Small Indoor Plants With Limited Growth
Small houseplants are a particular joy in a small apartment. Fitting on narrow windowsills, on a corner shelf or even in the bathroom window, they bring a fresh feeling and look to what may sometimes feel like crowded quarters. The challenge of small houseplants is to find those that grow well while remaining small. Learn about some sources and ideas for small houseplants that can flourish without needing to grow big. Does this Spark an idea?
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Resources for Finding Small Houseplants
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To get solid information on the growth habits of houseplants, look at plants in nurseries or flower shops. Plant knowledge means that care for plants and their overall condition are likely to be superior to home-improvement and grocery-store seasonal plant sales. Professionals will know whether plants are young or mature, a particular problem with seasonal plant sellers, for whom large plants may be divided or trimmed to fit a uniform size of pot. If seasonal sales offer good prices and healthy plants, check for tags that indicate mature size.
Breeding Can Limit Size
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To be certain houseplants stay close to purchased size, look for "miniatures." These plants are bred specifically to stay small. Remember that their small size can mean more dependence on your care than that needed for larger plants. Get good information on nutritional, moisture and other needs when you purchase your miniature plant.
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Habitat of Origin Can Limit Size
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Although they come from different families, several kinds of small plants share a fondness for bright, indirect light. While many of these plants may have a tropical origin, they have also come from forest floors where light is screened by taller plants. African violets, aluminum plant, polka dot plant, and the small fern known as baby's tears all retain an essentially round shape as they grow. Violet blooms come in a wide range of colors and shapes. Other plants in this group of indirect-light lovers offer texture and color in wheels of small-leaved foliage. Just as bright sun produces strong growth, bright indirect light encourages more measured growth in many houseplants.
Resource Use Can Limit Size
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While some plants use light strength to regulate their growth, other growing factors influence other kinds of plants. Succulents, which range from kalanchoe and jade plant to all varieties of cactus, have been raised to use scarce resources well. Too much water or too much fertilizer can bring a succulent to waterlogged collapse. Slow growth lets plants make the most of very little.
Gardeners Can Limit Size
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Although many houseplants regulate growth on their own, another way to cultivate small houseplants is to participate in growth regulation. Larger plants from juniper to maple to jasmine are all good candidates for assisted miniaturization. Be prepared to devote more time to bonsai care than that needed by other plants, since it is the decisions you make that determine final growth. Well-tended bonsai can live for many years.
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References
- Photo Credit African violet image by pncphotos from Fotolia.com
