10 Easy Small Plants To Grow Indoors And Outdoors

Explore 10 easy small plants to grow indoors and outdoors that bring life to any space. From succulents and pothos to herbs and ferns, these low-maintenance plants thrive in all conditions. Perfect for beginners, they add greenery, freshness, and charm while requiring minimal care and space to flourish beautifully.

Why Small Plants Make Big Sense

Small plants fit anywhere—desks, shelves, coffee tables, balconies.

They grow fast enough to keep you excited but slow enough that they won’t take over your living room. Plus, they’re cheap, easy to swap around, and surprisingly tough. Want variety without the chaos?

Small plants are your MVPs.

10 Easy Small Plants You’ll Actually Keep Alive

Let’s hit the greatest hits. These plants handle indoor life, outdoor life, and your occasional neglect. Some tolerate full sun, some prefer bright shade—mix and match to suit your space.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The no-drama vine

Light: Bright indirect to low light
Water: Let the top inch dry out
Why it rocks: It trails, it climbs, it forgives you when you forget it.
Outdoors, hang it in bright shade. Indoors, it handles office lighting like a champ.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – The plant that makes more plants

Light: Bright indirect
Water: Keep slightly moist, not soggy
Why it rocks: It pumps out baby “spiderettes.” Stick them in water or soil, and boom—free plants. FYI, it tolerates neglect like a seasoned pro.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria/Dracaena trifasciata) – The indestructible one

Light: Low to bright, even some direct sun
Water: Infrequently; let it dry completely
Why it rocks: You could forget this for weeks and it will still look smug.
Great indoors and on shaded patios.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – The glossy minimalist

Light: Low to bright indirect
Water: When the soil is bone dry
Why it rocks: Thick rhizomes store water, so it thrives even if you don’t. Shiny leaves make any space look expensive, IMO.

Succulents (Haworthia, Echeveria, Sedum) – Tiny sun-lovers

Light: Bright light to full sun
Water: Sparingly; soak and dry
Why they rock: Cute rosettes, wild textures, and zero fuss. Outdoors, they thrive in sunny spots.
Indoors, give them a bright window and well-draining soil.

Herbs (Basil, Mint, Parsley) – Edible and adorable

Light: 4–6 hours of sun; bright window or patio
Water: Keep evenly moist
Why they rock: They smell good, they taste better, and you’ll flex on pasta night. Mint grows like a boss outdoors; keep it in a pot so it doesn’t take over your life.

Peperomia (Peperomia obtusifolia, watermelon peperomia) – The compact cutie

Light: Bright to medium indirect
Water: Let top inch dry; avoid soggy soil
Why it rocks: Thick leaves store water, so it’s forgiving. Tons of shapes and patterns keep things interesting.

English Ivy (Hedera helix) – The classic climber

Light: Bright indirect; cooler rooms preferred
Water: Keep slightly moist
Why it rocks: Trails beautifully from shelves or outdoor containers.
Note: can be invasive in the ground—keep it potted outdoors.

Marigolds (Tagetes) – The sunny outdoor star that handles pots

Light: Full sun
Water: When top inch dries
Why they rock: Bright blooms, petite size, and they help deter some pests. Great starter flowers for balconies and steps.

Fittonia (Nerve Plant) – The drama queen you’ll still love

Light: Low to medium indirect
Water: Keep evenly moist; loves humidity
Why it rocks: Striking leaf veins and compact growth. It might flop if thirsty, then perk up after a drink—melodramatic, but fun.

Set Them Up for Success

You don’t need fancy gear.

You need the basics dialed in. Think of it like making coffee: beans, water, heat. Do the simple stuff right and you’ll crush it.

Light: The Make-or-Break Factor

Bright indirect: Near a window with filtered light.
East or north windows work great.
Full sun: Direct rays for hours—south or west windows, or outdoors with no shade.
Low light: No direct sun, a few feet from a window. Snake, pothos, and ZZ don’t mind.

Soil and Pots: Drainage or Disaster

Use pots with drainage holes. Non-negotiable.
Soil matters: Cactus mix for succulents; light indoor mix for tropicals; herb mix for edibles.
Don’t oversize the pot. Go 1–2 inches wider than the current root ball to prevent soggy soil.

Watering: Less Guessing, More Checking

Finger test: Stick a finger in the soil. Dry up to your first knuckle?
Time to water.
Soak, then drain: Water thoroughly, then empty the saucer.
Seasonal shifts: Plants drink more in warm months and less in winter. Adjust, don’t automate.

Easy Combos for Indoors and Outdoors

Want quick wins? Pair plants with similar needs and let them vibe together.

It looks intentional without any actual effort. Win-win.

Indoor Shelf Trio

Snake Plant for structure
Pothos for trailing drama
Peperomia for texture

All three like bright to medium light and infrequent watering. Toss in a cute mister if you like props.

Sunny Balcony Box

Marigolds for color
Succulents for low maintenance
Parsley for dinner

They all enjoy strong light and good drainage.

Bonus: the marigolds bring pollinators to the party.

Small Space? Grow Up, Not Out

Vertical space is your secret weapon. Hang pothos or ivy, use wall shelves for succulents, and stack plant stands like a botanical Jenga tower.

Outdoors, go with railing planters and tiered racks. You’ll fit a mini garden in the footprint of a doormat, FYI.

Climbers and Trailers

Pothos and Ivy: Train them up a trellis or let them cascade.
String-of-things: If you want to level up later, string-of-pearls or string-of-hearts look amazing in small pots.

Simple Routine to Keep Them Thriving

Consistency beats intensity. You don’t need a spreadsheet—just a light routine that takes five minutes a week.

Seriously.

Weekly: Check soil, rotate pots for even growth, tidy dead leaves.
Monthly: Dust leaves so they can breathe; feed with diluted fertilizer during spring and summer.
Seasonally: Move sun-lovers closer to windows in winter; bring tender plants indoors before frost.

FAQs

Which of these plants can handle low light best?

Snake plant, ZZ plant, and pothos handle low light like champs. They won’t grow fast, but they’ll stay healthy and green. Keep watering light in low light conditions.

Can I grow these outdoors year-round?

Depends on your climate. Herbs, marigolds, and succulents love warm weather but hate frost. Pothos, peperomia, fittonia, and ZZ prefer temps above 55°F.

If winter gets cold, bring them inside before the first frost.

How do I stop overwatering?

Use draining soil and pots with holes, then water only when the top inch feels dry. If you’re unsure, wait another day. Most beginners kill plants with kindness (aka soggy soil).

IMO, a moisture meter can help if you’re anxious.

Are these safe for pets?

Spider plant, peperomia, marigold, and some herbs are generally pet-friendly. Pothos, snake plant, ZZ, and English ivy can be toxic if chewed. Keep those out of reach or choose alternatives if your pets snack on leaves.

Do I need grow lights?

Not always. A bright window usually works.

If your space feels cave-like, a small full-spectrum LED can help, especially for succulents and herbs. Use a timer for 10–12 hours daily to keep it simple.

How often should I fertilize?

During spring and summer, feed once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Skip feeding in winter when growth slows.

Your plants aren’t bulking then; they’re basically napping.

Wrap-Up: Start Small, Grow Happy

You don’t need a greenhouse or a green thumb. Pick two or three plants from this list, dial in light and watering, and watch the wins pile up. Plants make your space feel alive—and they make you feel like the kind of person who has it together.

Which, IMO, you absolutely are. Now go get that mini jungle started.