Best Rare Plants for Small Apartments and Low Light Spaces
Living in a small apartment or a space with limited natural light doesn’t mean you have to miss out on owning rare and exotic houseplants. At Vick & Vines, we believe that everyone should have access to beautifully unique plants—no matter the size or sunlight level of their home.
In this guide, we’re spotlighting some of the best rare plants for low light conditions and small apartments. These compact botanical treasures don’t just survive in limited space—they thrive, bringing elegance, texture, and life into any corner of your home.
Why Choose Rare Plants for Small Spaces?
Many rare plants are naturally adapted to grow beneath dense canopies in the wild, which means they’re well-suited for low light indoor environments. Plus, rare doesn’t always mean high-maintenance—many of these plants are surprisingly easy to care for and compact enough for apartments, dorms, or office desks.
1. Philodendron Micans
Light: Low to medium indirect light
Size: Compact trailing growth
Why It's Great:
With its velvety, heart-shaped leaves that shimmer in shades of deep green and burgundy, the Philodendron micans is a showstopper in small spaces. It’s perfect for a hanging planter or shelf and does well without direct sunlight.
2. Anthurium Clarinervium
Light: Bright indirect to low light
Size: Grows up to 2 feet tall indoors
Why It's Great:
This rare velvet-leaved anthurium is beloved for its dramatic foliage and prominent white veining. It’s ideal for tabletop display in rooms with filtered light.
3. Scindapsus Treubii ‘Moonlight’
Light: Low to medium light
Size: Slow-growing vine, compact when staked
Why It's Great:
Its silvery, matte green leaves are subtle yet striking. It tolerates lower light better than many rare plants and is easy to care for in tight quarters.
4. Calathea Orbifolia
Light: Indirect to low light
Size: Moderate but upright growth
Why It's Great:
Though not traditionally rare, this variety is increasingly hard to find and prized for its large, round, silvery-striped leaves. Calatheas love humidity and do well in bathrooms or kitchens.
5. Hoya Krohniana ‘Silver’
Light: Low to bright indirect light
Size: Compact vining growth
Why It's Great:
Hoyas are becoming collector favorites, and the Krohniana ‘Silver’ is a tiny treasure. It thrives in small pots and under lower light conditions. Bonus: it blooms fragrant star-shaped flowers!
Tips for Keeping Rare Plants Happy in Small, Low-Light Spaces
Use Grow Lights: If your home is very dim, supplementing with a small LED grow light can keep rare plants thriving.
Humidity Matters: Many rare tropicals appreciate humidity. A small humidifier or grouping plants together helps create a mini jungle vibe.
Rotate Regularly: Even in low light, turning your plants every few weeks encourages even growth.
Choose the Right Potting Mix: Use a well-draining, aerated soil to prevent root rot—especially important in low-light spaces where soil dries slowly.
Bring Home Compact Rarities with Vick & Vines
At Vick & Vines, we specialize in rare houseplants for all types of homes, including small apartments and city dwellings. Our plants are ethically sourced, often grown through sustainable methods like tissue culture, and selected with beauty and adaptability in mind.
Whether you're looking for the perfect plant for your bookshelf or a low-light plant that won’t mind your shaded kitchen, we have something unique waiting for you.
Browse our rare low light plant collection
nationwide shipping | Sustainably grown | Curated with care
