35 Indoor Plants For Small Space Garden
Even if your home lacks ample space for gardening, you can still enjoy the fruits of your labor. Many of these plants even require very little light, which is also important when you only have a few windows to work with. They all require minimal space and require little water, but if you have a little extra room to work with, there are some trees you should also consider. In addition, even if you aren’t very good with plants — hey, you’ll get there in time — most of these plants are relatively easy to maintain. You’ll find a houseplant to suit your interest, skill level, interests, and even the size of your home. Your indoor landscape dreams are about to come true.
ZZ Plant
Care level: Easy
Plants like this require less water than most, so if you do not always water yours, this plant can be made to do well. It thrives in bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light if you have a spot that does not receive much sunlight.
Coffee Plant
Care level: Easy
A small arabica coffee plant will not be able to fulfill your coffee habit, but coffee plants are beautiful and easy to maintain, and you could pick enough beans every now and then to roast and brew your own cup. You’ll know the coffee plants need water when the leaves look super droopy, but once they’ve had some, the leaves will be back to normal. Coffee plants also need an average amount of indirect light.
Red Aglaonema
Care level: Easy
This beautiful plant has pretty, bright pink stems and leaves as well as being easy to maintain. It grows in low, moderate, and bright light, but will likely show more color when grown in medium light. This plant does well even if you forget to water it occasionally.
Rubber Plants
Care level: Intermediate
As with most of the other plants on this list, the rubber plant requires bright indirect light. Water it only when the soil is dry. Rubber plants can also double as air-cleaners. Place plants near your favorite seats to breathe in fresh air.
String of Pearls
Care level: Easy to Intermediate
You’ll have strands of pearls in no time if you place this plant in bright indirect light and water it sufficiently to keep the soil to a constant moisture level. Use a hanging pot, and let it cascade over the sides.
Pilea
Care level: Intermediate
Bright indirect sun is ideal for this plant, but water thoroughly before letting the soil dry out. In addition to weekly mistings, it benefits from a pot with simple lines. Its unusual round leaves make a dramatic impression, so keep the pot simple.
Fiddle Leaf Figs
Care level: Easy
If you can, place the plant in a corner to create a striking focal point. Only water it once the top inch of the soil is dry. Provide bright, indirect light.
Sweetheart Plant
Care level: Easy
In addition to being sold as a leaf cutting or a whole plant, this heart-shaped plant is also known as Hoya kerrii. In either case, care for this particular plant is easy. The succulent only needs a small amount of water every three to four weeks. It does best in bright, direct light, which is why it’s perfect for your window sill.
Anthurium
Care level: Intermediate
This plant needs to be watered every day or two with occasional fertilizing, so they’re not low maintenance, but they’re not high maintenance either. The waxy, heart-shaped flowers have a prominent stamen in the center.
Bird of Paradise
Care level: Intermediate
Definitely grow this plant in a bright, sunny spot, but it can also grow in a lower light level. Make sure not to overwater it, and you’ll have to fertilize it often in spring and summer, but otherwise it should not be too difficult to transplant.
Snake Plants
Care level: Easy
For these plants, provide indirect light and light waterings after the soil has dried for optimum performance. Keep them in elevated planters in an empty spot in your hall for added interest.
Begonia
Care level: Easy
This plant requires the soil to completely dry out between waterings, just like the aloe and the kalanchoe. Oddly enough, the begonia also grows well in fluorescent light, so it can even be kept in an office.
Yucca Cane Plant
Care level: Intermediate
It grows best under indirect light, but will grow in low light as well, though slowly. It does not require much water. Only water when the top half of the soil is dry by poking you finger into the soil. Misting the plant occasionally can’t hurt, either.
Kalanchoe
Care level: Easy
This plant is perfect in the kitchen, since it thrives in a low-humidity environment and will even bloom in the wintertime. Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry out.
Calatheas
Care level: Easy
Make sure the leaves are receiving indirect sunlight (direct sunlight might fade the color), and the soil should be evenly moist. White pots are the best way to showcase the vivid leaves.
Air Plants
Care level: Intermediate
Even though these plants can grow anywhere, they require at least 10 minutes of soaking in water every week. In addition, they add variety to your terrarium. There are lots of different kinds of air plants, which makes them the perfect addition to any terrarium.
Weeping Fig
Care level: Intermediate
People often place this plant in the living room or other common areas of their house. It needs bright light but indirect heat. Water every few days to keep the soil moist. A simple, white pot works well for this plant, which is full and has many leaves.
Peace Lilies
Care level: Easy
It requires low light and needs to be watered only when the soil is dry on top. Choose a modern planter to contrast with the organic shape of the leaves.
Split Leaf Philodendrons
Care level: Easy
Using indirect light and even moisture, this plant thrives. A simple planter painted with bright neon paint, bringing out the beauty of the leaves.
Asparagus Fern
Care level: Easy
The best light for indoor plants is indirect light and you should give them plenty of water, avoiding over-saturation. You can hang the plant pot on a macrame holder for a modern touch or plant it in a woven basket for a boho look.
Jade Plants
Care level: Easy
It only needs medium light for a few hours every day, and it only requires a light watering every few days after the soil has completely dried out. To make the red tips on the leaves on this plant pop, bring it home in a pot that is similarly bold and outgoing.
Cacti
Care level: Easy
During the spring and summer, keep them in the sunlight and water them once a week, and every three weeks during the winter. Purchase a large cactus or a collection of small ones, and put them all in a colorful terrarium to create a simple centerpiece.
Alocasia
Care level: Intermediate
This plant is a simple but stunning option with defined stems and leaves, featuring many variations (some leaves look like stingrays, while others have thick white veins). Alocasias don’t mind some misting between waterings, too.
Staghorn Fern
Care level: Easy
Keep your staghorn looking its best with low to medium light and moderate moisture. These plants belong on the wall.
Crocodile Fern
Care level: Expert
The crocodile fern gets its name from the crocodile-like texture of its leaves, which gives it an uncommon look. It’s not difficult to keep, yet it does require frequent maintenance, making it ideal for people who have time to dedicate to their plants.
Aloe Plant
Care level: Easy
Aloe can tolerate long periods of sun, and only needs irrigation one time per week, allowing the soil to dry completely in between. Keep aloe in a tall pot so the leaves stay off the table; for something extra, paint a pineapple pot before adding the aloe.
Dragon Tree
Care level: Intermediate
With upward-growing leaves and a red outline, it’s no wonder this plant’s name is absolutely perfect. However, direct sunlight could harm the leaves, so consider some sun and some shade for this one. The statement-making foliage is perfect with a modern pot.
English Ivy
Care level: Intermediate
You can keep your ivy plant happy by providing it with four hours of light (and indirect for the rest of the day) and enough moisture. Use a pot with ample room for your plant’s growth.
Golden Pothos
Care level: Easy
Plant pothos with bright indirect sunlight and moderate waterings (don’t let the soil become water-logged). You can also make a simple terra cotta pot into a charming sculpture, which will boost the impact of the leafy plant.
Spider Plants
Care level: Easy
With indirect light and occasional watering, the spider plant is one of the easiest to grow. Show off its spiral leaves with a hanging planter for even more drama.
Bromeliad
Care level: Easy
Tropical plants are perfect for sunrooms, but you can also add one to the living room to bring life to the room. They will forgive you if you forget watering them since they can handle dry conditions.
Kentia Palm
Care level: Intermediate
Palms need sunlight and regular waterings to be happy. While many types require high humidity (unpractical in the indoors), the Kentia is low maintenance. It also adds dramatic appeal to a dining room.
Philodendron
Care level: Intermediate
Observe the leaves to learn how much light and water to provide this go-anywhere indoor plant. If the leaves turn yellow, then they are getting too much natural light; if they are sparse, then they are getting too little. Generally, if your plants droop, you are giving them too much (or not enough) water. With time, you will learn what your plants need.
Croton
Care level: Expert
Paintingly-colored leaves create a captivating effect, but taking care of this plant requires time and patience. They love consistent moisture levels and lots of light, making a kitchen or a room with lots of windows ideal for them. Be aware that it can have a toxic effect on pets and humans, so keep curious toddlers and pets away.
Gardenia
Care level: Expert
There is nothing quite as lovely as the scent of gardenia flowers, but for blooms to appear, gardenias need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight (and growing lights won’t do), but they’ll be a lovely addition to any foyer!