Large Indoor Plants That Make a Statement in Any Room

Common Causes

1. 1

   Fiddle-Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

   The fiddle-leaf fig is one of the most sought-after large indoor plants, with large, violin-shaped leaves that can reach 18 inches long on a plant that grows 6 feet tall or more indoors. It is also among the most demanding; it needs bright indirect light, consistent watering, and dislikes being moved once settled.

   How to fix it: Place in your brightest spot away from direct harsh sun. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry; never let it sit in water. Once you find a spot it likes, do not move it. Dust the large leaves regularly.

2. 2

   Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

   The bird of paradise is an ideal large plant for bright rooms. It grows slowly to 4-6 feet indoors, needs little pruning, and is far more forgiving than the fiddle-leaf fig. In very bright conditions, it eventually flowers; large orange and blue blooms that resemble a tropical bird. Split leaves are normal and occur with age and air movement.

   How to fix it: Provide the brightest indirect light possible; a south or west-facing window is ideal. Water thoroughly and allow the top 2 inches to dry between waterings. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer for fastest growth.

3. 3

   Monstera deliciosa

   Monstera is among the most dramatic large-leaf plants available and one of the easiest to grow. It adapts to lower light than most large plants (though it grows faster and produces more fenestrated leaves in bright indirect light), and its care is forgiving of minor neglect. Older plants can spread to 6 feet wide with leaves reaching 2 feet across.

   How to fix it: Provide bright indirect light for best results. Install a large moss pole to support climbing and encourage larger leaves. Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.

4. 4

   Dracaena

   Dracaenas are among the most low-maintenance large indoor plants. They grow slowly, tolerate low to medium light, and need little water compared to most other large tropical plants. The corn plant variety (Dracaena fragrans) has wide, arching leaves with yellow edges and can reach 6 feet tall indoors.

   How to fix it: Water when the top half of the soil is dry; roughly every 2-3 weeks. Use filtered or distilled water, as dracaenas are sensitive to fluoride in tap water. Remove lower leaves as they yellow naturally with age.

5. 5

   Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

   The rubber plant grows slowly to a bold, upright 6-10 feet indoors over several years. Its large, glossy dark green or burgundy leaves make it one of the most architecturally striking houseplants. It is more tolerant of lower light than the fiddle-leaf fig and far easier to care for.

   How to fix it: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Wipe large leaves monthly to keep them glossy and photosynthetically efficient. Stake if needed for the first year until the trunk thickens. Avoid cold drafts.

6. 6

   Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)

   The Kentia palm is one of the most elegant large houseplants and one of the most tolerant of low light among palms. It grows slowly but eventually reaches 10 feet indoors, with graceful arching fronds. It is suited to large rooms, hotel lobbies, and bright hallways.

   How to fix it: Place in bright indirect light for best growth, but tolerates medium light. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Do not repot more often than needed; Kentia palms prefer being slightly pot-bound. Use filtered water to avoid tip browning.