25 Indoor Plants That Will Thrive In A Small Space
Humans love plants so much that we've decided to cultivate species specifically for indoor display. Some enthusiasts have even transformed their homes into jungle-like oases with wall-to-wall plants. However, this takes quite a lot of space to achieve. If you're looking for a new houseplant but have limited space, you may find it difficult to find a spot for your plant baby. Luckily, there is no shortage of houseplants that thrive in small spaces. So, to help you plan your tiny garden, we've put together a list of 25 plants that'll be perfect in any room.
There are many species of plants that are compact and minute, like those in the succulent family. Alternatively, several larger species, like ficus trees, can be stunted by a container. So even if a particular plant grows up to 30 feet outdoors, it's still possible to grow it indoors. When selecting the best indoor plant for your space, consider the lighting and your gardening skill level. Some species are beginner-friendly and will thrive in low lighting, while others need direct sunlight.
1. Golden pothos
Golden pothos (pipremnum pinnatum), also called devil's ivy, is a popular houseplant for a good reason. Outside, the pothos only thrives in warmer tropical regions, but indoors, it makes for an attractive houseplant. Consider planting it in a hanging basket so the leafy vines can cascade down as the plant grows.
Bloom Season: Summer to spring (though rare)
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Type: Moist, well-drained with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
Size: 20 to 40 feet long and 3 to 6 feet wide
2. ZZ plant
The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a hardy, beginner-friendly houseplant appreciated for its ability to grow in low lighting. It is a good choice for apartments that have few windows or receive little sun, like basement units. Though it is tolerant to drought, it's still important to water once the soil becomes dry.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10B to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Well-draining with an acidic or neutral pH
Size: 2 to 4 feet tall and wide
3. Snake plant
Not only is the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) tolerant of small spaces, it's incredibly easy to grow. So, it is a great choice for first-time plant parents. Set this plant on a window sill and water when the soil is dry. Mist the plant periodically to get rid of any dust that may stick to its leaves.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 11
Growing Conditions: Full sun, partial shade
Soil Type: Sandy and well-drained soil that ranges from alkaline to acidic
Size: Typically up to 2 feet tall indoors
4. Spider plant
When you have limited space, hanging plants may be the way to go. The spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) has a beautiful bushy appearance with full-arched leaves that spread wide and trail down. Hang one where it'll receive indirect light, and it will thrive and even purify your air.
Bloom Season: Spring through fall
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun, shade
Soil Type: Well-draining and loamy with a neutral pH
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
5. Dieffenbachia
There are multiple species of Dieffenbachia, several of which make fine houseplants. Their large leaves come in a variety of patterns, each one like a work of art. Place this plant where it will receive partial sun and keep it away from pets. Though it is a popular houseplant, it is toxic if ingested.
Bloom Season: Spring through summer
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Well-draining with an acidic pH
Size: 3 to 10 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
6. Dragon tree
The majestic dragon tree (dracaena fragrans) and its smaller cultivar, the Dracaena compacta, are excellent choices for livening up small and dark spaces. Because they thrive in low lighting, they're perfect for apartment dwellers who have limited windows. To protect the leaves from scorching, keep dragon trees out of direct sunlight.
Bloom Season: Spring (unlikely to flower indoors)
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 11
Growing Conditions: Dappled sun and deep shade
Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, and loamy
Size: 3 to 14 feet tall and up to 3 feet wide
7. Parlor palm
The parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is such a good houseplant that its name even suggests where you should place it. However, given that most small spaces don't have parlors, a sunny room works just as well, if not better. The sill of an east-facing window works best.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Bright, indirect sun
Soil Type: Well-draining peat-based soil with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 2 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide when grown indoors
8. Peace lily
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) has a reputation for being as low-maintenance as it is beautiful. The best part of owning a peace lily is its ability to bloom even in low lighting. So, basement unit apartments can still benefit from this air-purifying houseplant. Place one where it won't receive direct sunlight and enjoy its showy blooms.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 11 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial shade, deep shade
Soil Type: Moist, rich with organic matter with an acidic pH
Size: 1 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 5 feet wide
9. Staghorn fern
The staghorn fern (Platycerium alcicorne), named for its antler-like leaves, is a unique-looking houseplant. It grows best in an epiphytic or sphagnum fern mixture. Alternatively, it can be grown atop a slab of wood and mounted to save space.
Bloom Season: Spring and summer
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial sun, dappled sun
Soil Type: Well-draining with an acidic pH
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
10. English Ivy
Considered an invasive species outside, English ivy (Hedera helix) is a welcome houseplant inside. The fast-growing vines are perfect for hanging baskets. Many plant lovers enjoy watching English ivy overflow and dangle from the pot. It has the capacity to grow very long, so you may need to prune it periodically. Or, let it roam free for an overgrown jungle look.
USDA Growing Zone: 4 to 13
Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade
Soil Type: Moist and well-draining with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Size: Up to 30 feet tall/long and 15 feet wide
11. Purple Heart
Are you on the hunt for a color other than green? The purple heart (Tradescantia pallida) not only has purple leaves, but it blooms pink and pale purple flowers with yellow stamens, too. Because the leaves grow and cascade downward, purple hearts are good candidates for hanging baskets.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 7 to 10
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Moist and well-draining with an acidic to alkaline pH
Size: 12 to 18 inches tall and wide
12. Money tree
In the art of feng shui, money trees (Pachira aquatica) are symbols of good luck and prosperity. They're also relatively easy to care for. Place your money tree in a bright room, but keep it away from the window. It'll tolerate partial shade but does not fare well in direct sunlight.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial filtered sun
Soil Type: Moist and well-draining with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: Up to 6 feet tall and wide, smaller indoors
13. Rubber tree
Rubber trees (Ficus elastica) have stunning broad leaves with a glossy sheen. Though they aren't the best for the smallest of spaces, they will still fit in an apartment and look attractive. Keep them where they'll receive medium to bright light, but do not let them sit near a window or the leaves will burn.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Bright, filtered sun
Soil Type: Moderately moist and well-draining with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall indoors
14. Pilea peperomioides
Not to be confused with money trees, Pilea peperomioides are also called Chinese money plants. You may also find them labeled as pancake plants. They are appreciated as houseplants for their unique circular leaves that grow from a center stem. They're best placed within a short distance of a window but not directly in front of one.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Well-draining and moist with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 12 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide
15. Jade
Jade (Crassula ovata) is a type of succulent houseplant that's been beloved for centuries. It has small, glossy leaves and compact roots that do well in a small space. Jade plants are suitable for first-time plant owners because they tolerate neglect well. This means that it won't die on you when you forget your watering schedule.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 11 to 12
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
16. Arrowhead vine
The arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) is named for its uniquely shaped leaves with patterns you'd swear were water colored. When indoors, you can choose whether they climb or trail. For a trailing vine, plant them in a hanging basket. If you want the vine to climb, add supports, and the plant will grow upward. Place in indirect sunlight.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Moist and well-draining with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 3 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
17. Hoya
Also called wax plants, hoyas are very popular in the plant-loving community. There are a variety of hoyas ranging in shape, color, and flowers, some of which even have heart-shaped leaves. Unlike many houseplant species, hoyas can bloom indoors. This makes them a great choice if you want to watch a seasonal change.
Bloom Season: Spring to fall
USDA Growing Zone: 8 to 11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Well-draining with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: Dependent on cultivar
18. Ficus tree
The ficus tree (Ficus benjamina) is another species in the same family as the rubber tree. Outside, it can become massive, but you can control its growth indoors. Though it grows best in bright indirect light, it will tolerate shade. Direct sunlight will harm the leaves and cause them to fall off prematurely.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 11
Growing Conditions: Partial, dappled sun
Soil Type: Dry, well-draining with a neutral pH
Size: Up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide indoors
19. Prayer plant
The leaves of the prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) are like pieces of art. That's why they're also called cathedral windows. Their color ranges from light to deep green, and some have pink veins that pop out against the deep colors. Prayer plants like humidity, so consider keeping the pot on a dish of wet pebbles for added moisture. They are intolerant of direct light, so avoid placing one on your window sill.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun, shade
Soil Type: Moist and well-draining with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide
20. Zebra plant
Zebra plants (Aphelandra squarrosa) were named for their striped leaves caused by deep white veins. These plants can be forced to bloom by being given long periods of indirect sunlight. When they bloom, zebra plants have strikingly vivid yellow blossoms.
Bloom Season: Summer and fall
USDA Growing Zone: 11 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Moist with an acidic to neutral pH
Size: 1 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 5 feet wide
21. Fiddle-leaf fig
More experienced green thumbs should consider the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). Beginners may find them too finicky; their location is incredibly important. Avoid placing them in drafty or chilly rooms. Give them bright light, but keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. Lastly, water them when the topsoil has fully dried. Both over and underwatering can cause the health of the plant to decline.
Bloom Season: Spring
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Partial shade
Soil Type: Medium moisture and loamy with a neutral pH
Size: Up to 10 feet tall indoors
22. Prickly pear cactus
Cacti are a common houseplant for new plant enthusiasts, and the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) is one of the most popular. Yellow flowers will begin to bloom in the summer, followed by red ripe fruit. They're desert plants, so they will do best on a window sill where they can get plenty of sun.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: 3 to 11
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining, dry, sandy, or gravelly with a slightly acidic to neutral pH
Size: Up to 18 feet tall, much smaller indoors
23. Aloe vera
Many people know the health benefits of the aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis miller) plant. The gel inside has medicinal properties that make it a dynamite topical ointment that aids with numerous skin conditions. It is also a forgiving plant and very beginner-friendly. When bringing one home, place it where it will receive bright, indirect light, like near a kitchen window.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: 10 to 12
Growing Conditions: Full sun, partial sun
Soil Type: Dry and sandy with an acidic pH
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and up to 1 foot wide
24. Philodendron
Philodendrons are some of the most common houseplants with a variety of beautiful cultivars. Among the most popular cultivars is the pink princess, a species known for its showy pastel pink and green leaves. Though they can get very large, indoor philodendrons will be fine for a small space, so long as they're pruned periodically. When placing them, avoid direct sunlight.
Bloom Season: Summer
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 11
Growing Conditions: Partial sun
Soil Type: Well-drained and loamy with an acidic pH
Size: 1 to 20 feet tall and 1 to 6 feet wide
25. Ponytail palm
The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is a tree that, when in a container, will experience stunted growth, making it suitable for small spaces. It has a curvy trunk and bushy, grass-like leaves. It's a statement plant that will look great in all rooms regardless of size. Because it thrives in full sun, place it near a bright window.
Bloom Season: Summer and fall
USDA Growing Zone: 9 to 11
Growing Conditions: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-draining and sandy with a neutral pH
Size: 6 to 9 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide