Living in a Lagos apartment means embracing the city’s vibrant energy. It can also mean dealing with stuffy air, the lingering aroma of last night’s cooking, and the dampness that settles in during the rainy season. While a fan or AC can help, there’s a simpler, greener way to make your space feel more alive and comfortable.
While science shows that plants alone won’t purify your air like a high-tech filter, they offer real, meaningful benefits. According to researchers at institutions like the University of Reading, indoor plants can add moisture to the air, help reduce dust, ease stress, and support a healthier living environment.
Let’s explore 7 accessible, cost-effective plants you can introduce into your living spaces to enhance air comfort and well-being.
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Why it works: This hardy plant was famously recognized in NASA’s Clean Air Study for its ability to filter common indoor toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Why it suits Lagos apartments: It thrives in low light, tolerates neglect (and erratic power for the AC), and uniquely releases oxygen at night, perfect for bedrooms or darker corners.
Practical tip: Choose a slim pot and tuck it in the corner of a bedroom or by a bedside table to avoid blocking pathways.
2. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why it works: Also on the NASA list, Golden Pothos is excellent at filtering toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, as highlighted by various environmental studies.
Why it suits Lagos apartments: It’s fast-growing and incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. Its beautiful vines can soften the hard edges of a small apartment.
Practical tip: Place it in a decorative pot on a high shelf or hang it from a curtain tension rod to add greenery without needing to drill holes.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why it works: The Peace Lily is a powerhouse that helps filter formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and ammonia. It also adds a good amount of moisture to the air through transpiration, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Why it suits Lagos apartments: Its elegant dark green foliage and occasional white blooms can enrich your décor effortlessly.
Practical tip: Place it where a touch of humidity is welcome, like a living room or entry hall. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as it can be mildly toxic if ingested.
4. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Why it works: Recognized for filtering several indoor pollutants while naturally increasing the humidity in a room, making the air feel less dry and more comfortable.
Why it suits Lagos apartments: It’s a compact palm that is perfect for bringing a lush, tropical feel into studios and living rooms without taking up too much space.
Practical tip: Use a tall corner planter to create a green statement piece that helps to balance the air in your main living space.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it works: It’s effective at removing formaldehyde and xylene and is famously adaptable, coping well even in lower light conditions. Why it suits Lagos apartments: It is completely non-toxic and safe for homes with children and pets. It’s easy to grow, and its “babies” (plantlets) can be repotted to create new plants for free. Practical tip: Keep it elevated on a table or use a simple macramé hanger to display it against a wall without needing any drilling.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why it works: English Ivy is particularly efficient at reducing airborne mold spores, which can be a concern in humid environments, as noted in various scientific reviews on indoor air quality.
Why it suits Lagos apartments: It can be trained to climb or allowed to cascade, making compact spaces feel more dynamic and alive.
Practical tip: Drape the vines over the top of a tall cabinet or bookcase. Ensure the wall is painted with good-quality paint to avoid damage as the vines trail.
7. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Why it works: Often cited as one of the best air-humidifying plants, the Areca Palm releases a significant amount of moisture into the air, making it feel fresher and less stuffy.
Why it suits Lagos apartments: It’s a child-safe, non-toxic palm that brings a durable, tropical focal point to any room, perfectly matching the Lagos vibe.
Practical tip: Select a slim planter and place it beside the TV console or couch to instantly add that sought-after tropical aesthetic.
Where to Buy Your Plants & What to Pay in Lagos
You don’t need to go far to find these green companions. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
- Local Nurseries & Garden Markets: Places like the Ikeja GRA Plant Market or smaller roadside nurseries in areas like Lekki and Victoria Island offer a wide variety. You can often bargain on prices here.
- Online Plant Stores: Several Instagram and web-based stores deliver directly to your door, often with beautiful decorative pots included. They take the guesswork out of finding the right plant.
- Supermarkets: Larger supermarkets like Shoprite or SPAR sometimes have a small plant section where you can find common, hardy varieties like Snake Plants.
Typical Price Guide (as of late 2025):
- Small Snake Plant / Spider Plant: ₦2,500 – ₦5,000
- Medium Golden Pothos / Peace Lily: ₦4,000 – ₦8,000
- Small Palm (Areca/Bamboo): ₦6,000 – ₦12,000
Key Insights Without Overpromising
It’s important to be realistic. As the American Lung Association points out, you would need a huge number of plants to truly purify the air in your home. Good ventilation is still the most important factor.
Nonetheless, indoor plants contribute significantly to a healthier feel, improving mood, focus, and comfortable humidity levels.
These seven plants are affordable, accessible, and perfectly suited to Lagos apartment life. While they won’t replace an open window or a good air filter, they will absolutely enhance your comfort, well-being, and the aesthetic appeal of your home. Incorporate them thoughtfully, and your space will not only look better, but it will feel better, too.
