It can be hard to find the right sized plants if you’re living in an apartment where you can practically touch both walls with outstretched arms. Especially ones that are well known for taking over spaces.
I’ve crammed a lot of plants into a tiny apartment over the years, some of those Monsteras, so I know which work and which definitely don’t. And I’m going to go through the best ones if you’ve got very little in the way of space but still want to enjoy all Monsteras have to offer.
What Makes a Monstera Work in a Small Space?
Not all monsteras work in small spaces. Some types are well suited for it whereas others will either struggle or simply takeover. I had a standard Monstera deliciosa that practically ate my living room corner in just one year.
Having success with Monstera in small spaces comes down to a few things:
- Growth rate that won’t have you constantly pruning
- Naturally smaller leaves or compact growing
- Can it be trained to climb rather than spread?
- Pruning tolerance when you need to rein it in
I’ve had friends who have had to give up their Monstera and get a different variety because it grew too much and wouldn’t fit in their apartment. It’s a lot better if you choose the right type from the start.
Best Monstera Varieties That Won’t Devour Your Small Space
Monstera adansonii (Swiss Cheese Plant)
If you want Monsteras iconic holey leaves but without dealing with something too large then the adansonii is the one for you. They have smaller leaves (usually 4 to 7 inches max) and lots of characteristic monstera holes that you can’t mistake for anything else.
What makes adansonii work so well in small spaces is it grows more like a vine. So instead of growing outward in all directions it trails or climbs, and that means you can direct where it grows.
I had one in a hanging basket above my desk for a couple of years and only had to occasionally trim the longest vines when they started getting too close to my keyboard.
What Makes it Work:
- Smaller leaves that still have the Monstera personality
- Flexible growing – hang it, train it up a moss pole or let it grow at will over a shelf
- Responds well to pruning without sulking
- Can handle less than perfect light conditions typical in apartments
Monstera siltepecana (Silver Monstera)
Want something a bit more unique? Monstera siltepecana stand out with a sort of metallic and silvery leaves that are really interesting and different.
But what’s really fantastic about siltepecana is that it stays more compact than adansonii but still gives you the flexibility of vines.
Space Saving Features:
- Leaves typically stay under 5 inches, even when mature
- More restrained growth rate – won’t need weekly haircuts
- Looks gorgeous trained up a small trellis or moss pole
- The silvery coloration brightens dark corners
Monstera dubia (Shingle Plant)
Monstera dubia grows unlike most other houseplants – it “shingles”. That means the leaves grow flat against a surface. This unusually flat growth makes it so well suited for small spaces because it literally hugs the wall.
They’re absolutely ideal for a plant wall in any room of your apartment. They’ll grow upwards without sticking out more than a few inches from the wall.
Why It’s Perfect for Tight Spaces:
- Grows essentially two dimensionally along a surface
- Perfect for wall mounting – uses vertical space that’s often wasted
- Slower growing than most other monsteras
- Unusual growth pattern becomes a conversation piece
Be warned though – dubia is more sensitive when it comes to humidity than other Monsteras. I keep mine happy with occasional misting and putting it near other plants. It’s a bit of extra effort but worth it when the results are so beautiful and space saving.
Monstera karstenianum (Monstera Peru)
If you’re looking for something with a bit more texture and character then Monstera Peru (sometimes called karstenianum, though taxonomy is always changing) is one to check out. They have thick, almost embossed leaves that stay reasonably small but are noticeable and interesting.
I have a Peru and it lives on a narrow windowsill that wouldn’t nearly be big enough for something like a deliciosa. Even after a few years it’s still only 18 inches tall and hasn’t spread out much at all, which for a Monstera is considered pretty miniature.
What Makes it Small Space Friendly:
- Naturally compact growth habit – doesn’t vine excessively
- Leaves rarely grow bigger than 6 inches
- Grows more slowly than many monstera varieties
- Thick, leathery leaves resist damage in high-traffic areas
Young Monstera deliciosa
I know what you’re thinking – didn’t I just warn against the classic monstera deliciosa? Well, yes and no. While the mature ones can easily reach over 6ft in all directions the young plants can actually work quite well in small spaces for several years (if you’re clever about it).
It’s not that difficult to do. Just start with a very young plant (with no leaf splits yet) and control its growth through pot size and pruning. I knew someone who kept a deliciosa in her studio apartment for four years this way and even after all that time it was still only 2.5 feet tall.
Making the Classic Work in Small Spaces:
- Juvenile leaves stay smaller and more compact
- Keeping it in a smaller pot (6 to 8 inches) slows growth
- Strategic pruning can maintain a manageable size
- You get the iconic monstera look without the massive footprint
Just be aware that this is a temporary solution. Eventually it will get too big no matter what you do. If you’re in a small space long term then the other varieties on this list might be better options.
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)
Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)
The botanical purists will point out this isn’t technically a monstera and that it’s a different genus. But the plant world commonly calls it “mini monstera” because it has similar split leaves. I think it deserves a spot on this list as it’s one of the best space friendly options that gives you the Monstera feel and look.
Why It Works in Small Spaces:
- Naturally smaller leaves (3 to 5 inches)
- Climbs neatly upward with support rather than spreading out
- Faster growing than true monsteras if you want quicker impact
- Easier care needs than some fussier monstera varieties
Keeping Any Monstera Under Control in Small Spaces
Even the most naturally compact monstera can eventually get too big if it’s left to it’s one devices. If you want to keep them in check try these tips:
Pot Sizing
This is probably the best way to control a Monstera without stressing it. Like most houseplants, Monsteras will only grow as large as their roots allow. So if you keep them in appropriately sized pot they won’t get ridiculously large.
Regular Pruning
Don’t be afraid to give your monstera a proper pruning. They respond well to it, plus it’s better and easier to do smaller, more frequent trimming than major surgery once it’s taken over.
I will usually prune mine every 3 to 4 months, focusing on:
- Removing any awkwardly positioned leaves or stems
- Trimming vines that are getting too long
- Cutting just above a node to encourage branching
An extra tip: Save any cuttings. Monstera cuttings root easily in water and make great gifts or trades for other plants.
Training Vertically
When you don’t have much horizontal space then go up! Most monsteras naturally want to climb anyway, so giving them something to grab onto can redirect their growth in a direction that saves you some space.
For smaller varieties like adansonii or tetrasperma then something like a simple bamboo stake will work really well. For slightly larger types a small moss pole (you can make one of these easily) gives them something to attach the aerial roots to as they grow.
Light and Care in Small Spaces
Small spaces often come with lighting challenges. There may not be many windows or if there are they’re blocked by nearby buildings. Since not enough light leads to leggy, stretched out growth (which takes up more space!), getting this right is a big deal.
Finding the Right Spot
In my apartment I put most of my Monsteras within 4 to 6ft of a window and they get enough light without the leaves burning. East facing windows are ideal but I’ve also had success with west windows too. I have had to use a sheer curtain to filter the afternoon sun though.
For north facing windows or darker corners stick to varieties like adansonii or tetrasperma that do well in shade. My adansonii sits about 8 feet from a north window and still puts out new leaves on a regular basis. Although those leaves stay smaller than they might if they were in brighter light.
Supplement with Grow Lights
When natural light just isn’t enough then a small LED grow light can be a lifesaver. I’ve put small clip on grow lights into my bookshelves to support plants in darker spots. The technology has come a long way and many of the newer ones will blend into your apartment without looking out of place or odd.
Humidity Tips for Small Spaces
Monsteras love humidity. But traditional humidifiers take up a lot of space. Instead, try:
- Grouping plants together creates their own microclimate
- Small pebble trays under pots
- Misting occasionally (though this is temporary)
- Putting plants in naturally humid areas like bathrooms (if light allows)
Perfect Spots for Monsteras in Small Homes
Getting creative with where you put your Monstera can help fit additional plants into a limited area:
- Wall mounted planters for shingling types like dubia
- Hanging baskets for trailing varieties like adansonii
- Narrow plant stands that use vertical space
- On top of bookshelves (with proper light)
- Kitchen window sills for smaller varieties like Peru
One of my favorite setups is my “plant corner” where I’ve installed floating shelves at different heights. This lets me show off some of my smaller Monsteras without using any floor space.
What to Definitely Avoid
This ie what NOT to do with Monsteras in small spaces:
- Getting a mature Monstera deliciosa “because it was on sale”
- Letting vining types grow in all directions
- Using oversized, decorative pots that waste precious space
- Placing them in low light areas where they’ll stretch and get leggy
FAQs About Monsteras in Small Spaces
Can I keep a Monstera in a bathroom?
Yes, but only if it gets enough light. Bathrooms are naturally humid, which monsteras love, but they still there need bright indirect light. A bathroom with a good sized window can be perfect for smaller varieties like adansonii or tetrasperma.
How do I stop my Monstera from getting too big?
The three main methods are: keep it in a smaller pot, prune it regularly and provide it support so it directs its growth vertically instesd of horizontally. Just don’t expect to keep a standard Monstera deliciosa tiny forever as some varieties are going to grow big regardless of what you do.
What’s the best pot size for keeping a Monstera small?
For the smaller varieties mentioned here a 4 to 6 inch pot will keep them happy and contained for quite a while. Even when they become slightly root bound Monsteras will continue to produce new leaves. Those leaves just won’t grow as quickly or get as large.
Will pruning hurt my plant?
Not if you do it right! Monsteras don’t really mind being prunes. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears though. And cut just above a node (that’s the the bumpy part where leaves emerge). Spring and summer are the best times to prune but I’ve done light trimming at all times of the year and never had any issues.
Quick Comparison: Finding Your Perfect Small Space Monstera
| Variety | Max Height (Indoor) | Growth Type | Space Suitability | Care Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adansonii | 2–4 ft (trailing/climbing) | Vining | High | Easy |
| Siltepecana | 2–3 ft | Vining | High | Easy |
| Dubia | 1–3 ft | Shingling | Very High | Medium |
| Karstenianum | 1–2 ft | Bushy | Very High | Easy |
| Juvenile Deliciosa | 2–3 ft | Upright | Moderate | Easy |
| Rhaphidophora tetrasperma | 3–5 ft | Vining/Climbing | High | Easy |
Final Thoughts
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you can’t have a Monstera. It just means thinking a bit harder about which varieties you choose. The ones I’ve covered here give you the monstera look without taking over your space.
Start with one of these more compact varieties, give it the right care and enjoy watching it grow (although not TOO much). Go about it the right way and there’s nothing to stop you from enjoying Monstera and other larger plants, even if your apartment is closer to the size of a closet than a conservatory.