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Best large house plants to grow
- Michael Holland
Published: Wednesday, 12 July 2023 at 1:05 pm
We list our pick of the best large house plants to grow.
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Indoor plants have been popular for many years, and for good reason. They offer a range of benefits, including improving air quality and reducing stress levels. Not only that, but they add a touch of natural beauty to any room. House plants evolved long before houses existed, so we are merely recreating their ideal home conditions for them, and you don't even need a garden to grow them.
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Caring for large house plants
Caring for large house plants can seem daunting, but with a little bit of knowledge, it can be easy. One of the most critical factors to growing house plants successfully is the location – tall indoor plants need a position where they can receive adequate light, without being in direct sunlight. It's important to note that low light doesn't necessarily mean no light, so make sure your plant has access to some natural light.
Another essential factor is watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the plant to wither and die. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top 3cm of soil feels dry to the touch. Most indoor plants benefit from being regularly misted (preferably with rainwater) to increase the humidity around them. Also, be mindful of pests and diseases, as they can quickly spread in indoor environments. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of infestation and take immediate action if necessary.
When positioning a house plant, consider the amount of light it needs. Some plants, such as the snake plant and ZZ plant, can thrive in low light conditions, while others, such as the fiddle leaf fig, require bright, indirect light. Also, be mindful of the temperature and humidity levels in your home. Some plants thrive in warm, more humid environments, while others need cooler, drier conditions. The plant’s label should provide guidance on this too.
Advice on buying large house plants
- Check the health of the plant: look for any signs of pests or diseases, yellowing leaves, or wilting
- Always buy from a reputable supplier – if the plant is sitting on the pavement outside a shop in cold weather, it probably won't last long in your home
- Consider the size of the plant and its suitability for your home. Large house plants can take up a lot of space and may not be suitable for smaller homes or apartments. Make sure you have enough room to accommodate your plant
- Think about the type of pot or container you will need. Large house plants can be heavy, so choose a pot that is sturdy and able to support the weight of the plant
- Consider the level of care the plant requires. Some plants are easy to care for, while others require more attention. Be honest with yourself about how much time and effort you are willing to put into caring for your new plant
Where to buy large house plants
Best large house plants to grow
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyatra)
Fiddle leaf fig
A popular choice for its large, violin-shaped leaves. Grow in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Height x Spread: 3m x 1.5m
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber plant
With its glossy, dark leaves and tolerance for low light, the rubber plant is a great addition to indoor spaces. Grow in bright, indirect light and water sparingly.
H x S: 3m x 3m
Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
Swiss cheese plant
Known for its unique, perforated leaves, the Swiss cheese plant is a tropical beauty, Grow in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
H x S: 3m x 3m
Umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola)
Umbrella plant. Getty images
With its lush, green foliage and tolerance for low light, the umbrella tree is a great choice for beginners. Grow in bright to low light and water regularly.
H x S: 1.8m x 1.8m
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of paradise flower. Getty Images
The bird of paradise has bold, tropical flowers and large, banana-shaped leaves. Grow in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
H x S: 1.2m x 1.2m
Philodendron ‘Xanadu’
Philodendron 'Xanadu'
This compact, bushy plant has glossy, green leaves. Grow Philodendron 'Xanadu' in low to medium light and water regularly. It's a great option for smaller spaces.
H x S: 1m x 1m
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Flowering peace lily
Known for its elegant, white blooms, the peace lily is a great choice for low-light environments. It needs moderate watering.
H x S: 50cm x 40cm
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Dracaena fragrans. Getty Images
With its long, broad leaves and tolerance for low to medium light, the corn plant is a great choice for indoor spaces. Water regularly.
H x S: 2m x 1.5m
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Croton leaves. Getty Images
Croton features large, variegated leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Grow in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
H x S: 80cm x 60cm
Parlour palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlour Palm. Getty Images.
A classic house plant, the parlor palm features delicate, fern-like leaves and needs low to medium light. It's a great option for smaller spaces and beginners.
H x S: 1m x 50cm
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake plant, Sansevieria trifasciata
A hardy plant that can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, the Snake Plant features tall, upright leaves with variegated patterns.
H x S: 1.2m x 60cm
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen house plant. Getty Images
A versatile plant that can tolerate low to medium light, the Chinese evergreen features glossy, variegated leaves in shades of green, silver, and pink.
H x S: 35cm x 35cm
Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
Philodendron scandens
A trailing plant that can be grown from a shelf or bracket, the Heart Leaf Philodendron features heart-shaped leaves and prefers low to medium light.
H x S: 3m x 1.5m
Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Yucca elephantipes. Getty Images
With its spiky, sword-like leaves and tolerance for bright, direct light, the Yucca is a great option for adding height and texture to your indoor space. It prefers infrequent watering and can grow up to ten feet tall.
H x S: 10m x 4.5m
Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
Dracaena marginata
With its bold, red-edged leaves and tolerance for low light, the Madagascar dragon tree is a great choice for adding interest to a low-light space.
H x S: 2m x 1.5m
Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca palm. Getty Images
With its lush, feathery fronds and tolerance for bright, indirect light, the areca palm is a great option for adding a tropical touch to your indoor space.
H x S: 2m x 1.5m
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston Fern, Nephrolepis exaltata 'Green Lady'
With its delicate, green fronds and tolerance for low to medium light, the Boston fern is a great option for adding texture to your indoor space. It prefers frequent watering and can grow up to three feet tall.
H x S: 1.2m x 1.2m
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