Small houseplants are a great idea for so ɱaпy reasons. They can be positioned almost anywhere, will brighten even the tiniest corner, and their small size means you can have the opportunity to grow a larger range of plants in a small space. This article is going to discuss some of my favorite small indoor plants that I know you will love.

1. Painted-Leaf Begonia (Begonia Rex)

Begonia Rex

With flamboyant foliage and compact growth, Rex Begonias are an ideal small houseplant, and one that will always stand out when displayed in your home. It can be a l ittle fussy about water, light and humidity, but it is a wonderful plant to grow.

Also known as the Painted-Leaf Begonia, this plant is all about it’s magnificent foliage rather than flowers. Discovered almost by accident in the 1850s, it is now one of the most popular small indoor plants. I’ve written an article all about how to get the best out of Rex Begonias grown indoors.

2. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)

A variety of nerve plants

Nerve plants look amazing. Not the easiest plant to care for, but definitely a really rewarding one. They have high water and humidity requirements, but with a bit of attention, can be grown in most places. They are one of my favorite choices for growing in a terrarium.

The intricate lace-like vein pattern on their leaves is the star of the show here and I never get bored of looking at them. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and give them indirect sunlight and you’ll be well on the way to providing a happy environment for this cute indoor plant. The red-veined Fittonia verschaffeltii is probably my favorite, although they all look so good.

Read everything you need to know about Nerve Plants here, including how to care for them, and why they are worth the extra effort.

3. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)

Phalaenopsis Orchid

Lets just take a minute to appreciate the stunning beauty of phalaenopsis orchids. I would highly recommend Moth Orchids to anyone looking for a beautiful, yet small indoor plant.

The blooms last for months, and they’re much easier to care for than their appearance would suggest. Avoid direct sunlight and be careful not to overwater. A little dilute fertilizer every few weeks will help you get the best from your plant.

Phalaenopsis Orchids are taking over my house as I can’t help myself from buying more. These are my all-ᴛι̇ɱe favorite indoor plants and I’ve written about them extensively on this website.

4. Peperomia

Peperomia obtusifolia

There is such a wide variety of Peperomia species that you could collect dozens of Peperomia plants and still not have two that look alike. These small indoor plants, ɱaпy of which have succulent characteristics are easy to care for and look great. They are widely available and generally inexpensive.

Most species will do really well on an east or west facing windowsill and should be watered once the top inch of soil has dried out. Peperomia caperata and Peperomia graveolens are two of my personal favorites, but there is such variety, you are sure to find one you love. Read more about caring for Peperomia plants in this helpful article that I wrote.

5. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)

Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)

With showstopping colored blooms that can last year-round, this is a great option if you are looking for a fairly small indoor plant that will fit easily on a side table, shelf or windowsill. It grows to about 12-18 inches in height and has low care requirements. Plenty of bright indirect light will ensure that your Flamingo Flower blooms profusely.

Ensure well-draining soil and water thoroughly but infrequently and this beautiful indoor plant will thrive. I’ve written more about this plant and how to look after it here.

6. Alocasia Polly

Alocasia Polly

An Alocasia hybrid, Alocasia “Polly” is the common name for a smaller variant of the Alocasia Amazonica hybrid. There is much debate about the origin of this plant, but it sure does look great. It produces a small number of glossy, arrowhead-shaped leaves with prominent pale veins which contrast beautifully with the dark green foliage.

A little more tricky to care for, Alocasia Polly needs opᴛι̇ɱal conditions to remain healthy. Moderate to high humidity, constantly moist but not soggy potting mix and bright, but indirect sunlight are essential.

I would thoroughly recommend Alocasia Polly for those looking for more of a challenge. Alternatively, there are some other stunning, but more unusual Alocasia species that are well worth a look. Alocasia zebrina and Alocasia baginda ‘dragon scale’ are two massive favorites of mine.

7. Baby Toes (Fenestraria rhopalophylla)

Baby Toes Plant

Such a cute little houseplant, it’s not hard to see why Baby Toes got its common name. This small indoor plant is suitable for the tiniest of spaces and perfect for display on its own or in an arrangement with other succulents.

Baby Toes will tolerate a range of light conditions, so will do well on a windowsill or in a darker corner. Being a succulent, well draining potting mix and infrequent watering are essential to keep this plant in good health.

I love popping a little Baby Toes plant into spaces on shelves, or into places that wouldn’t be suitable for larger or more deɱaпding houseplants.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera Plant

This attractive succulent is one of the most popular succulent houseplants. It’s long, thick, green leaves look great and it is really easy to care for.

Aloe Vera tolerates neglect and loves plenty of bright light, although will do well even in lower light conditions. Aloe Vera plants should be watered thoroughly once the potting mix is dry. Just be careful not to overwater Aloe Vera, as this can lead to root rot.

Aloe Vera Plants don’t just look nice either. Aloe Vera leaves contain a clear gel that is great for a range of skin problems such as sunburn.

9. Echeveria

Echeveria

There is such a range of echeveria species, that you are bound to find one you adore. These compact succulents can be grown alone in tiny pots, or planted amongst other echeveria or other succulents to make really attractive arrangements.

Echeveria can be grown in a range of light conditions, but will stretch and become leggy over ᴛι̇ɱe if grown in lower light. This isn’t a major problem as they are easily propagated and your display can be refreshed easily if needed.

Due to their small size, echeveria can be placed almost anywhere in your home.

10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomiodes)

Pilea peperomioides

The Pass It On Plant or Chinese Money Plant as it is often known has exploded in popularity over the last few years. With glossy pancake-shaped leaves that most definitely have the wow factor, this is a plant in deɱaпd.

Easy to care for and with a tendancy to produce baby plant offsets that can be shared with your friends, this is a lovely small indoor plant to own.

11. Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

Oxalis triangularis on my windowsill

Planted from a bulb, this unfussy plant has amazing and unusual foliage which is really beautiful when on display. Deep purple trifolate leaves and delicate pale blue, white or purple flowers make this one of my favorite small indoor plants. The leaves close up at night and move to face the light during the day, providing an ever-changing look to your plant.

Also known as Purple Shamrock, or False Shamrock, they are very easy to grow, tolerating a range of light conditions and inconsistent watering. They are revived easily if they are neglected and can live for years. They will die back every autumn, and sprout again enthusiastically in the spring.

I’ve written an article that goes into more detail about how to care for Oxalis triangularis, including my own step by step experience of growing these from bulbs recently.

12. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air Plants

Air plants are easy to care for and a little bit different from most other small indoor plants. They don’t grow in soil, but live attached to branches or rocks.

Air plants can be displayed in a number of interesting ways in your home as you aren’t limited by having to pot them in soil. You can create beautiful displays, attaching them to rocks, shells, growing them in terrariums or even mounting your air plants on the wall.

They obtain most of the water they need directly from the air, but spraying or soaking them in water every week or two is usually required due to the relatively arid conditions of most homes.

13. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Jade Plant

One of the most popular small houseplants and normally available just about everywhere you can buy indoor plants. Jade plants are ever popular due to their attractive looks and easy care requirements.

They are normally grown as small houseplants, but given sufficient space, ᴛι̇ɱe and care, they can grow to be quite large. Generally easy to care for, just watch out for overwatering and leaf drop. Read my complete jade plant care guide for everything you need to know about growing a wonderfully healthy jade plant.

14. Flaming Katy (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

Flaming Katy

This winter blooming succulent is very popular and normally easy to find on sale through the winter and spring. It is a short day plant, which means that it begins blooming in response to the short days of late Autumn and early winter.

It can flower for ɱaпy months if you prune spent blooms and provide plenty of light. As with other succulents, good drainage, and thorough, but infrequent watering is important. It comes in a range of colors including red, orange, yellow and white.

Most people treat Kalanchoe as an annual, disposing of it once it finishes blooming, but it is fairly easy to get it to rebloom if you provide the right conditions. Read my guide to caring for Kananchoe blossfeldiana

to learn all you need to know to keep your plant in great shape and why this is a houseplant I recommend to almost everyone.

15. Living Stone Plant (Lithops)

Flowering Lithops Plants

This small indoor plant is a bit unusual, but definitely one to add to your collection. Each lithops plant has just two leaves which look a little like an animal’s hoof.

Their nickname comes from the fact that they grow half buried in the ground in their natural habitat, blending in with other stones. need about I also think its because they need about as much care as a stone to be grown successfully.

Put this plant somewhere sunny, water no more than a few ᴛι̇ɱes per year, and enjoy. They come in a variety of colors, which can look very attractive and can be planted in little pots by themselves, or in groups.

Choosing a potting soil high in inorganic material is essential. The best strategy to ensure a healthy Lithops plant is to practically ignore it. Do not be tempted to water them more than the bare minimum, as overwatering is the one thing that can cause problems.

16. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

Polka Dot Plant

The Polka Dot Plant is another small houseplant which always catches the eye. Also known as the Freckle-face plant, it’s not too hard to see why.

The delicate, compact foliage comes with speckles of white, pink, red, yellow or green which make it a really interesting plant to look at. The foliage is quite different from most other houseplants, so provides great contrast in a group or display.

This is another plant that I love growing in a terrarium, due to its compact size and need for higher moisture and humidity needs. I’ve written an article all about how to grow this plant successfully, so if you want to know more, click here.

17. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden Pothos Plant

These climbing or trailing plants look great when their foliage dangles down from a shelf or windowsill, or even grown as a hanging plant in a Macrame hanging planter.

One of the easiest indoor plants to care for that I know, it is suitable for everyone. Although I’ve listed this as a small indoor plant, it is capable of growing to a decent size, but can be easily trimmed back to keep it to whatever size you prefer.

18. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)