Explore this list of large houseplants that look impressive but are low-maintenance and great for houseplant beginners.
Top 10 Large Houseplants That Are Easy to Grow
Published on Nov. 26, 2024
1. Norfolk Island Pine
Araucaria heterophylla
Norfolk Island pine starts small, but it can eventually reach heights of anywhere between 5 and 8 feet. (Outside on its native Norfolk Island near New Zealand, it grows up to 200 feet!) Although this ornamental conifer is somewhat drought-tolerant, its soft green needles will turn brown if it doesn’t receive regular watering and high humidity. Place in an east- or west-facing window and turn regularly for more balanced growth.
Why we love it: Although not exactly a sturdy spruce, Norfolk Island pine can work as a substitute Christmas tree. Just skip the heavy ornaments and reach for a cute paper chain instead.
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2. Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Some ficus can be fussy, but not the rubber plant. It prefers bright indirect light and prefers to dry out before it’s watered again, so this plant is a popular choice for more absent-minded plant parents. Keep its dark, rubbery leaves nice and shiny by wiping it down with a damp cloth.
Why we love it: Rubber plants start small but grow fast — up to 6 feet tall. If you’re looking for a large houseplant but don’t want to spring for the price of one, rubber plants are the way to go.
3. Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
Bring rainforest vibes to your living room with the fiddle-leaf fig. It grows with one main stem and to encourage its tree-like appearance, regularly turn the plant to keep it growing straight. (With the right care, it can grow up to 6 feet tall.) Generously water then allow to dry out again. Too much water will cause its large leaves to drop.
Why we love it: It requires the same growing conditions (bright indirect light and a draft-free location with room temperatures between 59 and 75 degrees) as a few other large houseplants, like rubber plants and monstera. Pair them all together in the same room to create a mini jungle.
4. Spineless Yucca
Yucca elephantipes
The spineless yucca doesn’t spread itself wide and instead grows neat and straight, making it the perfect option for a narrow space. It’s mostly grown for its distinctive, sword-like foliage. It prefers low humidity and minimal watering. Turn it regularly to help it keep its strong, upright shape.
Why we love it: Spineless yuca can be moved outside during the summer to soak up the sun, then placed back in a sunny, south-facing spot indoors when colder weather returns.
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5. Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
It only takes one glance at the ponytail palm to see where it gets its name. This plant has long, thin leaves that grow in a ponytail-like arch and it will stand out amongst your other plants. Those namesake leaves are slightly serrated, however, so wear gloves when handling.
Why we love it: Ponytail palm does best when left to its own devices. Its large trunk stores water, so it prefers minimal watering and cactus potting mix.
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6. Tree Philodendron
Philodendron bipinnatifidum
Despite its eye-catching appearance, tree philodendron are drama-free as far as plant care goes. It will do well in bright, indirect light and in average house temperatures. Water it regularly enough that its soil stays sligtly moist but don’t drown it, because it can be susceptible to root rot.
Why we love it: If you’re on the hunt for a houseplant that makes a statement, tree philodendron is the way to go. It grows up to 5 or 6 feet indoors and even its leaves are massive, topping out at 3 feet long.
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7. Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
There’s a reason parlor palm remains popular. Its feathered foliage offers an elegant look, but its easygoing nature makes it simple to care for. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, which will be more often in summer and sunnier locations. Parlor palm only needs repotting every two years and although it’s a slow-grower, it will eventually reach 4 to 5 feet tall.
Why we love it: Whether you place this plant in a sunny spot or a shady corner, parlor palm can handle it.
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8. Swiss Cheese Plant
Monstera deliciosa
Under the right conditions (filtered sun and semi-regular watering), a Swiss cheese plant will grow and spread fast, growing up to 10 feet or higher if you let it. To stop your Swiss cheese plant from getting out of hand, prune away new or unwanted stems and secure to a moss pole for support.
Why we love it: It’s impossible to beat the iconic look of Monstera’s leaves: broad, heart-shaped and full of holes, hence its Swiss cheese moniker.
9. Madagascar Dragon Plant
Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia
Growing up to 5 feet tall over many years, Madagascar dragon plant is popular in both offices and homes because it does well in low light conditions. It’s also disease-resistant and requires minimal watering. Just keep soil moist and mist the leaves occasionally if your home has low humidity. Brown leaf tips and edges on dracaenas, parlor palms, and a few other plants are often caused by fluoride in tap water. Collect and use rainwater, distilled water or other non-flourinated water to avoid this problem.
Why we love it: The variegated, spiky foliage make this houseplant look impressive but it’s low-maintenance.
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10. Umbrella Palm
Cyperus spp.
Umbrella palm is the perfect option for gardeners who tend to overwater their plants. Technically an aquatic plant, even its roots can stay submerged . Keep it happy by keeping it soaked and use liquid plant food a couple times in spring and summer.
Why we love it: Its light foliage grows out of its thin stems in a way that resembles the spokes of an umbrella or bicycle.
Sources
- “The Indestructible Houseplant” by Tovah Martin
- Houseplants: DK Grow
- “Houseplants for All” by Danae Horst
- Britannica – Norfolk Island pine
- Gardenia.net – Tree philodendron
- Gardenia.net – Dragon tree
- Gardening Know How – Cyperus Umbrella Houseplants
- Mississippi State University Extension – Umbrella palm thrives anywhere it’s planted
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension – Cyperus alternifolius
