Small houseplants aren’t just a great way to decorate a tiny apartment—they’re also major mood boosters! Whether you’re short on square footage or just want to add some greenery to your desk, these little guys fit in anywhere. We’ve rounded up the seven most popular small indoor plants, plus a “pro tip” favorite at the end.
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++Living Stones (Lithops)
These pebble-sized succulents consist of a single pair of thick, rounded leaves with a distinct slit right down the middle. Ranging from gray to brown and often covered in spots or patterns, they look exactly like real stones—nature’s best camouflage! Their life cycle is pretty fascinating: in the fall, a yellow or white flower pops out of the center and lasts for about a week. After a winter rest, the old leaves shrivel up and are replaced by a brand-new pair.
++Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
With their vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, indoor azaleas are a go-to for adding a pop of color during the dreary winter months. Many people toss them once the blooms fade because they have a reputation for being “one-hit wonders,” but you can actually keep these compact, dark-green shrubs growing for years! The secret? Keep them in a cool spot with indirect light and be very consistent with your watering—they don’t like to dry out completely.
++Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
You can find Cyclamen in sizes ranging from “mini” to “compact,” usually staying between four and twelve inches tall. From January through April, these plants show off gorgeous patterned foliage and elegant white, pink, red, or purple flowers. If you find the right spot, they can bloom for up to eight months straight! They love a bright, cool, and airy location away from harsh, direct sunlight.
++Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
This exotic-looking plant is famous for its bulbous trunk, which actually acts as a built-in water reservoir. Long, thin, dark-green leaves sprout from the top like a fountain. As the plant grows, new leaves emerge from the top while the bottom ones naturally drop off, slowly giving it more height over time. Since it’s incredibly low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t exactly have a “green thumb.”
++Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant’s stiff, sword-like leaves grow straight up rather than out, making it a perfect fit for tight corners. Not only does it look cool, but it’s also a champion air purifier. It’s one of the toughest plants out there—it’s happy in full sun or deep shade. You can even “forget” to water it for a while; in fact, when it comes to moisture, this plant definitely prefers “less is more.”
++Bonsai
Bonsai is the ancient art of keeping trees small through specialized pruning and care. They are essentially living sculptures, designed to look like a miniature version of a full-grown tree in nature. For indoors, tropical species are usually your best bet since they handle room temperatures well. Just a heads-up: Bonsais are a bit more high-maintenance. Because they live in tiny pots with very little soil, you’ll need to stay on top of watering and fertilizing.
++Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Orchids are famous for their stunning, intricate flowers, and many varieties stay quite small. Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are a fan favorite because they grow vertically and don’t take up much horizontal space. If you’re really tight on room, look for “Mini Orchids.” They only reach about 6 to 8 inches in height but pack just as much of a visual punch as their larger cousins.
%%Cacti (Cactaceae)
These prickly characters are having a major comeback, and it’s easy to see why. They grow incredibly slowly—often just an inch or two a year—so they won’t outgrow their spot anytime soon. Whether they are shaped like tall columns, round buttons, or tiny shrubs, all cacti have one thing in common: they are ultimate survivors. They thrive on neglect and only need a drink every once in a long while.