Indoor plants are having a major moment right now, and for good reason! They aren’t just stunning focal points for your decor; they also do wonders for your indoor air quality. If you’re looking to make a statement, we’ve rounded up nine of the most popular large houseplants, plus a little “insider tip” you might not have considered yet.
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++Yucca Cane (Yucca elephantipes)
Despite the common nickname “Yucca Palm,” this easy-to-care-for plant is actually part of the asparagus family! The Yucca features sturdy, upright woody trunks topped with rosettes of tough, sword-shaped leaves. Just a heads-up: those leaf tips can be quite pointy! While it’s rare to see a Yucca bloom indoors, under perfect conditions and after about ten years, it can produce beautiful clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers.
++Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
With its massive, violin-shaped leaves and dramatic silhouette, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is the ultimate “it” plant for interior designers. Since it can reach heights of 6 to 12 feet indoors, it’s a perfect fit for rooms with plenty of space. You won’t see any actual figs on this variety when grown inside, but to keep it looking lush, make sure it has a bright spot with indirect light and stays far away from chilly drafts.
++Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
You probably recognize the Bird of Paradise from high-end floral bouquets, but they make incredible potted plants, too. Their oversized, banana-like leaves bring an instant tropical vibe to any corner. Varieties like *Strelitzia nicolai* (Giant White Bird) grow on a trunk, while the classic *Strelitzia reginae* grows in a clump. To get those iconic orange or white “crane” flowers to bloom, try to find a sunny spot and avoid moving the pot around too much!
++Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig has been a staple in homes for decades. It’s loved for its elegant, arching branches and dense canopy of pointed oval leaves. Depending on the variety, you can find them in classic deep green or with beautiful cream-colored variegation. It’s a classic choice if you want the look of a real tree right in your living room.
++Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Tree is a low-maintenance favorite that has been popular for nearly 200 years. It features thick, glossy, leathery leaves that come in shades of deep burgundy, forest green, or even “Tineke” pink variegation. Because it tends to grow straight up rather than branching out wide, it’s a great pick for tighter spots that still need some height.
++Dragon Tree (Dracaena)
With its slender trunks and tufts of sword-like leaves, the Dracaena is a real architectural beauty. It’s a common sight in offices because it’s incredibly tough and acts as a natural air purifier. While Dracaena flowers are rare indoors, older plants might surprise you with clusters of fragrant, creamy-white blossoms.
++Philodendron (Philodendron)
Philodendrons are the “old reliable” of the plant world. Many climbing varieties can reach impressive heights if you give them a moss pole to grip onto. However, the Tree Philodendron (*Philodendron bipinnatifidum*) can stand on its own, reaching up to 6 feet tall. Not only do they look great with their lush green foliage, but they also act as a biological filter, scrubbing pollutants from your indoor air.
++Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
This hardy succulent is famous for its upright, sword-like leaves that feature striking marbled patterns of dark green and yellow. Some varieties can grow up to 5 feet tall! The Snake Plant is practically indestructible, making it the absolute best choice for beginners or anyone who occasionally forgets to water their green friends.
++Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
The “Swiss Cheese Plant” is a total showstopper with its iconic split leaves and wild aerial roots. It’s a fast grower that can reach nearly 10 feet tall. Mature Monsteras can produce leaves up to 20 inches wide! While they are relatively easy to care for, they do need a sturdy pot and plenty of “elbow room” to spread out their massive foliage.
%% African Linden (Sparmannia africana)
Here is our secret tip: the African Linden! It’s not as common as the others, but it’s a hidden gem for large, high-ceilinged rooms. It has a beautiful tree-like growth habit and soft, heart-shaped, fuzzy leaves that can grow 8 inches wide. If you avoid pruning your African Linden in the spring and keep it in a cool spot with high humidity, it will reward you with clusters of delicate white flowers from late fall through spring.