable to various light conditions, they’ll thrive anywhere from bright kitchens to dimmer bedrooms. Their quick growth provides satisfaction for impatient plant parents! Varieties like ‘Brasil’ offer variegated leaves with splashes of bright yellow, adding light to dark corners.
18. Calathea
Called ‘living art,’ calatheas display nature’s painterly talent with their intricate leaf patterns. Varieties like Calathea ornata showcase pink pinstripes, while others feature fish-bone or mosaic designs.
They prefer the filtered light common in Washington apartments, mimicking their native rainforest floor habitat. Like prayer plants, they perform a daily leaf movement, opening during day and closing at night. This gentle motion adds a sense of life and rhythm to static apartment spaces.