The Tiny house Blog

Best Indoor Plants for Your Tiny Home

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
July 20, 2023
best indoor plants

Finding the perfect indoor plant for your tiny house can be challenging. It's not just about finding a plant that fits. You also need to consider its light requirements, watering needs, and overall maintenance.

But fear not, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll introduce you to seven beautiful indoor plants that are perfect for tiny homes. From the robust Rubber Plant to the resilient Snake Plant, these green companions will not only add a touch of nature but also purify your air and uplift your mood.

So whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, stick around as we discuss the world of indoor plants for tiny homes! Trust us; it's easier than you might think.

Factors to Consider when Choosing Indoor Plants for Tiny Homes

When it comes to selecting indoor plants for our tiny homes, there are a few crucial factors we need to take into account:

Size and compactness

You'll adore how these small and compact plants can instantly transform your tiny home into a vibrant oasis without taking up much space. Even if you're drawn towards big leaf indoor plants, remember that size matters in a confined area. You don't want to cramp your already limited space with oversized greenery.

However, don't mistake size for growth speed. Some small plants are fast-growing indoor plants that might soon outgrow their pots or designated spots. When choosing, consider both the adult size of the plant and its growth rate

Finally, remember that compact doesn't necessarily mean dull. There's an array of petite yet visually stunning plants out there ready to enliven your tiny dwelling while maintaining a harmonious balance between nature and living space.

Light requirements

It's imperative to consider a plant's light requirements before making a purchase, as nearly 93% of houseplants require bright indirect light to thrive. When choosing the best indoor plants for your tiny home, it's crucial to know how much sunlight your space gets and at what times during the day.

Some plants need several hours of direct sunlight each day while others are happy with just a little filtered light. For example, succulents and snake plants love lots of sunshine whereas ferns and pothos prefer less intense, indirect light. The key is matching the plant's needs with your home's conditions.

So remember, understanding these light requirements helps ensure that the greenery in your compact dwelling stays healthy and vibrant.

Maintenance needs

Don't forget, the upkeep of these green companions can sometimes demand a bit more attention than you might think. However, we've got you covered with some tips on maintaining a healthy indoor garden in your tiny home.

Large leaf indoor plants like philodendrons and rubber trees are not only visually appealing but also relatively easy to maintain. They don't need as much watering compared to other plants, making them an ideal choice for busy homeowners.

Additionally, consider indoor plants such as sansevierias or 'snake plants'. These require minimal watering and thrive in low-light conditions. Remember, overwatering is often more harmful than underwatering.

In essence, understanding your plant's needs will ensure they flourish in your space and continue to purify the air while adding aesthetic appeal.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica 'Robusta')

Imagine transforming your compact living space into a lush indoor garden with the robust Rubber Plant, an excellent choice that's not only visually appealing but also low-maintenance.

This plant, a member of the Ficus family, is known for its dark green, shiny leaves and tall stature. It's quite different from purple indoor plants or Japanese indoor plants in terms of looks but it adds an exotic touch to your tiny home.

The Rubber Plant thrives in bright indirect light and has moderate watering needs. It requires just enough water to keep its soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot which isn't good for this tropical beauty. Its high adaptability makes it perfect for tiny homes where space constraints limit the types of plants one can grow.

One thing we love about the Rubber Plant is its ability to clean indoor air by removing toxins found commonly in homes, contributing positively to our well-being. And let's not forget its aesthetic appeal – it's like having a mini-forest inside your home!

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Looking for a striking addition to your compact living space? Consider the Snake Plant, an architectural marvel that requires minimum care and radiates a unique charm. Unlike most indoor vining plants, the Snake Plant stands upright with tall, sturdy leaves that can grow up to several feet.

What sets this plant apart is its leaf coloration. Each leaf displays a pattern of green and white stripes – an appealing contrast that makes it stand out among other indoor plants with green and white leaves. This feature alone transforms the Snake Plant into an instant focal point in any small room or corner.

The Snake Plant demands little attention, making it ideal for busy homeowners or those lacking a green thumb. It thrives on low light conditions and infrequent watering. Its air-purifying qualities are another bonus; this resilient houseplant is known for filtering toxins from the air.

Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

Sliding from the resilient and hardy Snake Plant, let's dive into another marvelous species: the Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum). This plant is not only pleasing to the eye but also remarkably easy to care for, making it a perfect choice for your little indoor oasis.

Commonly known as Golden Pothos or simply Pothos, Devil's Ivy is a vining plant with heart-shaped leaves. It's as if we're nurturing our own little butterfly indoor plant right at home. With its leaves' striking resemblance to delicate butterfly wings, it adds an enchanting charm to any corner of your tiny abode. You'll find them in different colors too - from solid green to yellow variegation.

This fabulous vine thrives in a wide range of lighting conditions, and like our previously discussed Snake Plant, it's quite forgiving when you forget a watering session or two. It can even adapt to lower light conditions which makes it an ideal fit for those darker corners of your tiny home.

Its low-maintenance nature paired with its beautiful foliage will surely add life and vibrancy without eating up much space or demanding too much attention. You'll love having this fluttery friend around!

Blushing Bromeliad (Neoregelia carolinae)

Next on our list is the vibrant Blushing Bromeliad (Neoregelia carolinae), a real showstopper with its stunning rosette of broad, brightly colored leaves. This eye-catching plant is native to South America and makes an excellent selection for your tiny home due to its compact size and low maintenance needs.

Blushing Bromeliads don't demand much space or attention. They typically grow about 12 inches tall, making them perfect for those small corners in need of a bit of life. Don't worry if you're not blessed with a green thumb; these beauties are extremely forgiving. They thrive best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels as well.

When it comes to watering, we suggest keeping it simple: just fill the central cup of the bromeliad once a week, and you're good to go! It's also worth noting that they prefer higher humidity levels, so consider placing them in your bathroom or kitchen where steam is more prevalent.

Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)

If you're after a touch of the desert's rugged beauty, the Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is just the ticket. This unique plant boasts slender, pencil-like branches that provide a stark contrast to the lush greenery typically found in indoor gardens. Its unusual appearance has earned it other names such as Firestick Plant or Indian Tree Spurge.

The Pencil Cactus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. It can thrive even with infrequent care, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners or those who're new to gardening. It prefers sunny spots but can adapt to lower light conditions too.

Despite its hardy nature, we need to handle this plant with caution because its milky sap can irritate skin and eyes upon contact. Always wear gloves while handling and trimming this plant. Another thing worth noting is that it grows quite tall – up to 6 feet indoors – so ensure you have ample vertical space.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Embracing the cultivation of an Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) can't only lend a touch of green to your space, but can also offer functional benefits. This plant isn't just visually appealing; it's a powerhouse when it comes to health benefits.

It's claimed that the gel from this succulent has healing properties and can soothe burns and cuts. What's more, Aloe Vera is one of those plants that are virtually impossible to kill, making it ideal for those who lack a green thumb.

In terms of care, we don't need much effort. It thrives on neglect! Unlike other plants that require constant attention with watering schedules and light conditions, Aloe Vera needs very little water and does well in indirect sunlight or artificial light. Just make sure we place our plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot and avoid overwatering which might lead to its downfall.

Split-leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)

Continuing from where we left off with the wonderfully adaptive Aloe Vera, let's traverse to another plant that'll add a touch of tropical charm to your tiny spaces - the Split-leaf Philodendron, also known as Monstera deliciosa.

Monstera deliciosa is an absolute stunner. It's not just its unusual Swiss cheese-like leaves that make it a favorite, but also its hardy nature. This tropical beauty thrives in indirect light and only needs watering once a week or when its soil feels dry. It's important to note, though, that this plant can grow quite large if left unpruned. So, our advice would be to keep those shears handy!

With minimal care requirements and substantial benefits, why wouldn't we want one in our cozy corners?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common mistakes people make when caring for indoor plants in tiny homes?

We often see folks overwatering their plants, not providing enough light, or using incorrect potting mix. Remember, every plant has unique needs - understanding these is key to healthy indoor plants in tiny homes.

Are there any specific indoor plants that are harmful to pets?

Yes, certain indoor plants can be harmful to pets. Some examples include lilies, jade plans, and sago palms. It's important to research each plant before bringing it into a home with furry friends.

How often should I fertilize my indoor plants in a tiny home?

We'd recommend fertilizing your indoor plants about once a month. However, it's important to remember that each plant has its own needs. Make sure to adjust based on the specific type of plant you have.

Are there indoor plants that can help improve the air quality in my tiny home?

Absolutely! Nature's little air purifiers, also known as plants like Spider Plant, English Ivy, and Boston Fern can work wonders. They're not just house decor but helpful buddies in keeping your indoor air fresh.

Can indoor plants survive in low-light conditions?

Absolutely, many indoor plants can thrive in low-light conditions. Snake plants, peace lilies, and pothos are a few examples. They're perfect for spaces that don't get much sunlight but still need some greenery.

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