Tiny Home, Big Jungle: Tips for Growing Plants in an RV

You’ve just moved into your RV and already miss the quiet presence of your plants.

Maybe you had to give away your Monstera, your pothos, or those thirsty peace lilies that somehow survived every winter prune. Now you’re wondering: Can I really keep any plants alive in here? There’s a few viable windows, water can be limited, and every time you hit the road, things tumble.

I get it. When we sold our house, I went from over 100 plants to just ten-ish(19 now). That was brutal. But I didn’t give up on plants — they’d helped me through years of winter depression. They grounded me. I had to bring some with me.

So I made it a mission: bring plants, and figure out how to help them survive — even thrive — in a tiny, mobile space.

In this post, here’s what I’ve learned through trial, error, and a few spilled pots.

1. Be Flexible with Placement

If you’re trying to find the “perfect” spot for every plant, let me stop you — perfection isn’t the goal. Flexibility is.

Light shifts constantly. Surfaces change purpose. Nothing stays put when you’re driving. So get creative.

In my RV, plants live where the sun is and the cats aren’t:

• A few soak up sun on the dash

• Some hang from cabinet handles

• Two chill on the passenger seat when we’re parked

• My desk is half workspace, half jungle

During travel, they get moved to the sink or floor and bungeed to a chair. Then, once we’re parked, they go back to their sunny spots.

Your setup doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s — or like Instagram. What matters is that your plants get what they need most of the time and bring you joy when you see them.

The Bulk of my Plants

This is my mini-jungle front door entrance

2. Find Your Care Style

Not all plant parents are the same. The secret isn’t copying someone else — it’s knowing your own habits and working with them.

Ask yourself:

• Do you overwater “just in case”?

• Forget until your plant looks like it’s giving up?

• Stick to a routine?

Pick plants that match your care style.

Overwaterers? Try peace lilies, spider plants, or ferns.

Forgetful? Go for snake plants, ZZ plants, pothos, or philodendrons. These guys can take a bit of neglect without throwing a tantrum.

In a small space, your routine matters. You don’t want to be fussing with moisture meters. Pick plants that forgive.

3. Fussy Plants Are a No

Some plants are just divas. In an RV, there’s no room for drama.

Prayer plants? Beautiful, but they sulk when humidity drops.

Succulents in small pots? Tip over at the slightest turn.

My poor cactus would try to eject itself from its pot on every trip. I still have it, but barely.

RV life is unpredictable. Plants need to tolerate movement, dry or wet air, less sunlight or more and missed waterings. The ones that thrive tend to have:

• Adaptable needs

• Sturdy root systems

• No attitude

My current favourites? Cebu Blue Pothos (really taking off with extra sunlight!), Monstera Constellation Thai, and Heart Leaf Philodendrons — all low-maintenance survivors.

Letting go of the fussy ones was tough, but it made space (literally and emotionally) for plants that actually work in this lifestyle.

4. What I’ve Learned (and How You Can Too)

Keeping plants alive in an RV isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about adjusting, learning, and trying again.

Here’s what’s helped me most:

• Start small. Try 2–3 plants before turning your RV into a jungle.

• Observe. Yellow leaves? Too much water. Droopy? Maybe not enough light.

• Let go of guilt. Some plants won’t make it — that’s okay.

• Stay flexible. Change is part of the deal. Your routine and placement will shift. Let it.

You can live small and still keep a little green around — even if it’s just a few trusty plants riding shotgun.

In Conclusion

RV living doesn’t mean giving up the things that keep you grounded — including plants. It’s not always easy, but with a bit of flexibility, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn, you can absolutely keep your green friends alive on the road.

Quick Heads Up

Curious how I actually place and secure my plants in the RV? I’ve got a more detailed post coming next Sunday, showing you exactly how I set everything up.