The Surface Challenged

The Type: Has no free tabletops, an abundance of small children (say, one), or a dog aptly named Digger or a cat named Munchy.
The Perfect Match: Wax plant (Hoya carnosa; shown right). Bright to moderate light.
Why: Its trailing tendrils make it a perfect hanging plant. It’s also generally undemanding.
Do: Let it dry out between waterings.
Don’t: Worry about crowded roots. Hoyas like being pot-bound.
Other Choices:

Wandering Jew (Zebrina pendula). Bright to moderate light.

Swedish ivy (Plectranthus australis). Bright to moderate light.

The Space Deprived

The Type: Lives in a studio apartment, a dorm room, a Dickensian garret, or a childhood bedroom at Mom and Dad’s.
The Perfect Match: Partridge breast aloe (Aloe variegata; shown left). Direct to bright light.
Why: It starts small, stays small. And it’s very low-maintenance.
Do: Use a soil mix for succulents.
Don’t: Overwater or fertilize — the soil mix is sufficient.
Other Choices:

Emerald ripple peperomia (Peperomia caperata). Moderate to low light.

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana). Bright to low light.