Discover 5 Amazing Houseplants that Stay Small Forever

Oh, the wild houseplant craze of 2020–2022. This time will go down in the history books as a moment when, all of a sudden, apartment and home dwellers realized how cool plants are. It’s like humans woke up one day and realized these little natural green things that you can nurture and take care of. And it’s because of one phenomenon: the COVID-19 pandemic. It forced everyone to stay inside, and whether you lived in a vast mansion or a small New York City apartment, you were driven to find something to love and hunker down with while in lockdown. Those who were alone and ready to commit adopted a dog. Those who had long-time partners or families, well, they opted for something smaller. And the houseplant boom was born. 

Houseplants have been around since we were cave dwellers when the first green bloom of algae graced the corner of the cave to much excitement and delight in the eyes of early Neanderthals. It was so lovely that we decided to care for it, and soon, ferns became the style of the day in the Victorian era. Now, it’s trendy to have one or two succulents or cacti (or even 15–16). Because, let’s face it, we’re all busy, and they don’t require a lot of water. 

If you’re happy to have a small piece of nature on your work desk during the day or by your bed at night, it’s easy to find and simple to keep. From strange little cacti that look like they come from another planet to lucky bamboo, here are five amazing houseplants that will stay small forever. At least small enough to keep you from thinking your house has been changed into a jungle. (Hey, some people like that!)

1. The Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)

OH. EM. GEE! These cute little guys will have you and your houseguests ooo-ing and ahh-ing over their color and shape. They come in green, white, and even pink, so you can color coordinate with your room or mood. Plus, they don’t need a lot of light—just filtered sunlight and moist soil. Sounds like the perfect bathroom window plant to me!

2. The Mini Pilea (Pilea peperomioides)

Are you into hosting pops of living plants that look like they’re straight from “Alice in Wonderland”? If you are, you’re in luck! The Mini Pilea, along with its larger sister, the Pilea, boasts round leaves and stays 12–16 inches high. Squee!

3. The Lithops or Living Stone (Lithops aucampiae)

Looking to reflect your super weird side, or just want something that will be a great conversation starter for your guests? The living stone succulents come in a variety of colors and varieties, but all are, well, interesting. They are native to southern Africa. Good news to those who tend to forget: these ‘little guys require little watering. And they are just so weird! (in a good way)

4. The Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

If your mom didn’t have this in the kitchen while you were growing up, it’s time for you to start. This plant possesses properties to help with cuts and burns. Yes, it’s the same aloe vera that is an ingredient in over-the-counter after-sun skin lotion. It’s such a powerful natural healer that pharmaceutical companies still use it. You can just cut a slice off and place it on the burned skin and immediately find relief. And yes, it stays small and will always fit in your kitchen or bathroom.

5. The Bonsai or Ginseng (Ficus microcarpa)

These sassy little guys will either remind you of a buxom lady’s backside and legs or the squealing mandrakes in the “Harry Potter” movies. Either way, they make a sweet little centerpiece for your kitchen table. Bonus: they won’t get large, either. Keep ‘em cozy—no lower than 50 degrees.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/weisschr