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Best Large Houseplants

Best Large Houseplants

Large houseplants do more than fill empty corners—they create atmosphere. Whether you want to bring tropical calm into your living room, add height and structure to an office, or simply make your home feel more alive, tall and broad-leaved indoor plants are transformative. Many of the best “big impact” varieties are also surprisingly easy to care for.

Here are some of the top large houseplants to elevate your interior spaces.


1. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

Elegant and timeless, the Kentia palm is one of the most sought-after large indoor plants. Its tall, arching fronds bring a resort-like feel to any room, and it adapts well to a variety of light levels—making it perfect for bright or moderately lit spaces.
Why it’s great:

  • Graceful, airy foliage

  • Tolerates lower light better than most palms

  • Slow-growing but long-lived and very resilient


2. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Famous for its dramatic split leaves and lush, tropical look, the Monstera is a classic choice for interiors. It can grow several feet tall and wide, and its architectural leaves instantly create visual impact.
Why it’s great:

  • Fast-growing and adaptable

  • Thrives in indirect light

  • Easy to prune and propagate
     

3. Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans, D. marginata & other tall varieties)

From the tree-like Dracaena fragrans (often called a “corn plant”) to the spiky, sculptural Dracaena marginata, dracaenas offer impressive height with minimal fuss. They suit modern, minimalistic interiors but work well in traditional spaces too.
Why it’s great:

  • Excellent low-to-medium-light tolerance

  • Upright form ideal for corners

  • Low watering needs
     

4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Loved by designers for its dramatic, violin-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig can grow into a towering indoor tree. It’s slightly finicky but rewarding when happy. Place it in bright, indirect light and keep its watering consistent for best results.
Why it’s great:

  • Striking sculptural foliage

  • Adds instant sophistication

  • Can grow into a significant indoor statement tree
     

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

A durable alternative to the fiddle leaf fig, the rubber plant features thick, glossy leaves in shades of deep green, burgundy, or variegated patterns. It can reach impressive heights indoors and is easier to care for than many other tall Ficuses.
Why it’s great:

  • Very resilient and low-maintenance

  • Beautiful glossy foliage

  • Thrives in bright, indirect light but tolerates lower levels
     

6. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

If you want a dramatic, tropical look, the giant white bird of paradise is hard to beat. Its broad, banana-like leaves fan out elegantly, creating a lush focal point.
Why it’s great:

  • Bold, architectural form

  • Large leaves that create a true “wow” factor

  • Loves bright light—ideal near big windows
     

7. Schefflera (Umbrella Tree)

Schefflera plants grow tall with umbrella-like leaf clusters that give them a lively, full appearance. They are fast growers and quite forgiving, making them excellent for beginners wanting a larger plant.
Why it’s great:

  • Vigorous growth

  • Easy care and moderate light needs

  • Creates a soft, tree-like shape
     

8. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)

If you have a bright room and want a plant that feels lush and tropical, the majesty palm is a beautiful option. It grows tall and bushy, creating a natural statement in open spaces.
Why it’s great:

  • Creates vertical volume

  • Soft, flowing fronds

  • Ideal for well-lit, humid environments
     

Tips for Growing Large Houseplants Successfully

  • Choose the right container: As plants grow, they’ll need heavier pots for stability.

  • Rotate regularly: Ensures even growth and prevents leaning.

  • Dust the leaves: Large leaves collect dust quickly, reducing light absorption.

  • Don’t overwater: Many big tropical plants prefer drying slightly between watering.

  • Provide support: Tall species like Monstera or certain Dracaenas may need stakes or moss poles.


Final Thoughts

Large houseplants like Kentia palm, Monstera, Dracaena, and Ficus species make powerful design elements in the home. With the right care and placement, they create a sense of vitality, soften hard architectural lines, and instantly elevate any interior.