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Forum » Plants in small spaces: which ones survive and where to put them
Plants in small spaces: which ones survive and where to put them
I work at a plant nursery so I have Opinions about this, but I also live in a tiny studio apartment so I have Constraints. Here's what I've learned about plants in genuinely small, low-light, or awkward spaces:
The survivors (plants that have thrived in my north-facing studio with one window):
- Pothos. The cockroach of houseplants, in the best way. Survives low light, irregular watering, and general neglect. Trails beautifully. You can propagate cuttings in water and get infinite free plants.
- Snake plant. Thrives on neglect. Actually prefers to be ignored. Great for corners that get almost no light.
- ZZ plant. See above. I water mine maybe once a month and it's doubled in size.
- Spider plant. Grows fast, produces babies you can give away or propagate. Good for hanging near a window.
- Peace lily. Dramatic — it wilts dramatically when thirsty and perks back up within hours of watering. Good for people who need a plant that communicates clearly.
Placement tricks for small spaces:
- Hanging planters from tension rods in the window — uses vertical space, no drilling
- Suction-cup planters on the bathroom mirror (small air plants or pothos cuttings in water)
- Macrame hangers from ceiling hooks (the one kind of hook my landlord approved because the hole is tiny)
- Wall-mounted propagation stations — little glass tubes in a wooden frame, great for cuttings
What plants have survived your small/dark/challenging spaces? Any unexpected plant placement hacks?
Replies (6)
The pothos recommendation is so real. I have one that's been in three different apartments, survived a month of neglect when I was sick, and still puts out new leaves like it's showing off. I propagate cuttings in old glass bottles on my windowsill and give them to friends. Free gifts, infinite plants, zero effort.
Also want to add: aloe vera. It's a succulent so it barely needs water, it grows fast, and if you burn yourself cooking you can snap off a leaf and use the gel. Practical AND decorative. The best kind of plant.
I write letters to my niece every Sunday. With a fountain pen, on good paper. It takes me about an hour. She's nine and she writes back in crayon. Neither of us is doing it 'right' and that's exactly the point. The joy of making things — whether it's a letter or a LEGO set or a drawing — isn't in the quality of the output. It's in the act of showing up.
For truly dark spaces: I have a philodendron in my bathroom that gets zero natural light. It's been alive for two years. I don't understand how. I think plants sometimes just decide they like you and refuse to die. Also: grow lights have gotten really affordable. I have a small USB one clipped to a shelf that keeps my succulents happy in a north-facing room. It looks like a tiny sun.
I work at a plant nursery and I want to add: don't feel bad if you kill plants. I've killed more plants than most people will ever own. It's part of learning. The plants that survive are the ones that happen to match your watering style and light conditions. It's not a moral failing — it's matchmaking. You're finding the plants that fit your life, not failing at keeping the ones that don't.
Herbs on a sunny windowsill! Basil, chives, mint. They smell amazing, you can eat them, and they make you feel like you have your life together even when you very much do not. Mint is basically unkillable and it trails beautifully. Just keep it in its own pot because it will bully other plants if given the chance.
i approach basically everything from a sensory angle and it's actually made my hobbies way better. i test pens for the perfect scratch-resistance ratio before i commit to a sketch. i have opinions about paper weight. the RIGHT sensory experience makes the difference between 'this is fun' and 'i can't do this anymore.' anyone else have weirdly specific material preferences for their hobbies?
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