When working with a smaller space, an office, apartment or even your very own tiny home, it can seem difficult to add plants into the mix. But with some careful planning, you can transform your space into the plant haven of your dreams.

Big Personalities

If you’re looking for smaller versions of your favorite plants, dwarf fiddle leaf figs, teacup phalaenopsis or African violets are great options. Aloe vera is another smaller plant that comes with practical benefits! This succulent is great for tabletop decor and can be used to treat sunburns in the summer months. Air purifiers like pothos and snake plants can thrive in smaller spaces and both require partial or indirect sunlight. If you’re searching for a pop of color, try adding lavender to your indoor plant rotation!

Prolific Planting

Here’s a collection of small plants that are sure to make a statement!

By Hanna Kolaks, Missouri Botanical Garden

Mini Monstera: (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma)

If you love the look of Monstera deliciosa, but don't have the space, this may be the plant for you. It has similar fenestrations to the foliage of monsteras but only grows to a fraction of the size. This vining plant can reach up to 8' long and does best when able to grow up a trellis. It thrives in bright light with moderate watering and warm air.

Xerographica Air Plant (Tillandsia xerographica)

While there are many species of air plants, xerographica can easily be a statement piece due to the large variety of sizes (there are options that can fit in the palm of your hand and others that are a foot in diameter, and in the wild, it can get up to 3'). It is a slow grower that tolerates most basic home environments: bright, diffused light, moderate humidity, and little to moderate watering. When watering air plants, let them soak in tepid water (preferably rainwater) for about 30 minutes once a week, and be sure to get any excess water off the plant to prevent rotting; if your home is particularly dry then possibly water twice a week.

Bonsai

The original mini version of a plant. This Japanese art form transforms what could eventually be a normal-sized tree, into a miniature version. This is achieved through careful pruning and root reduction, as well as careful selection of the actual type of tree to make sure it will work in your space (for indoors, you will need a subtropical species such as Ficus). A shallow, small container for the tree to go in is also a necessity as you are essentially restraining the growth of the plant. This often takes the form of a hobby for many as it is an expert-rated houseplant.

Tropical Terrarium

Many plants one finds in a terrarium are selected due to their mature size being smaller than other plants. Terrariums are typically made of enclosed glass with a single opening; this gives terrarium plants the proper humidity that the average home can't provide, as well as bright, diffused light. Garden centers usually have a selection of small plants for terrariums, as well as tools and even tiny decorations so you can create a mini nature scene inside.

Birds-nest Sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasaciata Hahnii)

A twist on a classic plant, birds nest sansevieria retain the hardiness of other sansevierias but lack the height. They typically grow to be a foot tall at maximum but are slow growers (even more so in indoor settings). Sansevieria care is simple: bright light and water when the soil has dried out, but water thoroughly when doing so. The only caveat of the bird's nest variety is to avoid getting water inside the "vase" of the plant as this can lead to rot.

"When it comes to houseplants, the size can differ greatly. Some plants, like golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), can get to be 40 ft in length with leaves reaching up to 30" long in the wild, but indoors only get to be around 6-8' long with 4" leaves. If someone wants to have small plants for a smaller space, I would recommend starting small. Purchasing 2" to 4" container-size plants will be the best starting ground. I would also recommend not repotting the plant unless absolutely necessary after the initial potting." —Hanna Kolaks, Missouri Botanical Garden

"One of my favorites of all houseplants is the snake plant called 'Boncel'. It's also known as the starfish plant. Slow growing to about 6-12" tall and wide it can stay in a small pot for years. Thick cylindrical silvery green leaves shoot out in a fan pattern that is reminiscent of the favorite ocean dweller. Just like any snake plant 'Boncel' is tough, can grow just about anywhere in the house, and thrives on neglect." —Abby Lapides, Sugar Creek Gardens