Why Your Living Space Makes All the Difference in Plant Care

Plants don’t just grow because you water them. They grow because their environment gives them the right balance of light, air, space, humidity, and even stability. Over the years, I’ve learned this the hard way—plants can be fussy roommates.

When I lived in my old apartment in New York City, I tried to create a green sanctuary out of a tiny, sun-starved space. No matter how much I fussed over my plants, they refused to thrive. Some limped along for a while, others withered overnight, and many fell victim to pest infestations I couldn’t seem to control.

Fast-forward a few years: I moved to Austin, Texas, where we finally had a balcony, more natural light, warm air, and (usually) enough humidity to keep even finicky plants happy. Suddenly, the same plants I had struggled with began flourishing. My pothos unfurled long vines, my rosemary turned into a bush, and succulents plumped up like they’d been sipping spa water. The only downside? Those famous Texas winds that occasionally knocked pots to the ground.

This dramatic difference taught me something essential: your living space is just as important to plant care as water and soil. Let’s dive into why—and explore which plants love certain environments, which ones struggle, and how you can set yourself up for success no matter where you live.

1. The NYC Apartment: When Space and Airflow Work Against You

Let’s set the scene: a cozy New York apartment with windows facing a brick wall. The light was weak, the air circulation practically nonexistent, and there was zero outdoor space. To make matters worse, plants were crammed together, shoulder to leaf, in whatever little corner I could find.

Here’s what happened in that environment:

• Pest Problems: Poor airflow allowed spider mites and fungus gnats to run wild. Plants like my maidenhair fern and calathea didn’t stand a chance.

• Stretching for Light: My fiddle leaf fig grew weak, lanky stems as it strained toward the single window. Snake plants survived but looked pale.

• Overwatering Issues: Because the space was cool and dim, soil took forever to dry. I was constantly second-guessing watering schedules, and root rot claimed more than one victim.

In short: the space didn’t let plants breathe. No amount of pest spray or grow lamps could mimic the natural conditions they desperately craved.

2. Moving to Austin: A Plant Lover’s Playground

When we moved to Austin, it felt like night and day. We suddenly had:

• A Balcony: Outdoor space meant fresh air circulation and better humidity.

• Direct Sunlight: South-facing light that poured in for hours each day.

• Warmer Climate: No more shockingly cold drafts from NYC windows.

The results were immediate:

• Herbs like basil and rosemary exploded in size, thriving in pots right on the balcony.

• Succulents and cacti (which had sulked in NYC) suddenly thrived in the Texan sun.

• Trailing plants like pothos and philodendron developed thick, glossy leaves that stretched proudly across shelves.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Austin’s strong winds occasionally toppled pots, and during the hottest months, some plants needed shade cloth to avoid burning. But overall, the space gave them room to thrive—and I saw firsthand that the right environment can make or break a plant.

3. How Space Impacts Plant Care

Let’s break down the factors that make such a huge difference:

Light

The number one difference between NYC and Austin for me was sunlight. In a dark apartment, light-hungry plants like monstera, fiddle leaf fig, and succulents struggled. In Austin, they thrived with daily sun exposure.

• Good for low light: Snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos, peace lilies.

• Require bright light: Fiddle leaf fig, succulents, citrus trees, rosemary.

Air Circulation

Poor airflow encourages pests and mold. Cramped apartments don’t allow air to move freely around leaves. On a balcony or with open windows, plants stay drier and healthier.

• Suffers in low airflow: Ferns, calatheas, African violets.

• Handles it better: Jade plants, aloe, rubber plants.

Humidity

Tiny apartments in NYC during winter were bone dry thanks to radiators. In Austin, humidity is higher, which many tropicals appreciate.

• Needs humidity: Ferns, calatheas, orchids.

• Prefers it dry: Succulents, cacti, lavender.

Temperature Stability

NYC apartments often swing between hot (radiator on) and cold (window draft). In Austin, temperatures stay warm for longer stretches, which keeps most plants happier.

• Hates drafts: Fiddle leaf fig, peace lily.

• Tolerant: Snake plants, ZZ plants.

Space to Grow

Plants need literal room to expand. My NYC windowsill couldn’t hold more than a small pot, which stunted plants like monstera that wanted to spread. Austin’s balcony gave them freedom to reach their potential.

4. Plants That Struggle in Small, Low-Light Apartments

If you’re living in a tiny space with weak sunlight and poor airflow, these plants may frustrate you no matter what you do:

• Fiddle Leaf Fig – Gorgeous but temperamental. Needs bright, consistent light.

• Calathea – Stunning leaves but prone to pests and humidity issues.

• Herbs like basil and rosemary – They’ll limp along indoors but crave outdoor sun.

• Succulents and cacti – Without full sun, they stretch and weaken.

5. Plants That Survive Almost Anywhere

On the flip side, there are hardy houseplants that tolerate neglect, low light, and less-than-ideal conditions:

• Snake Plant – Almost indestructible.

• ZZ Plant – Stores water in rhizomes, so it forgives missed waterings.

• Pothos – Adapts to many environments and grows reliably.

• Spider Plant – Great for beginners, tolerates indirect light.

• Peace Lily – Survives in low light, tells you when it needs water.

6. Thriving Plants in Austin Conditions

If you’re lucky enough to have sun, air, and outdoor space like in Austin, here are plants that will reward you:

• Herbs: Basil, mint, thyme, oregano, and rosemary flourish.

• Succulents & Cacti: Aloe, echeveria, jade plant, prickly pear.

• Flowering Plants: Hibiscus, bougainvillea, and geraniums love the warmth.

• Tropicals: Monstera, philodendron, and bird of paradise thrive with light and humidity.

7. Tips for Adapting Your Space to Your Plants

Not everyone can move to Austin with a balcony, but you can still adapt your space for happier plants:

• Use Grow Lights: Full-spectrum lights mimic the sun for light-starved plants.

• Add a Humidifier: Essential for tropical plants in dry apartments.

• Rotate Plants: Give each side of your plant exposure to light.

• Space Them Out: Don’t crowd plants—airflow is key.

• Choose the Right Plants: Match your environment to your plant’s needs instead of fighting it.

8. A Personal Reflection: Plants as a Mirror of Place

Looking back, my NYC apartment wasn’t a “bad” space—it just wasn’t suited to the plants I wanted to grow. Moving to Austin reminded me that plants, like people, need the right environment to thrive.

Some of us wilt in cramped, dark spaces. Others flourish when given sunlight, air, and room to stretch out. Tending plants has shown me that care isn’t just about effort—it’s about alignment. When your environment matches your needs, growth happens naturally.

Conclusion

Your living space makes all the difference in plant care. You can water faithfully, prune diligently, and whisper encouraging words to your pothos—but if your space doesn’t provide the basics of light, air, and room, your plants will struggle.

Whether you’re in a tiny NYC apartment or a sunny Austin balcony, success comes from understanding your environment and choosing plants that fit. Because at the end of the day, plant care isn’t just about what you do—it’s about where you are.