One of the best (and most budget-friendly) ways to refresh your rental and make it feel more like home is by adding greenery, whether in the form of flowers or potted plants. Plants liven up your indoor space and make people feel more connected to nature – something that many apartment-dwellers want, as multifamily units tend to feel too “removed” from the outdoors.
However, a common concern is that plants may not be appropriately cared for, especially if your renters don’t have green thumbs or are constantly in and out of the property, such as in vacation or short-term rentals. If you want to spruce up your property with plants, we’ve compiled a few low-maintenance variations that work well for Florida rentals. These types of plants will survive even when they’re not watered daily and will thrive on their own.
#1 Aloe Vera
Want a plant that’s so easy to care for? Add aloe vera (aloe barbadensis miller) to your property. This pea-green color plant is a succulent that can be used to treat cuts and burns and filter out chemicals in floor finishes, varnishes, etc. (perfect for when you’re improving your property!).
While it doesn’t need a lot of watering (you or your tenants will only have to water it every 3 weeks!), it does need to be in a well-ventilated, bright area. Remember to let the soil completely dry between watering – this succulent can die if it sits in water for too long.
When aloe vera reaches full maturity, its leaves can grow as long as 10 inches. This process typically takes anywhere between 3 to 4 years, but fortunately, this plant grows faster indoors so you won’t have to wait too long.
#2 Snake Plant
This succulent gets its nickname from its point-tipped, sword-like leaves that grow upward, mimicking the look of – as you might’ve guessed – snakes. Also known as sansevieria, the snake plant is a resilient plant that can grow with every little water and withstand low light. So, even if you or your tenants forget to water it for an entire week, it’s unlikely to die. However, when you do water it, be sure to do so sparingly as this plant can easily drown.
Slow-growing, the snake plant can get rid of chemicals that are commonly found in carpets, paints, and glues. But do note that this plant can be poisonous, so be sure it isn’t within the reach of children and pets.
#3 ZZ Plant
With zig-zag-edged leaves that grow as tall as 3 feet, the ZZ Plant (zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a dazzling addition to your rental property. Not only does it spruce up your space, but it’s also nearly indestructible. The ZZ plant thrives in low-lit environments, plus it requires very little water (it needs to be watered every 2 to 3 weeks, making it the best bet for absentee tenants or homeowners). What’s more, it can clean indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide, xylene, etc., allowing you or your tenants to breathe better.
Like the snake plant, the downside of the ZZ plant is that it’s poisonous, so you might want to position it out of reach of kids and pets. You could also ask your luxury property management company to include a clause in your agreement, stating that you won’t be liable for any harm caused by your plants, as your tenants will have been made aware of their existence beforehand. In other words, it will be your tenant’s responsibility, not yours, to keep their kids and pets away from any poisonous plants.
#4 Pothos
As you choose which plants to spruce up your property with, consider how long it will take them to grow. You’ll want something that matures fast, as you’d naturally want your property to be in its most beautiful state by the time your property manager lists it on the MLS, wouldn’t you?
One of the most fast-growing plants is pothos, a trailing plant from the philodendron family. Ideal for homes that are low on sunny spaces, pothos is a forgiving plant with vines that grow 12 to 18 inches a month. Pothos or devil’s ivy impresses with its long, vine-like stems that grow downward, making them ideal hanging plants. As it spills over the edge of the pot, it gives your property an overgrown, garden-like look that’s truly enchanting.
#5 Prayer Plant
A pop of color always works well for any type of property. The prayer plant (maranta leuconeura) is a tropical plant that boasts vivid green leaves with bright red “veins” that feather out. It’s called the prayer plant because of the way its leaves fold together at night. The prayer plant is low-maintenance, but it is a bit picky when it comes to where it’s located. It tends to grow faster and more beautifully when it’s in a sunny spot, such as near a window. Be sure to water it every 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
#6 Monstera
A showstopping plant, the monstera or monstera deliciosa is a massive, monstrous plant with split leaves that will surely draw your tenants’ attention. Monesteras grow large, so it’s most suitable for properties with plenty of space, both sidewards and upwards (monsteras will climb), such as a condominium unit with tall ceilings.
Monsteras may look high-maintenance, but they thrive in low-lit conditions, are easy to grow, and only need to be watered every 1 to 2 weeks. Make sure your monstera is placed in a deep, well-draining pot.
Hire a Luxury Rental Property Management Company
This list just scratches the surface of what plants you can spruce up your property with. When you work with us at Luxury Property Care, we can help you choose other low-maintenance plants that you can place in your property. Not only that, but we’ll be sure to add plant care to our maintenance to-dos, including watering your plants, checking each plant’s moisture, misting, and moving it to the most suitable spot as the seasons change. Our team of property managers, as well as our partner vendors, are well-versed in plant care, so you can be confident that your plants will be in the most capable hands.
For luxury property management that considers all of your rental’s distinct needs, call (561) 944 – 2992 or complete our contact form today.
