You’re looking to add a touch of greenery to your apartment but don’t have much space to spare. Small indoor plants can be the perfect solution, fitting neatly on windowsills, desks, or shelves. Explore 20 compact plants that thrive indoors and bring life and freshness to even the tiniest of spaces.
Table of Contents
- Small Indoor Plants
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
- Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
- Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
- Air Plants (Tillandsia)
- Succulents (Various Types)
- Cactus (Various Types)
- English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)
- Fittonia (Fittonia Albivenis)
- Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
- Miniature Ficus (Ficus Pumila)
- String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
- Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Hederaceum)
- Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
- Calathea (Various Types)
- Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
Small Indoor Plants
Small indoor plants can brighten up any space, purify the air, and require minimal maintenance. Each of these plants brings unique charm and benefits, making them perfect for different environments and care levels.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider plants are known for their arching, green-and-white striped leaves. They are excellent air purifiers and thrive in indirect sunlight. Water them regularly but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Spider plants produce small offshoots known as spiderettes, which can be easily propagated.
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos are versatile and robust plants with heart-shaped leaves. They thrive in low light and are tolerant of sporadic watering. They can grow long, trailing vines, making them ideal for hanging baskets or shelves. Pothos also purify the air, removing common toxins.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies have glossy, dark green leaves and produce white, spoon-shaped flowers. They need more water than most houseplants and quickly wilt if left dry. Ensure they receive moderate to low light. They are also effective at removing pollutants from the air.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are known for their waxy, dark green leaves that grow in a graceful arch. They are extremely drought-tolerant and can thrive in low-light conditions. Water them sparingly and ensure the soil is well-draining. They are resilient and low-maintenance.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, have stiff, upright leaves with striking green patterns. They are highly tolerant of low light and infrequent watering. Snake plants are excellent air purifiers, making them perfect for bedrooms and offices.
Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
Aloe Vera plants are succulent wonders known for their gel-filled leaves that have healing properties. They require bright, indirect sunlight and only occasional watering. The soil should be well-drained to prevent root rot. Aloe Vera plants are both decorative and functional.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo isn’t true bamboo but is known for its thin, straight, green stalks. It grows well in water or soil and requires indirect sunlight. Change the water every couple of weeks if grown hydroponically. It is often used in feng shui to bring good luck.
Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants are unique because they don’t require soil to grow. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Place them in indirect light and mist them with water several times a week. Air plants can be displayed in various creative arrangements.
Succulents (Various Types)
Succulents come in many shapes and sizes, known for their fleshy leaves that store water. They require bright light and should be watered only when the soil is dry. Succulents are ideal for busy individuals because of their minimal care requirements.
Cactus (Various Types)
Cacti are hardy plants with thick, fleshy parts adapted to store water. They need bright light and minimal watering. Ensure their soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Cacti are perfect for sunny windowsills and add a bold, architectural element to indoor spaces.
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy features trailing vines with lobed leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering to keep the soil moist. It’s also known for its air-purifying qualities. English Ivy is great for hanging baskets or as an attractive ground cover.
Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)
The Chinese Money Plant, or Pilea, has a distinctive look with round, pancake-shaped leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light and needs to be watered when the soil dries out. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth. It’s stylish and easy to propagate.
Fittonia (Fittonia Albivenis)
Fittonia, also known as the nerve plant, has striking foliage with vein-like patterns. It thrives in low light and high humidity. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Fittonia is perfect for terrariums or shaded spots in your home.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia Soleirolii)
Baby’s Tears have tiny, lush leaves that create a dense mat. They prefer bright, indirect light and moist soil. They grow well in humid environments, making them perfect for bathrooms or as ground cover in larger pots.
Miniature Ficus (Ficus Pumila)
Miniature Ficus, or creeping fig, features small, heart-shaped leaves and can grow as a vine or ground cover. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. This plant can cling to surfaces, making it great for topiary designs.
String of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus)
String of Pearls has round, bead-like leaves that hang gracefully from thin stems. It needs bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. It’s perfect for hanging pots and adds a unique touch to your decor.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron Hederaceum)
Heartleaf Philodendron is known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. It thrives in low to moderate light and should be watered when the soil starts to dry out. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for beginners.
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Maidenhair Ferns have delicate, lacy fronds and prefer a humid environment with indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. These ferns are perfect for bathrooms or terrariums, adding a touch of elegance.
Calathea (Various Types)
Calathea plants are known for their striking, patterned leaves. They thrive in low to moderate light and need consistently moist soil. These plants prefer high humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms. Calatheas add a vibrant touch with their unique leaf patterns.
Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)
Polka Dot Plants are known for their colorful, spotted leaves. They thrive in bright, indirect light and need regular watering to keep the soil moist. Regular pruning maintains their shape and promotes bushier growth. This plant adds a splash of color to any room.
