15 Low-Maintenance Houseplants For Small & Shallow Pots
Sometimes you have excess shallow pots around your home and no houseplants to place in them. In times like these, you don’t choose the plants, the pots do.
But which houseplants are suitable for shallow pots such as those 3–6 in (7.5–15 cm) deep? Which of those plants can you add to your life without adding too much time and effort to maintain?
Beginner houseplants are ideal for shallow pots. Snake plants, pothos, calathea, prayer plants, African violets, flame violets, aloe, pebble plants, and pincushion cacti mean you have a variety to choose from. If you want something that’s low-maintenance after a learning curve, then Bonsai trees work.
1. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata) are lenient with shallow pots. Even larger varieties will need less depth than other plants of the same size. They like a snug fit for their roots, but they will grow wide before they grow deep.
If you have wide but shallow pots, snake plants will be happy. The larger the pot, the larger the snake plant will grow. Wider pots also add stability for taller varieties. And if you’re limited to size, snake plants slow their growth to fit the situation.
If stability is still a question, particularly for larger snake plants, choose a stable pot shape. Square is the most stable, followed by cylindrical. The typical tapered shape is the least.
Looking for dwarf snake plants? Check out this article:
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- Light: Prefers indirect sunlight. It tolerates wide ranges of light, from full sun to low light
- Water: Water when the soil is dry. It prefers being on the dry side.
- Temperature: Ideally, 70–90 °F (21–32 °C). Minimum 50 °F (10 °C).
- Humidity: Optimal at 40%.
- Soil: Sandy and well-drained. (learn more)
- Fertilizers: Fertilize with a cactus or balanced ratio of plant food every three weeks from spring to fall.
- Pruning: Cut tall or sick leaves with a knife to keep the plant small or healthy.
FURTHER READING: 16 Snake Plant Decoration & Arrangement Ideas
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a tropical vine with often variegated and heart-shaped leaves. They are easy to care for, and their vine structure lets them grow outward and weigh on other objects, not a stem.
They don’t need the stability of deeper roots, and instead have shallow ones and prefer shallow pots for lateral support. Whatever the size of their root ball, give them 2 in (5 cm) more across so they’ll grow thicker rather than get thin and long.
- Light: Prefers full sunlight, but not direct sunlight.
- Water: Water once every 7 to 10 days. (learn more)
- Temperature: Ideally, 70–90 degrees Fahrenheit (21–32 degrees Celsius). Minimum 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize once every three months.
- Pruning: Cut back leggy stems to make the pothos fuller.
3. String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus) appears as they sound. Small, pea-sized orbs grow together on a vine that you can hang in a shallow pot in your house. While they resemble small grapes or peas, the spheres are actually the plant’s leaves.
It grows fast at 5–15 in (13–31 cm) per year. But by the time the plant is getting too big for a pot, you can propagate it. It lives longer if you do.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Provide it with a thorough soaking every week or two. If the orbs start to shrivel up, the plant needs more water.
- Temperature: Ideally, 50–70 degrees Fahrenheit (10–21 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: Prefers low humidity. But it’s tolerant of the standard household humidity.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize every two weeks from spring to fall and every six weeks in the winter. Use a diluted mix at half the recommended concentration.
- Pruning: Cut off brown stems. If you want to propagate, cut off a healthy stem and plant it in a new pot.
4. Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
The baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) has no relation to the rubber plant, which is a ficus. The baby rubber plant stays small, has a shallow root system, and can fit anywhere in your home you can put a plant.
It takes a bushy shape but has rubbery leaves that can be dark green or multiple shades of green and yellow.
- Light: Plants with variegated leaves prefer bright sunlight. Plants with darker green leaves prefer indirect lighting.
- Water: Water after the first 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) dries.
- Temperature: Ideally, 65–75 degrees Fahrenheit (18–24 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Sandy mixed with peat and well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize with a diluted mix every month in the summer.
- Pruning: Pinch off leaves that are growing farther from the main stem to keep a bushy appearance and limit the size of the plant.
5. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
The nerve plant (Fittonia albivenis) has elaborate variegation. One light color branches out along the veins like a diagram of a mammal’s nervous system. It stands out against the dark green of the rest of the leaf.
It grows low to the surface and is shallow in the soil. This form makes it great for shallow pots but for terrarium arrangements with other plants. Terrariums or bathroom placements are ideal. The one challenge with nerve plants is providing enough humidity.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect lighting.
- Water: Water after the first 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) dries.
- Temperature: Ideally, 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit (16–27 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize with a balanced, diluted, half-concentration mix every week.
- Pruning: Pinch off leaves and flower buds growing farther from the main stem to keep a bushy appearance.
6. Pinstripe Plant (Calathea ornata)
Pinstripe plants (Calathea ornata) received their name for their leaf variegation patterns. They grow broader on top than at their base. They also have shallow roots. This weight distribution makes wide and shallow pots helpful for balance and stability.
They also stay healthier in a shallow pot. In deep pots, water can gather at the bottom where plants with shallow roots can’t reach. Plants need the water to help them reach soil nutrients. You would need to water more often because the water evaded the plant.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. It tolerates shade.
- Water: Water once a week in the summer and every other week in the winter. It prefers constant moisture given in frequent, lukewarm small amounts in the morning.
- Temperature: Ideally, 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Minimum 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize every two weeks from spring to fall.
- Pruning: Cut the damaged yellow leaves with a knife when they appear.
7. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
Prayer plants (Maranta leuconeura) are known for their colorful and uniquely patterned leaves. Those leaves lay flat during the day and rise like hands in prayer at night.
There are different types of prayer plants that you can choose. Every variety has a different approach to color and patterns.
These plants have shallow roots and a wide leaf arrangement perfect for shallow pots. They like to crawl on the ground, so a wide & shallow pot will suite them better than a narrow & tall pot. They are also prone to root rot in deep containers.
They can also be fussier indoors compared to a hot, humid summer vacation outside, so have a humidity strategy for your home.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. It tolerates shade.
- Water: Water after the first 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) dries. It prefers lukewarm servings in the morning.
- Temperature: Ideally, 60–80 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5–26.5 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize every two weeks from spring to fall, but once per month in the winter.
- Pruning: Prune 2–3 times each year.
8. African Violets (Saintpaulia spp.)
African Violets (Saintpaulia spp.) are easy to care for and have bright flowers that bloom multiple times per year. They also fit into small pots thanks to shallow roots.
Depending on the care techniques you use and the plant variety you have, you can grow an African violet anywhere from 6–24 in (15–61 cm).
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates shade.
- Water: Water after the first 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) dries. Prefers lukewarm water directly to the base without dampening the leaves or into a saucer.
- Temperature: Ideally, 60–70 degrees Fahrenheit (15–21 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize every 4–7 weeks.
- Pruning: Pinch off or cut the leaves or flowers if the violet has become less dense.
9. Flame Violet (Episcia cupreata)
Like African violets, flame violets (Episcia cupreata) grow broad and fast. Wide, shallow pots let them do that and support violets when they lean out.
The flowers fit the “flame” moniker with varieties displaying bright red, pink, or yellow tubes. Leaves also complement with variegation and grow in a showy rosette form.
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. It tolerates shade.
- Water: Prefers constant moisture given in frequent, lukewarm small amounts directly to the base without dampening the leaves or into a saucer.
- Temperature: Ideally, 50–65 degrees Fahrenheit (10–18 degrees Celsius) at night and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) during the day.
- Humidity: High, as it is a tropical plant.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize every two weeks from spring to fall.
- Pruning: Pinch off leaves when you want to limit the plant’s growth.
10. Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum raddianum)
Almost any fern will have shallow, tender roots suitable for shallow pots. Yet the maidenhair fern (Adiantum raddianum) will also add diversity to your home thanks to its fan-shaped leaves. They’re also hardy as long as you provide them with high enough humidity.
Make sure the pot allows for around 1 in (2.5 cm) of room from the roots all the way around the pot. Maidenhair ferns like that balance of freedom.
- Light: Prefers indirect light from the east or north. It dries out if exposed too long to harsher south and west lighting.
- Water: Prefers constant moisture given every 3–7 days.
- Temperature: Ideally, 65–75 degrees Fahrenheit (18–24 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: 30–50 percent.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: If at all, fertilize every month with a diluted mix at half the recommended concentration.
- Pruning: Cut off brown fronds as needed, though they fall off on their own just fine.
11. Echeverias (Echevaria spp.)
Echeverias (Echevaria spp.) are popular succulents because of their rosette shape, ranging colors, and ease of care. They do well in shallow, wide pots and like to share with other plants. These traits also make them ideal for artistic arrangements.
These succulents come from a high elevation from Mexico and down to Argentina. So they tolerate a lower range of temperatures despite being desert plants.
- Light: Prefers indirect sunlight for long periods. It does best on a south-facing window.
- Water: Soak with water after the soil gets completely dry.
- Temperature: Ideally, 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Tolerate as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: The lower the better to mimic a dry desert environment.
- Soil: Sandy and well-draining.
- Fertilizers: If at all, fertilize once in early spring and once in late summer using cactus fertilizer.
- Pruning: If at all, prune in early spring.
12. Aloe Vera (Aloe spp.)
Famous for its healing traits, Aloe vera (Aloe spp.) has saw-toothed leaf edges yet thick gel inside. It prefers deeper pots than those specialized for other succulents. But it still prefers shallower and wider pots compared to non-succulents.
Aloe roots grow fast and risk becoming root-bound, which they don’t do well with. Mature aloes like pots 5 in (12–13 cm) tall and 10 in (25–26 cm) across.
- Light: Prefers direct sunlight for six hours a day. Otherwise, move it to a shaded area.
- Water: Water every two weeks in the growing season, but 3–4 weeks in winter. It prefers the soil to dry out, then gets soaked.
- Temperature: Ideally, 55–85 degrees Fahrenheit (13–30 degrees Celsius). It tolerates down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.5 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: It’s tolerant of the standard household humidity.
- Soil: Sandy and well-drained.
- Fertilizers: If you do, fertilize once a year in the spring.
- Pruning: Cut brown tips or leaves with a knife.
13. Pebble Plants (Lithops spp.)
Pebble plants (Lithops spp.) grow as little as 1 in (2.5 cm). As succulents, they grow outward more than downward and need minimal care.
Unlike other plants, they have the unique appearance of colorful pebbles. But they also grow flowers in many colors from fissures. Multiple pebble plants also like to share shallow and wide pots.
- Light: Prefers indirect sunlight for long periods. It does best on a south-facing window.
- Water: Prefers soil to dry out, then get soaked.
- Temperature: Ideally, 65–80 degrees Fahrenheit (18–27 degrees Celsius). It tolerates down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: It’s tolerant of the standard household humidity.
- Soil: Sandy and well-drained.
- Fertilizers: If at all, fertilize once in early spring and once in late summer.
- Pruning: If at all, prune in early spring.
14. Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.)
The Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria spp.) looks like the same pincushion people keep in sewing kits. Like other cactuses, its wide-growing roots and low water requirement make shallow pots ideal.
This succulent is popular enough that if you’ve seen a household cactus it was likely this group. Its spines have warm colors and can look like fur, though they will hurt like needles if you touch them as expected of a cactus.
- Light: Prefers indirect sunlight for 4–6 hours.
- Water: Water once a week in summer. Once every 10–14 days in spring and fall. Prefers soil to dry out before watering in winter.
- Temperature: Ideally, 70–80 degrees Fahrenheit (21–27 degrees Celsius) in the summer and 60–65 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5–18 degrees Celsius) for its winter-dormant state.
- Humidity: It’s tolerant of the standard household humidity.
- Soil: Sandy and well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Use cactus fertilizer in the spring and summer.
- Pruning: Doesn’t need any pruning.
15. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Like many herbs, Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) grows well indoors and in small, shallow pots. If your home has large windows or even a sunroom, you’ve taken care of the main challenge with this plant.
As an added bonus, rosemary is a shrub with needle-like leaves and casts a fresh scent. Place it on a window sill facing west or east. It looks distinct, and you can take occasional clippings for dinner recipes.
- Light: Prefers bright, direct lighting for at least six hours.
- Water: Water after the first 2–3 in (5–7.5 cm) dries. It prefers to get some water from its leaves, so spray mist regularly.
- Temperature: Ideally, 50–80 degrees Fahrenheit (10–27 degrees Celsius).
- Humidity: Tolerant of the standard household humidity.
- Soil: Moist but well-drained.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize once a month from spring to autumn. Use an organic product if you intend to use the plant for seasoning.
- Pruning: Cut woody branches as needed to keep the plant the size you want.
Read more: 10 Herbs to Grow Inside Year-Round – Indoor Herb Garden Ideas (goodhousekeeping.com)
Bonus: Bonsai Tree (many unrelated species)
Bonsai trees aren’t a group of related plants but any tree you can sculpt in the Bonsai art. They take a little more effort to learn how to care for, but they love shallow pots.
These pots tend to be ceramic and have a depth the length of the trunk between where the roots grow out and where the first branches grow out. Pot width should be two-thirds of the tree’s height for elongated pots and one-third for square and circular ones.
Specific care guidelines vary depending on the species, like pine versus cherry. But for general purposes, a tree growing in a bonsai form needs:
- Light: Prefers direct sunlight.
- Water: Prefers constant moisture given in frequent, small amounts.
- Temperature: Standard room temperature. It can withstand lower temperatures as well.
- Humidity: Tolerant of the standard household humidity.
- Soil: Well-draining bonsai soil mix.
- Fertilizers: Fertilize weekly from spring to early autumn.
- Pruning: Prune as needed to keep its shape during summer and autumn.
Read more: 12 Best Indoor Bonsai Trees for Beginners | Balcony Garden Web
Conclusion
15 low-maintenance houseplants thrive in shallow pots. One word of caution. Remember that the smaller the container, the faster it dries out, so you’ll find you need to water more often though in fewer amounts. That’s why you’ll appreciate the minimal work these plants need, particularly if you have many pots that you want to use.
Further reading:
