Should a Short-Term Rental Have Live Plants?

As a plant lover myself (yes, my home contains approximately 37 live plants!) I enjoy offering live plants to our guests in our STR as well. Since I live nearby and am often on site for turnovers, it’s easy for me to keep the live plants ALIVE and cared for. Although this isn’t possible for all hosts, I’d like to offer some information about how to decide if live plants are right for your STR or not.

Decorating your short-term rental is all about creating a welcoming, cozy, and Instagram-worthy space, and plants can absolutely help you get there. But before you fill your rental with ferns and fiddle leaf figs, let’s talk about the pros, cons, and practical considerations of using live plants in your STR.

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The Case For Live Plants

1. They Instantly Make the Space Feel “Alive”
Live plants add color, texture, and warmth. They help soften corners, fill awkward spaces, and make your home feel well cared for. Guests notice these little things!

2. They Improve Air Quality
Many plants (like snake plants, pothos, and peace lilies) can help clean indoor air, especially helpful in city rentals or stuffier units.

3. They Photograph Beautifully
A little greenery goes a long way in listing photos. A stylish potted plant in the corner or trailing ivy on a shelf can elevate your aesthetic without redecorating an entire room.

When Live Plants May Not Be the Best Choice

1. You’re Managing Remotely Without On-Site Help
If you’re not nearby, or don’t have a reliable cleaner, plants can quickly become neglected and droopy. No one wants a limp fern welcoming them on vacation. (Yes, you’ll catch me watering neglected plants when I’m traveling and staying in Airbnbs myself…specifically this happened in Palm Springs a few years back.)

2. You Have Super Short Turnover Times
If guests check in and out within a few hours, even a great cleaner may not have time to water or check on plants regularly.

3. You Rent to Families with Young Kids or Pets
Some plants are toxic to pets and kids. Unless you’re sure your guests won’t have curious little fingers or paws, choose pet-safe or faux options.

Pro Tip: Work With a Great Cleaner

If you do have a solid cleaner or turnover team, they may be able to water your plants as part of the routine between guests. Just be sure to:

Choose low-maintenance plants (like snake plant, ZZ plant, or pothos).
Keep them in accessible, easy-to-reach spots.
Label pots or leave a quick note with watering frequency.
Check in monthly to ensure they’re still thriving.

Best Low-Maintenance Plants for STRs

If you decide to go green, here are some STR-friendly options:

Plant	Care Level	Why It Works
Snake Plant	Very Easy	Tolerates low light, needs watering every 2–3 weeks.
ZZ Plant	Very Easy	Almost impossible to kill. Glossy, modern look.
Pothos	Easy	Beautiful trailing vines, thrives in indirect light.
Succulents	Easy	Stylish in small containers. Needs minimal water.
Peace Lily	Medium	Pretty and air-purifying—but avoid if pets/kids stay often.

Final Verdict: Should You Use Live Plants?

YES if you’re local or have a reliable cleaner who can water them.
YES if you want to boost your design without breaking the bank.
NO if you’re managing from afar, don’t have plant care support, or want zero upkeep.

Alternative idea: Use high-quality faux plants to get the same cozy vibe with none of the hassle. Amazon, Target, and IKEA all have excellent options that still look great in photos (and won’t die on you).

These are some faux plants that I LOVE, and are highly rated for being realistic looking:

As a wonderful welcoming to your guests, consider adding some decor to the front door. I LOVE this wreath and I even have it on my personal home’s front door, as well! (Yes, this is my actual front door!)