Plants make excellent home decor for almost every style! Here’s the best common tall house plants to make a statement in any room- plus some photos of them in action with care tips!
You know I love a good house plant. The only rooms in our house that don’t have plants are the kids rooms… and that’s for the plants safety ;) Even in spaces in our home that are not conducive to real plants (not enough bright light for example), we’ve brought in some artificial plants to enjoy the look.
Today I’m excited to share about the best varieties of tall house plants for you to bring into your house to complement your home decor.
I love plants of all shapes and sizes around here. Little succulent cuties, hanging baskets, lush fiddle leaf figs, you name it!
…But there’s just something so special about those big or tall houseplants that add height and drama to a space. They’re total showstoppers that elevate your decor to new levels (literally and figuratively!), help fill empty corners, and they’re a great way to bring some life in to a space that is missing that little something something.
The best part? Whether your vibe is super minimalist and modern or you love a little boho-jungle moment, there’s a perfect tall plant out there to complement your style.
So, for all you plant people out there, I’ve rounded up 15 stunners that I think you’ll love. I’m including some finicky ones for the houseplant pro out there but also some that are so beginner friendly they might turn you into a green thumb yet.
I wanted to make this SUUUUPER helpful for you so I’m not just sharing large indoor plants that I love the look of, but some photos of these tall house plants in action in real homes.
Not just my home either.
I called in favors from friends and have added photos of their homes in here as well. Plus a couple from my talented blogging friends.
In addition to that, I’m going to give some tips to save money as you get the look for less, where to buy these plants, fake plants links for each of the real ones I’m talking about and some care tips if you’re new to one of the ones I’m talking about.
Let’s dig in!
Why you should consider adding real plants to your home decor
Before we get into these though… I have to make a case for real plants.
Have you ever walked into a room filled with beautiful greenery and just felt an instant sense of calm wash over you? They instantly create a little oasis of zen amidst the chaos. But did you know that scientifically, real plants are beneficial for your health? Not just a zen little moment.
Studies have shown that plants can actually help lower your stress levels and reduce anxiety. We’re talking cortisol reducing and actual blood pressure dropping (in a good way). Being in a room with plants can positively affect your mood and happiness.
Looking at plants can actually aid your recovery from injury or illness as well- even pictures have been found to be helpful on this one!
While some of these benefits might come from faux plants or pictures even- real plants win out each time. Real plants can even help improve your cognitive concentration and productivity.
Working with plants (repotting, watering etc.) has been found to be therapeutic for mental health as well.
Plus… they help to clean your air!
Plants are incredible, really, they scrub the air of contaminates… awesome, right? Some plants that are suggested to have the best air cleaning potential include a few types of palms, a boston fern, a rubber tree, spider plant and ficus… 3 of which are on this home decor list! Some studies show you’ll need a significant amount for this, but every bit helps- that with the added mental benefits? Why not give it a go!
There’s SO may studies and articles on this. Here’s two you can check out that I have referenced in this section if you’d like more information (Health Line / Time).
A Plant for Every Style
Okay, let’s be real – it’s pretty hard to go wrong adding some lovely greenery to your home. Plants just have a way of breathing life into any space they’re in. But some plants will vibe with your decor style better than others.
I really think every home decor style can benefit from plants, but here’s a few styles that really benefit from them!
Cozy Modern Home Style- This is how I define my own home style. I love the look of modern pieces but crave the coziness. I have whole blog posts dedicated to this home style and one of the tips I always give to add that touch of coziness is to add plants.
Urban Jungle Vibes- If you’re looking to create a lush, rainforest retreat in your home, you’ll want some plants that bring the drama! I’m talking showstoppers like a towering monstera or cool dragon tree. These are guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve escaped into a tropical paradise – even if it’s just in your living room.
Minimalist Chic– If you’re more of a modern minimalist, plants are the perfect way to soften those clean lines and add a little of life if you’re feeling like your space is a little cold. A sleek snake plant or sculptural umbrella tree won’t overcrowd your space but will be a stunning, grounded accent piece.
Scandi Coziness– If you’re feeling something a little more understated and cozy, you’ll love how tall palms, large leafed fiddle leaf figs or banana plants can warm up bright and airy Scandinavian spaces.
Eclectic & Bohemian– Maybe your home style can’t be contained by silly rules and definitions, get ready to mix and match all kinds of plant babies! A ZZ plant paired with a swaying yucca tree? You bet! This is your chance to really get creative and let your plants be an extension of your unique, free-spirited style.
The best tall house plants for home decor
Alright, let’s get to the different types of plants you can add to your indoor space for some extra style. These are large house plants that look can look incredible and decorative.
Like any plant- you can also get smaller houseplants, the large plants will cost more than the smaller ones so if you want to practice with a smaller one first before dropping more money on a large houseplant- start there!
I’ll also link a fake plant version of each if you love the look and would like to have one in a space you aren’t able to care for a real plant (low light or a rental space for example). These are all affiliate links at no cost to you :)
Important Note: Of course, like most plants – many on this list are poisonous to animals if they EAT them. This is for the plants survival but of course if you have furry friends that might gnaw on your plants you might want to consider going fake or specifically looking for pet friendly plants.
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1. Palm Plants
Faux on Amazon
Feeling like you need a ‘lil staycation these days? Palms are instant vacation vibes for your home. We love a Majesty palm- they are just so stunning!
Palms have arching fronds that are elegant and they grow quite large so they’re awesome to fill space in your home. You can get some that are almost as tall as the ceiling, typically reaching heights of 8-10 feet indoors.
Caring for a Majesty Palm is an actual breeze, there’s a reason they’re popular houseplants. They pretty much thrive on being neglected like the best low-maintenance houseplants. Just stick them in some bright, indirect light and give them a good drink now and then, allowing them to slightly dry out in between waterings. Maybe a little plant food if you’re feeling fancy during spring and summer months. That’s it! So low-maintenance, it’s almost too good to be true.
And with so many sizes available, you can easily find one to tuck into a cozy corner or let these breezy indoor trees steal the show in your place. Since they tolerate sun, they’re one of the plants that are happy enough to be brought outside in warmer months then back inside before fall hits. You can see that here on my sister’s covered patio.
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig
A fiddle leaf fig is a type of ficus… you know, those plants that are so good for cleaning the air ;) I have two of these in my living room that I’ve had for YEARS.
While everyone says that these guys can be a bit of a dramatic diva, I’ve actually found mine to be quite forgiving- I water all of my plants every 2 weeks… ish. I know, not very particular, but it works for me.
Even if you do find that they’re a bit fussy, the rich green leaves of are just so striking, it makes the little bit of added maintenance worth it.
I mean, can we just take a moment for those gorgeous violin-shaped leaves? They create the most beautiful contrast against all kinds of textures, like exposed brick walls or rich wooden furniture. They also help add life into a white room. I use them behind my sofa in my all white living room to add a little bit of life and texture to the space- it’s the perfect focal point as you look into the room.
Alright, so unlike my experience, the internet tells me that Fiddle Leaf Figs like things just so with their light, water, and soil situation. If you take care of them better, they’ll grow faster- for example, mine aren’t super tall and I’ve had them for years. I did start with a tiny tiny one to save some money and have grown it to the size it is today, though!
My sister’s FLF (the office space) is much younger than mine but she takes excellent care of it and it’s grown so quickly!
They can reach heights of 8-10 feet or more. Here’s an incredible photo my friend Troi sent me of a fiddle leaf fig that’s more than 10 feet tall, the advice that came with this photo was give it LOTS of sun and let it dry out between watering.
A couple of tips on these from me. Shake the stem of your plant often, when I water, I hold the tree and give it a shake to help sturdy up the trunk as it grows. Rotate it as well, these tend to grow towards the light so just give it a quarter turn each time you water to help it from arching too much. Speaking of water- let it dry out slightly between each watering and make sure your pot has good drainage.
They’re also sensitive to moves in location so every winter when I move mine from beside the sunny window (there’s a double door next to it, the cold air letting the dog in and out would kill it) to further away, it drops a few leaves. Aim for bright, indirect light. Honestly- I live in a semi-desert and this plant would love to be right up against that sunny window. So bright as possible for these guys is my personal experience.
Even if you don’t move them… They WILL lose leaves occasionally… that’s okay. They like to be cozy in a pot, avoid repotting until the roots are literally growing out of your pot. More than other potted plants, Fiddle leaf figs tend to eat their soil quickly, so top them up about once a year. Since they have such large leaves, I find it’s important to dust them.
Fertilize in growing months and avoid drafty areas like over a vent or nearby a door in the winter.
3. Bird of Paradise
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You can think of the Bird of Paradise as the understated, quiet luxury beauty of the potted plant world. They’re basically royalty, the scientific name is after Queen Charlotte (wife of King George III), they’re often referred to as regal and bring the elegance of exotic palaces. Picture these babies at the base of a sweeping marble staircase or gracing the entryway of the old-money elite’s indoor atriums. Too much imagery? Okay, let’s get real-house sized with our visuals.
Above you can see one on the far right, this is the best photo I have of a really large one when we were visiting a friends house last summer (spy my little guy playing happily in the window!). This plant is as tall as me, the high ceilings are deceiving, she’s really a big one!
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Here’s a photo from my friend and actual plant expert Brittany of the Bird of Paradise in her home, you can see a full blog post of hers on the Bird of Paradise right here.
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Birds of paradise are often mistaken for a banana plant which I have more photos for, they both have gorgeous big leaves. They get very tall so can add tons of height (can grow 4-6 feet tall indoors) and character to any room. Those massive leaves create such a lush, jungly vibe, and if you take really good care of these, you can get the most incredible orange and blue flowers!
And surprisingly, Bird of Paradises are some of the most chill, easy-going houseplants around. You’d think anything that stunning would require all kinds of complicated care, but nope. Just keep in bright indirect light (the brighter the better!) and water every one to two weeks, you don’t want to let these ones dry out in between waterings as much as most plants.
Like most houseplants, they benefit from fertilizer during spring and summer months. You can also give these ones a quarter turn when watering as well to keep from reaching for light. If you’re looking for a bathroom or pool room plant, these guys love humidity.
4. Banana Plant
Speaking of big leaves… let’s talk about the banana plant! This jungle giant looks a lot like the bird of paradise and has that effortless, glamorous vibe of a tropical paradise. The differences between a banana leaf plant and a bird of paradise? Look to how it grows. A banana plant will grow off of one stalk almost like a tree where a bird of paradise will have several smaller stems.
These statuesque stunners, have oversized paddle shaped leaves and a dramatic silhouette. Their sheer size makes a major statement no matter what kind of style you’ve got going on in your space. They can grow up to 20 feet tall when well cared for.
Whether you’re leaning into clean, mid-century modern lines or curating more of an eclectic, boho-chic jungle, the Banana Plant’s vertical presence is just chef’s kiss. It plays so nicely with all those warm woods and natural textiles while still letting its larger-than-life leaves take center stage.
Here’s a photo of a really large one from Far and Wide in Kamloops.
Now, I won’t lie – as fabulous as they are, these Banana Plants demand some attention and want their growing conditions to be just so. We’re talking indirect light, moist soil but not soggy and fertilize in growing months. They prefer warm temperatures and humidity.
The one in the office photo is my sister’s. She’s had success caring for it in a dry and not super warm climate for a number of years, but mine (smaller one in the basket) was overwatered last summer and I was sad to see it die from root rot.
Honestly, if you’re still getting the hang of caring for houseplants, it might be better to start with something a tad lower-maintenance, like a Bird of Paradise or Snake Plant first.
5. Green Giant Elephant Ear
Have you guys ever seen a Green Giant Elephant Ear plant? Also called Alocasia, they are STUN-ning!
We’re talking leaves that can get up to 2 feet and a lush, vibrant canopy that if in great outdoor conditions can get up to 10 feet tall. But indoors? They can still reach 5 or more feet if well cared for. These tropical queens know how to make a statement!
Here’s the catch… Green Giant Elephant Ears are not for the faint of plant heart and demand some serious TLC!
Give these bright light and regular waterings, don’t let the soil fully dry out (just the top couple of inches). Plant food in growing months and high humidity is beneficial too- think tropical!
If you’re new to the plant parent game, I’d start with an easier plant like a Snake Plant first.
But if you don’t mind a dramatic, high-maintenance plant, your Giant Elephant Ear will reward you with some incredible foliage! Just be prepared to give it your all.
And fair warning – keep it away from kids and pets because it’s toxic if nibbled on.
Like most plants, there’s lots of different varieties. The first photo above the title of this section is my friend Calli’s indoor one and next (green bedroom) is one we tried it my sister’s bedroom makeover but it didn’t get enough light so had to be moved.
Then below that is my friend Brittany’s which she brings outside every summer- incredible, right?! She has a full Alocasia plant care blog post if you’re interested in this one.
6. Yucca Elephantipes
These are so tropical and fun, these large indoor plants bring so much visual interest to a room. Often just called yucca, the Spineless Yucca is grows sword-shaped leaves from a tree trunk looking stem. You can see it here in the basket by the leather chair in my sister’s living room.
This tree can get up to 10 feet tall, but they’re slow growers. If yours is getting tall, a little strategic pruning will help you keep it any height you please. One word of warning is that the leaves on these can be quite sharp.
And here’s the cherry on top – Yuccas are crazy low-maintenance! They literally thrive on neglect. Just set ‘em in a bright spot where they can soak up that sunlight and give them a sip of water now and then and plant food in growing months. If you’re a busy parent, travel a ton, or tend to have a bad case of “out of sight, out of mind.” This Yucca tree is your guy.
Again, if you’re looking for more detailed care information on this one- you can see my friend Brittany’s Yucca Care blog post here!
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7. Dragon Plant
Dragon Plant or Dracaena is actually the first large house plant I ever cared for well. We got one of these babies from IKEA when we got married and it grew almost as tall as me before it got damaged and died in a move almost 10 years later. So when I’m saying these are low maintenance… these truly are! You can see it in this throwback photo to our apartment below.
Dracaena has long, slender leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall. I think it has a similar appeal of a palm with those frond like leaves.
They’re super adaptable and low-maintenance. While (like most plants) they prefer indirect sunlight, the apartment we had was very low light and this plant was happy there for years! Let the top couple of inches dry out before watering and as with any tall plants, make sure to fertilize in growing months and turn as they do grow towards the light.
This is another one to keep out of reach of pets or kiddos, as those leaves can be toxic if nibbled on.
The dragon plant photo above the title of this section is again my friend Brittany’s and you can see her full dragon plant care post here.
8. Monstera Deliciosa
Doesn’t it just seem like everyone is obsessed with the Monstera Deliciosa lately? And can you blame them? Those ginormous, gorgeous dark green leaves with their unique holes are EVERYTHING!
Monstera is nicknamed the “Swiss Cheese Plant” thanks to those signature splits and fenestrations that the plant gets when it’s growing to let light through to lower leaves. Watching those leaves unfurl is honestly magic. These guys are truly like having a living work of art. They just command attention. See it below in my primary bedroom reveal– it’s grown so much since this!
Monstera give me boho, midcentury, eclectic vibes but really- they work with any home style. They can grow quite large around as opposed to tall. While I read that they can grow up to 10 feet indoors, they would need to be staked and supported with ties to keep them growing up instead of out.
They’re also pretty low-maintenance. Give them bright, indirect light and turn regularly to keep them from reaching too far in one direction.
It’s a good idea to give them a mossy pole or some kind of support (see how my sister has done that in hers). This is optional, you’ll just find they grow OUT without some support. Tie your plant stems loosely to the support as they grow.
Water deeply and let almost dry out between waterings. They appreciate humidity and fertilizer in growing season. While they don’t lose leaves very much in the winter, they will stop growing until the spring.
9. Dwarf Umbrella Tree
This tropical tree might have a little name, but it brings some major jungle vibes with it’s full, glossy leaves! Despite being “dwarf,” this lovely plant can shoot up an impressive 5-10 feet tall indoors.
This is another one I don’t have many photos of- here you can see a photo of one by my son in the window light. What I really love about this plant is the umbrella-shaped leaves that fan out. They look so sleek and sculptural, they’re just really interesting to look at.
The Umbrella Tree, also known as arboricola, is actually pretty darn easygoing for a houseplant! It’s tolerant of different light (just not DIRECT sun) and temp conditions, so it’s great for beginners of those who don’t have time to worry about their houseplants.
Just be sure not to drown this guy or to let it get too cold (near doorways in the winter). Choose a pot with good drainage and only water thoroughly when the top few inches go bone dry.
10. Rubber Plant
Another part of the ficus family, the rubber plant has some really beautiful varieties. I have two, one small variegated one and a larger one with gorgeous dark green leaves that I grew from a cutting from a friend. She just cut off a branch of her rubber leaf a few years ago and it’s been growing happily since!
Whether you’re going for chic minimalist vibes with the dark green leaves or want to channel your inner boho babe, with variegated leaves of the Rubber Plant these large indoor plants can add so much personality to a space that might feel a little dull.
Did you know that Rubber Trees can get up to 10 feet tall?! Imagine with the right conditions those gorgeous waxy leaves stretching allll the way up your wall! How could you not fall in love? The rubber tree in the small pot is in my own house, then the photo of the larger one below is my friend Troi’s plant that my rubber tree is cut from- how cool, right?! When she gave it to me it was just a one foot section of branch, now it’s branched a few times and more than 2 feet high!
Rubber plants are surprisingly low-key to care for. They tolerate a range of light, only need a monthly snack (fertilizer) during growing season, and basically thrive on being left alone. If you are choosing a variegated variety, always opt for more sun to keep those colors looking variegated and vibrant.
I do turn this one when I water as well as I find it reaches towards the light and I also dust these leaves as well as they’re larger and tend to show the dust quicker. You can see in the first image of these I definitely need to dust my babies soon!
11. Snake Plant
If you know, then you know- the snake plant is a low maintenance legend. Have I killed one? Yes. But are they still hands down one of the most indestructible houseplants out there? Also yes. There are quite a few varieties of these as well from variegated to darker leaves, depending which variety you get, they’re almost like something you’d see in a Dr. Seuss book. The one above is my friend Kala’s, she has a great intro to plant care if you like!
My favorite thing about these guys is you can literally stick them anywhere and they’re gonna thrive. Even in a basement that gets barely any sun at all, your Snake Plant is going to be just fine. It’s like all of the best parts of having a fake plant- but without being fake!
We had one in our last home- in this dark navy bedroom that only had one small window (that was almost always closed). I eventually killed that one by overwatering it… so take this as your reminder…
The less you pay attention to this plant, the more it’s gonna thrive. So just set it and forget it. Think every three weeks ore one month for water…if I remember. It’s almost freaky how indestructible they are!
In our current home, I’ve tried a couple different plants in this corner of my kitchen. I lost a few before I switched to a trusty snake plant and it’s been thriving ever since, even having little babies I’ve been able to pot up for friends.
12) Weeping Fig
Weeping fig, otherwise known as Ficus Benjamina is such a classic tall indoor plant. It’s basically an indoor tree, really. It’s one your grandma might have had and there’s a good reason. It’s hardy.
Again, have I killed one? Also yes. These are ones that you can bring outside in the summer and back inside for the winter. However, slowly acclimatize it to the change. I took mine out and forgot to bring it back in, burning it to a crisp. Oops! You can see it before I did that (just a small one!) on my hearth here.
These might have a bad image from dusty doctors offices and church buildings with 90’s fake plants coming to mind when you google search these. BUT they’re so beautiful… especially when they’re dusted and not plastic ;)
They can grow as tall as you and are one of the few plants to have the look of a tree but indoors. I love the small leaves that blow when air goes through the room. They remind me of olive trees but can actually survive in my climate! Honestly as much as I love the look of olive trees with their dusty green leaves, I’ve tried to grow one indoors here and spoken to the local nursery… they’re just not great for us here in Canada. So when I see one, my brain automatically assumes they’re fake- even if they’re beautiful (see here).
Care is very similar to the Fiddle leaf fig, just water when they get slightly dried out, keep in indirect light and turn occasionally. Fertilize in growing months and avoid drafty areas like over a vent or nearby a door in the winter.
I am keeping my eye out for another one of these- I dream of having a large tree in my living room and honestly- these are just such a gorgeous option for that.
12) Tree philodendron
I love the look of the tree philodendron! It’s the big boy in the basket in the photo above with the cutie puppy.
Philodendrons are fairly low maintenance, water once the top couple inches of the soil has dried out and fertilize in growing months just like everything else on this list.
While these don’t get quite as tall as some of the other plants on this list, they are beautifully full and bushy which packs such an impact in home decor. These are perfect for a sparse corner with their large, interestingly wavy leaves they definitely give jungle vibes in the best way.
Get the Look for Less
As much as I love huge house plants, my budget doesn’t love buying them that way. Here’s some tips to get the look for a little bit less.
As with most things… as house plants get larger, the price tag tends to go up accordingly, and when looking to fill your home with taller plants, sometimes it’s more cost-effective to purchase plants when they’re smaller than you might like.
Buy plants that grow big… small.
I purchased both of my fiddle leaf figs in a smaller size and then grew them to the size they are today. Same with my monstera and my snake plant. I want to show you how much they’ve grown and remind you that I don’t take particularly great care of my plants compared to many people I know. They’re still growing (just slower). These photos are just a few years apart:
Fiddle leaf fig is tucked behind the sofa in the first photo and again the second- such a difference!
Snake plant on the counter has grown so much too!
I don’t know many people who have bought the giant plants as their first plant investment. This will help you learn the ins and outs of caring for a particular variety of plant before investing in a bigger one.
Plus… it’s so rewarding to watch them grow! Just make sure to choose plants that you know will grow large!
If you are wanting to start a little bigger, as much as a nursery or boutique like my friend Calli’s store, Far & Wide is the best place to get a plant, your big box stores are definitely going to be the most affordable.
Make sure to clean them of any pests once you get them home, but Home Depot or IKEA can be really affordable for those mid size beauties. I find the 12″ pots to be reasonably priced and once you get bigger than that the price jumps pretty significantly.
You can also display your plants in a way that make them feel bigger.
Hanging a trailing plant will take up space in the same way a standing tree will. A taller pot will help a plant feel taller, and so will a plant stand (like this one from Amazon or like this DIY plant stand my friend Caitlin made!).
I like to use these small metal tables from Amazon or IKEA to prop up my planters to make them feel taller. I set my fiddle leaf fig on a stool behind my couch for the first couple of years until it was big enough to move onto a small table and then onto the floor in a larger planter.
In my black bedroom, that looks like perching my monstera on a shorter stump table to give it a bit of a boost. It’s a small cost compared to a plant stand and quite honestly, I like the look better too!
Group your plants for a bigger impact.
If you’re wanting the impact of a huge plant but in a smaller budget, try adding a few in a grouping. This can give just as much impact!
You can do potted plants on different height stands, a piece of furniture full of plants (like I have in my living room!) or a shelf with plenty of plants. You can even make a plant shelf wall like Amanda did here.
Cost friendly pot alternatives
As plants get bigger, the pots also get more expensive. There tends to be a tipping point over 12″ pots here as well. There’s two things I tend to do for these bigger plants.
The first is to opt for a basket instead of a pot. I love the warmth and texture these bring- I actually suggest adding natural warm textures like these to every space, but they’re also much more affordable!
Just pop your nursery pot into one of these with a dish to collect water. Those clear plastic lids that come on pies from Costco make great water catchers ;)
Another thing I look for is outdoor plant pots. They tend to be larger and a different material but sooo much more affordable. I hunt for these at HomeSense and they’re always such a steal! That’s what those large white pots are. You can see here on Amazon, you can get a set of three for a reasonable price.
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Other decorative House Plants you’ll love:
I thought I’d also include a small list of faves that aren’t as large or tall. Here’s some that I love and a couple words about why. This post is getting pretty long, I honestly might pull this out and give it it’s own blog post, but for now… here it goes!
- Croton: With variegated orange, cream and green leaves- this one is just really fun to have in your home. I haven’t tried my hand at one of these yet but love seeing them in friends’ homes so they’re on my list! They grow upwards of 3′ tall indoors so could definitely give you some great height for decor.
- ZZ Plant: It’s resilient, fuss-free and has the most beautiful deep green leaves… plus it is more than happy even in low light conditions. I haven’t managed to kill one of these yet- which is saying something!
- Pothos: There’s so many varieties of pothos some are incredibly hardy and others are a bit more finicky, my personal fave aesthetically is the satin pothos but that’s definitely one of the more finicky ones. I’ve killed a couple but have had one happily in my kitchen for the past four years, the leaves are such a gorgeous color! It trails and grows so quickly which is a win!
- Monstera adansonii: Also known as a swiss cheese vine, it’s like the big monstera but it’s a climbing (or trailing!) vine so it’s amazing for a hanging planter- I have one on my mantel and it trails down so beautifully!
- Jade Plant: This one is a symbol of good fortune but just as good? It’s very easy to care for, it likes bright locations and you can let it dry between watering as it has almost succulent like qualities. Nice bright green leaves too!
- Prayer Plant: This is one I received from my grandma as well but my sister has truly mastered caring for this plant. She propagates it often and it’s incredibly bushy and full (on the fireplace in her living room). I love how this one almost trails making it big impact for a smaller plant pot. It’s called a prayer plant because the leaves tend to droop (almost fold) each night like it’s praying. It comes in a few fun colors and has similar care to everything else on this list- easy!
- Aloe: I was gifted one of these from my grandma years ago. It is hardy as all hardy and constantly giving me babies that I can gift to friends. The leaves are also full of gel that is great for your skin and sunburns. Again, they thrive in bright locations and let them dry between waterings.
- Spider Plant: If you’re looking for a no fuss starter plant- this is for you. This is another one my grandma gifted me and will constantly give you plant babies to gift to friends. It’s really easy, doesn’t take much special care at all and looks great hanging or in a pot on a side table. The babies will grow off of offshoots so you can pluck them and pop them in dirt when they start to throw roots. There’s different varieties of these depending the color of leaves you prefer.
- Money Tree: Another plant that’s said to be good luck (I’ll take it!), the money tree can grow to be pretty tall but I don’t have a great photo of it in action in someone’s home I actually know so didn’t include it in my main list. It’s so beautiful though and has such an interesting look.
- Ferns: Another plant with so many varieties I can’t name them all. These ones prefer more humid locations so I don’t have great luck with them (semi-desert gal who doesn’t water often) but that said, they can be worth the work- the living room photo above shows a bunch of varieties (my friend Calli is such a green thumb!). The most common one is a birdsnest fern which I actually buy each year to have hanging on my patio. Some other less common (but still very available!) ones are maidenhair fern, staghead fern, asparagus fern and button fern. But the best one according to me and my personal taste? I LOVE the blue star fern shown here in my bathroom. I’ve put in the work to keep this one alive for years- it has that same misty green color to the leaves as eucalyptus and the satin pothos. So very pretty!
General plant care tips
If you are new to house plants, remember that just like outdoor plants- they each have a preference on light and soil conditions. If you’re finding your plants not happy after a month or two, try another location in your house- it might just take a bit of trial and error.
When you’re potting up your new plants, make sure to be mindful of drainage. Many decorative pots don’t have drainage holes. I never used to care. I’d find the most beautiful pots and didn’t want them leaking on my furniture. My grandmother always added rocks at the bottom of her pots to allow some drainage and while this is something that seems to be polarizing it does work for me and it worked for her, it’s an easy way to start!
Have a few plants that thrive with humidity and your home isn’t so humid? Group them together! It will help create a mini-humidity zone.
Basic tools for easy indoor plant care
A couple of things that I find really helpful to have in my plant ‘tool kit’ are these guys!
- Moisture Meter
- Dusting Gloves
- Mister or spray bottle
- Plant Food
- Watering can (or jug)
Of course, there’s tons more tools that you can use for indoor house plants like shovels and scissors and neem oil for pests BUT these are my essentials.
You can get an affordable spray bottle or mister to spray your humidity loving plants. I don’t do this as often as I should- when the kids were littler they loved doing this job so it got done more often!
Dust your plants to let them soak in light. I love these microfibre mitts to make it easy to gently get into the nooks on leaves.
Plants grow towards the light, when you water, just give them a quarter turn to rotate them so they can grow a bit more straight instead of horizontal.
Almost all plants love to be fertilized in growing season. Once a month in spring and summer months should be plenty! I use this one, but I’m sure there’s 100s of good ones out there!
If you’re finding your plants have very compact soil and the water runs right through to the bottom of your pots, you might find aerating them to be helpful. I just use a chopstick and put some holes in the soil between the roots.
Speaking of soil… did you know plants eat soil kind of? Top them up with soil once a year or so if the roots seem to be growing on top of the soil.
One of the tools that I’ve found SO helpful is a moisture meter. It’s not a big investment and it helps me to know which of my plants are actually dry when I water. I have killed more plants from over-watering than I have from under-watering and this has helped so much!
If you’re looking for more tips to keep your houseplants healthy, my friend Kala wrote a great beginner tips for houseplants post here!
Whew, we covered a lot of ground on transforming your home into a plant paradise, didn’t we? From picking the perfect plants for your space to creative styling and display tips, I hope this post has given you some inspiration to cultivate a little indoor oasis of your own.
The key is to just have fun with it and let your plants reflect your unique personality! Don’t be afraid to mix heights, textures, and colors. Play around with different stands, shelves, and hangers to take advantage of vertical space. And most importantly, choose plants that fit your home’s light and care conditions – your plants will thank you for it.
A note about photos in this post. Only about half of these photos are my own. My friends have been hugely helpful in getting me photos for this post, big thank you to them! Since most are small business owners, I wanted to share those too!
– Calli has the most beautiful boutique in my city- they sell incredible plants and pots and home decor but also jewellery, skin care and paper goods! Check out Far & Wide Here
– Ashton has a decor rental company, one of the services they offer is home staging- check out Habitat Here and Bespoke here
– Troi is an incredible creative and photographer. She actually photographed our wedding 15 years ago! You can see her photography website here.
– My friend Kala has a home decor called My Breezy Room and a butterfly blog called Rooted Wings Co, both places she shares great tips about plant care!
– My friend Brittany is a DIY blogger but also a legitimate plant expert- you can see her blog which is full of plant tips here. Any photo of hers I’ve linked directly to her informational post- it will be so helpful for you!
Pin this for later!
Don’t have time to take on a read through this all right now? Planning to add some plants to your space once you’re done your living room painting? Pin this so you can come back to it! Plus, pinning or sharing on FB helps this post reach more people which helps me be able to keep sharing with you. Thank you!
Free Printable Welcome Banner for Saint Patrick’s Day Wreath
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