When it comes to indoor gardening, small indoor plants offer the perfect combination of beauty, versatility, and ease of care. Whether you’re working with limited space in an apartment or simply want to add a touch of greenery to your office or bedroom, small plants are the ideal choice. Not only do they take up little room, but they can also thrive in various conditions and bring a sense of calm and natural beauty to your surroundings.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 stunning small indoor plants that can elevate your space, provide practical advice for their care, and inspire ideas for creative ways to incorporate them into your decor.
Table of Contents
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
A classic houseplant for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers, the spider plant is known for its slender, arching leaves and tolerance for a variety of indoor environments. Its compact size and ease of care make it perfect for small spaces.
- Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
- Watering: Water once the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. Pilea Peperomioides (Chinese Money Plant)
The Pilea Peperomioides, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, is a trendy plant that fits perfectly on small shelves or windowsills. Its round, coin-shaped leaves give it a unique and whimsical appearance.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
3. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants are a true wonder in the plant world. They don’t need soil to grow and are small enough to fit into glass terrariums, hanging displays, or even seashells. Their minimal care requirements and stylish appearance make them a hit for indoor decor.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Soak the plants in water for 20 minutes every one to two weeks.
4. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia, commonly referred to as the nerve plant due to its bright, vein-patterned leaves, is a fantastic small indoor plant. It grows well in lower light conditions, making it suitable for bathrooms or bedrooms.
- Light: Prefers indirect, low to moderate light.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is a slow-growing indoor plant that is perfect for low-light areas. It’s resilient and thrives even when slightly neglected, making it an excellent choice for people who are new to plant care.
- Light: Tolerates low light but grows best in indirect sunlight.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily is known for its elegant, white blooms and its air-purifying qualities. It’s a popular choice for low-light environments, making it perfect for small indoor spaces.
- Light: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
7. Miniature Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your space, miniature orchids are a great option. These smaller versions of the classic Phalaenopsis orchids fit perfectly on small desks or side tables, offering stunning blooms in compact form.
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity in your home.
8. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown in hanging pots or allowed to trail along shelves. Its lush green vines can turn any small space into a green sanctuary.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist, allowing the top inch to dry between waterings.
9. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
The Calathea, or prayer plant, is beloved for its colorful, patterned leaves and its ability to thrive in indirect light. It’s a perfect choice for adding a pop of color to small indoor spaces.
- Light: Low to medium, indirect light.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
10. Peperomia
The Peperomia genus includes a variety of small indoor plants with different leaf shapes and colors. They’re great for tabletops, shelves, or terrariums and require minimal care.
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light.
- Watering: Water when the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering.
How to Style Your Small Indoor Plants
Incorporating small indoor plants into your home’s design is both fun and rewarding. Here are some creative ways to style these plants:
- Shelving displays: Place small plants on floating shelves or bookshelves for a pop of greenery that doesn’t take up floor space.
- Terrariums: Group air plants, succulents, or Fittonia in glass terrariums for a modern, minimalist display.
- Tabletop accents: Use plants like Pilea or Miniature Orchids as a centerpiece on coffee tables or dining tables.
- Hanging planters: Ivy or spider plants can be placed in hanging planters to add vertical interest to a room.
- Windowsills: Make use of natural light by placing sun-loving plants like Peace Lily or English Ivy on windowsills.
Caring for Small Indoor Plants
Caring for small plants may be easier than larger plants, but they still require proper attention to thrive:
- Light: Ensure that your small plants are receiving the appropriate amount of light. Plants like Peace Lily and Prayer Plant can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Watering: Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made with small indoor plants. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings, depending on the plant’s needs.
- Humidity: Some small plants, such as Fittonia and Miniature Orchids, benefit from higher humidity levels. Consider placing them in bathrooms or using a humidity tray.
- Repotting: Even small plants eventually outgrow their pots. Repot your plants when necessary to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth.
Final Thoughts
Small indoor plants are a fantastic way to add life, color, and freshness to your home without overwhelming your space. Whether you’re a plant beginner or a seasoned gardener, these plants offer versatility, low maintenance, and endless decorating possibilities. From air plants to peace lilies and everything in between, small indoor plants can transform even the smallest apartment into a green oasis.
Valeria Ferreira is a plant enthusiast and content creator who fell in love with greenery during the pandemic. With a passion for succulents, indoor plants, and floral art, she shares tips and inspiration on blending nature with home decor.