Adding philodendrons and majesty palms to a room is a great way to give it a finishing touch and to fill in empty corners and walls. However, the problem is that big plants aren’t always the best choice for apartments and less-than-spacious houses. 

However, the good news is that there are plenty of options for small indoor plants that can add the right splash of green to your space without taking up a lot of space!

A major advantage of small indoor plants is their ability to fit practically anywhere in your home. So, time to get creative! Add a few cute plants in surprising places, including near your bathroom window, a hanging planter, or even on your wall with a vertical wall garden!

Consider adding the following plants to your wish list if you need plants for small spaces.

Small Indoor Plants for Compact Spaces

1. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants are small plants that do not need soil or water to grow, making them low-maintenance plants. 

These plants absorb moisture and nutrients from their leaves. So while they may need misting a few times a week and in summer you should submerge this plant in water once a week.

As it is a slow-growing plant it needs little more than partial sunlight. Moreover, an ideal place for this plant can be an open terrarium, on a bed of pebbles, or in a basket or bowl.

2. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

These are small succulents that have thick and rounded leaves. Moreover, the Jade plant requires less maintenance. Jade plants prefer to grow in well-lit areas and they need to dry out between waterings. They can easily live for years in the same pot.

Jade plants are normally grown as small indoor plants, however, given sufficient space, time, and care, they can grow to be quite large. Generally, it is easy to care for the Jade plant, just watch out for overwatering and leaf dropping.

3. African Violet

African violet are beautiful compact plants that grow up to 6 inches tall. This compact one blooms flowers in a range of colors including purple, pink, and white.

Usually, African violet grows in most soil types. However, they do not like their leaves getting wet. So, the best way to water African violet is to fill a saucer of water and place that on top of the pot for the plant to draw the water up.

African violet likes tiny pots, which spurs blooming. Keep your indoor plant moist and pot-bound, provide them with bright light, and fertilize them with a balanced flower fertilizer to keep them healthy all year.

4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

This small succulent grows upright and has fleshy green leaves. The Aloe vera plant can store moisture in its leaves. Therefore, it does not need frequent watering. However, make sure that the potting mix is dried out before watering this plant.

Additionally, this plant is easy to propagate from their baby plants, known as “pups”. You can find them around the base of the plant.

An ideal place for Aloe vera is a well-lit spot near a window. In addition, its leaves contain a clear gel that is great for a range of skin problems such as sunburn and also heals other minor wounds.

5. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)

These are small tropical plants that have dark and green leaves along with white, cream, or pink veins. They enjoy humid and moist conditions. This makes them perfect addition to your terrariums or bathrooms.

Nerve plants usually grow about 6 inches tall. But you can make them more compact by regularly pinching their stems.

In hot weather, consider misting the leaves of this small indoor plant.

6. Peperomia

Peperomia is another compact and low-maintenance small indoor plant with rounded leaves. They thrive well in moderate light and like moist soil. However, they do not like to be overwatered.

Usually, Peperomia plants grow no bigger than 8 inches tall and wide if planted in a pot.

The beautiful Peperomia Watermelon looks similar to the rind of watermelon, making it a great addition to your desk or a table.

7. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

If you are looking for a plant that will exude cuteness, then the Polka Dot plant is your answer.

These plants are also known as Freckle Faceplants. They are attractive small indoor plants with foliage in a range of colors including green, cream, pink, and red.

The Polka Dot plant likes humidity. So, you can consider growing them in your terrariums and bathrooms. Additionally, Polka Dot small indoor plants tolerate low light. But they will stretch out to reach the light. You can also trim back older plants to maintain their shape.

8. Pothos

These small attractive vines with heart-shaped leaves are easy to care for. They live in low light, making them highly suitable to grow as indoor plants. Additionally, they will purify your indoor air.
To keep this attractive small plant tidy, they need regular trimming. Pothos does not like to be overwatered. You can grow this compact one in a hanging basket or place it on your shelf or bookcase.

9. Succulents

Succulents are always considered perfect for beginners or anyone that lacks a natural green thumb! It is always easy to grow succulents as they are small and require less care.

They come in various colors and have different leaf shapes ranging from spiky to round. So, there is sure to be one to suit your taste in succulents.
Succulents are a great addition to your desk and coffee table. Just remember to not overwater them.

10. Cacti

This is another small indoor plant with fewer maintenance requirements.

They thrive well in areas with plenty of airflows to keep humidity low. Additionally, they prefer to grow in hot, dry conditions with minimal watering. Cacti is best suited to a sunny spot near a window.

11. Pilea & Mini Pilea

Pilea is an extremely popular small indoor plant, thanks to its quirky but aesthetic appearance and easy propagation.

Pilea can grow up to 11 inches or a little bit more, and live up to 10 years or more.

This cute small indoor plant is known for its beautiful round leaves and for how difficult it is to obtain them. For this reason, they are also called missionary or money plants.

In the 1940s, Norwegian Missionary Agnar Espergen took cuttings of money plant home with him and shared them with loved ones. This is how the money plant eventually spread throughout the globe.

Money plant is easy to propagate and the easiest way to acquire your own is to find a friend who can present you or an online exchange will help you.

However, if you need a slightly smaller plant, consider mini Pilea, this will stay tiny and fit any nook of your place.

12. Lucky Bamboo

Despite its name and appearance, Lucky Bamboo is not actually bamboo, it is a member of the lily family.

It is a low-maintenance small indoor plant. You won’t have to do much for Lucky bamboo aside from deciding how to plant it, placing it in a bright space, and allowing it to thrive. You can also plant Lucky Bamboo in water if you like to use a non-soil plant setup.

Lucky bamboo can grow up to 2-3 feet tall over time. However, you can safely prune the top with pruning shears to keep it to a manageable size.

13. Echeveria

This plant is a true conversation piece for any compact place. This succulent plant features oversized foliage that forms a rosette shape.

You can get many colors in Echeveria including, purple, pink, red, blues, and even teals. Additionally, this plant looks amazing in a smaller pot. It creates a focal point for the large rosette.

Echeveria prefers bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day before you move them to partial sunlight. Also, make sure not to expose it to full afternoon sun. This can be too harsh for Echeveria.

14. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

This unique small indoor plant has dark purple leaves that look like shamrocks or butterflies, depending on your point of view. It is an unfussy plant with amazing unusual foliage which is really beautiful! 

Oxalis prefers partial sunlight, but make sure it does not get too wet or moist, especially if you live somewhere with a colder climate.

Purple Shamrock is also known as False Shamrock. They are easy to grow and care for. Moreover, they can tolerate a range of light conditions and irregular watering. They can also be revived easily if you neglect them and can live for years. However, every autumn they will die and sprout again enthusiastically in the spring.

The plant looks great with white or light-coloured pots as the purple leaves provide a nice contrast. It also blooms in favorable, producing white, pink, and purple blossoms.

The leaves of Purple Shamrock close up at night and move towards the light during the day, giving an ever-changing look to your indoor plant.

15. Kalanchoe & Mini Kalanchoe

Kalanchoes are popular succulent indoor plants with colourful and long-lasting blooms.

They tend to stay small and are easy to grow. They are the perfect addition to a side table or a windowsill.

Kalanchoe grows flowers for many months if you do regular pruning to encourage blooms and provide enough light. Similar to other succulents, good drainage, and thorough, but infrequent watering is important. 

Furthermore, it i’s very easy to find them, and it is grown in a wide variety of colors such as yellow, pink, magenta, orange, and red.

Many people treat Kalanchoe as an annual, disposing of it once it finishes blooming, however, it is easy to get it to rebloom if you provide the right growing conditions.

16. Asparagus Fern

If you are fond of little green plants, then you will surely love this cute little Asparagus Fern. Despite the name, this small indoor plant is a member of the lily family.

It has bright green color and fern-like leaves which will brighten up your living space. Especially, it looks wonderful when paired with small, light-coloured pots which will contrast against the green leaves.

Asparagus Fern needs bright indirect sunlight and regular watering, especially if it is warm outside.

17. Anthurium

Adding a small anthurium to any room in the house will add a pop of color without taking up too much space. Even though they can tolerate all kinds of light, they grow best in bright, indirect light.

18. Baby Toes

These cute plants come from the succulent family as well. Because of their short stature and likeness to infant’s toes, they are called baby toes. Due to their unusual appearance, baby toes make excellent conversation starters.

Baby Toes tolerate a range of light conditions, so they grow well on a windowsill or in a darker corner. Being a succulent, well-draining potting mix and irregular watering is important to keep this plant in good health.

Grow Baby Toes in a small terrarium or under a glass cloche in bright sunlight to give this small indoor plant the humidity it craves to stay lush.

19. Cast-Iron Plant

It is a very hardy plant that can handle a wide range of light and soil conditions. If you’re willing to give up some floor space for a nearly indestructible plant, they’re the plant for you.

20. Lithops

Lithops are also called “living stones,” as these plants closely resemble pebbles and small stones. 

Plant these “living stones” in a sunny area, water them no more than a few times per year, and enjoy the beauty it brings to your place. 

For Lithops, choosing a potting soil high in inorganic material is important. Also, do not get tempted to water them more than the bare minimum as overwatering can cause problems.

They come in a variety of colors, which can look very attractive and can be planted in tiny pots.
Like succulents, these small indoor plants can survive in a hot climate and with little water.  Due to their deceiving appearance, lithops are great for dazzling guests!

21. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are one of the best small indoor plants you can have in your home due to their variety of sizes, attractive appearance, and ability to purify the air. 
Also, they can thrive under fluorescent light, so they are perfect for your rooms that have little to no natural light. 

22. Rubber Tree

With their large leaves and bright colors, rubber trees are beautiful indoor plants that can add a pop of color to any space. Rubber trees can reach 10 feet in height. However, pruning their branches and leaves regularly will make them smaller.

23. Snake Plant

Snake plants are easy to care for and also useful for purifying the air. These plants grow vertically, so they are ideal for tight corners that need some greenery. 

These plants can grow in a variety of light conditions but thrive best in indirect sunlight. As they have originated from the desert, they can also withstand long periods without water. However, you should allow their soil to dry between waterings.

24. Spider Plant

Spider plants have a lot of long, skinny leaves that poke out from the pots. They make interesting hanging plants thanks to their dangling leaves. 

Spider plants are also known as the “airplane plant” and the “ribbon plant” for their distinctive foliage.

25. String of Pearls

The String of Pearls are increasingly popular small indoor plants with a unique appearance. Its pearl-like foliage hangs over its pot and makes an eye-catching piece of decor for all of your guests. 

This cute and tiny plant is yet another member of the succulent family and therefore requires lots of light and little water.

Pop a string of pearls in a hanging pot by a window, keep them moist, and soon you will have an overflowing bouquet. 

26. Juniper Bonsai Tree

According to the practice of feng shui, Juniper bonsai trees bring good luck and many bonsai growers have a good feeling about this mini one. 

Make sure you trim Juniper regularly, and it’ll be growing for years to come.

27. Calathea Peacock

The leaves of the Calathea peacock plant move up and down throughout the day, so it will give you something new to focus on while trying to meditate or concentrate.

This plant can reach up to the height of 24 inches.

28. Hoya Heart Plant

Hoya kerrii are affectionately known as hoya heart plants and sweetheart plants. These plants love bright, direct light and they only need to be watered every three to four weeks. They are easy-peasy to look after.

The sweetheart plant is a small heart-shaped plant that can be sold as either a single leaf-cutting or a whole trailing plant.
This succulent plant needs very little care (they only need watering every three to four weeks). However, the sweetheart plant does best in bright and direct light. It can be a perfect little addition to your window.

29. Braided Sanseveria

If you are looking for a conversation-starting plant, bring Braided Sanseveria to your home.

This sansevieria, with its distinct tubular shape, will steal the spotlight. To top that, it grows in all types of environments, either in a pot or in the ground.

30. Haworthia

This succulent plant is pet-friendly and grows well in bright sunlight. Haworthia is a fun and unique small indoor plant.

A real stand-out succulent plant, the striped appearance of the Zebra Haworthia looks amazing. It is a Slow-growing plant that grows more than 6-8 inches in height. In addition, Haworthia is an ideal small indoor plant to squeeze into tiny nooks.

It is easy to look after, so you should have no fear if you have a bit of a black thumb. East or west-facing windows will provide enough lighting for this plant.

Also, consider using a soak and dry watering technique to avoid root rot.

Moreover, it is easy to propagate the Haworthia plant, as it spontaneously produces pups that can be separated from the parent plant. Also, it is nice to present someone with a baby succulent as a gift.

31. Philodendron Green

Not only are the leaves of Philodendron Green stunning, but they are also super easy to care of. However, just avoid direct sunlight and make sure the soil does not get soggy.

32. ZZ Plant

The Zs in this plant’s name stands for “Zamioculcas zamiifolia”. 

You could easily take care of this plant in your sleep. These plants require less water than a lot of plants, so if you tend to neglect yours (rather than overwater them) you’ll do well with this small indoor plant. 

Additionally, they thrive well in bright, indirect light. But they can tolerate low light if you have a less-than-sunny spot you want to keep it in.

33. Red Prayer Plant

These plants grow in any type of light, but they do require a bit more watering than most.  The holy name is thanks to the fact that the leaves tend to fold in at night, resembling praying hands.

34. Citrus Tree

Your home will smell like summer abroad when you decorate it with this gorgeous clementine tree.

35. Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Fiddle-leaf Fig prefers bright and indirect light. Only water them when the top an inch of the soil is dry. 

You can place this plant in a corner to create a dramatic focal point.

36. Bird of Paradise

Allow the Bird of Paradise plant to grow in a bright, sunny spot and it will definitely prosper. However, it can handle lower light levels.

Make sure to fertilize it often in the spring and summer, otherwise, it’s pretty simple to handle as long as you don’t overwater it.

37. Begonia

Similar to aloe vera and the Kalanchoe plant, this plant also needs its soil to dry out completely between watering.

Moreover, begonia responds well to fluorescent light, making it the perfect one for your office desk.

With flamboyant foliage and compact growth, Begonias are an ideal small indoor plant. Begonia can be a little fussy about water, light, and humidity, but it is a beautiful indoor plant to grow.

This plant is also called the Painted-Leaf Begonia. The plant is all about magnificent foliage rather than flowers. In the 1850s, it was discovered almost by accident, but now it is the most popular small indoor plant.

38. Dragon Tree

Dragon tree has spiky leaves with a red outline that grow upwards, making the name of the plant absolutely perfect. However, direct sunlight can damage this plant. So, provide this mini plant a mix of sun and shade.

39. Gardenia

There is nothing quite like the intoxicating fragrance of gardenia flowers. But they need special attention to bloom. Gardenia needs 6-8 hours of bright and direct sunlight. 

40. Tradescantia

This pink small indoor Tradescantia will add a fun pop of color to your home. Make sure to keep it in a space with a warm temperature.

41. Faux Succulent

If you’re concerned about your plant dying, look no further than adorable faux succulent! This is a charming small indoor plant to add to your space.

42. Herb Garden

This small indoor garden kit includes a planter base that can hold a month’s worth of water, and an LED lamp to provide enough light needed to help plants grow along with three basil plant pods.

43. Chamaedorea cataractarum

A palm tree indigenous to southern Mexico and Central America, Chamaedorea cataractarum, is also referred to as a cat palm, a cascade palm, or the cataract palm.

44. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

This is one of the stunning small indoor plants. The blooms of this plant last for months and they are much easier to care for.

Just avoid direct sunlight and be careful not to overwater Moth Orchid. A little dilute fertilizer every few weeks is more than enough.

45. Calathea

You will get many Calathea small indoor plants to choose from and most of them have stunning foliage which will no doubt add character to your home.

Some of the Stunningly beautiful species are Calathea ornata, Calathea crocata, Calathea lancifolia, and Calathea orbifolia.

Most of these species will fit comfortably on a side table or shelf. Calathea plants are generally fussier about their care, requiring fairly precise watering, humidity, and temperature control than other small indoor plants.

Consider using filtered or distilled water for many Calatheas due to their nature. Also, don’t be put off by the challenge of growing this indoor plant. They are worth it and some of them are the most rewarding small indoor plants to grow. 

46. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

This versatile indoor plant looks great when grown in a simple pot. When the vines spill out the sides, it creates a wonderful display. Moreover, it can readily climb just about anything.

If given the opportunity, an English Ivy will readily climb a trellis, wall, or shelves.

Also, this plant comes in a variety of shades of green, as well as some quite striking variegated options. Young plants should be watered well, However, once it is established, they do not need as much care.

47. Bromeliad

Bromeliads such as Guzmania, Aechmea Fasciata, and Neoregelia are wonderful plants to display as indoor plants. They are ideal table plants, are easy to care for, and their displays of color last for a long time.

Most bromeliads prefer to use their roots to cling onto branches, rocks, or other plants (epiphytic plants) rather than be planted in the soil. They also have a unique way to store water by forming a cup from the foliage. They use this stored water as per their need.
Make sure to give your bromeliad a bright light, however, try to avoid direct sunlight. Place them near an east or west-facing window, rather than right at a window.

48. Chinese Elm Bonsai

One of the popular indoor and forgiving bonsai trees. This bonsai tree grows stronger and produces new branches and foliage from old wood. 

Bonsai cultivation is an art and science and it can take a long time to master its caring, pruning of bonsai, wiring, etc. However, for the beginner, they are really interesting bonsai trees and a source of continual learning bonsai skills.

Consider planting Chinese Elm bonsai in potting mix with a high proportion of inorganic material to ensure good drainage. Poorly draining or compacted soil will lead Chinese elm to struggle to thrive.

This bonsai tree prefers bright light and can tolerate a South facing window for most of the year. Moreover, they can be semi-deciduous depending on light and temperatures during the winter. If you do lose a lot of leaves during the winter, worry not, as in spring it will return with renewed vigor.

49. Lavender (Lavandula)

This plant not only looks wonderful but also smells divine. So, if you want a small indoor plant that can provide you with a fragrant home, then Lavender is an excellent choice.

Lavender enjoys bright light, so a south-facing window is an ideal place for them. Every week, rotate the pot to ensure even growth of plants and water thoroughly once the top half of the soil is dry.

This plant will show signs of distress if you overwater or underwater it. Therefore, every few days, monitor the dampness of the soil.

50. Button Fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)

Smaller than many other ferns indoor plants, this plant is a good choice for a bright bathroom window. Moreover, high humidity is vital for Button Fern to grow well and well-draining soil to avoid root rot.

It is very satisfying to watch the dark green button-shaped leaves that are neatly attached to the delicate stems of the Button Fern.

51. Aluminum Plant (Pilea cadierei)

The name of Aluminum Plant comes from the metallic-colored detailing on the vibrant green oval leaves. This gives the indoor plant a high contrast appearance that looks beautiful.

As long as you meet the basic requirements such as providing bright, indirect light and watering once the top inch or so of soil is dry, this small indoor plant is easy to care for.

52. Desert Rose (Adenium)

This spectacular succulent flowering plant displays flowers in red, pink, yellow, or white as long as you can provide the high light requirements that it needs.

Unlike many other flowering small indoor plants on this list, Adenium is easy to grow, if they are given plenty of light and warmth.

Being a succulent plant, they are adapted to irregular watering, so they will tolerate some neglect. The spectacular blooms of the Adenium are a pure delight in an indoor space, and its swollen trunk, known as a caudex is interesting, but in a very different way.

A desert rose is certainly a plant that people will comment on when they visit your home and it is so easy to care for.

53. Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus)

A Cape Primrose is an ideal option for people who want the benefits of African violet but want an easier time looking after it. 

Cape Primrose is a wonderful small indoor plant as it is more tolerant to its growing conditions and blooms beautifully.

Frequent watering and bright sunlight will help you get the best from your beautiful indoor plant. Just prune off dead flower stalks at their bases to encourage further blooming and you can enjoy flowers from spring to autumn.

54. Crown Of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)

This small, bushy succulent plant produces beautiful displays of color in the form of bracts, which surround the tiny flowers.  

Though Crown of Thorns can be grown as a small indoor plant, outside, it can grow to over 5 feet tall. It grows well without much attention to its care, so is a highly suitable plant for beginners.  Bright light is important to promote blooming. 
As a member of the Euphorbia genus, this plant is quite toxic and can cause irritation on contact and more serious symptoms when consumed. This is worth bearing in mind in case you have children or pets at home.

55. Scotch moss

The soothing, bright green foliage of Sagina subulata ‘Aurea’ conjures up thoughts of garden fairies, gnomes, or whatever woodland creatures may wish to nestle among its graceful, mossy foliage.

In addition, Scotch likes the cool, moist conditions. Regular misting will keep your moss perky and bright. 

Indirect light from a north-facing window will maintain the chartreuse color without scorching the plant. If your Scotch moss blooms with tiny white flowers, you will know you have mastered growing Scotch moss.

56. Wooly Thyme

Wherever you are in the need aromatherapy, look for a potted Wooly Thyme. It has soft, fuzzy leaves that are so touchable and release a savory burst of thyme fragrance with every pinch. 

These slow-growing plants only reach 3 inches in height and creep slowly to form a dense, wooly mat in full sun (and may even flower). 

Water wooly thyme sparingly, only when the topsoil is dry to the touch.

57. Venus flytrap

This plant is sometimes billed as a novelty plant for kids, However, with a little care, they make the perfect small indoor plant. 

These plants have teeth-like edges and trigger hairs on their leaves, which, upon being touched twice, snap shut on prey insects. They are similar to pesky fruit flies that you have been battling.

This quirky plant has some equally quirky growing requirements – they thrive in a peat moss growing medium, and being sensitive to minerals, need distilled water. Also, provide bright light and cool winter temperatures to ensure a long life for your small indoor plant.

How to Choose Small indoor plants?

After going through many itty-bitty plants, it is time to understand how to select the perfect one for you!

Location

Find the right spot for your tiny one. It does not have to be an intense survey, however, make a note of how much and when the sun comes to different areas of your space. As different plants have different types of light requirements, so plan accordingly.

Lifestyle

Do you spend most of the time outside your home? Do you forget to water even when you are home? 

If you answered yes to the above questions, then choose a plant that needs little care. 

Get the plants that require watering regimes that fit your lifestyle.

Safety

Some plants are toxic when ingested, thus it is dangerous to pets and kids if left in places they can reach. If you have dogs and cats make sure to keep your (toxic) plants up high!

Also, this makes a good excuse to buy a cute hanging planter.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned list of small indoor plants is a great choice for anyone with limited space.

Only they need natural light and the right amount of watering. And they will happily remain your green friends for many years to come.

Hopefully, this article has provided enough list of small indoor plants and some inspiration for you to get compact-sized plants to brighten your home.

Let me know in the comment section which mini plant you liked the most!

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