Adding tall houseplants to your home is an excellent way to breathe life into any space. Not only do they literally bring nature indoors, but they also make a bold statement with their impressive heights.
From tropical palms to towering bamboo, tall houseplants come in endless varieties to match any style. They can completely transform a blank corner or empty wall by providing visual interest, greenery, and height.
If you have the space, consider incorporating one of these 24 tall houseplants to make a stunning statement in your home:
Majesty Palms
Majesty palms are a popular tropical variety that can grow upwards of 10 feet tall indoors. Their long, graceful fronds extend outwards from a single trunk, providing a lush, full appearance.
Place a majesty palm in an empty corner or next to your furniture to bring the tropics indoors. The arching fronds will softly whisper as you walk by, transporting you to a tropical paradise. Majesty palms thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
Fiddle leaf fig trees are currently one of the most coveted houseplants due to their large, vibrant leaves. These tropical beauties can grow over 10 feet tall inside your home. Their leaves can reach over a foot long and extend outwards in all directions.
Position a fiddle leaf fig in a spot where its leaves can shine. Let it stretch towards the light near a window or place it in a corner to provide an instant focal point. Fiddle leaf figs prefer bright, indirect light to prevent scalding on their leaves.
Yucca Cane
The yucca cane plant is a popular choice for adding a tropical vibe to any space. As its name implies, the yucca features a thick cane trunk topped with pointed, spiky green leaves. With proper care, yucca canes can grow up to 15 feet tall.
Place your yucca cane plant near a window where it can soak up as much sunshine as possible. The spear-like leaves will reach towards the light. For optimum growth, provide ample sunlight, allow the soil to dry between waterings, and mist the leaves occasionally.
Ponytail Palms
With curled, tubular leaves sprouting from the top of their trunks, ponytail palms make a fun statement piece. As a succulent, they store water in their swollen bases. Ponytails adapt well to indoor environments and can grow over 10 feet tall.
Show off the intriguing leaves of your ponytail palm by placing it next to seating areas or beside an entryway. Ponytails thrive in bright light and require infrequent watering about once every 1-2 weeks. Take care not to overwater them.
Bamboo Palms
Bamboo palms feature long, upright stalks with feathery fronds growing in a palm-like orientation. They can reach heights of up to 12 feet indoors but grow relatively slowly. Their compact shape makes bamboo palms great for placing in corners.
Bamboo palms enjoy bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings and mist the leaves often to mimic the humidity of their tropical origins. Prune back fronds as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
Rubber Plants
Rubber plants are loved for their large, glossy leaves that can grow quite substantial indoors. With proper care, rubber plants can achieve heights of 8-10 feet. Their oval leaves extend outwards on upright stems, providing a tropical feel.
Rubber plants grow best in bright, indirect light. Allow their soil to dry out some between waterings. Wipe their leaves down regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dust buildup. Also prune back any unwanted growth to shape the plant.
Snake Plants
Snake plants, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, are virtually indestructible houseplants known for their upright, sword-like leaves. They can grow up to 8 feet tall depending on the variety. Their architectural shapes make a striking statement.
Snake plants tolerate almost any indoor condition, from low light to infrequent watering. Place them in a corner on their own or group a few varieties together to create a dramatic indoor jungle. Just be sure not to overwater them.
Dracaena Varieties
Dracaena is a genus of tropical plants that grow in tree-like formations. Popular varieties like corn plants and dragon trees can achieve impressive indoor heights of up to 15 feet. Their spear-like leaves extend upwards from woody stems.
Dracaena make excellent upright accents in corners or next to furniture. Place them in indirect light and allow their soil to dry out some between waterings. Wipe dust from their leaves and remove any yellow foliage to keep them looking their best.
Aspidistra Elatior
Also called the cast-iron plant, Aspidistra elatior is a hardy houseplant known for its ability to thrive in almost any condition. Its long, shiny green leaves emerge from the soil in a fountain-like orientation. With proper care, it can reach heights of 4-6 feet.
Aspidistra is perfect for dim corners of your home. It tolerates low light, inconsistent watering, dry air, and more. Wipe its leaves down occasionally to prevent dust buildup and remove any spent foliage. Re-pot occasionally as needed.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants feature elongated, pointed leaves that extend upwards from thick rhizomes. Their growth pattern gives them a certain prehistoric appeal. ZZ plants are highly resilient and can achieve heights of 3-4 feet indoors.
Place ZZ plants in a bright or dim corner of your home. They tolerate a wide range of light levels. Allow their soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings, as they are prone to root rot if overwatered. Dust their leaves periodically.
Giant Elephant Ear
As the name suggests, giant elephant ear has absolutely massive leaves that resemble elephant ears. Each leaf can grow up to 3 feet long on plants that reach 6 feet tall or more. The leaves extend out from a central stalk.
Giant elephant ear makes a wildly exotic statement in any home. Place it where its enormous leaves can steal the show. It thrives in bright, indirect light. Allow its soil to dry out some between waterings. Prune away any dead or dying foliage.
Split Leaf Philodendron
Split leaf philodendrons are cherished for their uniquely shaped, perforated leaves. As the plant matures, the leaves split into segments, creating a beautiful, textured appearance. Split leaf philodendrons can grow up to 5-6 feet.
This philodendron variety thrives in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Mist the leaves often to recreate the humidity of its native tropical habitat. Wipe the leaves down to prevent dust accumulation.
Monstera Deliciosa
Nicknamed the Swiss cheese plant, monstera deliciosa has iconic leaves covered in holes and splits. The leaves grow quite large, sometimes reaching 2 feet across, as the plant climbs upwards. With a support, monstera can grow 6-8 feet tall.
Let your monstera shine by providing a moss pole or other support for it to climb. Position it in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist. Mist the leaves often and wipe them down to prevent dust and pests.
Ficus Audrey
Ficus audrey features gorgeous, wide leaves that emerge from twisted stems. In its native rainforest habitat, it uses aerial roots to climb up trees and can reach heights of up to 9 feet tall. Indoors, it can achieve 6 feet.
Help your ficus audrey show off its aerial roots by staking the stems or providing a moss pole for support. Place in bright, indirect sunlight and allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Mist to boost humidity around its large leaves.
Dracaena Fragrans
The dracaena fragrans, also called corn plant, is loved for its long, graceful leaves that emerge from a single woody stem. With proper care, dracaena fragrans can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. Its leaves may reach 3 feet long.
Allow your dracaena fragrans to flourish in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. Remove any dead or dying foliage to keep it looking its best. Dust the leaves periodically to prevent buildup.
Chinese Fan Palm
The Chinese fan palm has a unique look, with elaborate fan-like fronds extending from a single trunk. It has an exotic, tropical vibe but also adapts well to indoor conditions. With enough space, it can reach 6 feet tall indoors.
Place your Chinese fan palm in bright light for optimum growth. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Mist the fronds occasionally to increase humidity. Remove spent fronds as needed to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage new growth.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia feature large, oblong leaves in variegated patterns of cream, white, and green. They add plenty of visual interest and can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. Just beware the sap inside their stems can cause irritation.
Grow dieffenbachia in a spot with indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Wipe dust from the patterned leaves to keep dieffenbachia looking its best. Remove any dead or browning leaves promptly.
Peace Lily
Known for their beautiful white blooms, peace lilies also reach impressive heights. Under the right conditions, they can achieve up to 6 feet tall and provide gorgeous pops of color amongst their dark green foliage.
Peace lilies thrive in well-draining soil and indirect light. Avoid overwatering them, allowing their soil to dry out some before watering again. Keep them away from drafts and cold temperatures. Remove spent blooms and dying leaves promptly.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are tropical plants prized for their colorful, patterned leaves and unique blooms. There are many tall bromeliad varieties that can achieve heights of 3-4 feet indoors. They provide great vertical interest.
Grow bromeliads in indirect light and high humidity. Water the central cup formed by their leaves rather than the soil. Avoid getting water on their leaves. Remove spent blooms as needed by cutting them off at the base.
Kentia Palm
Kentia palms are elegant plants with graceful, arching fronds. They have a refined, tropical appearance well-suited to indoor growth and can reach heights of 8-10 feet with proper care. Their airy appearance won’t overwhelm a space.
Kentia palms thrive in indirect sunlight. Allow their soil to dry out some between waterings. Provide ample humidity by misting the fronds frequently. Remove spent fronds as needed, along with any that are yellowing or browning.
Parlor Palm
Parlor palms are dainty tropical plants with slender stems holding fronds of deeply cut leaves. Their petite orientation makes them suitable for tables and other small spaces. Given time, parlor palms can achieve heights of 4-6 feet.
Grow parlor palms in indirect light, water them when the soil begins to dry out, and mist frequently to provide the humidity they crave. Remove any dead or dying fronds promptly to encourage new growth. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of paradise plants are treasured for their unique flowers reminiscent of tropical birds. The flowers sit atop long stalks that emerge from the base. Indoors, bird of paradise can achieve heights of 6-7 feet in the right conditions.
Place your bird of paradise in a very bright, warm spot in your home mimicking its preferred tropical environment. Provide plenty of humidity by misting frequently. Give the plant rich soil and allow it to dry out some between deep waterings.
Dumb Cane
Despite its less than flattering name, dumb cane is a striking houseplant thanks to its tall, vibrant foliage. The large leaves unfurl from a single stalk in a delightful orientation. With proper care, dumb cane can exceed 6 feet in height.
Grow dumb cane in well-draining soil and indirect sunlight. Allow the top few inches to dry out between waterings. Wipe the leaves down periodically to prevent dust accumulation. Remove any dead or dying leaves to encourage new growth.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a fantastic choice if you want a plant with a tree-like presence. Many species of bamboo thrive indoors and can achieve heights greater than 12 feet when mature. Lucky bamboo is a popular variety for low light situations.
Choose a bamboo species suited to your space and lighting conditions. Provide bright light if possible and use a container that will allow ample root growth. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Prune back the culms as needed to control size.
Areca Palm
Areca palms have long, bright fronds that swoop outward and down from a single trunk. They give a room a distinctly tropical feel. Areca palms adapt well to indoor conditions and can reach mature heights of 6-8 feet.
Position your areca palm in indirect light and provide ample humidity via misting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Remove any dead or dying fronds to encourage new growth. Rotate the plant periodically for even sun exposure.
Umbrella Tree
The umbrella tree, also called schefflera, is aptly named for its leaves radiating outwards like the spokes of an umbrella. It can grow quite tall, sometimes up to 10 feet indoors, so give it plenty of room to stretch out.
Grow your umbrella tree in well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. Allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. Dust the leaves periodically and remove any dead foliage to encourage new growth.
Mini Palm Tree
Mini palm trees deliver all the exotic feel of full-size palms but in a compact package. Varieties like miniature date palms grow slowly, topping out around 5-8 feet tall at maturity. They’re perfect for placing in corners or against walls.
Treat your mini palm tree like you would a full-size palm. Provide plenty of indirect light and humidity. Allow the soil to almost dry out between waterings. Remove spent fronds to keep your palm looking tidy and encourage new growth.
Norfolk Island Pine
The Norfolk Island pine lends a tropical, resort-like vibe to indoor spaces with its graceful, downward-cascading branches. It grows in a conical shape like a Christmas tree. Norfolk pines can achieve heights of 5-6 feet indoors.
Norfolk Island pines need bright light but cool temperatures. Avoid placing them near heat sources which can scorch their needles. Allow their potting mix to dry out before watering. Remove any dead or dying needle-like leaves promptly.
Fatsia Japonica
Fatsia japonica is a tropical shrub prized for its large, hand-shaped leaves. The leaves emerge from upright stalks, giving fatsia a tree-like appearance. With proper care, it can reach 6-8 feet in height indoors.
Grow fatsia japonica in indirect light and rich, well-draining soil. Mist the leaves often to boost humidity. Allow the potting mix to almost dry out between deep waterings. Remove any dead or dying leaves promptly.
Corn Plant
Not to be confused with dracaena fragrans corn plant, this variety goes by the botanical name of Dracaena massangeana. It features vibrant yellow and green striping on its leaves and can reach heights exceeding 6 feet tall indoors.
Provide bright, indirect light for your corn plant. Allow its soil to dry out some before watering thoroughly again. Propagate new plants via stem cuttings to create a lush indoor jungle. Remove any dead or dying leaves promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tall Houseplants
How much light do tall houseplants need?
Most tall varieties thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can scorch their leaves. Place them near sunny windows where they get ambient daylight but not harsh afternoon sun. Rotate periodically for even light exposure. Avoid dark corners and rooms without windows.
How often should I water tall houseplants?
This depends on the plant variety, time of year, and your environmental conditions. Most appreciate soil that dries out some between waterings but isn’t bone dry. Water when the top few inches become dry. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. Take care not to overwater.
What are the best tall houseplants for low light?
Snake plants, ZZ plants, dracaena, Chinese evergreens, cast iron plants, and philodendrons can all tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid varieties like fiddle leaf figs that demand bright light. Even low light plants will grow faster and fuller with more light.
Should I mist my tall houseplants?
Misting can boost humidity and help tropical varieties thrive. Plants with large leaves like alocasia, monstera, and palms appreciate regular misting. Use room temperature, soft water if possible. Avoid getting water directly on leaves, which can promote fungal diseases.
How do I encourage vertical growth in my tall houseplants?
Make sure your plant gets sufficient bright, indirect light from all angles to grow evenly upwards. Turn the pots periodically to prevent one-sided growth. Prune back top growth to encourage lower branches to catch up. Staking or moss poles support vertical climbing varieties.
How do I stop tall houseplants from getting leggy or top heavy?
Leggy growth happens from insufficient light. Move plants to a brighter location and prune back any problem growth. Top heavy plants may need stakes or supports to hold them up properly. Propagating from cuttings and re-rooting the tops can create fuller, shorter growth.
How do I prune and shape my tall houseplants?
Use sharp, clean pruners to remove any dead or damaged growth. Pinching off growth tips encourages bushier plants. Remove vertical shoots to shape plants as desired. Remove lower leaves and growth to expose bare stems for a tree-like look. Always sterilize tools between plants.
Can I grow tall houseplants in small spaces?
Miniature and dwarf varieties of palms, bamboo, ficus, dracaena, and other plants provide height without overwhelming a compact space. Slow growing types like pothos won’t reach unmanageable proportions too quickly