1. Bird-of-Paradise
(Strelitzia reginae)
When it comes to statement-making houseplants, it’s hard to go wrong with bird-of-paradise. Even indoors, this statuesque plant can easily reach 6 feet tall and wide. And while you’re unlikely to get blooms inside, you can still enjoy the tropical flair of its broad, arching leaves. Tuck one into an empty corner to fill it, or put it front and center within a room to create a striking focal point.
Care tips: Grow in full sun, providing some filtered shade if the light is very intense. Water thoroughly but let the plant dry out between watering. Water less frequently if indoor temperatures are cool. Mist the plant regularly if indoor humidity is low. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix. Plant in a wide pot, as bird-of-paradise has a shallow root system and likes to spread out. Feed with a balanced half-strength fertilizer every two weeks or so during spring and summer. Dust the leaves regularly. Repot infrequently — bird of paradise likes to be root-bound.
Caution: Bird-of-paradise leaves can be irritating or toxic to children and pets if ingested.
2. Split-Leaf Philodendron
(Monstera deliciosa)
Split-leaf philodendron, or Swiss cheese plant, is a favorite indoor plant that can easily reach 10 feet tall if staked. It gets its common names from the deep cuts and holes that characterize its arching leaves.
This philodendron can handle higher indoor temperatures than many other houseplants and does exceptionally well in the humid environment of a bathroom — but it’s happy in other locations too. It doesn’t like to be moved, so leave it in place once you’ve found the right spot.
Care tips: Place in medium to bright indirect light and out of full sun. Water every several days, keeping the soil moist but not wet, from spring to fall. Reduce watering during winter. Feed monthly from spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Cut the feeding schedule by half in winter. While the plant is generally pest-free, treat any problems by wiping down leaves or applying a nontoxic natural pesticide. Tuck aerial roots back into the potting soil to add more stability.
Caution: Philodendron is toxic to pets and children if ingested.
3. Dragon Tree
(Dracaena marginata)
Dragon tree can hold its own almost anywhere inside. It’s tough and easy to care for, making it ideal for beginning indoor gardeners. Known for its spiked appearance, dragon tree features multiple stems and narrow green leaves edged in red stripes. It’s slow-growing but can reach 4 to 6 feet tall.
Care tips: Dragon tree prefers moderate indirect light. Water weekly from spring to fall; let the soil dry out in winter before watering. Lightly fertilize the plant when it’s growing. Keep it out of drafts. Watch for spider mites.
4. Fiddleleaf Fig
(Ficus lyrata)
Though fiddleleaf fig trees can be a bit challenging to grow, they make up for their fussiness with striking, broad leaves and thin, elegant trunks. Quick growers, fiddleleaf figs can easily add 2 feet a year to reach a maximum height of 6 to 10 feet tall.
Care tips: Grow in bright, filtered light, turning regularly for even growth. Water when the top inch of the soil is dry from spring to fall, dialing back slightly in winter. (Wilting leaves and color loss indicate too little water; leaf drop indicates too much and possibly root rot.) Feed regularly from spring to fall with a specialized fertilizer. Wipe down leaves regularly and watch for pests. Flush the plant periodically to remove any salt from the soil. Trim the top for a bushier plant. You may experience some leaf drop if the plant is moved.
Caution: The leaves can be toxic to pets if ingested.
5. Kentia Palm
(Howea forsteriana)
This Australian native is known for its delicate appearance and towering height. A Kentia palm can grow to be 10 feet tall or more, although it does so fairly slowly. Choose a spot in your home with a high ceiling and plenty of room for it to show off its feathery fronds. This palm is relatively low-maintenance and adapts to different conditions.
Care tips: Provide bright to moderate light. Water lightly once a week or less, allowing the top soil to dry out slightly. Mist periodically. Choose a well-draining potting soil designed for palms and succulents. Apply a specialized fertilizer once or twice in spring and summer. Check for pests regularly. Repot only when necessary, as the root ball can be damaged easily.
6. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
(Sansevieria trifasciata)
Looking to fill a spot in your home where nothing seems to thrive? Mother-in-law’s tongue may be just what you need. Also known as snake plant, it has thick, upright, green-and-gray striped leaves with yellow edges that give it a distinctive (and snake-like) look.Sansevieria is ideal for darker corners and can handle some neglect, including lack of regular water. This hardy plant may not reach the height some of the others on the list will, but it’s tall enough to grab attention.
Care tips: Grow in low, moderate or indirect light. Water once or twice a month, letting it dry out in between, especially in winter. Use a cactus potting mix or well-draining potting soil with no fertilizer added. (Mother-in-law’s tongue does not usually need to be fertilized.) Dust the leaves regularly and watch for pests.
Caution:The leaves can be toxic to pets and children if ingested.
7. Candelabra Tree
(Euphorbia ingens)
This dramatic cactus look-alike is a showstopper, so let it take center stage. It will shine in any number of settings, especially in modern or desert-inspired rooms. It’s also easy to grow. While it can grow to a massive size outdoors, it will top out at 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide indoors.
Care tips: Grow in a south- or west-facing window. It can be grown in full sun, but make sure it doesn’t burn. Water once a week or less when the soil is almost completely dry, and allow the water to drain completely. Cut back on water in winter. Use a quick-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Caution: Euphorbias have a milky sap that is irritating to the skin and eyes and is toxic if ingested. Avoid growing them near pets or young children.
8. Umbrella Tree
(Schefflera actinophylla)
This old-fashioned favorite has been making a bit of a comeback lately. An easy-care plant, umbrella tree has glossy foliage, a tropical vibe and leaves that span up to 1 foot across. It can reach 8 to 10 feet tall but is also fairly narrow, so it’s a great choice for a tight corner. Place two side by side for a bushier feel.
Care tips: Grow it in bright but diffused light. Water thoroughly, draining off excess, then let the soil dry out. Use a well-draining potting soil and fertilize lightly when the plant is growing. Watch for indoor pests. Pinch or prune limbs if it gets too leggy.
Caution: Umbrella tree can be toxic to children and pets if ingested.
9. Dwarf Olive Tree
(Olea europaea)
An olive tree requires more care than other houseplants, but it’s worth considering if you have the right conditions. An indoor olive tree can grow to 10 feet, making it perfect for rooms with high or vaulted ceilings (like the one seen here). Placement in front of a bright window is ideal, as it requires at least six hours of full sun. Its willowy gray-green foliage creates a neutral backdrop that complements almost any interior. And while an olive tree is unlikely to bear fruit indoors, choosing a nonfruiting variety is good insurance if you don’t want to deal with falling fruit.
Care tips: Place in bright, direct sunlight, preferably in a south-facing window, for at least six hours a day. Water deeply and thoroughly, letting the water drain out. Water again when the first inch of the soil is dry. Use a well-draining potting soil or cactus potting mix. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring and then again in midsummer. Watch for scale.
10. Dwarf Citrus
(Citrus spp.)
Growing a dwarf citrus tree indoors can be both difficult and rewarding. It’s very demanding, requiring full sun and just the right humidity, soil moisture and air temperature. But its beauty, enticing fragrance and winter fruit production — even in regions without temperate climates — make growing one a worthy endeavor. An indoor citrus can, with the right care, reach 6 feet tall or higher.
Care tips: Provide at least eight hours of full sun for the plant to thrive and set fruit. Water thoroughly, then let it get reasonably dry before watering again. Choose a fast-draining potting soil. Apply a citrus fertilizer monthly. Watch for indoor plant pests. If possible, let it vacation outdoors during the summer.
Caution: Citrus is known for its thorns, so keep it away from high-traffic areas.
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