Small Home? No Problem: Tips for Adding Plants to Tiny Spaces

Do you have a small home but still want to bring some life into your living space with house plants? You’re in luck! There are plenty of space-saving ways to add plants to even the tiniest of homes. Whether you opt for hanging plants, small pots, or creative planters, there’s something for everyone who wants to add plants to their living area. 

Look Up!

Plants sitting on tables and countertops can make your home feel cluttered. There’s plenty of space above your head that goes unused. A way to add plants vertically is by using a hanging planter. Hang it from the ceiling or a wall hook to save space on your floor or shelves. You can even create your own macrame plant hanger for a personalized touch. When selecting plants for hanging, look for trailing plants such as a string of pearls or spider plants.

When it comes to finding great climbing vines for your home, I’ve had success with encouraging my pothos plant to grow vertically on my patio wall. Using adhesive plant clips to anchor the vines to the wall allows them to grow along the roof. The result is a beautiful cascade of greenery that fills my patio space with life. 

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When it comes to choosing the right plants for hanging, look for species with trailing stems or vines that can gracefully dangle down from their containers. Spider plants, English ivy, and Pothos are all great choices that are easy to care for and add a touch of whimsy to your home décor. Just make sure to water them regularly, as hanging plants tend to dry out faster than those on flat surfaces.

Going vertical is a great way to save space and add greenery to your tiny home. Try experimenting with different types of plants and containers to find what works best for your space.

Plants on a patio

Light Up Your Space 

I recently created a lamp terrarium to showcase my plant collection. Typically, these open-vessel glass lamps are used for collecting seashells at beach houses. However, I repurposed it to create a miniature enclosed garden for three plants. Maintaining it is easy – I just need to add a few sprays of water once a week and ensure the light is on for the plants to grow.

Creating a terrarium is a simple process that requires only four supplies: a lamp, rocks, soil, and your preferred plants. First, ensure that the glass jar is clean to prevent any harmful bacteria or mold from affecting the plants. Then, add rocks to the bottom to promote drainage and add a visually pleasing layered effect. After that, add a small amount of soil for arranging the plants and top it off with a final layer of soil. The lamp’s light serves as a removable lid, making it easy to add water as needed.

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 If you don’t have a lamp that you can repurpose into a terrarium, consider using other sources of light to grow plants in your small space. LED lights are an excellent choice for indoor gardening since they produce less heat than traditional bulbs. Plus, they’re more energy-efficient, and you can customize the color spectrum to optimize plant growth.

You can also add a few small potted plants to your existing light fixtures, such as on your kitchen counter or near a window. Succulents, herbs, and ferns are all great options that don’t require a lot of space and can thrive in indirect sunlight.

No matter what light source you choose, make sure to research your plants’ specific light requirements. Some plants need more direct sunlight, while others prefer indirect light, so it’s essential to choose the right spot for each one.

A lamp with live plants inside the baser of the lamp.

Get Creative with Containers

There are numerous attractive plant containers to enhance the décor of your home. Personally, I prefer using terracotta pots for most of my plants, but it’s important to note that this type of pot may not be suitable for all plants since they tend to be porous. Plants that require moist conditions may need to be watered more often if planted in terracotta pots.

There is an abundance of glass, plastic, and ceramic containers available in stores to help your house plants flourish. However, I have discovered that the most unique and distinctive plant containers are the recycled jars and bowls obtained from thrift stores or discarded items. For instance, one of my most resilient pothos plants thrives in an old moonshine jar, while my cherished cactus, gifted to me by my sister, resides in a chipped cereal bowl.  

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Another option for creative containers is to make your own. There are countless DIY tutorials online for making unique planters out of materials like concrete, wood, and even old shoes. The possibilities are endless, and creating your own plant containers can be a fun and fulfilling project.

When choosing a container, consider the size and shape of your plant. Some plants may require deeper pots to accommodate their roots, while others may do well in shallow dishes. Additionally, make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating and causing root rot. By getting creative with containers, you can not only add more plants to your home but also showcase your personal style and creativity. 

A verity of different plants on a patio.

Consider Plant Type

When introducing a new plant to your home, it’s important to take into account its light needs, as well as how much care and attention it will require. We’ve all been guilty of coveting a fig tree for a large corner in a room, filling the space with its lush foliage and impressive height, only to see it wither away and drop its leaves in a sad demise.

As someone who provides guidance to new plant parents, I highly recommend starting with low-maintenance and durable options like Lemon-lime Plants, Christmas Cacti, Pothos, Spider Plants, and Snake Plants. These plants are ideal for indoor spaces and can easily forgive any errors made by a new plant parent. Additionally, they require minimal upkeep and only need to be watered occasionally.

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Another important factor to consider when selecting house plants is how they will fit into your home’s décor. Choosing plants that complement your style will help ensure that they look right at home and don’t stand out as an afterthought. For example, if you prefer a more minimalistic look, consider plants with clean lines and simple shapes, like succulents and air plants. Alternatively, if you love the bohemian décor, you might opt for a lush and leafy monstera or a hanging spider plant.

Ultimately, the best way to choose house plants is to do your research and find options that work for your specific needs and preferences. With so many options available, you’re sure to find something that will thrive in your space and bring a little bit of nature indoors. 

Hang It Up

One of my favorite ways to display plants is through propagation. Propagating a plant is as easy as cutting a piece of an existing plant and sticking the cutting in water until the roots begin to grow. It is like watching a science experiment grow in a glass container. I’ve had the most success propagating Pothos Plants and Christmas Cacti. In a recent blog post, DIY: Propagation Station, I show you step-by-step instructions on how to create a hanging propagation station to display in your home. 

Recently, I constructed a DIY: Moss Wall project for my kitchen to bring some greenery to an area of my house that lacks natural light. Moss walls are made entirely of dead moss, which is then dyed a vibrant green color to create a realistic appearance. This project is ideal for incorporating the appearance of an authentic plant without the need for maintenance.

No matter which hanging method you choose, incorporating plants into your home’s décor adds a touch of nature and makes your space feel more alive. Don’t let a small space hold you back from creating your own green oasis.

DIY propagation station with plants all around the area.

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