Can You Have a Greenhouse in an Apartment?

Spoiler: You absolutely can make an IKEA greenhouse cabinet work in an apartment — whether you want a sleek cabinet, a mini grow tent, or a cozy corner green haven. With the right setup, lighting, and airflow, even small spaces become lush, thriving plant paradises.

Space & Light Requirements

• Size & Placement: Pick a location near a window or bright area, but not in harsh direct sun to avoid overheating. Even tight spaces like a hallway or under-stair alcove can host a compact greenhouse with thoughtful lighting.

• Plant priorities: For tropical or high-humidity plants, you need about 2–3 sq ft of footprint and vertical space for growth. Placing near existing light sources or using reflective materials helps. 

Best Types of Indoor Greenhouses for Apartments

IKEA Cabinets

IKEA cabinet greenhouses—like Milsbo, Rudsta, Fabrikör, Baggebo—are the apartment-friendly go-to. They’re stylish, portable, and look like furniture rather than a tent.

• Benefits: Easy to modify, humidity-friendly when sealed, beautiful décor + function.

• Considerations: Watch shipping size (some enthusiasts drove 3+ hours to fetch their cabinet)  and plan around space constraints.

Mini Tents / Grow Boxes

Brands like Barrina or folding grow tents offer plug-and-play convenience. The popular mini greenhouses models often include grow lights, timers, and humidity control—compact and often mobile. 

• Pros: Easy setup; all-in-one, floor-standing.

• Cons: Less aesthetic, may dominate small spaces visually.

How to Set Up an Apartment Greenhouse

1. Choose your structure: If you want to make an IKEA greenhouse cabinet, measure your space carefully and use the internal Plantal Support sizing guide for shelves.

2. Drill if needed: For lights and fans, Precise drilling (with grommet for cable protection) ensures clean routing.

3. Seal smartly: Apply weatherstrip or foam tape for humidity retention, especially around doors.

4. Install accessories: Use grow lights, fans, and Plantal Support’s shelf, light mounts, and pegboards to keep setup tidy and functional.

Tips for Managing Humidity and Heat

• Monitor constantly: Use hygrometers and thermometers to keep track—target 65–80% humidity for tropicals.

• Vent when needed: Without ventilation, heat can build fast. Tie bits of shade cloth or roll doors on hot days. 

• Evaporation tricks: Add a simple water tray (Plantal Support’s Water Catcher Tray works great) at the bottom to passively boost moisture. For extra control, small desktop humidifiers help, too.

• Circulate air: Install small fans on low—magnet-mounted if you used a Rudsta or pegboard for mounting ease.

Recommended Shelving / Cabinet Options

• Best overall:

  Milsbo Tall—great adjustable internal height, easier to seal for humidity

• Best alternative: Rudsta Wide—magnetic backing means easier install and flexibility for accessories.

• Budget starter: Baggebo—useful for propagation and entry-level builds.

• Pro tip: To manage space and airflow, use the sturdy custom acrylic shelves by Plantal Support, tailored to all major models (Milsbo, Rudsta, Detolf, Baggebo, Fabrikör).

• Incorporate helpful accessories:

  • Plantal Support’s magnetic hooks/Magnetic light mounts

  • Pegboards (Golden Hour, Flower Petal, Holographic) for vertical styling

  • Clear propagation pin, Self-watering pots, and Honeycomb Trellis to organize and elevate your setup