When you are choosing your next houseplant, cast your mind to tall plants instead of their compact counterparts. Towering houseplants add drama and beauty to any room. But they especially liven up cold, roomier spaces like a foyer, an indoor balcony over a foyer or living room, and barren corners.
However, tall plants are not just for larger homes. They can create an illusion of more space in tiny homes as they draw the eyes upward or fixate the eyes as the feature in a room. So, consider growing one of these green giants to add more interest to your home. Most of them are low maintenance and will last for years to come.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
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A rubber plant, or rubber tree, can grow to between 6 and 10 feet tall. Its large, leathery leaves can grow to as long as 12 inches. They make a splash in hues such as deep maroon or dark green combined with markings in white, cream, yellow, or pink.
Picking the perfect location is the secret to ensuring that your rubber plant continues to add interest for a long time. Because once in place, it doesn’t like to be moved.
It likes full sun or dappled sunlight for at least six hours daily. An east-facing window with good early morning light is a choice spot.
Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
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Whether you are a follower of feng shui or just generally want to attract more financial luck, the money tree is a go-to choice. In the wild, it can soar to as high as 60 feet, but as an indoor houseplant, it reaches to between 6 and 8 feet tall.
Money trees have flexible trunks, which allow them to be easily intertwined or braided when they are young to cultivate their signature look. Keep these tall plants happy in well-draining soil in a room with medium humidity and bright, filtered light. However, they will also do well in light shade.
Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
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The Norfolk island pine is a delight with its splayed stems and playful, soft, awl-shaped leaves that are tempting to touch. However, despite its name, it’s not a real pine but instead a conifer of the ancient Araucariaceae family.
As a houseplant, this evergreen will grow to as tall as 8 feet, but over a number of years so you will have to be patient if you acquire it when it’s younger. As it gains a bit of stature, you can even decorate it indoors for Christmas.
Norfolk island pine thrives in sandy, acidic soil, and lots of bright light and humidity. To ensure the whole plant gets an even amount of light and grows erect, turn it every one or two weeks.
Dracaena
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These tropical houseplants are low-maintenance, hardy indoor plants that can reach as high as 10 feet tall. Some of the most popular varieties are fragrans, warneckii, and marginata.
Home gardeners prize dracaenas for their long, lance-shaped green leaves that can be variegated with lighter green, yellow, white, or red stripes.
However, dracaena also creates an impact with its slender, statuesque stems that can be woven together. Native to Africa, dracaenas lavish in bright, indirect light, but they are also excellent choices for low-light homes.
Broadleaf Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
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With its lush, deep-green foliage and tall stature, the broadleaf lady palm adds drama to any blank corner, wall, or entryway in your home. It can grow as big as 8 feet tall by 8 feet wide.
Its glossy leaves are divided into leaflets that fan out creating a stunning fireworks-like effect. While its brown or coppery stems create a pleasing earthy contrast against the green foliage.
These tall indoor plants are easy to care for and will withstand bright, indirect light or shade. They will even thrive near chilly doors or windows in winter. Grow it in loamy, well-draining soil.
Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
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Dieffenbachias are some of the fastest-growing indoor plants that tick the “tall” box. Just be sure you don’t buy the compact or dwarf varieties. Their big, bold, patterned leaves provide that botanical wow factor you crave. And, pruned occasionally they’ll grow even fuller, kicking that wow factor up by notches.
These tropical beauties can grow to 6 or 8 feet tall. But beware of their sap, which can literally leave you speechless, causing your throat to swell if it’s ingested. Always wear gloves when pruning and wash your hands well afterward.
Dieffenbachia will tolerate full shade. But it will be tickled pink in diffused light or partial shade. Water its soil thoroughly and evenly and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
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It’s not surprising that fiddle leaf figs are featured often in décor and lifestyle magazines. Their large, fiddle-shaped leaves are spectacular and add a sense of elegance and luxury to any space.
Also, if tall plants are what you want for your home, you won’t be disappointed with the fiddle leaf fig. It grows at a rate of 1 to 2 feet annually eventually reaching about 10 feet tall. If you prefer a fuller form, you’ll need to prune the new growth at the tips of the branches.
However, these plants that are native to Africa are notoriously fussy to grow, so they might not be the first choice for beginner gardeners.
Tall Plants a Tall Order?
If you're to smaller houseplants, growing your first tall plants might take some convincing. Break out of your comfort zone and try at least one of the impressive plants on this list. If you are concerned about the plant’s weight as it grows, you can put the pot on a plant caddy with wheels to easily move it.
Is there a tall indoor plant that you would add to this list? Add it in the comments below.