Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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best small indoor plants

Searching for the best small indoor plants to transform your home into a tranquil, green haven? Whether you’re an experienced plant parent or just starting your indoor garden, small houseplants are perfect for sprucing up shelves, desks, windowsills, and even apartments with limited space. These compact beauties not only enhance your décor but also help purify the air and create a calming atmosphere. Below, we share our top recommendations for the best small indoor plants suited to New Zealand homes, with expert tips for care and styling.

Philodendron 'Birkin'

Philodendron 'Birkin' is a striking indoor plant characterised by its deep green leaves, adorned with creamy white pinstripes. It grows upright in a compact form, typically reaching 30 to 45 centimetres tall, making it perfect for desks, shelves, and small spaces. This slow-growing variety adds a bold, modern touch to interiors and is easy to care for with the right conditions. 'Birkin' is ideal for plant lovers looking to add elegant foliage to their home.

Buy Philodendron 'Birkin'

From $70.13

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 40 cm

Spread: 40 cm

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical

Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

Hypoestes 'Splash Red' is a vibrant foliage plant prized for its bright green leaves boldly splashed with deep red markings. This compact and colourful variety performs very well in New Zealand as an indoor plant or in warm sheltered outdoor positions. It is ideal for gardeners wanting strong colour contrast in small spaces with minimal maintenance. Hypoestes 'Splash Red' adds energy, texture, and year round interest to homes, patios, and shaded garden areas.

Buy Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

From $25.58

Suited to regions: Subtropical

Plant type: Indoor Plants

Height: 25 cm

Spread: 25 cm

Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Why Choose Small Indoor Plants?

Small indoor plants are incredibly versatile. They fit almost anywhere, require less soil and water, and are easy to move or restyle as your home evolves. If you’re after a low-maintenance way to add greenery or want to experiment with plant arrangements, starting small is always a smart choice. Their manageable size also makes them ideal gifts for friends or as a way to brighten up your office space.

Our Top Picks: Best Small Indoor Plants

1. Philodendron 'Birkin'

The Philodendron 'Birkin' stands out with its striking, creamy-white striped leaves. While it remains compact, this variety brings trendy tropical style to your collection. Preferring bright, indirect light and minimal fuss, it's an easy statement piece that won’t overtake your space.

2. Hypoestes 'Splash Red'

Perfect for lovers of colour, the Hypoestes 'Splash Red', often called "Polka Dot Plant," boasts vibrant red-speckled foliage. Its small stature and bushy growth habit fit well on shelves or bedside tables. Place it in moderate, indirect light for the most intense leaf colour.

3. Dracaena 'Green Stripe'

For modern minimalism, the Dracaena 'Green Stripe' offers upright, sword-shaped leaves trimmed in striking green. This small indoor plant tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it a favourite for offices and first-time plant owners.

4. Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

If you need an indestructible option, the Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant) is nearly unkillable. With its compact rosette form and sculptural leaves, it’s the go-to choice for busy people or those new to houseplants. This variety excels in both bright and dim locations.

5. Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

A showpiece in miniature, the Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant) features lovely pink, white, and green foliage. Its small size and bold colours make it a fantastic addition to shaded corners or as a pop of colour among an indoor plant cluster.

Choosing the Best Small Indoor Plants for Your Space

When selecting the best small indoor plants, consider the amount of natural light, your desired maintenance level, and your preferred colours or textures. With these compact varieties, you can easily try different locations and arrangements over time. Pair a structural Dracaena 'Green Stripe' with the colourful Hypoestes 'Splash Red', or cluster three different varieties for an eye-catching indoor garden.

No matter your space or style, the best small indoor plants offer a beautiful and practical way to connect with nature every day.

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.