Plants for Shallow Pots do not need deep spaces for their roots to thrive, making them a great pick for spots like tabletops!
For small spaces like shelves and cabinets where you would like to showcase green specimens, you want plants for shallow pots, so that they can be displayed in a limited room. For that, we have the most beautiful ones!
Best Plants for Shallow Pots
1. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
One of the best plants for shallow pots, spider plants can be easily confined to a 4-6 inches pot, where they will be more than happy to thrive, as long as they get bright and indirect light all day.
2. Succulents
Most succulents, such as Echeverias, Sedums, and Haworthias, have compact root systems perfect for shallow pots. They also require minimal water, which makes them ideal for low-maintenance indoor settings.
3. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
While peace lilies can grow larger, their root system remains relatively shallow, allowing them to thrive in smaller pots. They also grow at a moderate pace, not requiring frequent re-potting.
4. Nerve Plant
Botanical Name: Fittonia
This slow-growing plant has the perfect growth rate for shallow containers. Plus, its roots grow just 2-4 inches in length on average, which makes it suitable for small pots.
5. Baby Tears
Botanical Name: Soleirolia soleirolii
This delicate, mat-forming plant is ideal for shallow containers. Although it grows fast, the root length of this plant stays minimal—about 1-2 inches long.
6. African Violet
Botanical Name: Saintpaulia
Probably one of the most colorful plants for shallow pots, African violet’s small and shallow root systems make it perfect for window boxes or small pots.
7. Chinese Money Plant
Botanical Name: Pilea peperomioides
Known for its unique round leaves, this plant has a shallow root system that adapts well to small containers. Go for pots that are about 2 inches more than its root ball.
8. String of Pearls
Botanical Name: Senecio rowleyanus
With its bead-like leaves, this succulent prefers bright light and light watering. Its moderate growth and 2-3 inch root length make it perfect for petite pots.
9. Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha
Mint is a vigorous cultivar that’s perfect for shallow containers. This way, you can also control its spread and grow it on kitchen windowsills!
10. Creeping Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus serpyllum
Creeping thyme varieties are perfect for small pots due to its shallow root system and spreading growth habit. This herbaceous perennial thrives in full sun.
11. Begonias
Botanical Name: Begonia spp.
Due to their compact root systems, begonias are ideal for shallow pots. Their ability to thrive in confined spaces makes them perfect for balconies and patios in window boxes.
12. Lamb’s Ear
Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina
Its velvety leaves are not only soft to the touch, but the shallow root system of the plant is perfect for limited soil depths and shallow pots.
13. Maranta
Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
Also known as Prayer Plant, it features fascinating leaf movements and thrives best in high humidity. Its 3-4 inches of root length makes it perfect to thrive in shallow pots.
14. Zebra Plant
Botanical Name: Haworthiopsis fasciata
This succulent has beautiful striped leaves and minimal root depth, making it perfect for stylish shallow planters. A four-inch container would be perfect for this plant.
15. Coleus
Botanical Name: Plectranthus scutellarioides
Coleus is a tropical evergreen perennial with a perfect blend of colorful foliage and petite size. These factors, coupled with a shallow root system, make it a perfect candidate for shallow pots.
16. Hibiscus
Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
A beautiful flower that grows quite well in shallow pots, you can keep it in a 6-8 inches container and watch it thrive in all its might. Just make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight.
17. Hosta
Botanical Name: Hosta
Hostas are the best colorful leaf plants you can grow after coleus in shallow pots. They will be more than happy to spread, so you can pick a container that’s wider than deep. Also, they appreciate bright and indirect light all day long.
