Indoor Plants That Thrive in Fall: Bringing Nature Into Your Rental

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to the joys of gardening — far from it. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to channel your inner plant parent and bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. And guess what? Fall is the ideal time to get started. With cooler temperatures and shorter days, some plants absolutely thrive during the autumn months, giving your rental a cozy, nature-infused vibe that’ll make you feel right at home.

Plus, indoor fall plants aren’t just easy on the eyes; they’re easy on the upkeep too. Whether you’re working with a studio apartment, a townhouse, or something in between, there are plenty of greenery options to suit your space.

So, let’s explore six fantastic plant options that’ll flourish inside during fall.

Snake plant: The low-maintenance superstar

If you’re looking for a plant that will slither into your heart without much fuss, the snake plant is the way to go. This resilient beauty is famous for thriving in almost any condition, which makes it a top pick for renters who may not have a ton of natural light in their homes. What’s more, it doesn’t need frequent watering, and it can survive in low-light environments, so those shorter days won’t bother it one bit.

Snake plants are also known for their air-purifying abilities, so they’ll improve your indoor air quality while looking sleek and stylish. As a bonus, their upright, sword-like leaves can make any room look more structured and elegant. So, if you’re the type who forgets to water plants now and then, the snake plant is your perfect choice.

ZZ plant: The “forget-me-not” (but it’s okay if you do)

While that second “Z” in the ZZ plant’s name doesn’t stand for “ZZzz” as in sleep, it might as well. This plant is the ultimate nap lover — it enjoys being left alone. In fact, the ZZ plant is so low maintenance that it can go weeks without water, making it a perfect fit for fall when everything is naturally slowing down.

Its dark, glossy leaves give off an air of sophistication, and it can brighten up even the gloomiest corners of your rental with its rich green hue. One of the reasons this is a perfect indoor fall plant is that it doesn’t demand a ton of sunlight, which is a huge plus when daylight hours are limited. Whether you’re prone to over-loving your plants or you tend to forget about them, the ZZ plant is your ideal laidback companion.

Spider plant: A little bit of nature’s web

No need to worry about getting tangled up in care duties with the spider plant. This playful plant is famous for its fast-growing, cascading leaves that almost look like tiny spiders hanging off the sides — hence the name. Don’t let that creep you out though; these spider-like offshoots (called spiderettes) are cute, not scary. They give your space a lush, full appearance, and as a bonus: They’re super easy to propagate. If you want to gift a friend with a piece of your indoor fall plant success, just snip off a spiderette, plant it in soil, and voilà — a new baby plant is born.

Spider plants thrive in indirect light, so you don’t need a sun-drenched living room to keep them happy. During the fall, when temperatures dip, they’ll stay strong as long as they have a comfy spot in your rental with a bit of filtered sunlight. Water them moderately, and they’ll keep shooting out those little spiderettes, spreading joy all around.

Pothos: The vine that’s always on your side

The pothos plant is like that friend who’s always down for a movie marathon on the couch — relaxed, never demanding, but always there for you. Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, pothos is one of the most versatile indoor fall plants you can find. Whether you have it hanging from a basket or trailing along a bookshelf, this plant brings an effortless touch of nature to your home.

During the fall months, pothos thrives in low light and cool temperatures, making it perfect for renters who might not have large windows or tons of natural sunlight. Just be sure to water it once the top inch of soil is dry, and it’ll happily keep growing, sometimes reaching up to 10 feet indoors.

Peace lily: Calm, cool, and collected

If you’re seeking a plant that will not only thrive during the fall but also add a touch of elegance to your space, look no further than the peace lily. This graceful plant is known for its striking white flowers and lush green leaves. In fall, peace lilies do particularly well in low-light environments, so even if the sun starts hiding earlier in the day, your plant won’t mind one bit.

Peace lilies prefer a bit more water than some other plants on this list, but as long as you keep the soil slightly moist (and give it a good mist every now and then), this plant will thrive. Not only does it look peaceful, but it also cleanses the air, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. It’s basically the Zen master of indoor fall plants — a perfect addition to any rental space that could use a calming, refreshing vibe.

Chinese evergreen: Fall’s tropical twist

Want to add a tropical flair to your fall vibe? The Chinese evergreen is the plant for you. Known for its strikingly patterned leaves that come in various shades of green, silver, and even pink, this plant thrives in the cooler, low-light conditions that fall brings. It’s tough, adaptable, and will keep growing even when the days get shorter and the temperatures drop.

Plus, Chinese evergreens are incredibly forgiving if you’re still working on your green thumb. They’ll happily grow in low to moderate light, making them a great choice for renters with dim corners. Just be mindful of watering — don’t let the soil get too soggy, and your Chinese evergreen will keep you company through the fall and beyond. It’s like having a little piece of the tropics indoors during the cooler months.

So, who says renters can’t have a thriving indoor garden? With these six indoor fall plants — each as hardy as they are beautiful — you’ll be bringing nature into your rental without the stress. Whether you choose the snake plant for its low-maintenance charm, the spider plant for its fun spiderettes, or the pothos for its trailing beauty, there’s an option for every type of plant parent — novice or experienced.