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20 Large Indoor Plants That Make Your Home an Oasis
Liven things up in a big way.
Tiny houseplants look adorable on end tables and nightstands, but as plant lovers know those fill up quickly. When they do, it's time to graduate to large indoor plants that can stand on their own. Large potted indoor plants aren't necessarily harder to care for, and they give you more bang for your buck. After all, it takes only a few strategically placed oversized houseplants to make your home look and feel like the oasis of your dreams.
Most east-, south-, and west-facing windows provide ample bright light for plants that need lots of it, including large indoor plants. North-facing windows, however, are too dim for many plants (except for low-light indoor plants), especially in the winter. You can still have thriving plants if your home doesn't have big windows, though; you just might want to invest in an LED grow light to help keep your plants happy.
Most large houseplants, like all low-maintenance houseplants, are tropical in origin, so they like to dry out slightly between waterings. Very few like to stay wet all the time. In fact, more plants die of overwatering than underwatering, so err on the conservative side when watering your houseplants. Large plants actually require less frequent waterings due to the larger amount of soil in their pots, according to The Sill. So, don't give your plant another drink if its soil is still wet or clings to your finger. It's also okay to feed your houseplants a liquid houseplant fertilizer at half-strength once a month during the growing season, from spring to fall.
Ahead, we're shining a spotlight on 20 of our favorite large indoor houseplants and indoor trees to glam up your space and fill those pesky empty corners.
Take a note from the towering cacti of the Southwest and bring one indoors. Ideal for spaces with an abundance of bright light, the apple cactus can grow to more than five feet tall. It makes an especially cool statement when you sit it by a window for passers-by to take note.
Stately and structured, the mass cane is a great choice for beginners due to its low-maintenance routine and forgiving nature. This large houseplant won't die on you if you forget to water it one week.
More commonly known as the elephant ear plant, Alocasia regal shield can grow up to five feet tall under optimal conditions, which include a higher humidity environment (like your bathroom).
The pencil cactus gets its name from the sprawling, pencil-like "branches" that reach out from its central stem. This tall plant is drought resistant and great for people who want something impactful but low maintenance with a very minimal watering routine.
With vibrant red and pink leaves, the Stromanthe can grow up to two feet tall. This plant thrives in indirect light, which makes it perfect for filling an empty corner.
Grow Anywhere Meyer Lemon Tree
Citrus trees have sweet-smelling blossoms that turn into tiny lemons, limes, or oranges—in this case, sweet-tart Meyer lemons. This easy-to-care-for tree needs tons of bright light, so position it near a sunny window or get a grow light. It likes being outdoors in the summer, but bring it in before temperatures drop into the 50s at night.
Potted Bamboo
A potted bamboo plant looks beautiful in an entryway, home office, or any unused corner that could use some livening up. Some potted bamboo plants, like this one, actually grow in water, so your only real maintenance job is changing it weekly. Bamboo also tolerates fairly low light levels.
Snake Plant
If you're a beginner plant parent, adopt a snake plant. It's one of the easiest houseplants to care for since it basically thrives on neglect; it'll probably be fine even if you forget to water it for a few weeks. Just don't let it get soggy because it doesn't like "wet feet."
Rubber Tree Plant
Rubber trees are surprisingly sturdy and big houseplants. Just make sure yours gets plenty of bright light, since they tend to get leggy and ugly without it. Water it only when it's dry to the touch.
Monstera
Monstera (aka the Swiss cheese plant) plants has been trending the past few years because it's just plain beautiful! It can get quite big too. All monstera varieties prefer bright light but can adjust to lower light levels. Let yours dry out between waterings.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs are notoriously finicky, but if you have bright light and don't overwater yours, it will do just fine. Dust the large, dramatic leaves occasionally by wiping them with a soft, damp microfiber cloth.
Parlor Palm
If you want a dramatic tropical look but don't get a lot of sun in your home, you need a parlor palm. This large indoor plant tolerates moderate to low light levels and average humidity just fine. Water it when it's slightly dry.
Peace Lily
This old standby has been popular for decades for a reason: It's a reliable, elegant plant with pretty white flowers. Give it bright indirect light, and keep it slightly moist. It can adapt to low light levels—just know that you won't get as many blooms.
Ficus Benjamina
This handsome and tall plant, also known as a weeping fig, needs tons of bright light. Water it when it's slightly dry.
Dracaena
With their long, strappy leaves, dracaena are striking plants with a strong upright form. They come in many different varieties and foliage colors including this burgundy, blue-green, gray, and gold. They need moderate light and slightly moist soil.
Money Tree
With their braided stems, money trees stand tall and beautiful. They require medium to bright indirect light. Water them infrequently, but then give them a big, long drink. Also, turn the plant periodically so that it grows evenly. Otherwise, these large indoor plants have a tendency to stretch and grow toward the light.
Olive Tree
You don't have to live in Italy or California to grow an olive tree. Just give it plenty of bright sun and let the soil dry out in between waterings—the Mediterranean native likes to stay a little on the dry side.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise has a striking upright form that looks equally at home in both contemporary and transitional spaces. Outdoors, this large plant's namesake flowers bloom in the late winter to early spring, but that rarely happens indoors. That doesn't mean it's not healthy, though. Give it bright indirect light, and water it when it feels slightly dry.
Norfolk Pine
This soft-needled pine often is sold as a tabletop Christmas tree, but it's also a lovely (and large) plant year-round. Give it bright indirect light, and keep it slightly moist. Don't let it dry out, or it tends to drop branches from the bottom—and they don't grow back.
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