The Best Indoor Plants (Sun Loving) for a Small Space

Adding plants to any space can instantly add color, and texture plus provide health benefits like air purification.

If your space is limited in an ADU or tiny home, there are some great indoor plants that stay small, love bright light, and are hard to kill.

The right small perennial plants can enhance your living environment, making it feel more vibrant and alive.

Here’s a look at the 5 best indoor plants that are perfect for small living spaces.

We will explore how to care for them, their watering needs, and if you can propagate them (create more plants, for free!)

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I can earn commissions. If you decide to purchase through my links, it is at no cost to you.

Quick Guide to Sun loving Small Plants to Grow Indoors

Key Plant Terms

Before diving into the specifics of each plant, let’s define a few key terms that will help you care for your plants effectively.

Indirect Light vs Direct Light

Not all plants need direct sunlight. Shocked?? Some like direct light and others not so much.

→ If the curtains are open and the sun is shining straight through, that is direct light.

→ Light filtered through a curtain or reflected off a wall would be considered indirect light. It could also be the light that reaches a shelf on the wall.

Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from various sources, such as seeds, cuttings, or other parts of the plant (For free!)

An example is a stem cutting placed in water or soil can, which develops roots and eventually grows into a new plant. It is like buy one, get a million free.

Plant Pups

Imagine you have a big plant, like a momma plant. Sometimes, this momma plant grows baby plants right next to it.

These baby plants are called “pups.” They’re kind of like tiny versions of the momma plant!

Soil Moisture

Soil moisture is like the water that’s in the dirt where plants grow. Just like how we need water to stay healthy, plants need water too.

The water in the soil is what plants drink through their roots.

Best Indoor Plants to Grow Indoors in Direct Light

There are best indoor plants to have in a tiny home are succulents. The are more varieties than I can count.

These plants love bright direct light. ☀️☀️

The keyword is direct light. This is instead of indirect light.

Succulents: Compact and Colorful Beauties

Succulents are a diverse group of plants that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.

They’re small, easy to care for, and thrive in bright light, making them ideal for sunny windowsills or shelves.

These plants are so much fun to have because you can really get creative with the varieties available.

☞ Scientific Name: Echeveria, Sedum, or Haworthia

🪴 Care Tips: Succulents love sunlight, so place them on a sunny windowsill where they can soak up plenty of rays.

💧 Watering Tips: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Don’t not feel compelled to overwater. They don’t like this!

✂️ Propagation: Many succulents can be easily propagated from cuttings. Simply cut a healthy leaf or stem, let it dry out for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil.

Best Small Plants to Grow Indoors in Indirect Light

There are four more indoor plants that every ADU or tiny home needs. The Aloe Vera, Pothos, Philodendron, and Purple Passion Plant.

These plants love indirect light.

Aloe Vera: The Sun-Seeking Healer

Aloe Vera is not just a plant; it’s a compact, natural pharmacy. It is called “The Burn Plant” or “The Medicine Plant” due to its healing properties. This is why it is one of the best indoor plants to have.

This succulent thrives in sunny spots and requires minimal care.

☞ Scientific Name: Aloe Vera

🪴 Care Tips: Place your Aloe Vera near a south or west-facing window where it can get plenty of light. It does not have to be right in the window, just near it.

💧 Watering Tips: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot.

✂️ Propagation: Aloe Vera is typically propagated from offsets, known as “pups,” rather than from cuttings.

🩷🩷 Bonus : The gel inside Aloe Vera leaves is excellent for treating minor burns and skin irritations, making it both a decorative and functional plant.

Pothos: The Versatile and Low-Maintenance Vine

Pothos is a versatile plant that can grow in various light conditions, but it thrives in bright, indirect light.

I am pretty sure everyone’s Mom or Grandma has one of these.

It’s almost impossible to kill and stays green even when kept in the dark. That is why it called “Devil’s Ivy“.

It’s perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or even trailing along a wall, making it a great space-saving option.

These things will grow and start wrapping themselves around whatever you let it.

☞ Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum

🪴 Care Tips: While Pothos can handle low light, it will grow more vibrantly in brighter conditions. Place it near a window with filtered light for a more vibrant plant.

💧 Watering Tips: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

✂️ Propagation: Pothos is very easy to propagate from cuttings. Cut a healthy stem with a few leaves, place it in water or soil, and watch it root and grow. I started with a pup and now have so many of these plants around the house.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are popular houseplants known for their lush, heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature.

They come in various types, including climbing varieties and bushy, non-climbing ones.

☞ Scientific Name: Philodendron spp.

🪴 Care Tips: Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light. They adapt well to various humidity levels and need monthly feeding during the growing season.

💧 Watering Tips: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

✂️ Propagation: Propagate by taking stem cuttings with at least one node. Place the cutting in water or directly into soil.

Benefits of Having Indoor Plants in Small Spaces

Air Purification

Some plants like the Pothos are known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins from the air.

Mental Well-being

A less or even forgotten benefit of indoor plants is they can help reduce stress, enhance your mood, and boost productivity—especially important in small living spaces.

• Pothos: Easy to care for and visually appealing, it can enhance mood and reduce stress.
• Succulents: These low-maintenance plants can add a touch of green to your space, which can help boost your mood and productivity. Their color and textures can help make a beautiful display and give energy to a space.

Humidity Control

Some plants like Aloe help to maintain humidity levels, which can be beneficial in small spaces that might get dry due to heating or air conditioning.

Tips for Maximizing Space with Plants

Ceiling & Vertical Gardening

If space is limited, try a ceiling or vertical garden.

You can hang plants using wall-mounted planters or on a hook from the ceiling to free up floor space or the space on shelves.

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Multi-Purpose Decor

Plants can serve as both decoration and practical elements. Consider aloe vera for its medicinal properties or succulents as table centerpieces.

Choosing the Right Containers

Select containers that fit small spaces, such as hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or narrow pots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with indoor plants

Overwatering

Overwatering can kill your plants.

Most plants only need to be watered when the soil is completely dried out.

Wrong Placement

Pay attention to if your plant likes a lot of light or just indirect light.

This will help your plant stay healthy.

Ignoring Plant Growth

Some plants are slow-growing (like the Jade Plant).

They still need occasional repotting and care as they expand.

Seasonal Care Tips for house plants

Winter Light Adjustments: If you have a harsher winter, you may need to adjust light conditions when natural sunlight is reduced.

You could use Grow Lights or move plants closer to windows.

Seasonal Watering Changes: Watering needs might change with the seasons—less frequent watering in winter for succulents and Aloe Vera, for instance.

Final Thoughts

Adding plants to your tiny home or small living space doesn’t have to be complicated.

By choosing plants that thrive in bright light, you can easily create a vibrant, green oasis that enhances your home’s aesthetic and atmosphere.

These five best indoor plants are not only beautiful but also easy to care for, making them perfect companions for your sunny spots. You also probably won’t kill them!

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of nature to your windowsill, shelf, or tabletop, these bright-light lovers will thrive and bring life to your small space.

Frequently Asked Questions