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best small house plants

Looking for the best small house plants to brighten your home, freshen the air, or add charm to your work-from-home space? Whether you’re a busy plant parent searching for fuss-free greenery, or a seasoned collector craving another petite beauty for your shelf, small house plants are always in style. They’re easy to mix and match, perfect for apartments or offices, and many thrive in New Zealand’s unique indoor environments. Choosing the best small house plants means considering light, watering needs, and your space—but with so many stunning options, you’ll find the perfect plant to suit your lifestyle.

Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured leaves and grows compactly to about 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide. Stromanthe Triostar makes for a wonderful office and house plant and is great for bringing colour and joy to a space.

From $33.05

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Tropical
Haworthia fasciata succulent growing in a pot.

Haworthia fasciata

Haworthia fasciata is a small succulent that features rosettes of thick and fleshy leaves. The dark green leaves with silver lines have a rough texture and a zebra-like appearance. It typically grows to 10 cm tall and the same wide. Haworthia fasciata is commonly grown indoors as a potted plant, or added to a rock garden.

From $15.11

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Succulents
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 10 cm
Tolerances: Extended dry periods
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
callisia-bubbles--3
Callisia repens

Callisia repens goes by several common names such as the Bubbles Plant, Turtle Vine, and Pin Panther Plant. The Turtle Vine is a very popular indoor...

From$22.01
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.
Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$44.09
Sempervivum calcareum plants.
Sempervivum calcareum (Houseleek Sempervivum)

Sempervivum calcareum, commonly known as the Houseleek Sempervivum, is a smaller succulent grown for its foliage. It grows as a mat of fleshy...

From$14.95
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$30.29
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$21.39
pittosporum-small-ball-
Pittosporum 'Small Ball'

Pittosporum 'Small Ball' is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its naturally rounded growth habit, dense foliage, and tidy appearance. This dwarf...

From$22.01
rhipsalis-paradoxa-5
Rhipsalis paradoxa (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$26.91
rhipsalis-baccifera-1
Rhipsalis baccifera (Mistletoe Cactus)

Commonly known as the Mistletoe Cactus, this is a succulent grown for its slender and trailing stems. Masses of the dark green stems hang from the...

From$30.29
Isotoma fluviatilis plants grow as a ground cover, featuring lush, green foliage and attractive, blue flowers.
Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

From$13.95
tilia-cordata-1
Tilia cordata

Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Small Leaved Lime, is grown for its lush foliage and great form. The medium sized, heart-shaped leaves emerge in...

From$515.35
Japanese Box (Buxus microphylla) plants with lush green foliage.
Buxus microphylla (Littleleaf Boxwood)

Buxus microphylla, commonly known as Japanese Box or Littleleaf Boxwood, is a compact evergreen shrub renowned for its dense, glossy green foliage...

From$16.95
murraya-paniculata-4
Murraya paniculata (Orange Jessamine)

Murraya paniculata, commonly known as Orange Jessamine, this is an attractive, medium-sized shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It grows...

From$26.15
White flowers on a Cistus 'Snowmound' plant with green foliage.
Cistus 'Snowmound' (White Rock Rose Plant)

Cistus ‘Snowmound’ is a compact evergreen shrub that produces a breathtaking display of pure white flowers with golden-yellow centres from late...

From$24.77
rose-violet-serenity-
Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

From$35.81
Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$14.95
scutellaria-snowflakes--1
Scutellaria Snowflakes (Scutellaria Skullcap)

Scutellaria Snowflakes, commonly known as Scutellaria Skullcap or the Skullcaps plant, is grown for its foliage and flowers. This versatile and...

From$12.95
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.
Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$28.91
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.
Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$16.49
climbing-rose-albertine-
Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$30.29
vinca-elizabeth-cran-1
Vinca Elizabeth Cran

Vinca Elizabeth Cran is a variety of the commonly known, Lesser Periwinkle, features small, dark green leaves which are held densely on stems that...

From$20.01
rose-anniversary-
Rose Anniversary

Rose Anniversary is an award winning, Floribunda shrub rose that features masses of showy, soft-pink flowers. The amazing blooms emerge in spring and...

From$38.57
clianthus-puniceus-
Clianthus puniceus (Parrot Beak Plant)

Clianthus puniceus (Kakabeak) is a spectacular New Zealand native shrub renowned for its striking clusters of brilliant red, beak shaped flowers that...

From$44.09
rose-raspberry-ice-5
Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$44.09
An exquisite flower on 'White Romance' Rose.
Rose White Romance

“White Romance” is a very popular shrub rose that features masses pure white flowers. The showy blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$38.57
Orange 'Best Seedless' orange fruit with orange flesh.
Orange 'Best Seedless'

The ‘Best Seedless’ Orange is a superb variety prized for its deliciously sweet, seedless fruit and easy-to-peel skin. Perfect for New Zealand...

From$34.95
strelitzia-nicolai-
Strelitzia nicolai (White Bird Of Paradise Plant)

Strelitzia nicolai (Giant White Bird Of Paradise) is a bold, architectural plant known for its large banana like leaves and striking white and blue...

From$44.09
fuscospora-solandri-
Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$270.40
indoor-plant-fertiliser-tablets-1
Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$36.00
Moss pole for plants.
Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.90
pb-18-planter-bags-
PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$77.47
Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callisia, Chlorophytum, and Haworthia, or related Categories - Indoor Plants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Succulents.

Search best small house plants

Why Choose Small House Plants?

Small house plants are ideal for tight spaces, apartment living, or adding interest to shelves, desks, and bedside tables. These compact greens offer all the aesthetic and wellbeing benefits of larger plants without overwhelming your space. Many of the best small house plants are also easy to care for and adaptable, making them the perfect introduction for new plant owners or anyone wanting a low-maintenance touch of nature indoors.

Top Picks for the Best Small House Plants

When selecting the best small house plants for New Zealand homes, it’s important to choose varieties known for their resilience and beauty. Here are some of our favourites:

Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

This compact snake plant is celebrated for its neat rosette shape and striking foliage. Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) is virtually indestructible, thriving on neglect, low light, and infrequent watering. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a little green in low-light corners.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Looking for colour and interest? Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) brings a tropical vibe with its pink, white, and green leaves. This small house plant loves indirect light and adds a pop of striking colour to small spaces or group arrangements.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

While often seen as a larger plant, Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) can be kept compact and manageable, especially when propagated or grown in smaller pots. Its iconic, split leaves make it a statement piece even in miniature.

More Options to Enhance Your Indoor Jungle

If you’re looking for unique colour and texture, consider adding Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet (Hot Poker Plant) for a burst of warm hues, or Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia) for beautifully patterned foliage in shade-loving spots.

Growing Tips for Small House Plants

To get the most from your small house plants, provide the right container, ensure proper drainage, and match each plant to its light and water preferences. Many of the best small house plants thrive in well-lit spaces, but always check the needs of each variety. Rotate your pots occasionally for even growth and wipe leaves to keep them dust-free and healthy.

Start Your Collection Today

Curating a collection of the best small house plants is a rewarding, uplifting way to enhance your space. With so many beautiful options—like Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant), Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant), and Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)—it’s easy to bring life and style into every corner of your home.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii', but you might just fall in love with Sophora chathamica, Leucadendron 'Harvest', and Cupressus 'Totem'.
–The Plant Company

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