Small indoor house plants have become increasingly popular among urban dwellers and plant enthusiasts alike. These pint-sized botanical wonders not only add a touch of greenery to indoor spaces but also offer numerous benefits, from improving air quality to boosting mood and productivity.
With their compact size, they fit perfectly on windowsills, desks, and shelves, making them ideal for small apartments and offices with limited space. From the resilient succulents to the delicate ferns and vibrant pothos, there’s a diverse array of small indoor plants to suit every taste and style, transforming any indoor environment into a thriving oasis.
Small Indoor House Plants
Indoor plants not only beautify our homes but also purify the air and boost our mood. When space is limited, opting for small indoor house plants is a wise choice. These petite botanical delights bring a touch of nature’s tranquility to even the tiniest of living spaces.
Here are 25 of the best small indoor house plants to adorn your living space:
Table of Contents
1. Spider Plant
Size: Compact, reaching up to 12 inches in height.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the soil is dry.
Fertilize: Once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
The Spider Plant, known for its gracefully arching leaves and air-purifying qualities, is a favorite among small indoor house plants enthusiasts. Its resilience and low maintenance make it perfect for beginners. With its ability to thrive in various conditions, it adds a touch of greenery and elegance to any indoor space.
Read More: Best Low-Light Indoor Plants
2. Snake Plant (Mother-in-law’s Tongue)
Size: Petite, grows up to 12-24 inches tall.
Water Requirement: Low; water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilize: Every 2-3 months during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
The Snake Plant, a popular choice among small indoor house plants, boasts striking sword-shaped leaves, making it an ideal addition to any interior space. Renowned for its air-purifying qualities and low maintenance needs, it thrives in low light conditions, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a touch of greenery indoors.
3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Size: Small and vine-like, perfect for hanging baskets.
Water Requirement: Low to moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pothos, a resilient small indoor house plant, thrives effortlessly in various lighting conditions, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners. Its heart-shaped leaves cascade elegantly, adding a touch of greenery to any space. With minimal care requirements and air-purifying qualities, Pothos is a beloved staple in indoor gardening.
Read More: Best Indoor Hanging Plants
4. ZZ Plant
Size: Compact, growing up to 2-3 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Low; allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Fertilize: Once every 6 months with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
The ZZ Plant, a resilient species native to Eastern Africa, is a prized addition to collections of small indoor house plants. Its glossy, dark green leaves thrive in low light conditions, making it perfect for spaces with limited sunlight. With minimal care requirements and air-purifying qualities, the ZZ Plant is a popular choice for bringing a touch of nature into compact living spaces.
5. Peace Lily
Size: Petite, reaching around 1-3 feet in height.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the soil surface feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 6-8 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Peace Lily, a beloved small indoor house plant, graces homes with its elegant, glossy leaves and delicate white blooms. Its resilience in low light conditions and its ability to purify the air make it a popular choice for indoor spaces.
With minimal care requirements, this tropical beauty brings a touch of serenity and tranquility to any room, making it an ideal companion for small indoor house plants enthusiasts.
Read More: Best Small Gardening Ideas
6. Aloe Vera
Size: Small rosettes, typically less than a foot tall.
Water Requirement: Low; water deeply but infrequently.
Fertilize: Once a month during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Aloe Vera, a staple among small indoor house plants, is renowned for its myriad health benefits and easy maintenance. With its succulent leaves packed with soothing gel, it not only adds a touch of greenery to indoor spaces but also purifies the air.
Ideal for beginners in plant care, Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it a perfect choice for busy households.
7. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)
Size: Compact, growing up to 12 inches tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Chinese Money Plant, also known as Pilea peperomioides, is a charming addition to any collection of small indoor house plants. Its distinctive round leaves, reminiscent of coins, make it a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
With proper care, this low-maintenance plant thrives indoors, adding a touch of greenery and elegance to any living space.
Read More: Best Bedroom Plants
8. Philodendron
Size: Compact, but can trail or climb.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Philodendron, a staple among small indoor house plants, brings lush greenery and elegance to any space. With its heart-shaped leaves and easy-care nature, it’s a favorite choice for novice gardeners and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike.
Whether trailing gracefully from a hanging basket or perched on a shelf, the Philodendron adds a touch of natural beauty and serenity to indoor environments.
9. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Size: Small tree-like appearance, up to 3-6 feet tall indoors.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig, a popular choice among small indoor house plants enthusiasts, adds a touch of elegance with its broad, violin-shaped leaves.
Its lush foliage and tall stature make it a statement piece in any room, while its adaptability to indoor environments and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for those seeking a stylish yet easy-to-care-for botanical companion.
Read More: Rose Garden Ideas
10. Rubber Plant
Size: Compact, grows up to 6 feet indoors.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Rubber Plant, a popular choice among small indoor house plants, brings lush greenery and air-purifying benefits to any space. With its glossy, deep-green leaves and sturdy growth, it adds a touch of elegance to interior décor.
Easy to care for, it thrives in low to medium light conditions, making it ideal for those seeking low-maintenance yet visually appealing greenery indoors.
11. Bird’s Nest Fern
Size: Compact, with spreading fronds up to 2 feet long.
Water Requirement: Moderate to high; keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
The Bird’s Nest Fern is a charming addition to any collection of small indoor house plants. With its lush, crinkled fronds forming a captivating nest-like shape, this fern brings a touch of tropical elegance to interior spaces.
Its compact size makes it ideal for tabletops or shelves, while its low-maintenance nature ensures it thrives in various light conditions, making it a perfect choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts.
12. String of Pearls
Size: Trailing succulent, perfect for hanging pots.
Water Requirement: Low; water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The String of Pearls is a charming succulent, perfect for small indoor house plants enthusiasts. Its unique trailing stems adorned with spherical, bead-like leaves add a touch of whimsy to any space.
Thriving in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, this low-maintenance beauty requires minimal attention, making it an ideal choice for those looking to bring a bit of greenery indoors.
13. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia)
Size: Petite, usually less than a foot tall.
Water Requirement: Low; allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Baby Rubber Plant, scientifically known as Peperomia obtusifolia, is a delightful addition to small indoor house plants collections. With its compact size and glossy, deep green leaves, it brings a touch of nature to any space.
Perfect for beginners, this low-maintenance plant thrives in indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a vibrant yet easy-to-care-for plant companion.
14. Lucky Bamboo
Size: Compact, grows in water or soil, reaching up to 2-3 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; change water every 2 weeks if grown in water.
Fertilize: Every 2-4 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Lucky Bamboo, a popular choice among small indoor house plants, adds a touch of elegance to any space. With its slender stems and vibrant green leaves, it thrives in low light conditions, making it ideal for indoor environments.
Believed to bring luck and prosperity according to Feng Shui principles, this resilient plant requires minimal care, making it a perfect addition to homes and offices alike.
15. Boston Fern
Size: Compact, with arching fronds up to 2 feet long.
Water Requirement: High; keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
The Boston Fern, a beloved small indoor house plant, brings a touch of lush greenery to any home. With its delicate fronds cascading elegantly from its center, it adds a refreshing charm to indoor spaces.
Renowned for its air-purifying properties and low maintenance needs, it thrives in moderate sunlight and consistent moisture, making it a perfect choice for plant enthusiasts seeking both beauty and simplicity.
16. Parlor Palm
Size: Petite, reaching up to 2-4 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Parlor Palm, also known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a beloved choice among small indoor house plants enthusiasts. With its delicate fronds and compact size, it adds a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor space.
Thriving in low-light conditions, it’s perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance green companion to brighten up their home or office environment.
17. Calathea
Size: Compact, with decorative foliage, up to 2 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Calathea, a popular choice among small indoor house plants enthusiasts, boasts vibrant foliage and intricate patterns that add a touch of elegance to any interior space. Known for its air-purifying qualities and low-maintenance nature, Calathea thrives in indirect sunlight and moderate humidity, making it an ideal choice for homes or offices seeking to enhance their indoor greenery with minimal effort.
18. Succulents (Various Types)
Size: Compact rosettes or trailing, typically small.
Water Requirement: Low; allow soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Fertilize: Once a month during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Succulents are charming small indoor house plants adored for their striking appearance and low maintenance requirements. With their thick, fleshy leaves and vibrant colors, they add a touch of greenery to any space.
These resilient plants thrive in sunlight and require minimal watering, making them perfect for busy individuals or those new to gardening. Succulents effortlessly bring life and style to any indoor environment.
19. English Ivy
Size: Trailing vine, suitable for hanging baskets.
Water Requirement: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
English Ivy, a popular small indoor house plant, adds charm to any space with its cascading vines and lush green leaves. Known for its air-purifying qualities, it thrives in low light conditions, making it perfect for indoor environments.
Its elegant foliage adds a touch of nature to interior decor, while its easy-care nature makes it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike.
20. Christmas Cactus
Size: Compact, with segmented foliage, up to 1-2 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
The Christmas Cactus, a beloved small indoor house plant, adds festive charm to any home during the holiday season. With its delicate, segmented stems and vibrant blooms that resemble holiday ornaments, it’s a popular choice for indoor décor.
Easy to care for and adaptable to indoor environments, this succulent thrives in well-draining soil and moderate sunlight, making it a perfect addition to any small indoor space.
21. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Size: Petite, with elegant blooms, up to 1-3 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer while in active growth.
The Moth Orchid, a captivating addition to small indoor house plants, enchants with its delicate blooms and graceful arching stems. Known for its ease of care and ability to thrive in indoor environments, this orchid species, scientifically termed Phalaenopsis, brings a touch of elegance to any space.
With its diverse colors and long-lasting flowers, it’s a favorite among indoor gardening enthusiasts seeking beauty and charm in their homes.
22. Lipstick Plant
Size: Petite, with colorful flowers, up to 1-2 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Lipstick Plant, a charming addition to small indoor house plants collections, captivates with its vibrant red tubular flowers resembling tubes of lipstick, hence its name. Its glossy green foliage adds a touch of elegance to any space, thriving in indirect light and moderate humidity.
Perfect for compact living spaces, this tropical beauty brings a splash of color and personality to indoor gardens.
23. Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera Arboricola)
Size: Compact, with glossy leaves, up to 3-6 feet tall indoors.
Water Requirement: Moderate; water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree, a charming addition to small indoor house plants, boasts glossy green leaves that gracefully arch from slender stems, resembling miniature umbrellas. With its compact size and low maintenance requirements, it’s perfect for brightening up any corner of your home or office. Its tropical origins make it thrive in indirect sunlight, making it an ideal choice for indoor environments.
24. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)
Size: Petite, with colorful foliage, up to 6-12 inches tall.
Water Requirement: High; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
The Nerve Plant, a charming addition to small indoor house plants collections, boasts vibrant foliage marked with intricate vein patterns, creating a visually captivating display. Known for its low maintenance requirements and preference for indirect light.
This tropical gem thrives in humid environments, making it ideal for terrariums or bathrooms. Its compact size and striking appearance make it a popular choice for adding a pop of color to any indoor space.
25. Dwarf Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
Size: Petite, reaching up to 2-4 feet tall.
Water Requirement: Moderate; keep soil evenly moist.
Fertilize: Every 4-6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
The Dwarf Palm, a delightful addition to small indoor house plants, brings a touch of tropical elegance to any space. With its compact size and graceful fronds, it thrives in indoor environments, requiring minimal care.
Its charming presence not only enhances interior décor but also purifies the air, making it a perfect choice for those seeking both aesthetic beauty and health benefits in their home.
Bottom Line
These small indoor house plants not only beautify your living space but also require minimal maintenance, making them perfect companions for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike. With proper care and attention, these plants will thrive and bring a breath of fresh air to your home.
