Ever looked around your home and felt like something was missing, only to realize you’re short on space for a full-blown garden?
Hey there, fellow green-thumbed friend! I’ve been knee-deep in soil for the better part of my life, specializing in container gardening. Trust me when I say you don’t need a sprawling garden to breathe life into a room; sometimes, the tiniest additions make the most significant impact.
Over the years, I’ve stumbled upon some petite plants that are not only easy on the eyes but also fit snugly on the windowsill, bookshelf, or even that empty spot on the work desk.
Dive into this article with me as I unveil 10 best plants for pots. You might just discover your next verdant companion!
List of 10 Best Plants For Pots
Diving right in, let’s explore the world of petite plants that are best for pots and promise to add a splash of green to even the smallest of corners!
1. Jade Plant
The Jade Plant, a classic choice for indoor greenery enthusiasts, is native to South Africa. This hardy succulent has thick, fleshy leaves that can store water for extended periods.
Dinkum, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
It is perfect for those who tend to forget the occasional watering! When container gardening with the Jade Plant, opt for well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, and too much water can lead to root rot.
Over time, with proper care, your Jade might even reward you with starry white or pink blossoms. As it grows, you may need to repot or trim to maintain a manageable size.
2. African Violets
A favorite among home gardeners, African Violets bring a pop of color with their vibrant, velvety blooms. These dainty plants hail from the tropical regions of Africa, but they’ve cozied up well in our homes.
For those looking for plants for small pots, these violets are a perfect choice. They prefer bright, indirect light, so consider placing them near a north-facing window. When it comes to watering, these violets can be a tad picky. They dislike cold water and wet leaves, so room-temperature water at the base is ideal.
A well-draining soil mix will keep their roots happy. And remember, they bloom best when they’re a bit root-bound, so there is no rush to repot!
3. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas might sound like an ambitious choice for container gardening, but they’re incredibly adaptable. You can enjoy their big, ball-like clusters of flowers even in a pot!
Opt for a large container, and place it in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. They like moist (but not drenched) soil. If your Hydrangea outgrows its pot, consider it a prime time for some garden action or a larger container.
Here’s a fun fact: the pH of your soil can actually change the flower color! Acidic soil tends to produce blue flowers, and alkaline soil results in pink ones.
4. Anthurium
Looking for plants for small pots that bring the tropics to your living room? Also known as the ‘Flamingo Flower,’ Anthurium is a stunner with its glossy heart-shaped leaves and bright, waxy flowers. They bring a touch of the tropics right into your living room! Anthuriums like bright, indirect light.
Rameshng, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Keep them away from direct sunlight, or their leaves might throw a fit (read: get scorched!). They love high humidity, so consider placing a humidifier nearby or occasionally misting them.
As for watering, let the top inch of the soil dry out between sessions. Choose a pot with drainage holes and provide them with a light, airy potting mix.
5. Radiator Plants
You’ve got to love a plant named for its ability to thrive even when perched on a radiator! These petite beauties come in various shapes and textures – from thick, succulent-like leaves to delicate, raindrop shapes.
Radiator Plants prefer bright, indirect light. If you’re unsure about watering, touch the soil. When the top 1-2 inches feel dry, it’s time for a drink!
They’re not fans of being overly soggy, so a well-draining potting mix is your best bet. They’re also quite forgiving and don’t mind if you forget to water once in a while.
6. Air Plant
These quirky little guys are unique because they don’t need soil. Yep, you heard right! They thrive by absorbing water and nutrients through their leaves.
To care for them, give them a good soak in water once a week for about 30 minutes, then let them dry out. Place them in a bright spot, but keep them away from direct sunlight to avoid burning them.
Fun fact? They bloom only once in their lifetime, producing vibrant flowers. With their no-soil requirement, you can get super creative with containers – think quirky terrariums or even suspended in mid-air!
7. Coral Bells
With foliage that looks fresh out of a fairy tale, Coral Bells are an enchanting addition to any home garden. These plants thrive in well-draining soil, and you’ll want to water them when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Przemek P, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
They enjoy partial shade, making them perfect for spots that don’t get intense sunlight all day. The real show-stealer? Their radiant, bell-shaped flowers that tower over the colorful leaves!
Mix and match different Heuchera varieties in a single pot for a mesmerizing display of colors!
8. Pothos
For beginners looking for plants for small pots, these are almost indestructible. Their cascading, heart-shaped leaves can brighten up any corner. Though they’re not too picky about light, they thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight.
Water when the soil feels dry – they’re quite forgiving if you forget once in a while. If you notice the vines getting too long, give them a trim. This not only keeps the plant looking lush but can also spur new growth!
9. Pansy
Who can resist the cheerful face of a Pansy? Not me! These dainty delights are an absolute treat in container gardens. They love cooler temperatures, so they’re ideal for spring or fall.
When it comes to sunlight, they’re fans of full sun to partial shade.
Ensure the soil remains moderately moist, but avoid drowning them. Their delightful flowers come in an array of colors, and they’re sure to put a smile on your face. Remember to deadhead (remove spent flowers) regularly to encourage more blooming.
10. String of Pearls
These plants are as exotic as their name suggests. The “pearls” are pea-like beads that cascade down in long tendrils, giving a boho-chic vibe to your space. Being a succulent, the String of Pearls retains water in its pearls, so less frequent watering is the way to go.
Flickr user Forest and Kim Starr, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. They love bright, indirect light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight. One word of caution: they can be a tad delicate, so handle with care when repotting or transplanting.
Pot Plants: Perfect Way To Style Your Green Space
Pot planting or container gardening is an innovative and increasingly popular method of adding a touch of nature to our homes.
Whether you’re residing in a sprawling estate or a compact apartment, there’s a myriad of reasons why pot planting might just be the best option for you. Let’s dive into some of the primary reasons:
- Space Savers: For many urban dwellers, space is a premium. Pot planting allows for gardening within limited areas – a balcony, windowsill, or even a wall-mounted setup. No backyard? No problem!
- Soil Control: Inconsistent or poor-quality soil can be a gardener’s nightmare. With pot planting, you can customize the soil blend for each plant, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
- Water Management: Overwatering can be a common gardening faux pas. Containers often come with drainage holes that prevent water logging, and if they don’t, you can add a layer of stones at the base for the same effect.
- Fewer Pests and Diseases: By raising plants off the ground and giving them their own isolated space, you can often reduce the risks of soil-borne diseases and pests.
- Thematic Gardening: Want an all-edible balcony with herbs, tomatoes, and lettuce? Or perhaps a floral paradise with a riot of colors? Containers allow you to create themed gardens in a small space.
- Perfect for Experimentation: Want to try growing a new plant but not sure how it’ll fare? Containers are perfect for experimentation without committing garden bed space.
Final Thoughts on Plants for Small Pots
There is truly something magical about these tiny treasures! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your plant journey, small pot plants offer a delightful touch of nature to any space.
Their compact size makes them perfect for apartments, desks, or even that tiny windowsill you’ve been wanting to decorate.
And the best part? They ask for so little but give back so much in terms of beauty and serenity. Each of the 10 plants we’ve highlighted holds its own charm and, with a little love, will thrive in your home.
So, next time you pass by a nursery or garden center, remember these little gems and consider bringing one (or two or three) home.
Here’s to small packages bursting with life and joy!
Darrell has a passion for gardening that he inherited from his father. Go here to read more about the influence his father played in his love for gardening. If you want to send Darrell a quick message, then visit his contact page here.