Let me tell you something—starting an eco friendly garden in your Indian apartment is way easier than you think. I’ve been there. Tiny balcony, zero gardening experience, killing every plant I touched.
But then I discovered these incredible eco friendly plants for gardens that literally thrive on neglect. They purify air, survive in cramped spaces, and need almost zero babysitting.
Whether you’re in a Mumbai shoebox apartment or a Bangalore flat with limited sunlight, this guide has you covered.
I’m sharing 20+ beginner-friendly eco friendly plants for gardens, real-world care tips, and space-saving hacks I’ve personally tested. No fluff. Just practical advice that actually works.
Why These Eco Friendly Plants for Gardens Changed My Life
Here’s the deal—eco friendly plants for gardens aren’t just pretty decorations.
They’re air-purifying machines that improve your health, reduce stress, and make tiny apartments feel like tropical retreats.
Real benefits I’ve experienced:
- Cleaner air: According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, plants like snake plant filter 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. I noticed less dust and better breathing within weeks.
- 50% less maintenance: These plants need water once a week (sometimes less). Perfect for busy schedules.
- Instant mood boost: Research from the Journal of Environmental Psychology shows indoor plants reduce stress by 15%. I genuinely feel calmer with plants around.
- Zero outdoor space needed: Everything grows happily in pots under 12 inches.
- Budget-friendly: Most cost ₹99-₹299 and last years with basic care.
The best eco friendly plants for small gardens indoors literally transformed my cramped apartment into a breathing, living space.
Ready to start? Let’s find your first plant!
Top 5 Eco Friendly Plants for Gardens (My Personal Favorites)
These are the champions that survived my worst neglect and still looked gorgeous.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria) — The Indestructible One
I forgot to water mine for 3 weeks during a vacation. Came back expecting a dead plant.
Nope. Still standing tall like nothing happened.
Snake plant needs water every 2-3 weeks, survives in dark corners, and according to NASA research, removes formaldehyde and benzene from the air 24/7.
Perfect for bedrooms—it releases oxygen at night (most plants don’t).
Fun tip: Name your snake plant. I named mine “Kevin.” Sounds silly, but it made me actually remember to check on him!
2. Money Plant (Pothos) — The Fast Grower
This one grows like crazy. I started with 3 leaves in a glass of water.
Six months later? Trailing 4 feet down my bookshelf.
Money plant adapts to literally any light condition. Bright window? Great. Dark bathroom? No problem.
You can grow it in just water—no soil, no mess, perfect for kitchen counters.
Learn how to hang planters from ceilings here for that gorgeous trailing effect.
3. Aloe Vera — The Multitasker
Got a sunburn last summer? Cut an aloe leaf, used the gel. Instant relief.
Aloe vera is that friend who’s always got your back. Minimal water, loves sunlight, survives on windowsills.
Plus it’s a living first-aid kit for burns, cuts, and dry skin.
4. Peace Lily — The Drama Queen (In a Good Way)
Peace lily literally tells you when it needs water by drooping dramatically.
Water it, and within hours it perks back up like magic.
It thrives in low light, blooms beautiful white flowers, and removes ammonia and benzene from air.
Honestly? It’s the perfect plant for forgetful people like me.
5. Spider Plant — The Gift That Keeps Giving
Spider plant produces baby plantlets you can snip off and give to friends.
I’ve propagated 8 new plants from one mother plant. Now all my friends have spider plants!
Pet-safe, grows fast, purifies air, and looks amazing in hanging baskets.
Check out these beautiful bamboo terracotta hanging planters that look stunning and support eco-friendly living.
Quick Shopping List: Essential Products
Here’s what I actually use and recommend:
| Product Name | Price (₹) | Why I Love It | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organic Potting Mix (5kg) | ₹299 | Perfect drainage, my plants grew 2x faster | Buy on Amazon |
| Self-Watering Planters Set | ₹599 | Saved my plants during 2-week trip | Buy on Amazon |
| Bamboo Hanging Planter | ₹449 | Saved my plants during a 2-week trip | Buy on Amazon |
| Plant Care Tool Kit | ₹349 | Everything in one box, total game-changer | Buy on Amazon |
Best Eco Friendly Plants for Small Gardens in India
Living in India means dealing with brutal summers, unpredictable monsoons, and regional climate quirks.
These eco friendly plants for gardens handle it all like champs.
1. Tulsi (Holy Basil) — The Sacred Powerhouse
My grandmother swears by tulsi. Medicinal, spiritual, aromatic—all in one plant.
Needs regular sunlight and water. Perfect for balconies.
Use leaves in chai, worship, or natural remedies. Triple duty!
2. Jade Plant — The Lucky Charm
Got this as a housewarming gift. Now it’s doubled in size.
Thick glossy leaves store water, making it drought-proof during Mumbai summers.
According to Feng Shui, it attracts wealth. Whether that’s true or not, it looks expensive!
3. Bougainvillea — The Show-Stopper
Vibrant magenta blooms covering my entire balcony railing.
Drought-resistant, loves full sun, blooms year-round in warm climates.
Warning: It has thorns. Wear gloves when pruning!
4. Areca Palm — The Humidifier
Living in dry Delhi with constant AC? Areca palm adds natural humidity.
University research shows it releases oxygen efficiently while creating resort vibes.
My apartment literally feels fresher with this beauty around.
5. Lemongrass — The Mosquito Repellent
Planted lemongrass near my kitchen window. Mosquitoes vanished.
Bonus: Fresh lemongrass in chai and curries tastes incredible.
Needs full sun but zero fuss otherwise.
Discover more vertical gardening options perfect for compact Indian balconies.
Low Light Champions: For Dark Apartments
Got a north-facing apartment with barely any sunlight? These low maintenance eco friendly plants for apartments low light are your lifesavers.
My Go-To Low Light Plants:
1. Pothos — Grows in my bathroom with just one small window. Thriving!
2. ZZ Plant — Survived in my hallway with zero natural light for 2 months. Still glossy and perfect.
3. Philodendron — Trailing beautifully from my bedroom shelf. Gets maybe 1 hour of indirect light daily.
4. Cast Iron Plant — Lives up to its name. I’ve tried killing it (accidentally). Impossible.
5. Aglaonema — Pink and green variegated leaves add color to my dim entryway.
Quick care tips:
- Check the soil before watering (stick finger 2 inches deep)
- Rotate plants weekly so all sides get light
- Wipe dust off leaves monthly—game changer for light absorption
Make your own jute hanging planters for that boho DIY vibe.
Low Maintenance Winners for Crazy Busy Schedules
Work 12-hour days? Constant travel? These low-maintenance eco eco-friendly plants for apartments indoors literally survive neglect.
My lazy-person plants:
- Lucky Bamboo: Lives in water on my desk. I change water every 2 weeks. That’s it.
- Rubber Plant: Watered once every 10 days. Still gorgeous glossy leaves.
- Cactus: Perfect for that sunny windowsill. Water once a month. Done.
- Syngonium: Forgot about it for 2 weeks during work crunch. Still happy.
Life hacks I use:
- Self-watering pots for travel (saved my plants during 2-week vacation)
- Group plants by water needs (efficiency!)
- Phone reminders every Sunday (works surprisingly well)
Beginner’s Survival Guide
New to plants? Start here. This is exactly what I wish someone told me when I started.
5 Steps to Success:
Step 1: Start with snake plant or pothos (trust me, start easy)
Step 2: Buy pots with drainage holes (learned this the hard way after drowning 3 plants)
Step 3: Match plants to your light situation (observe your apartment for a day first)
Step 4: Water only when soil feels dry (overwatering = #1 plant killer)
Step 5: Watch the leaves—they tell you everything (yellow = too much water, brown = too little)
My biggest beginner mistakes:
- Overwatering everything (seriously, resist the urge)
- Using garden soil in pots (terrible drainage, don’t do it)
- Starting with 15 plants (start with 2-3, grow confidence first)
Space-Saving Hacks
Living in a 600 sq ft apartment taught me creativity. Here’s how I fit 25+ plants:
- Vertical wall planters: 12 plants on my balcony wall (2 sq ft used)
- Ceiling hooks: Trailing pothos and spider plants hanging from ceiling
- Mason jar planters: Succulents on kitchen windowsill
- Floating shelves: 3 shelves = 9 plants in corner space
- Tiered stands: Corner plant stand holding 5 pots vertically
- Window suction mounts: Herb garden stuck to kitchen window
Explore vertical gardening ideas for maximizing compact spaces.
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
Real talk: I killed 7 plants before figuring this out.
- Overwatering: Drowned 3 plants. Soil stayed soggy. Roots rotted. Now I always check soil first.
- Wrong light: Put sun-loving aloe in dark corner. It turned brown and sad.
- No drainage holes: Water pooled, plants died. Always use drainage holes now.
- Ignored pests: Mealybugs infested my jade plant. Caught it late. Weekly leaf checks now.
- Over-fertilized: Burned roots on my peace lily. Less is more with fertilizer.
Seasonal Care: India Edition
Indian weather is intense. Here’s how I adjust care:
Summer: Water 2-3x weekly. Move plants to shade during 12-4 PM heat. Morning misting helps.
Monsoon: Water once every 10 days (humidity does the work). Ensure drainage. Move balcony plants under cover during heavy rain.
Winter: Water once weekly. Move tropical plants indoors when the temperature drops below 15°C.
Propagation: Free Plants Forever
This is honestly my favorite part. One plant becomes 10!
How I Do It:
Step 1: Cut a healthy pothos or spider plant stem (4-6 inches with 2-3 nodes)
Step 2: Place in a water glass. Change water every 3 days.
Step 3: Wait 1-2 weeks. Roots appear like magic!
Step 4: Transfer to a pot when roots are 2-3 inches long
Step 5: Water and watch it grow
I’ve given 15+ propagated plants to friends. It’s addictive!
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not a professional gardener. Just a regular person who transformed a plant-killing track record into a thriving indoor jungle.
These eco friendly plants for gardens work because they’re forgiving, adaptable, and perfect for Indian apartments.
Start small. Pick 2-3 plants from this list. Learn their rhythms. Build confidence.
Your apartment will thank you. Your lungs will thank you. Your mental health will definitely thank you.
(Quick Summary)
Best beginner plants: Snake plant, pothos, spider plant, aloe vera, peace lily
Low light champs: ZZ plant, philodendron, pothos, cast iron plant
Low maintenance: Lucky bamboo, rubber plant, cactus
For Indian climate: Tulsi, jade plant, bougainvillea, areca palm, lemongrass
Biggest tips: Don’t overwater, use drainage holes, start with 2-3 plants, check soil before watering
FAQs
Q: Which eco friendly plants for gardens survive total neglect?
Snake plant and ZZ plant. I’ve forgotten both for 3+ weeks. They didn’t care. Still thriving.
Q: Can plants grow in apartments with zero sunlight?
Yes! Pothos, ZZ plant, and cast iron plant handle extremely low light. I have pothos growing in my hallway with just hallway bulb light.
Q: How often should I actually water?
Stick a finger 2 inches into the soil. Dry? Water. Moist? Wait. Most plants need water once a week in normal conditions.
Q: Which plants clean air best?
According to NASA research, snake plant, peace lily, spider plant, and areca palm top the list for removing toxins.
Q: Can I grow plants in just water?
Absolutely! Lucky bamboo, pothos, and money plant grow happily in water. Change water every 2 weeks. Super easy.
About the Author
Written by Zaid Ansari
Hey! I’m Zaid, founder of FlatGardening.com and a self-taught urban gardener based in India.
Three years ago, I couldn’t keep a cactus alive. Seriously.
Today? I’ve transformed my 600 sq ft apartment into a thriving indoor jungle with 30+ plants—and I’ve helped thousands of beginners do the same through this blog.
My mission is simple: make gardening accessible for every Indian apartment dweller, regardless of space, experience, or budget.
I share real-world tips from actual experience—the successes, the failures (killed 7 plants learning!), and everything in between.
When I’m not experimenting with new eco friendly plants for gardens, you’ll find me creating DIY planters, propagating plants to gift friends, or helping readers troubleshoot their plant problems.
Let’s grow together! 🌱