Small houseplants are essential for becoming a plant parent in an apartment. There just isn’t room for large trees or plants to grow vines across the one window in the living room. The good news is there are several small houseplants available which are perfect for the limited space of apartment living.
1. Lucky Bamboo
One way to save space in a small apartment is by choosing a plant that doesn’t require soil. Lucky Bamboo is a small houseplant that can grow when arranged in just water or in a cute rock formation. Just make sure this plant has lots of sunlight.
2. Philodendron Cordatum
Small enough to fit in a recycled jar or champagne glass, the Philodendron Cordatum is another plant that doesn’t require soil and adds a little greenery to confined spaces. Submerge the roots entirely in water then place on a shelf or side table where it will receive partial sunlight during the day.
3. Air Plants
Similar to bamboo, air plants are great for apartment living because they are small and don’t require soil to thrive. They can be hung in a window or placed in sand or stone. There are many types of air plants, so you’ll want to pick one that fits the available light in your apartment.
4. Chinese Money Plant
Known for its cute, circular leaves, the Chinese Money Plant doesn’t grow very large and is perfect for an apartment. Plus, it can go in an area with partial shade, like a bookcase or shelf.
5. Jade Plants
Jade plants are small household plants that can be placed in soil or stone. If cared for properly, a Jade plant can last for decades, just ensure you dust the leaves from time to time to keep them glossy and clean.
6. Lithops
Better known as the living stone plant, this small houseplant isn’t for everyone, as it looks more like stones in a bowl than an actual plant. Similar to succulents, Lithops plants are hardy and don’t require a lot of water—nor do they grow very large.
7. Peperomia
Peperomia are green plants that like to grow close together, so plant owners don’t have to worry about them taking over a small space. Peperomia need only partial sun, making them ideal for those without a lot of window space available.
8. Snake Plants
Snake plants only grow vertically, making it easy to keep them in a small pot. They can be placed on a shelf or on the floor and only require indirect sun.
9. String of Pearls
Ideal for those with a minimalist decor, the String of Pearls succulent doesn’t take up much space and is easy to care for. Slightly larger than some of the other plants on this list, String of Pearls will grow over the edge of its pot, making it ideal as a hanging plant or as a table centerpiece.
10. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera plants are small succulents that won’t grow too large. They do need full sun, however, so you’ll need a free windowsill in your apartment before you buy one.
11. Baby Toes
Another member of the succulent family, Baby Toes don’t grow very tall and won’t outgrow their pot. Baby Toes do require a pot that drains well, choose a small one and this plant can be a great addition to any small living space.
12. Echeveria
Succulents like the Echeveria are small houseplants that are ideal for apartment owners because they don’t require a lot of work and don’t need a lot of room to grow. Echeveria also doesn’t need a lot of water, so only water them when the soil is completely dry.
13. Small Cacti
Cacti don’t grow very fast, and there are many small varieties that are ideal for apartment dwellers. Buy a small cactus in a pot with soil or water and place it on almost any surface in your home where you want to add a splash of color.
14. Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe are a small variety of succulents that produces colorful blooms. These plants do require sunlight to bloom, and like most succulents, you’ll need to be careful not to overwater them.
15. Polka Dot Plant
Not all small houseplants have to be green, and for plant parents who prefer pink or red, the Polka Dot Plant will fit your home perfectly. The Polka Dot Plant does require a decent amount of sunlight, though, but don’t leave it in the sun all the time; otherwise, the leaves will burn.
16. Pothos
The Pothos plant is a small vine that is ideal for apartments. The Pothos plant will grow out, so you’ll want to place it on a bookcase or windowsill or hang it from the ceiling in a pot.
17. Red Prayer Plant
The Red Prayer Plant is a small green houseplant with bits of red in the leaves. Known for its pet friendliness, the Red Prayer Plant is ideal for apartment dwellers who have a cat or dog.
18. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is a houseplant that can be purchased in a variety of sizes. Those in an apartment will want to purchase a smaller size and place them on a tabletop or floor space.
19. ZZ Plants
ZZ Plants are small houseplants that look like a leaf growing directly from the ground. These plants only have one or two stocks, keeping them on the smaller size. ZZ Plants don’t need a lot of watering and are ideal for apartments without a lot of direct sunlight available.
20. Raven ZZ
A relative of the ZZ Plant, Raven ZZ is a small houseplant that looks like a leaf growing directly from the ground. The Raven ZZ is purple, setting it apart from other ZZ plants. The Raven ZZ grows straight up, staying compact as it flourishes, which makes it perfect for apartment living.
21. Cast Iron Plants
Named for their indestructible nature, Cast Iron Plants can grow in any environment, even if there isn’t sufficient light. There are several varieties of Cast Iron Plants, so ensure you buy one of the smaller breeds for your apartment.
22. Dragon Tree
Apartment-based plant parents who truly desire a tree should buy a Dragon Tree. These trees are small, thin, and grow straight up, keeping them small enough for homes with restricted floor space.
23. Arrowhead Plant
The Arrowhead plant is a relative of Pothos, and it is a small leafy plant that can grow in almost any indoor space. Unlike the Pothos plant, the Arrowhead is not a vine and will grow more upwards than outwards.
24. Parlor Palm
There aren’t many palm plants that will tolerate indoor spaces or stay small as they grow. The exception is the Parlor Palm, which grows up in a bunch formation before it grows out, keeping it small enough for most apartments.
25. Staghorn Fern
Ferns tend to grow large very quickly, making them nonideal for small homes. The Staghorn Fern, however, only needs partial sunlight and won’t grow very large when kept in a small pot.
