The Best Tall Houseplants: 25 Tree-Like Plants to Grow Indoors
Indoor plants have a remarkable ability to transform living spaces, adding not only beauty but also health benefits. Tall houseplants, with their tree-like presence, can make a significant statement in any room. Here are 25 of the best tree-like plants to grow indoors, bringing nature closer to home.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Known for its large, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular choice for its dramatic look and impressive height. It thrives in bright, indirect light.
2. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
With its glossy, broad leaves, the Rubber Plant can grow up to 10 feet indoors. It prefers moderate to bright light and minimal watering.
3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
This plant can reach heights of 6 feet or more, with large, banana-like leaves. It needs bright light to thrive and produce its striking orange and blue flowers.
4. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
The Kentia Palm is known for its elegant fronds and tall stature, growing up to 10 feet. It can tolerate low light, making it versatile for various indoor settings.
5. Monstera Deliciosa
Also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Deliciosa can climb or be trained on a trellis, reaching heights of 10 feet. Its distinctive split leaves add a tropical feel to any space.
6. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
Though not a true pine, this plant's soft, feathery branches and symmetrical shape make it a charming indoor tree, reaching up to 8 feet tall.
7. Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Yucca plants are hardy and can grow up to 8 feet tall. They have sword-like leaves and thrive in bright light, tolerating some neglect.
8. Dracaena Marginata
This plant, with its thin, arching leaves and cane-like stems, can grow up to 10 feet tall. It does well in low to bright indirect light.
9. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig is a graceful plant that can reach heights of 10 feet indoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
10. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
The Corn Plant has a tree-like form with arching leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It's tolerant of low light and requires minimal care.
11. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is not a true palm. It has a bulbous trunk and can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, thriving in bright light.
12. Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
Also known as the Umbrella Tree, Schefflera can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has glossy, oval leaves and does well in bright, indirect light.
13. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
The Areca Palm, with its feathery fronds, can reach heights of 8 feet or more. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
14. Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco)
This slow-growing tree can reach heights of 6 feet indoors. It has stiff, sword-like leaves and thrives in bright, indirect light.
15. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
The Parlor Palm is a classic indoor plant, growing up to 6 feet tall. It tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it ideal for beginners.
16. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
With its braided trunk and lush, green leaves, the Money Tree can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. It thrives in bright, indirect light and regular watering.
17. False Aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima)
This plant has finely divided, finger-like leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity.
18. Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa)
Ming Aralia is a slow-growing tree that can reach heights of 6 feet indoors. It has delicate, fern-like foliage and prefers bright, indirect light.
19. African Fig (Ficus cyathistipula)
This ficus variety can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. It has large, glossy leaves and prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering.
20. Umbrella Plant (Schefflera actinophylla)
Not to be confused with Schefflera arboricola, the Umbrella Plant can grow up to 8 feet tall. It has larger leaves and does well in bright, indirect light.
21. Japanese Aralia (Fatsia japonica)
This plant has large, glossy leaves and can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering.
22. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
The Bamboo Palm can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet. It has slender, cane-like stems and feathery fronds, thriving in bright, indirect light.
23. Schefflera Amate (Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’)
This variety of Schefflera can grow up to 8 feet tall indoors. It has larger leaves than the standard Schefflera and prefers bright, indirect light.
24. Natal Mahogany (Trichilia emetica)
Natal Mahogany is a lesser-known indoor tree that can reach up to 10 feet tall. It has glossy, dark green leaves and thrives in bright, indirect light.
25. Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera)
Though challenging to grow indoors, the Coconut Palm can reach heights of 6 feet. It needs bright light and high humidity to thrive.
Caring for Tall Houseplants
To ensure the health and longevity of your tall houseplants, consider the following tips:
Light: Most tall houseplants prefer bright, indirect light. Some can tolerate lower light levels, but growth may be slower.
Watering: Overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings for most species.
Humidity: Many tree-like plants prefer higher humidity. Use a humidifier or mist the leaves regularly.
Fertilizing: During the growing season, feed your plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer according to the package instructions.
Pruning: Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and encourages bushier growth.
Conclusion
Tall houseplants can elevate the aesthetic of any indoor space, adding a touch of nature's grandeur. Whether you prefer the dramatic foliage of the Fiddle Leaf Fig or the elegant fronds of the Kentia Palm, there is a perfect tall houseplant for every home. With the right care, these tree-like plants will thrive and bring joy for years to come