It has been proven that indoor plants can significantly boost mood, productivity, concentration, and creativity.1
Surprisingly, you don’t need a sprawling garden or even a spacious apartment to enjoy these benefits. In fact, many plants thrive in the confined space of a simple glass jar.
Here are 14 houseplants that you can easily grow in a jar, and the reasons why they’re perfect for compact spaces.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a classic choice for indoor gardening. Its long, slender leaves cascade over the sides of the jar, creating a striking visual effect. Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
Tip: Bright, indirect light is best for spider plants. Wait until the soil is dry before watering to avoid root rot.
2. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown in a hanging jar or trained to climb a small trellis. This evergreen vine is known for its ability to remove airborne mold and other allergens, making it an excellent choice for those with sensitivities.
Tip: English ivy flourishes in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Encourage fuller growth by pinching back the tips.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves come in a variety of colors, from deep green to variegated yellow and white.
Pothos is an effective air purifier, removing pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde.
Tip: While pothos can survive in low light, brighter conditions will lead to more vibrant foliage. Let the soil dry between waterings for optimal growth.
4. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreen is a low-maintenance plant with attractive, variegated leaves. It can tolerate low light conditions and infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
It is also known for its air-purifying properties, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.
Tip: Well-draining soil and moderate humidity are essential for Chinese evergreen. Steer clear of overwatering to prevent root rot.
5. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a tough, resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Its tall, upright leaves are perfect for narrow jars or containers.
They are excellent air purifiers, removing toxins like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and benzene.
Tip: Snake plants are tolerant of low light and infrequent watering. To avoid root rot, wait until the soil is completely dry before watering.
6. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is not actually a bamboo, but rather a type of Dracaena. This plant is often grown in water, making it perfect for a glass jar. In feng shui, lucky bamboo is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.
Tip: It thrives in bright, indirect light. Refresh the water every 1-2 weeks and add a drop of liquid fertilizer monthly for optimal growth.
7. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are a diverse group of plants with a wide range of leaf shapes and sizes. Many varieties, such as the heartleaf philodendron, are well-suited for growing in jars.
They are known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene.
Tip: These plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
8. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
African violets are charming, compact plants that produce beautiful, delicate flowers. They are well-suited for growing in small jars or containers, as long as they receive adequate light and humidity.
It come in a wide range of colors, from deep purple to pink and white.
Tip: These plants need bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. To avoid leaf damage, keep water away from the foliage.
9. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
Air plants are unique in that they don’t require soil to grow. Instead, they absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Air plants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be displayed in glass jars, terrariums, or even on a piece of driftwood.
Tip: It requires bright, indirect light and regular misting. For proper hydration, soak the plant in water for 20-30 minutes once a week.
10. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias are a diverse group of plants with colorful flowers and foliage. Many varieties, such as the wax begonia and the rex begonia, are well-suited for growing in jars.
They are known for their ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
Tip: Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering by allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
11. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are succulent shrubs with thick, glossy leaves. They are well-suited for growing in jars, as they are slow-growing and require little water.
In some cultures, jade plants are believed to bring good luck and financial prosperity.
Tip: They require bright, direct light and well-draining soil. To prevent root rot, water only when the soil is completely dry.
12. Nerve Plant (Fittonia albivenis)
Nerve plants, also known as mosaic plants, are compact, low-growing plants with colorful, veined leaves. They are well-suited for growing in jars, as they prefer high humidity and consistent moisture.
They come in a variety of colors, from deep green to pink and white.
Tip: Nerve plants thrive in bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil. To maintain high humidity, mist the leaves regularly.
13. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Peperomias are a diverse group of compact, low-growing plants with attractive foliage. Many varieties, such as the watermelon peperomia and the baby rubber plant, are well-suited for growing in jars.
These plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
Tip: Peperomias prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
14. Marimo Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)
Marimo moss balls are not actually moss but rather a type of algae that grows in a spherical shape. These unique plants are native to lakes in Japan and Iceland and are well-suited for growing in glass jars filled with water.
In Japanese culture, marimo moss balls are believed to bring good luck and long life.
Tip: Marimo moss balls require low to medium light and cool water. Refresh the water every 1-2 weeks and gently squeeze the ball to remove excess debris.
Growing houseplants in glass jars is a fun and easy way to bring a touch of nature into your home. So, grab a jar, some soil, and your favorite plant, and start your own miniature garden today!
Source:
1. National Library of Medicine
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.