Transform a big, empty corner of your room with these large indoor plants!
Plant lovers know the appeal of dense, vibrant plants. But it can take years for a tabletop plant to grow into the Insta-worthy flora of your dreams. If you want instant impact or simply you’re impatient, a large indoor plant is definitely your best bet.
Not only are they gorgeous focal points in any room, but big plants can double as a living screen or a room divider and can visually fill a considerable space.
There’s something unmistakable about the effect of a giant fiddle leaf ficus tree by your patio door or a large monstera in your living room. Now, we understand that large indoor plants require the proper amount of space… And they often come with a hefty price tag.
But fans of these plants say they’re worth the time and effort. And in the long run? They can be easier to care for because they have bigger, more developed root systems that usually hold up better to stress.
So, on that note, let’s take a look at the 15 best large indoor plants for your home, and we’ll even share some care tips to keep them looking green and fresh!
Monstera Deliciosa
Was there really any doubt that the Monstera would appear on the list? Of course, there wasn’t! Like the Rubber Plant, the so-called Swiss Cheese Plant has been popular in American households for over 50 years, and for good reason.
They’re pretty easy to look after, making it one of the most low-maintenance plants on our list. It can take low light levels, neglect, and gives off a beautiful tropical vibe. It’s definitely one of the best large indoor plants you can own.
The only downside to having a plant like this is that they can get rather untidy. We highly recommend giving them a moss pole for support, and they’ll grow upward for sure.
But they also have the habit of sprawling and spreading out, taking up a large amount of space in your corner. This type of growth habit in large spaces isn’t an issue.
Yucca
Yucca’s are a great choice if you want a robust tree like plant, that looks good but doesn’t require any fuss and develops slowly. You don’t need a green thumb to grow this type of large indoor plant.
But you should be aware that they need very bright light or at least some sunshine to flourish. Yucca’s tend to be narrow-reaching, but they still have a significant quality about them.
The sword-like leaves can be rough to the touch, they have sharp edges, and some cats may use the trunk as a scratching post, which can ruin the ascetic. For these reasons, it might be better to try and find a spot for it that’s out of the way.
So consider if you can provide this. Otherwise, it’s a great choice as a large indoor plant for most homes.
Jade Plant
The Jade Plant, a.k.a. the Crassula ovata, doesn’t grow as huge as some other large indoor plants on our list. But it CAN grow wider and spread out pretty far. They’re also sluggish growers. Yet the one thing we can say is that they’re “forever plants.”
If you give them the right kind of care and attention, you can easily have them grace your presence for 50 years or more.
This is a large indoor plant that would gladly put up with direct sun on the leaves, so don’t be afraid to give them a front and center position next to a window.
Just remember that they’re succulents. So go easy on the watering and make sure you don’t overdo it because this can quickly lead to overwatering problems.
Weeping Fig
If you’re looking for a more tranquil and calming houseplant, then the Weeping Fig, a.k.a. the Ficus Benjamina, could be your ticket to peace. The main stems are relatively skinny but the multiple leaves it has tend to slump a bit, giving a very “weeping” look.
It’s a true foliage plant, and if that appeals to you in your home’s design, it’ll be perfect for softening hard lines created from angular or square furniture.
The one thing we should mention about this plant, though, is that it’s not a good idea to move it around too much because this can trigger leaf loss. And once a year you should take your Weeping Fig outside or to the shower for a good wash down.
The dust builds up on the leaves more than you would think! So all in all, it’s a reasonably easy popular houseplant with a few quirks that need to be considered if you want to grow this happy and healthy large indoor plant.
Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant is another Ficus that can thrive indoors. In fact, it’s been hiding in many homes for decades and is still very popular today for its ability to purify the air. The all-green variety is the most common, but many different varieties have hit the market over the years.
So, there’s something for everyone when it comes to design and decor. Just as long as you give it the proper amount of space, it’ll grow tall fast and can also produce side shoots, so your plant may become a bit wide.
The best part is that you can prune it to an extent to help keep it neat and looking how you want it. This large indoor plant is very easygoing, too.
It rarely drops leaves unless it’s overwatered, and it can handle low-light areas of your home. It really doesn’t surprise us that its popularity has continued for so many years.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is more of a modern houseplant, but it thrives really well indoors, providing you can place it in a spot with bright light. If you can, it’ll grow tall, fast.
Even smaller versions of this plant can put on significant growth and become dominant statement plants in your home within a couple of years. The only disadvantage is that it has a bit of a diva nature about it. If you don’t accommodate its needs, it will drop leaves… Fast!
A large indoor plant of this size can be rather expensive. So it’s often much cheaper to buy a smaller one and grow it to become an indoor tree.
However you approach this matter, though, think of them as investment pieces, either in terms of your time and effort to grow them or money.
Banana Tree
Indoor banana trees, also known as Musas, are container plants with massive tropical broad leaves that make a dramatic statement in any room or office. This fast-growing plant’s large leaves provide gorgeous indoor greenery.
Just be aware that eventually, the large indoor plant grows so large and tall that it will outgrow its living container and maybe even your room. Banana trees aren’t the easiest species of houseplants to grow indoors, either.
They need plenty of moisture, light, and humidity to thrive. So keep this in mind before you run out to grab one!
Croton
Fair warning: Many don’t like the Codiaeum variegatum, a.k.a. the Croton plant, because it’s a struggle to keep it happy. But with some trial and error, hint: they like a warm environment, you’ll see this large indoor plant thrive in your home.
If you master the art of keeping these houseplants content, you’ll be treated to gorgeous foliage that produces many hues of color. They also grow pretty big, and a massive plant in the right setting will make you the envy of your friends and neighbors.
Under the right conditions, you can expect this colorful display all throughout the year. It’s a display that will brighten up any living space, and besides that, they fare relatively well in some semi-shady areas.
Just remember that this large indoor plant needs indirect sunlight or bright light to retain its distinctive and bold colors. If you place this plant in a dark spot of a room, it will grow more basic dark green leaves.
Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Pine is a seasonal houseplant you’ll mostly find in stores around the winter holidays, probably because it looks like a Christmas tree! But interestingly enough, this large indoor plant absolutely HATES cold temperatures.
So you can easily keep it growing indoors all year round, and it won’t eliminate its “pines”. Over time, though, the top branches will become very broad and a little limp due to the weight.
They’ll hold up a handful of decorations if you prefer using them as a decoration piece over the Christmas season, but that’s it. Norfolk pines are not the most popular large indoor plant you can buy, but they certainly have some pizzazz, and they look very unique indoors.
One thing to know about them is that they don’t like drying out entirely. So, try and keep the soil moist as much as possible. If you mess up and the potting mix does happen to dry out, the entire plant will start to hang and wilt a bit.
Bird of Paradise
Also known as the Strelitzia Reginae, the bird of paradise is a fan-favorite because of the beautiful colorful flowers that appear on it from time to time. However, be aware that this plant will rarely flower indoors if it doesn’t get sufficient light and enough growing space.
At the same time, there seems to have been a gradual shift in trends from flowering plants to ones with attractive foliage over the last couple of years. That’s why it’s no surprise that the “Strelitzia Nicolai” version has now rivaled the Reginae species for a spot in our homes.
It grows much bigger than its cousin, both in height and its huge leaves. If you choose to buy this plant, you should expect to have a genuinely immense-looking plant in the next few years, so consider the space you place it in.
If your large indoor plant hits the ceiling, all you can do is just trim off the highest leaves or move it to somewhere in your home with more height.
Umbrella Tree Plant
The Umbrella Plant is another great classic. It has a reasonably slender built and will grow taller and taller every year by two feet or more if given the proper amount of light. Once they hit the ceiling, you can simply trim off the top to promote growth on the side shoots.
But make sure you take care of it properly. Otherwise the leaves that are on the lower part of the plant will fall you’ll lose that Umbrella Tree look.
With just this one architectural plant in the room, this large indoor plant creates a real talking point, especially because it would tower above anyone sitting in a nearby spot.
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena marginata, frequently known as the Dragon Tree, has incredible longevity and doesn’t grow as fast as some of the other houseplants on this list. This large indoor plant is perfect for some people.
Besides the fact that they’re gorgeous, they’re also not overly pricey plants. The dracaena is a pretty tough plant as well.
While you can place it anywhere in your home, we must mention that they drop a fair amount of leaves in the Spring and Summer months before growing replacements at the top. But other than that, you’ll find them to be almost maintenance-free.
Howea Palm
The Howea Palm, a.k.a. Kentia Palm, is a fantastic choice if you like tropical plants and the vibe that comes with that in your home. It may even be the easiest choice in the palm family. It stands fearless and strong all year round as a low-maintenance option.
The Kentia Palm can tolerate low-light locations in your home but will look best with a bit of light and is a minimal-fuss kind of greenery. We have to mention, though, that this is a fairly thirsty large indoor plant, especially if kept in a relatively small pot.
So be sure to visit it a few times a week with your watering can. And once every 6 months, if weather permits, be sure to take it outside to give it a good wash to get rid of all that dust that settles on it.
Besides that, this plant doesn’t need any special care and can be left alone to work its decor magic!
… Need a new watering can for your Howea Palm? Amazon has got your back. Here’s one of our favorite options: Bloem Fern Watering Can
Lady Palm
We’re not done with the palm family, though! Another great option is the Rhapis Excelsa or the Lady Palm. This is less common than the usual palms you’ll find at your local nursery or supermarket. But it’s an extremely easy plant to own.
We’ll admit that it’s a slow grower but it’ll become a large indoor plant with a bit of care. In time, Lady Palms will turn into tall indoor trees. These large indoor plants don’t need much light, either. And the stems underneath the foliage are unique and add lots of visual interest.
It may remind you of a bamboo palm but with much more of a bamboo look about it. Overall, this is the perfect plant for you if you like palms but want something a little more rare.
Dracaena Fragrans
Okay, okay, you get it! But we promise this is the last palm we’ll talk about… and it’s technically not even a palm! The Dracaena Fragrans or Corn Plant is called a False Palm because it very much resembles a Palm Tree.
And while it may not be a palm, it’s definitely a bold statement as a large indoor plant. If you get one with several stems or canes in one pot, you’ll have an eye-catching plant to show off to your guests when they come to visit.
Placing this plant somewhere with bright indirect light is ideal. But don’t worry if you don’t have this option. They can handle a slightly darker location if necessary.
And the good news is that there are lots of varieties available to purchase, from all green types to ones with lines in different colors.
And don’t be surprised if you find it flowering out of the blue. With the proper long-term care and after many years down the line, your plant will flourish.
Do you already have any of these large indoor plants? If so, please be sure to share any tips and tricks you may have with our readers in the comments section. And if you don’t, which one on our list was your favorite?
Looking to extend your plant collection even more? Then we highly recommend you first read about the Top 7 Hardest Houseplants to Keep Alive
