Bambino plants have become increasingly popular over the last few years Their petite size makes them perfect for small spaces, and their relatively simple care routine appeals to both novice and expert gardeners alike But did you know there are actually several different types of bambino plants to choose from?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most popular bambino plant varieties so you can find the perfect one to brighten up your home or office.
What Are Bambino Plants?
Bambino plants are miniature or dwarf versions of larger houseplants. Most bambino varieties grow no taller than 6-12 inches, with small leaves and compact growth habits. They make great tabletop or desktop plants.
While they look petite, bambinos are just as strong as their full-size counterparts. With proper care, these little plants can thrive for years in indoor environments.
Now let’s take a look at some of the most common types of bambino plants and their care needs.
Bambino Arrowhead Plant
The bambino arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum ‘Pixie’) is a dwarf variety of the popular arrowhead vine. It has arrow-shaped leaves that emerge in a lovely pink shade before darkening to green.
This bambino plant grows up to 6 inches tall and spreads out up to 10 inches wide. It does well in bright, indirect light and appreciates weekly watering. The arrowhead plant also enjoys humid conditions.
Its vining habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets or training up small trellises. The bambino arrowhead brings a tropical feel wherever it grows.
Bambino Rubber Plant
The bambino rubber plant (Ficus elastica ‘Petite’) is a shrunken version of the hardy rubber tree. It reaches just 6-12 inches tall at maturity.
This bambino boasts the same glossy, oval-shaped leaves as its larger counterpart. But its small size makes it an excellent tabletop or desktop companion.
The bambino rubber plant thrives in medium to bright, indirect light. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Like all Ficus plants, it’s sensitive to overwatering.
Bambino Snake Plant
The bambino snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Bambino’) is a tiny variety of the nearly indestructible mother-in-law’s tongue. It grows to around 6 inches tall.
This bambino snake plant has stiff, spear-shaped leaves with light gray-green and dark green horizontal stripes. It tolerates almost any lighting conditions besides direct sun.
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The bambino snake plant also does well in drier air and tolerates some neglect. It’s one of the best bambino choices for beginners.
Bambino Peperomia
The bambino peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) is a delightful addition to any desk or tabletop. It reaches 6 to 8 inches tall and spreads 8 to 12 inches wide.
This bambino plant has round, coin-shaped leaves marked with silver-gray variegation. Medium to bright, indirect light keeps it happy. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
The bambino peperomia enjoys the same high humidity as other peperomia varieties. Group it with other plants or place it on a pebble tray to increase moisture in the air.
Bambino Pilea
The bambino pilea (Pilea depressa ‘Minima’) remains under 6 inches tall at maturity. Its tiny round leaves give it an adorable, compact appearance.
This bambino plant thrives in medium indirect sunlight. Let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid issues with root rot. It also appreciates regular feeding during the growing season.
The bambino pilea’s petite size and simple care make it an excellent addition to offices, kitchens, bathrooms and other small spaces. It mixes well with other bambino varieties in arrangements.
Bambino Aglaonema
The bambino aglaonema (Aglaonema ‘Silver Queen’) is a dwarf variety of the popular Chinese evergreen. It reaches about 6 to 8 inches tall and wide.
This bambino plant has striking gray-green leaves edged in silver. Lower light conditions don’t bother it one bit. Keep soil moderately moist but not wet.
The bambino aglaonema makes an easy, attractive desk plant or centerpiece. Group it with other low-light bambinos like ferns and pilea.
Caring for Bambino Plants
While bambino plant needs vary slightly by variety, most share a similar care routine:
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Light: Bright to medium indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
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Water: Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Take care not to overwater.
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Soil: Quick-draining potting mix. May amend with perlite or orchid bark.
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Temperature: Average room temperatures between 60-80°F.
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Humidity: Appreciate 40% humidity or higher. Group plants or use pebble trays.
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Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
With the right care, bambino plants will thrive while adding beauty wherever they grow. Their diversity makes it easy to find one perfect for your unique space and needs.
Finding the Right Bambino Plant
With so many varieties to choose from, deciding on the right bambino plant takes some consideration:
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Size: Make sure to choose a bambino that fits the space you plan to put it in. Measure footprint dimensions.
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Light: Select a bambino suitable for the light levels in the intended location.
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Experience: Opt for beginner-friendly bambinos like snake plant or peperomia if you’re new to houseplants.
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Aesthetic: Pick a bambino plant that brings your desired look, whether it’s modern, bohemian, minimalist, or otherwise.
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Pet-safe: Choose non-toxic bambinos if you have pets or small children. The peperomia and pilea are good options.
Take stock of your needs and preferences before deciding. This ensures you end up with a bambino plant that thrives in your unique environment.
Enjoying the Charm of Bambino Plants
With their petite statures and relatively simple care needs, it’s easy to see why bambino plants have become so popular. They allow anyone to appreciate the beauty of houseplants, even those without much space or experience.
Yet behind their small size lies incredible diversity, with bambino varieties suited to nearly any home or office. Add a touch of green to your desk, coffee table, bookshelf or anywhere else in need of some life. Just be sure to choose the right bambino plant for your space and needs.
Leaf Shape and Texture
- The leaves of the standard this plant are large, broad, and have a distinctive fiddle or lyre shape. They have a leathery texture and prominent veins.
- This plant has a more upright and potentially sprawling growth habit, often requiring pruning to maintain a desirable shape and size.
- It requires bright, indirect light, consistent watering, and well-draining soil. Due to its larger size, it may need more space and support.
- It is suitable for larger rooms, offices, or spaces with high ceilings where it can grow and spread out.
This plant is a different compact variety of the most famous Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF), this particular variety is widely popular in modern home decor purposes, making it the first choice in the plant parents community.
- The “Bambino” variety is a dwarf version of the standard Fiddle Leaf Fig. It typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet, making it more suitable for smaller spaces. Its leaves are also smaller, usually about 6-8 inches long.
Difference between Fiddle Leaf Fig and Fiddle Leaf Fig “Bambino”
When it comes to adding greenery to indoor spaces, the Fiddle Leaf Fig and its miniature counterpart, the Fiddle Leaf Fig “Bambino,” are two popular choices that often find their way into homes and offices alike. While they share a similar name and appearance, there are distinct differences between these two plants that set them apart. Let’s delve into the nuances of each variety to better understand their characteristics, care requirements, and ideal uses. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a novice green thumb, exploring these differences can help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect Ficus lyrata for your space.
There exist two varieties of FLF, the normal variety that is fast in growth and irregular in shape, and the smaller brother which is known as FLF “bambino” which is slower in growth and comes out in compact form generally in a straight manner.
the maximum height that FLF can reach is up to 5-10 feet unlike its smaller brother ( the bambino variety) which can grow till 2-5 feet.
If you are a passionate Plant Parent then don’t miss the chance of adding any one of the cool variety of FLF’s.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular houseplant known for its large, distinctive leaves and striking appearance. It is a dwarf variation. This easy-to-use and maintain tiny version of the violin It is ideal for regions with limited space as well as for new plant parents looking to gain confidence.
- The standard can grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 10-15 feet indoors with proper care. It has large, violin-shaped leaves that can be up to 18 inches long.