10 smallest house plants for tiny spaces

10 small house plants

Haworthia cymbiformis (Cathedral window haworthia)

Haworthia are not only slow-growing, but when they reach maturity they're not likely to be more than 25cm tall. There are many small varieties to choose from – Haworthia cymbiformis grows to 8cm tall. This tiny succulent has striped, pale green leaves that curve up, often described as boat-shaped. It thrives in bright, indirect light on an east- or west-facing windowsill.

Height x Spread: 8cm x 10cm

• Buy Haworthia cymbiformis from Shrubland Nurseries

Pachyphytum overiferum (moonstones)

This succulent is known as moonstones, perhaps because its leaves resemble pebbles with their silver colouring and round shape. It's a low-maintenance plant, as it needs minimal watering, and ideal for adding interest to a sunny windowsill.

H x S: 10cm x 20cm

• Buy Pachytum overiferum from Thompson & Morgan

Tillandsia ionantha (air plant)

Air plants don't need compost and are often displayed in terrariums or hanging glass balls, growing on bark or rocks. Tillandsia ionantha is a small species that grows on trees in South American rainforests. It has a compact nature and its leaves turn red for around six weeks when in flower, making a striking plant for a bathroom or kitchen.

H x S: 20cm x 20cm

• Buy Tillandsia ionantha from Crocus

Fittonia albivensis, (nerve plant)

Fittonia albivensis is commonly known as mosaic or nerve plant, due to its patterned leaves, which can be green, orange or lime with white or pink veins. Its slow-growing, compact nature makes it ideal for small spaces and it thrives in the humid conditions of a closed terrarium.

H x S: 30cm x 30cm

• Buy Fittonia albivensis from Thompson & Morgan

Opuntia cactus (prickly pear)

The most common opuntia cactus is named bunny ears, after its large flat stems, which often grow in pairs. Although it can grow to 50cm, it's slow growing and can be kept compact by removing stems and using them to create new plants. Place in a warm bright spot and water only when the compost is dry.

H x S: 50cm x 50cm

• Buy Opuntia microdasys from Crocus

Venus flytrap

This carnivorous plant doesn't take up much room on a sunny windowsill and is a interesting addition to a houseplant collection. Its spiky traps are held open until an insect triggers them, when they will snap shut.

H x S: 30cm x 20cm

• Buy Venus flytrap from Thompson & Morgan

Echeveria

Many echeveria are ideal for small spaces such as sunny windowsills, making an attractive feature with their fleshy leaves. For tiny pots, choose compact varieties such as Echeveria minima, which forms rosettes that are only 4cm in diameter, 'Purple Pearl', with pink-edged grey leaves, or 'Blue Frills', which has frilly blue-green leaves.

H x S: 10cm x 20cm

• Buy echeveria from Thompson & Morgan

African violet

African violets are compact house plants that flower intermittently throughout the year and come in a range of colours including purple, red, pink and yellow. Coming from East Africa, they need a warm, bright spot with humidity – a bright kitchen windowsill would be perfect, as long as it's not in direct sun.

H x S: 15cm x 20cm

• Buy African violet from Crocus

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple'

For something different, try this unusual succulent that grows into a square column, with its curled leaves growing stacked on top of each other. Place Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' in a bright spot, out of direct sun.

H x S: 15cm x 15cm

• Buy Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' from Crocus

Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant)

Chinese money plant is not the tiniest of plants, but still compact at 30cm tall, with a neat dome-like shape. It will fit easily on to a windowsill or small table and is a good choice for beginners, being able to cope with some neglect on the watering and feeding front. Keep it in a bright, warm spot (above 12ºC in winter) and it will thrive.

H x S: 30cm x 30cm

• Buy Pilea peperomioides from Crocus