The 24 Smallest Plants & Flowers in the World!
Extraordinary!

Introduction

Let’s face it, who doesn’t like small plants? You can take them and keep them almost anywhere. You can add a pinch of green to any space in your house with a small plant. You might be interested to know about the smallest plants and flowers in the world. 

Tillandsia, Fenestraria, Echeveria, Peperomia, Peace lily, Lucky bamboo, Lithops, Kalanchoe, African violets, Fittonia, and Baby’s breath are some of the smallest plants and flowers in the world. 

Smallest Plants & Flowers in the World

1. Tillandsia

Tillandsia, commonly known as Air plants, is one of the smallest plants in the world. The smallest of these grows up to only 2 inches. These plants can be found almost anywhere, from rainforests to deserts.

These plants can absorb nutrients in the air through their leaves. They do well indoors if they get sufficient amount of indirect sunlight. 

2. Fenestraria

Fenestraria is a small succulent that belongs to the Aizoaceae family. The leaves of this plant are round and flat with only their tips on display. 

These plants require a few hours of bright sunlight and well-drained soil mix. They prefer sandy soil for growth. 

3. Echeveria

Echeveria is a popular genus of succulents and flowering plants. These succulents are often very small with tight rosettes of thick fleshy leaves. Native to Mexico, these succulents are easy to take care of. 

Echeveria succulents prefer indirect sunlight indoors. The leaves of some varieties even change color and turn bright when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. 

4. Peperomia

Commonly known as Radiator plants, Peperomia plants are small perennial plants which grow on wood. The leaves of these plants are oval-shaped and are equipped with smooth edges. 

These plants need to be kept in a spot where they can receive bright indirect sunlight. They only require to be watered once the soil has dried out. 

5. Peace lily

Spathiphyllum, commonly known as Peace lily, is a small plant with shiny green leaves and unique white flowers. These plants don’t require much sunlight and thrive in shade. 

You can always mist the soil if you’re concerned about underwatering this plant. This plant symbolizes peace and prosperity just like its name suggests. 

6. Lucky bamboo

Dracaena sanderiana, commonly known as Lucky bamboo, consists of short branches which end in long leaves. It can be kept as a houseplant since it is easy to take care of. 

A watertight container can be used to grow this plant. You can find these plants in different stem arrangements too. 

7. Lithops

Lithops, commonly known as living stones, are small succulents that grow amongst stones and lichens. These plants rarely change their position when growing. 

These plants thrive in bright sunlight during the morning and prefer shade in the afternoon. They need to be watered only once every two weeks during their growth phase.

8. Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe, commonly known as Widow’s thrill, belongs to the Crassulaceae family of flowering plants. This is a small attractive succulent because of its low-maintenance needs and bright flowers. 

This plant enjoys a few hours of full sun and partial shade. Flowers bloom during the winter.

9. African violets

Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia, commonly known as African violets, belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. This plant has unique violet, purple and white flowers. 

These plants need to be watered with lukewarm water. Providing them with the right light intensity determines how fast the flowers will bloom.

10. Fittonia

Fittonia, commonly known as the Nerve or Mosaic plant, belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This plant has evergreen leaves with distinct white veins. 

Fittonia plants usually prefer bright light indoors. They require the soil to be moist. 

11. Baby’s breath

Gypsophila, commonly known as Baby’s breath, are small white and violet flowers. These are often used as wedding decor as bridal bouquets. They symbolize everlasting love. 

PRO-TIP

Place it in a spot where it receives six hours of sunlight daily

These flowers need full sun to thrive. The plant prefers a neutral well-draining soil mix. 

12. Garden thyme

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as Garden thyme, is a small flowering plant native to Southern Europe. Thyme is a rich source of vitamin C. It is primarily used to add flavor to food. 

The garden thyme plant requires full sun to grow. Acidic and alkaline soil ensures its healthy growth. 

13. Kenilworth Ivy

Cymbalaria muralis, commonly known as Kenilworth ivy, grows some of the smallest flowers in the world. It grows small lilac blue flowers. It is native to Mediterranean Europe. 

The Kenilworth ivy plant can be grown indoors easily. It can adapt to any environment.

14. Black swallow-wort

Cynanchum louiseae, commonly known as Black-swallow-wort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the milkweed family. It often produces dark green foliage. 

These plants bloom during the summer and spring. These plants were introduced to American soil for horticultural purposes. 

15. Black medic

Medicago lupulina, commonly known as Black medic, belongs to the Fabaceae family of peas and beans. Small yellow flowers bloom when conditions are right. 

These flowers are used to make honey. This plant is known to fix nitrogen in the soil. 

16. Alfalfa

Medicago sativa, commonly known as Alfalfa, belongs to the Fabaceae family of legumes. Purple flowers bloom during the spring and summer. The plant alone can grow very tall.

The flowers of this plant remain small. This plant is tolerant to drought and heat. 

17. Bladderwort

Utricularia, commonly known as Bladderwort, are carnivorous plants that can be found in fresh water all around the world. This plant has slender stems that are submersed sometimes. 

Small fragrant flowers bloom when conditions are ideal. This plant is often used to treat kidney infections, hence the name.

18. Scorpion grasses

Myosotis, also known as forget-me-not and scorpion grasses, belongs to the Boraginaceae family. Symmetrical small blue flowers grow during the spring. 

This plant is easy to take care of because of its low-maintenance needs. It grows best in shaded areas.

19. Lobelia

Lobelia erinus, commonly known as garden lobelia and trailing lobelia, belongs to the Campanulaceae family of flowering plants. It is a small perennial plant native to southern Africa.

The plant grows small brightly colored flowers. It needs to be watered frequently during the summer. 

20. Oxalis

Oxalis triangularis, commonly known as Purple shamrocks, belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is a small perennial plant that grows purple flowers. 

It can be easily grown in well-drained soil. It needs to be watered frequently during its growing season and thrives in indirect sunlight.

21. Spider plant

Chlorophytum comosum, commonly known as the Spider plant, belongs to the Asparagaceae family. This plant has distinct narrow long leaves with white stripes. 

The Spider plant needs to be kept in indirect sunlight with the soil evenly wet. It needs to be kept dry in the winter. 

22. Chinese money plant

Pilea peperomioides, commonly known as Chinese money plant, belongs to the Urticaceae family. This plant has distinct dark green oval-shaped leaves. 

This plant can be kept indoors in a sunny spot. 

WARNING!

Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent burns on the leaf

23. Sweetheart plant

Hoya kerrii, commonly known as the Sweetheart plant is a small heart-shaped plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family of trees and shrubs. 

It needs to be watered once every 3 or 4 weeks. It thrives in bright sunlight and remains unchanged even after several years have passed. 

24. Elatior Begonia

Begonia × hiemalis, commonly known as Elatior Begonia, belongs to the Begoniaceae family of flowering plants. This plant grows pink, red and yellow flowers. 

This plant prefers a medium light intensity and warm temperatures during the day. 

Conclusion

We have looked at the 24 smallest plants and flowers in the world. Some of these were Kalanchoe, Lobelia, Scorpion grasses, Baby’s breath and Lithops. 

If you enjoyed reading about plants and flowers, you might be interested to read about succulents with purple flowers. 

Posted in: Succulent Flowers Facts