So, you’ve got a tiny house! Congratulations on officially joining the ranks of people who’ve Marie Kondo-ed their way into a smaller, simpler life.
But just because your house is tiny doesn’t mean you can’t have big dreams, of lush, leafy green corners, that is. The trick is finding indoor plants that won’t grow big enough to push you out the door, can handle the warm, sunny vibes of your cute little space, and, importantly, won’t put your pets in peril.
Let’s face it: Tiny houses can get pretty toasty with all those lovely, oversized windows (and your oven being basically two feet away from your bed). But don’t worry, I’ve got the scoop on the perfect plants that’ll thrive in those conditions and add a breath of fresh air, literally.
Spider Plant: The Easiest Flatmate You’ll Ever Have
Meet the Spider Plant, the plant that is so low-maintenance it practically takes care of itself. These little beauties thrive in bright, indirect light but are also pretty laid-back with a bit of direct sunlight. Plus, they have this adorable habit of sprouting “babies” on long stems, like a proud mum. You can pop these babies into water, and bam, more Spider Plants.
Pet Status: Totally pet-friendly. Your dog or cat can gnaw on them to their heart’s content (though I'd recommend they find a chew toy).
Peperomia: The Small but Mighty Plant
Ah, Peperomia. If you’re into compact, cute plants that stay small and don’t demand much, Peperomia is your plant soulmate. They come in a variety of leaf shapes and colours, so you can pick one that suits your tiny house aesthetic. These little guys love bright, indirect light but don’t throw a tantrum in lower light, and they’re okay with just a splash of water now and then.
Pet Status: Safe for both cats and dogs.
Snake Plant: The Superhero You Didn’t Know You Needed
I have to give a shout-out to the Snake Plant. This plant is basically the superhero of houseplants. It’s nearly indestructible, needs water once a month if it’s lucky, thrives in low to bright light, and laughs in the face of neglect. Plus, they’ve got these cool, upright leaves that don’t spread out everywhere.
Pet Warning: Not great for pets. If you’ve got a fur baby who thinks your plants are a salad bar, you might want to skip this one.
ZZ Plant: The Cool Kid of the Plant World
Imagine if James Dean were a plant. That’s the ZZ Plant, cool, calm, and doesn’t give a toss. It’s all about bright, indirect light but can handle anything from shade to direct sun. Also, it hardly needs watering, perfect if you sometimes forget that your plants need attention (guilty as charged).
Pet Warning: Unfortunately, ZZ Plants are toxic to pets, so if you’ve got curious critters, keep this one out of reach.
Pothos: The Trailing Beauty
Pothos is that friend who looks great no matter what. It thrives in a range of lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect light, and can handle your sunny windowsill without complaining. Pothos is a climber or trailer, hang it up high or let it cascade down a shelf for that boho-chic look.
Pet Warning: Pothos is toxic to pets, so if your furball has a tendency to munch on greenery, proceed with caution.
Calathea: The Drama Queen That’s Totally Worth It
Calatheas are like the divas of the plant world. They’re beautiful, with leaves that look like they were painted by a very talented plant artist. They love a warm, humid environment and will do their best in bright, indirect light.
Pet Status: Pet-friendly! They may be a bit high-maintenance, but at least they won’t poison your pets.
Aloe Vera: The Healer in Your Home
Let’s talk about Aloe Vera, the overachiever of the plant world. It’s not only cute and compact, but it also has healing properties! Need a bit of relief from a sunburn? Just break off a leaf. However, Aloe does love a sunny spot, so keep it near that window with the most sunlight.
Pet Warning: Toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach if you’ve got furry friends who like to experiment.
Bird’s Nest Fern: The Easy-Going Friend
Now, if you’re looking for a plant that says, “I’m exotic, but I don’t need much from you,” Bird’s Nest Fern is your buddy. It likes bright, indirect light, a bit of warmth, and a touch of humidity, basically, everything your tiny house naturally provides.
Pet Status: Pet-friendly! Everyone can live in harmony.
Fittonia: The Little Drama Queen with a Big Heart
Fittonia, also known as the Nerve Plant (don’t ask me why, it’s a mystery), is small, striking, and can fit into tight spaces. It’s also prone to a bit of drama, sometimes it wilts dramatically if it’s thirsty, but just give it a drink, and it perks right back up like nothing happened.
Pet Status: Absolutely safe for your four-legged companions.
Hoya: The Stylish Minimalist
Hoyas, or Wax Plants, are like that friend who looks effortlessly cool in any situation. They thrive on bright, indirect light and don’t need a lot of water. With their thick, waxy leaves, they look great hanging or sitting on a shelf. And sometimes, if they really like you, they’ll even bloom with little star-shaped flowers.
Pet Status: No worries here, pet-friendly!
Chinese Money Plant: The Hipster’s Darling
These cuties are all over Instagram, and for good reason. They’re adorable, easy to care for, and stay compact. Bright, indirect light and occasional watering, and they’re happy as can be. Plus, they’re rumoured to bring good luck and money, who doesn’t need a bit of that?
Pet Status: Totally safe for pets.
Air Plants: The Minimalist’s Dream Plant
Air Plants are like magic, no soil required. They’re perfect for tiny spaces since you can literally put them anywhere. Just soak them in water every couple of weeks and give them a nice bright spot, and they’re golden.
Pet Status: Completely pet-safe. Even if Fluffy knocks them down, they’ll be just fine.
Succulents: The Sturdy Soldiers
Succulents are the answer to your warm, sunny tiny house dreams. They love sunlight, need barely any water, and most of them stay nice and small. But be warned: Some succulents, like Jade Plants, can be toxic to pets. So, if you’re going the succulent route, do your homework.
Maranta: The Praying Plant That Won’t Preach to You
Maranta, or the Prayer Plant, gets its name from its habit of folding its leaves up at night like it’s, well, praying. It’s cute, compact, and loves warm, humid conditions. A little bit of bright, indirect light, and it’s happy as a clam.
Pet Status: 100% safe for pets.
Wrapping It Up: Tiny House, Big Plant Dreams
So, there you go! The perfect plant picks for your tiny home oasis. Whether you want to go for the bold and the beautiful or the small and subtle, there’s something here for every kind of green thumb. Just remember to check for pet safety if you’ve got furry friends, and don’t be afraid to mix and match to find what suits your style and space. Because, in the end, a houseplant is more than just a plant, it’s a little leafy companion that makes your tiny house feel like a home.
