Plants for small spaces
We've all seen pictures on Instagram of huge homes filled with plants. But the truth is most of us are more limited on space. That's no barrier to creating an urban jungle. Even if you only have small rooms or a studio flat, you can fill it with green. You just have to be a bit more creative. Here are some ways to maximise your space.
Use big plants cleverly
It's natural to think that if a space is small you need to keep your plants tiny. Not necessarily. If floor space is tight, you can still enjoy a big statement plant. You just need to choose a tall, slim one. They can actually make a room look larger by drawing your eye up.
Rick the corn plant (or siblings Mick and Nick) will only use about 30cm of floor space, but has height and drama. Phil the philodendron and Big Ken the Kentia palm are other great tall, skinny choices.
Hanging plants
If there is no available floor or surface space, go for hanging plants. You can hang them from the ceiling, if that's possible, or put them on a high shelf. Peggy the string of hearts will grow as long as you allow, so let her trail freely.
We also love Jethro, who will get bright red flowers in spring. If your space isn't very bright, Rapunzel the devil's ivy or Theodore the string of nickels are good options. Neither needs much light.
Group small plants
An easy way to create an impressive display without taking up too much space is to group plants. They don't have to be huge to make an impression. If you have a room that's quite bright, a group of cacti can look really stylish and impressive.
Spike is our name for a selection of different cacti, which come in sizes ranging from 5cm to 20cm. Order a selection and then huddle them together without using much space. If pointy plants aren't your think, try the same with Suri the succulent. Choose a variety of pots to add extra interest.
Embrace colour
If you have space for only a few plants, make sure the ones you use really stand out. Tristan the calathea is as colourful as they come, with amazing leaves that are green on one side and red on the other. Surprisingly, he does pretty well in rooms with low-light.
Aggie the Chinese evergreen is similarly vivid and very dinky. Or take a look at Annie the watermelon peperomia. She's only about 20cm tall, but her watermelon-like leaves mean she really stands out.
Be creative with your space
Look around even the tiniest room and you'll find places for plants, if you look close enough. Does the room have bookshelves? Put a small plant on each shelf to create a mini feature wall. Choose plants with distinctive leaves and colours - like Gaby the tradescantia and Wallace the monstera adansonii - to keep your eye moving around.
Do you have a window sill? Line up some sun-loving tiny plants, like Val the sweetheart plant or some succulents.
Pick & mix
Build up your indoor jungle one plant at a time.