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Houseplant Care

Large and Tall Indoor Plants

By Rupert Foxton-Smythe

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Discover how to make a statement with large and tall indoor plants. Learn the best positioning and grouping techniques for maximum impact.

TL;DR

The position you choose for a tall plant will depend on whether you want to show it off on its own or to group it with others.

  • Position tall plants to be viewed from a distance.
  • Large plants take up floor space, so place them away from traffic lines.
  • Use groups of plants with different sizes, shapes, colors, and textures.

The position you choose for a tall plant will depend on whether you want to show it off on its own or to group it with others.

To be fully appreciated, large plants need to be viewed from a distance so pick a position such as the end of a hall, the turn of a staircase, or the corner of a large room — anywhere where they can be seen at the end of a vista.

Large plants take up a lot of floor space, so put them out of the way of traffic lines.

Using a group

Where you have enough space, you can use a large plant in a group. Take into account the following points.

Use scale to create interest by using two plants of the same type but of different sizes. If one is very much larger than the other place the smaller one on a stand.

Use the shape of one plant to contrast with that of the others. For instance, you could group an upright, spiky yucca with a graceful Umbrella Plant. In a larger group you can place your large plant at one side of the group and arrange other plants (in softer or bolder shapes) to form a triangle or a rectangle. Put some of the plants on stands to add height (upturned pots will do).

Use different colours and leaf textures to add interest, or highlight plain green foliage plants with some variegated varieties.

Choosing containers

Large containers can be very expensive, so it is worth searching junk shops and market stalls for old wash pails, large cooking pans and storage crocks.

Alternative containers: Keep your eyes open for old household items around the home that could be put to good use as large plant containers. Here are some things that you may already have:

  • A metal bucket
  • An old plastic bucket (you can decorate this by painting it and then sponging on colours to highlight your plant.
  • A wastepaper basket
  • A log basket (this makes an excellent plant holder).
  • A stone-look plastic patio tub (this can be used indoors if you keep the drainage plug in place).
  • An old fish kettle

Plants to pick

Choose the more upright plants where space is limited, and the broader, arching or bush varieties where there is plenty of room. Or make a feature of a large really unusual plant. Below is a list of plants with their height.

Upright

  • Stick Yucca 1.5m (5ft)
  • Indoor Lime 1.5m (5ft)
  • False Aralia 2m (6.5ft)
  • Canary Island or Grape Ivy, grown up a pole 2m (6.5ft)
  • Tree Ivy lm (3ft), higher with support

Arching or bushy

  • Kentia Palm 2.5m (8ft)
  • Tree Philodendron 1.2m (4ft)
  • Bamboo Palm 2m (6.5ft) slow growing
  • Weeping Fig 1.5m (5ft)
  • West Indian Holly 1.5m (5ft)
  • Parlour Palm 1.5m (5ft)

Unusual

  • Umbrella Plant 1.2m (4ft)
  • Silk Oak 1.5 (5ft)
  • Madagascar Dragon Tree 1.5m (5ft)
  • Pony Tail Plant 1.5m (5ft)
  • European Fan Palm 1.5m (5ft)
The position you choose for a tall plant will depend on whether you want to show it off on its own or to group it with others.

More Information on Large And Tall Indoor Plants

Large and tall indoor plants can add a touch of elegance and grandeur to any space. Positioning these plants strategically can enhance their visual impact. When choosing a spot for a tall plant, consider whether you want it to stand alone as a focal point or be part of a group arrangement. To fully appreciate large plants, they should be viewed from a distance. Placing them at the end of a hallway, at the turn of a staircase, or in the corner of a spacious room allows them to be seen as a captivating feature at the end of a vista. Keep in mind that large plants require ample floor space, so it's best to position them away from high-traffic areas. Using a group of plants can create an eye-catching display. To make the grouping visually appealing, play with scale by combining plants of different sizes. For instance, pair a towering plant with a smaller one placed on a stand. Contrast the shapes of the plants to add interest. You can combine an upright, spiky yucca with a graceful umbrella plant or arrange plants in softer or bolder shapes to form geometric patterns like triangles or rectangles. Adding varying colors and leaf textures further enhances the visual appeal of the group arrangement. When it comes to choosing containers for large plants, you don't have to break the bank. Look for affordable alternatives like old wash pails, large cooking pans, or storage crocks at junk shops or market stalls. You can even repurpose everyday items like metal buckets, plastic buckets that you can paint and decorate, wastepaper baskets, or log baskets. Incorporating large and tall indoor plants into your space not only adds greenery but also creates a striking visual impact. By carefully considering their positioning, grouping them creatively, and choosing suitable containers, you can transform your indoor environment into a lush and captivating oasis.

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Large Indoor PlantsTall Indoor Plants

About the author

Rupert Foxton-Smythe

Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.

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