The Best House Plants for Small Spaces

Having plants in your home is one of the best ways you can enrich your living space. Not only do they look great, some plants can help you regulate your indoor air quality or help in other ways. However, when living space is limited, it can be kinds hard to find a place to fit a lemon tree, or some other relatively large house plant.

Good people at San Diego Botanicals Inc. shared their top picks of small house plants which would look great even in small spaces.

Spider Plants

Even though the name may not evoke the fondest memories and thoughts, spider plants are actually among the most common and beloved house plants in the US. They get their name from the shape of their leaves which droop down like tarantula legs. However, the plant is very sturdy and easy to grow without much care. It can even live suspended from the ceiling, making it a staple for a lot of plant enthusiasts with limited space.

Aloe Vera

Yes, you read that right, aloe vera plants are also used as decorative plants, not only as a useful remedy for a variety of different ailments. This succulent plant really doesn’t occupy too much space, and the upward pointing leaves make it even more compact. Just be careful which species you buy, because some varieties can grow as much as three feet, so ask your house plant vendor about it.

Ivy

If the first thing that comes to your mind is poison ivy, you may need to learn a bit more about this diverse and fascinating plant family. These climber plants can grow pretty fast and develop a nice canopy in a relatively short span of time. Even though they may require a bit of maintenance in terms of shearing and cutting, the result can be quite fascinating.

Depending on the species you pick, you may end up with leaves that range from reds and pinks to bright and intense greens. The best thing about them is that they will climb up most surfaces and therefore can be sculpted into anything you want with an appropriate topiary.

Staghorn Fern

If you have ever seen a staghorn fern, you know where the name comes from. The leaves of these plants resemble those of a moose or a stag, and that’s not the best (and weirdest thing about them). These plants are epiphytes, meaning that they don’t need pots and dirt to grow, but rather a branch (or some other kind of wood), because that’s where they live in their natural environment, like bromeliads and mistletoe. Just keep in mind that this is a tropical jungle plant and that it will need watering every day or two, including spraying the leaves, to compensate for a lot less humid air in your home.

Cactuses/Cacti

No matter which plural you pick (both are correct), cactuses are amazingly resilient and thankful plants to grow. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you will certainly be able to find a suitable one for your place. The best thing about cactuses is that they bloom in truly fantastical and magical ways. Whoever has seen a cactus flowering has forever remained a staunch cactus lover.

African Violets

If you want to have vibrant flowers in your home, but don’t have much space, African violets are among the best choices. The flowers themselves come in different colors including purple, pink and white, so you can be sure to find your favorite shade of African violets. They are easy to care for and only require light watering, which makes it ideal for busy people. House plants are an amazing way to enrich your living space, and finding the right plant for your space can be fairly simple, if you know who to ask.