7 Best Big Indoor Plants

Monstera

This tropical vine species is a popular choice for tall plants because of its attractive and unique foliage. They give off jungle-like vibes and have air-purifying qualities, making them one of the best plant additions to your home. The only downside is that they are not considered low-maintenance plants.

Appearance

This tropical plant boasts large, fenestrated leaves, slightly resembling palm fronds, which gives it its common name, Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa). They are grown as a climbing vine or a bushy, standalone plant. There are several variations of the species, many with unique perforated leaves and some variegated versions, like the Thai constellation and Albo.

Size

These plants can grow several feet tall and wide in the right conditions. When grown indoors, they typically reach a mature height of 6 to 8 feet. However, some species can grow even taller.

Water

The Monstera plant does not like moist soil. Water them every 1-2 weeks and allow the soil to dry out in between waterings.

Light

The Swiss cheese plant prefers bright indirect sunlight but can also handle some direct sunlight. They can also survive in low light conditions. However, this may stunt their growth.

Good for Beginners?

It can be difficult to establish a Monstera, but once you find the right location in your home and figure out your particular plant’s preferences for light and water, it becomes relatively easy to grow.

Money Tree

This tall houseplant is known for its distinctive braided trunk and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who have them in their home. They are desirable plants and are a lovely addition to anyone’s home.

Appearance

The money tree has a distinctive braided trunk which is typically smaller trunks woven together. The leaves are palate in shape, meaning that they have a central stalk from which several leaflets extend.

This indoor tree boasts dark green leaves giving it a lush appearance.

Size

In their native habitat, money trees can grow up to 60 feet tall, but a mature money tree will reach between 6 and 10 feet tall when grown indoors. The trunk can reach up to 10 inches in diameter, and the leaves typically reach up to 8 inches long.

Water

Wait until the top few inches of soil are dry before watering your money tree, which typically equates to about every 1-2 weeks depending on the conditions inside your home.

Light

These plants prefer bright indirect light. Avoid placing them in a place that will receive direct light because it can scorch their leaves. It is also ideal to rotate your tree every so often so that all sides receive equal light, preventing it from growing unevenly.

Good for Beginners?

This is a very hardy plant that is great for beginners. Money tree plant care is straightforward.

Philodendron

Philodendrons have recently become one of the most common large houseplants because they are exceptionally easy to grow. There are over 400 species of philodendron, giving you plenty to choose from.

Appearance

The physical appearance can vary from species to species, but they share some general characteristics. They usually have light to deep green leaves. Though typically large, their leaves can vary in shape, including oval, spear-shaped, and heart-shaped.

Size

The size of the plant can vary drastically between species. However, the average indoor plant will grow 8-10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. There are smaller dwarf-sized variations and vining Philodendrons that can reach between 10 and 12 feet long.

Water

Philodendrons enjoy weekly waterings but allow the soil to dry out between them to avoid root rot. During cooler months, you may water your Philodendron a bit less frequently.

Light

Philodendrons like bright but indirect light. However, they are highly adaptable and can also survive in low-light conditions. They can also handle some direct sun, but don’t put them in a spot that receives full sun all day, as this can scorch the leaves.

Good for Beginners?

These highly adaptable plants are perfect for any grower, including beginners. They are very low-maintenance and can survive under most growing conditions.

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise plant is easy to care for and can thrive in various light conditions. Though as indoor plants they do not usually produce their signature bloom, their tropical foliage still brings a tropical aesthetic to your home.

Appearance

The bird of paradise resembles a banana plant. Their glossy green leaves grow upright and emerge from long, fleshy stems. In perfect conditions, they will produce a beautiful flower that resembles a bird’s head, though they typically do not get enough sun to bloom indoors.

Size

The size of the plant depends on the species. Some species can reach up to 30 feet tall. Other species (like the Strelitzia reginae) will top off at around six feet, making them perfect large indoor plants. 

Water

Bird of paradise plants enjoy moist soil but not soggy soil. Let the top couple of inches of soil dry out between waterings, about once a week.

Light

Bird of paradise plants are adaptable, though low light often results in slower growth. The ideal placement of your plant is by a window that receives bright, direct sun.

Good for Beginners?

Because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for, the bird of paradise is an excellent plant for beginners.

Yucca Plant

This versatile ornamental plant is a popular choice among houseplant owners to add some greenery to the home. They offer a unique aesthetic that’s perfect for homes with a desert or Southwestern design theme.

Appearance

Yucca plants have a unique appearance that varies by species. However, they generally have certain things in common, including long, sword-like leaves that grow in a rosette pattern from a central stem.

The leaves typically have sharp tips or serrated edges, and most species grow as shrubs, but some grow into trees with wooden trunks. These plants are popular because of the unique texture they add to a home.

Size

The size of the plant depends on the species. Some species can grow up to 30 feet tall, but the species you would have indoors, such as the Yucca filamentosa, grow around 2-3 feet in height and can spread up to six feet wide.

These plants are typically slow-growing and can take years to reach their maximum size. Their size also depends on their growing conditions.

Water

These plants are moderately drought tolerant and only need to be watered about every two weeks. Let the soil dry out to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Light

Yucca thrives in bright indirect sunlight, so a place in your living room or another part of your house with a west-facing window is ideal. They also like to be rotated once every few weeks to ensure they receive sun evenly.

Good for Beginners?

Though hardy plants, they are prone to certain pests and diseases, so proper care is essential for their longevity. They may not be the best plant for beginners, as they need special care.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

With large, fiddle-shaped leaves (hence the name), these beauties are a popular choice for large houseplants. These Ficus plants symbolize good luck and prosperity and purify the air in your home.

Appearance

The Ficus lyrata has large, glossy leaves that are veined. They are uniquely shaped like violins or fiddles. 

Size

These trees can grow up to 60 feet tall in their natural habitat. However, they will only reach about 10 feet tall in your home.

Water

Thoroughly water your tree every 7-10 days. Though they do not like to be overwatered, you want to ensure they are watered regularly and thoroughly.

Light

These plants like plenty of light, but direct sunlight can burn their leaves. Ideally, they receive around six hours of indirect light every day.

Good for Beginners?

Though they are not considered high maintenance, they aren’t the easiest plants to care for. Proper water, temperature, and humidity are necessary for this plant to thrive.

Elephant Ear (Alocasia) 

Large, heart-shaped leaves give Alocasia its nickname, as they resemble the ears of an elephant. Grown as ornamental plants for their foliage, these herbaceous perennials die back each year and then regrow from the ground in the spring. Grown indoors, they will keep their leaves year round, but will not produce new growth in the winter.

Appearance

As mentioned, these plants are known for their large leaves that resemble an elephant’s ear. However, there are various species of these plants, and they can vary in appearance. Some species have dark green leaves, while others are variegated with white or yellow stripes.

All species have thin, upright stems and fleshy, underground rhizomes or tubers that store food for the plant.

Size

Some species can grow several feet tall, while other varieties are more compact, with 8-inch long leaves. 

Water

The elephant ear plant enjoys weekly waterings and misting in between. They like moist soil, but keeping it too wet can cause root rot. 

Light

Alocasias need bright indirect sunlight, but you must avoid direct sun as it will scorch their leaves.

Good for Beginners?

Though they are relatively hardy, these aren’t the easiest plants to care for. Their water needs are somewhat demanding, and they will not survive if not properly cared for.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a few more large houseplants to check out:

• Madagascar dragon tree, (Dracaena Marginata)

• Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

• Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)

• Snake plant (there are varieties of large and small snake plants. Sansevieria trifasciata can reach 6-8 feet tall)

• Umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola)

• Indoor palm trees (parlor palm, majesty palm)

• Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)

• Olive tree (Olea europaea)

• Pothos and other vining plants are allowed to grow long