Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to forgo the joy and benefits of having indoor plants. In fact, indoor plants can breathe life into even the smallest of apartments, adding color, texture, and a sense of tranquility. The key is choosing plants that not only thrive in indoor conditions but are also suited to the limited space you have. In this article, we’ll explore the best indoor plants for small spaces and how to make the most of your plant collection, even in compact environments.
1. Why Indoor Plants Are Perfect for Small Spaces
Indoor plants are ideal for small spaces because they provide numerous benefits without taking up too much room. They can purify the air, boost your mood, and make your space feel more inviting. Plus, many indoor plants are low-maintenance, which is perfect for people with busy lifestyles or beginners.
But when choosing plants for small spaces, it’s important to consider:
- Size: Opt for plants that won’t overwhelm the space and can fit in corners, on shelves, or even hang from the ceiling.
- Light Requirements: Assess the natural light in your space to choose plants that will thrive without needing constant exposure to direct sunlight.
- Air-Purifying Qualities: Many small plants are excellent at purifying the air, which is an added benefit for tiny homes or apartments with limited ventilation.
Now, let’s explore some of the best plants for small spaces!
2. Best Small Indoor Plants for Compact Spaces
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is a popular choice for small spaces due to its compact size and hardiness. With its upright, sword-like leaves, this plant doesn’t take up much space and can thrive in low light conditions. Snake plants are known for their ability to purify the air by removing toxins, making them perfect for apartments.
- Size: Snake plants typically grow 1 to 4 feet tall but can remain compact in smaller pots.
- Light Requirements: Adaptable to low or indirect light, making it ideal for areas with minimal sunlight.
- Care: Low maintenance—only water when the soil is dry.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant is another excellent option for small spaces. With its waxy, glossy leaves, it can add a touch of elegance to any room. This plant thrives on neglect and is perfect for beginners or people with a busy lifestyle.
- Size: Typically grows to 2 to 3 feet in height, making it easy to fit into smaller spaces.
- Light Requirements: Tolerates low light but grows best in bright, indirect light.
- Care: Extremely drought-tolerant, so you can go weeks without watering it.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a versatile and hardy vine that can grow in small spaces and look beautiful draping down shelves, hanging from planters, or even climbing up a wall. It’s known for its heart-shaped leaves and can thrive with little care.
- Size: Can be trained to grow as a vine or a hanging plant, with long trailing stems.
- Light Requirements: Thrives in indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions.
- Care: Very forgiving—water when the soil is dry, and it will do well in most indoor environments.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are compact, easy to care for, and look great in any small space. They have long, arching leaves with a green-and-white striped pattern that adds a decorative element to your space. The plant also produces “baby” plants, or offshoots, which can be propagated.
- Size: Typically grows up to 2 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for a shelf or hanging basket.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Care: Keep the soil moist but well-drained, and trim off any brown leaves to keep it looking fresh.
5. Aloe Vera
Not only is Aloe Vera a great plant for small spaces, but it also has medicinal properties that can be used for soothing burns and skin irritations. It has thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making it a very low-maintenance plant.
- Size: Aloe vera stays relatively compact, usually growing up to 12 to 18 inches tall.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun.
- Care: Water sparingly—let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
6. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are an excellent choice for small spaces because of their graceful white flowers and attractive green foliage. These plants are particularly known for their air-purifying qualities and can thrive in areas with low light.
- Size: Typically grows to 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide.
- Light Requirements: Prefers low to moderate light conditions but can tolerate low light.
- Care: Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid over-watering.
3. Best Hanging Plants for Small Spaces
When floor space is limited, hanging plants are an ideal solution. They allow you to take advantage of vertical space and add a bit of greenery to any room.
1. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
The string of pearls plant has unique, bead-like leaves that cascade elegantly from hanging pots. It’s a perfect option for small spaces that lack surface area but have height for hanging plants.
- Size: Can grow up to 3 feet long, making it a perfect hanging plant.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Care: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a fast-growing vine that works wonderfully as a hanging plant. It can easily be trained to grow in any direction, making it a versatile choice for small spaces. It’s also great for air-purification.
- Size: Can trail up to 6 feet long or more, but stays compact when grown in smaller pots.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Care: Keep the soil consistently moist, and trim as needed to keep it from becoming too unruly.
4. Best Compact Succulents for Small Spaces
Succulents are an excellent choice for small spaces because of their tiny size, vibrant colors, and minimal care requirements. These drought-tolerant plants are perfect for people who don’t have a green thumb or time for extensive plant care.
1. Echeveria
Echeveria is a popular succulent that forms rosettes of fleshy leaves. These plants come in a variety of colors, including shades of green, blue, and purple.
- Size: Typically grows to 6 to 8 inches in diameter, making them perfect for small pots or shelves.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, direct light but can tolerate some indirect light.
- Care: Water thoroughly, but let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
2. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are another great option for small spaces. Known for their thick, fleshy leaves, they have a compact and bushy form that makes them ideal for small areas like windowsills or countertops.
- Size: Typically grows up to 2 feet tall, making it suitable for small pots or as an accent piece.
- Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light, though it can handle some direct sunlight.
- Care: Water sparingly and let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
5. Tips for Growing Plants in Small Spaces
To make the most of your small space, consider the following tips:
- Use Vertical Space: Incorporate plant shelves, hanging pots, and wall-mounted planters to free up floor space.
- Group Plants Together: Create plant displays by grouping several small plants on a shelf or table. This maximizes the impact while keeping the space organized.
- Rotate Your Plants: If you have limited light, rotate your plants to ensure they receive adequate sunlight and grow evenly.
- Choose Low-Maintenance Plants: Opt for plants that require minimal care, especially if you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to plant upkeep.
Conclusion
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your love of plants. With the right selection of indoor plants, you can transform even the tiniest apartment into a lush, inviting environment. From low-maintenance options like the snake plant and ZZ plant to hanging beauties like string of pearls, there are plenty of plants that thrive in compact spaces.
By carefully choosing the right plants and optimizing your available space, you can create a green oasis that brings joy, serenity, and fresh air into your home. Happy planting!