House Plants With Shallow Roots: 15 Low Maintenance Picks for Small Spaces

When gardening in compact indoor spaces or planting in shallow containers outdoors choosing house plants with shallow root systems is key. While deep-rooted plants require more soil depth to properly anchor and access nutrients shallow-rooted varieties can thrive in just a few inches of soil.

Beyond their petite root structures, houseplants for shallow pots need to be relatively small, slow growing, and low maintenance Large, fast-growing plants would quickly become root-bound without ample space to spread out. Going for compact, easy-care varieties ensures shallow-rooted plants stay happy and healthy even in confined pots

If you’re looking for houseplants suitable for shallow planters, here are 15 excellent options to consider:

1. Succulents

With their plump leaves and small root balls, succulents are practically made for shallow pots. Their drought-tolerant nature also cuts down on watering duties. Some popular picks include Echeveria, Sedum, Sempervivum, and Haworthia. Mix varieties for gorgeous rosettes in colors like green, red, pink, blue, and purple.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants have shallow spreads of thick, strappy leaves that tolerate neglect like a pro. These virtually indestructible plants will thrive in just 2 to 3 inches of soil. Choose compact varieties like ‘Moonshine’ or ‘Bird’s Nest’ for petite pots.

3. Nerve Plant (Fittonia)

Delicate tropical nerve plants produce a dense web of surface roots perfect for shallow pots. Their colorful veined leaves – available in red, pink, white, and green – add vivid appeal. Nerve plants like evenly moist soil.

4. Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes Phyllostachya)

With spotted leaves in shades of white, pink, red, and green, polka dot plants pack a punch of color into small spaces. Their roots skim the soil surface, making them ideal specimens for terrariums and 2 to 4 inch pots. Keep soil moist and give bright, indirect light.

5. Peperomia

Peperomia offer hundreds of cute choices like ‘Watermelon,’ ‘Red Ripple,’ and ‘Emerald Ripple’ with chubby leaves and compact growth. These petite tropical plants thrive in shallow pots and bright, indirect light. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

6. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Air plants pull moisture and nutrients right from the air, eliminating any need for soil. Their minimal root structures make them perfect for displaying in seashells, hanging glass globes, mounted wood, and other shallow containers. Mist air plants 2-3 times per week.

7. Mini Orchids

Compact orchid varieties like moth orchids (Phalaenopsis) and lady’s slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum) adapt readily to shallow pots. Orchids grow naturally on tree branches with exposed aerial roots. Use an orchid potting mix and provide ample humidity and indirect sunlight.

8. Mosses

For a lush carpet of green in miniature scenes, choose mood-boosting mood moss! Shallow dishes like bonsai trays or bulb pans filled with just 1-2 inches of soil are ideal for moss gardens. Keep the moss evenly moist but not soaked.

9. Herbs

Many cooking herbs have shallow roots perfect for compact indoor gardens or kitchen windowsills. Options like basil, mint, oregano, thyme, and parsley will prosper in 4-6 inches of container depth. Let soil dry between waterings.

10. Ferns

Dainty ferns like maidenhair fern (Adiantum) and button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia) thrive in high humidity with their roots kept continually moist. Display them in open terrariums or small pots to accommodate their shallow roots. Avoid direct sun.

11. Miniature Ornamental Grasses

Delicate ornamental grasses like blue fescue (Festuca glauca), red fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’), or Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) add graceful texture and movement with minimal roots. Grasses do well in wide, shallow bowls.

12. Cacti & Succulents

Miniature cacti and succulents like burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum), mini aloes, and dwarf euphorbias will be right at home in 3 to 5 inches of fast-draining container depth. Use a cactus mix and water these drought-lovers sparingly.

13. Mini Carnivorous Plants

Add unusual carnivorous varieties like pygmy sundews (Drosera) or Mexican butterworts (Pinguicula) that trap insects for nutrients. Their shallow roots thrive in wide, boggy pans. Use distilled water and give very bright light.

14. Cotula (Button Plants)

Tough little button plants (Cotula squalida) produce cute round leaves on short stems dotted with tiny daisy-like blooms. They form mats of shallow roots perfect for decorating shallow dishes and hypertufa troughs.

15. Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris)

This petite groundcover has wiry stems that trail gracefully from shallow pots. Tiny rounded leaves and white flowers create interest. The roots quickly branch and spread. It thrives in average room humidity.

When shopping for shallow rooted houseplants, be sure to check the mature plant size and growth rate. Compact, slow growing varieties under 12 inches tall make the best choices. With the right plant picks, even the littlest containers can burst with vibrant life!