If you’re looking to bring a touch of elegance and height to your home decor, tall houseplants are the perfect solution. These stunning additions can transform any space, adding a sense of grandeur and sophistication. From exotic palms to vibrant ferns, there are numerous options to choose from that will create a captivating atmosphere.

1. Tall Corner Plant

Imagine bringing the beauty of the American Southwest to your home decor. One way to achieve this is by keeping agave plants indoors, especially if you live in a region too cold for them to thrive outdoors. One particular type, the octopus agave (A. vilmoriniana), with its long, undulating leaves that resemble tentacles, can reach an impressive height of four feet when grown indoors.

2. Areca Palm

If you reside in a drafty Victorian mansion in Maine or any cold climate, the cold-hardy areca palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) is an excellent choice. With its elegantly weeping, strappy fronds, this palm can reach a height of up to eight feet indoors, making it a perfect option for spaces with low light.

3. Australian Tree Fern

Combining the best features of ferns and trees, the Australian tree fern (Cyathea cooperi, syn. Sphaeropteris cooperi) offers a palm-like houseplant that can grow up to nine feet tall indoors. To ensure its happiness, consider placing it outdoors in a shady spot during the summer and bringing it indoors for the winter.

4. Bird of Paradise

While the bird of paradise (Strelitzia spp.) may not bloom indoors unless exposed to ample light, its banana tree-like leaves are a statement of beauty on their own. These tropical plants can shoot up to 30 feet tall outdoors, but when grown inside, they typically reach a more manageable height of about ten feet.

5. Cat Palm

For those seeking an elegant palm with a compact size, the cat palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is an excellent choice. Although it takes a few years to reach six feet tall, its arching fronds make it an attractive addition to any space. The cat palm thrives in low light conditions, making it perfect for crowded areas with limited access to direct sunlight.

Further reading: Snake Plant Care: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Thriving

6. Citrus

Growing citrus trees indoors in cold climates is a special treat that brings joy to any home. These beautiful plants, such as the Meyer lemon (Citrus x meyeri) or Key lime (C. aurantifolia), not only add beauty but also the possibility of delicious fruit. Depending on the species, citrus trees can grow anywhere from four to ten feet tall indoors.

7. Corn Plant

The corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is a tropical evergreen that can grow up to six feet tall. With its long, arching leaves resembling palm fronds, it adds a touch of nature to any space. Drought-tolerant and sturdy, the corn plant thrives in low light conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor environments.

8. Dragon Tree

With its attractive strappy foliage, the dragon tree (Dracaena draco) adds a touch of drama to any room. Growing up to six feet tall indoors, this plant can tolerate a range of light conditions and features leaves that can display various colors, including pink, red, or multicolor stripes.

9. False Banana Tree

The false banana tree (Ensete ventricosum) may not produce edible bananas, but its lush green and red leaves bring a tropical vibe to any space. While it can reach 20 feet tall in outdoor settings, indoors it tends to stay around six feet in height. This stunning plant is sure to make a statement.

10. Ficus Alii

The ficus alii (Ficus maclellandii), also known as the banana leaf fig, is a unique and stunning houseplant worth seeking out. Unlike its weeping and fiddle-leaf relatives, the ficus alii is more resilient and easier to care for. With its long, banana-shaped leaves, this plant can reach heights of up to 10 feet indoors.

11. Fiddle-Leaf Fig

No list of tall houseplants would be complete without the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). Its Jurassic-looking leaves make a bold architectural statement and can stretch to impressive heights with good light. Despite their reputation for being finicky, fiddle-leaf figs can handle some direct morning light and are surprisingly adaptable.

12. Fishtail Palm

The fishtail palm (Caryota spp.) is a plant that captivates with its unique and elegant leaves, reminiscent of a bright green betta fish swimming gracefully. While they can be a bit fussy, fishtail palms are worth the effort, as they can grow over 12 feet tall when cared for properly. These palms thrive in bright, indirect light and benefit from spending time outdoors during part of the year.

Further reading: The Art of Brewing Refreshing Loose Leaf Iced Tea

13. Hawaiian Ti

If you’re looking for a touch of color in your indoor jungle, the Hawaiian ti (Cordyline fruticosa) is an excellent choice. With its violet, red, or pink leaves, it adds a vibrant contrast to greenery-filled spaces. These tree-like shrubs can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors, but they thrive best in bright, filtered light.

14. Lady Fern

While not typically associated with tall houseplants, lady ferns (Athyrium filix-femina) can grow up to five feet in height, especially when paired with a plant stand and a deep container. These ferns thrive in low light and average humidity, making them a fuss-free option for adding a forest vibe to your space.

15. Majesty Palm

Majesty palms (Ravenea rivularis) truly live up to their name with their majestic appearance. With their massive, pinnate leaves, they can grow up to an astounding 20 feet tall indoors if allowed. These palms thrive in partial sunlight and require high humidity, making them a stunning addition to any space.

16. Money Tree

For those looking to add both height and an element of fortune to their decor, the money tree (Pachira aquatica) is the perfect choice. With its glossy, large, feather-shaped leaves and braided stems, this plant makes a striking display. Money trees grow relatively quickly, reaching a height of around eight feet within a decade.

17. Natal Mahogany

If you’re up for a challenge and want to make a bold statement, consider the Natal mahogany tree (Trichilia emetica). With its feather-shaped leaves and a height of about seven feet, this plant demands moderate light, ample moisture, and warm temperatures. The rewards of its stunning appearance are well worth the effort.

18. Norfolk Pine

The Norfolk pine (Araucaria heterophylla) brings the beauty of an evergreen forest to your home. While outdoor specimens can reach towering heights, indoors they typically stay around 10 feet tall when mature. These miniature Christmas trees thrive in bright, direct light and prefer to be kept on the drier side.

19. Olive

While olive trees (Olea europaea) may not produce abundant fruit indoors, they are still stunning houseplants. With their beautiful foliage alone, they add a touch of Mediterranean charm to any space. Indoors, olive trees can reach a height of about seven feet, depending on the variety.

20. Parlor Palm

For palm enthusiasts seeking ease of care, the parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans) is an excellent choice. These palms can grow up to 12 feet tall but remain smaller if kept in smaller pots. They are forgiving when it comes to humidity and watering, making them perfect for beginners.

Further reading: Growing Cup and Saucer Vine: A Tropical Delight for Your Garden

21. Rubber Tree

Rubber trees (Ficus elastica or F. robusta) live up to their name, with large, fleshy leaves that can transform into a 10-foot-tall tree-like plant with proper care. With various options available, including solid green or highly variegated leaves, the rubber tree is sure to make a statement in any room.

22. Tree Philodendron

Nothing makes a dramatic statement quite like a large, healthy tree philodendron (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum, syn. Philodendron selloum and P. bipinnatifidum). These plants can grow up to 10 feet tall with massive, elegant leaves. While they may take up to 20 years to reach maturity, their beauty and impact are undeniable.

23. Triangle Ficus

The triangle ficus (Ficus triangularis) is named for its distinctive triangle-shaped leaves, which come in solid and variegated varieties. Unlike some of its more sensitive relatives, the triangle ficus is a hardy plant that won’t drop its leaves at the slightest change. With bright, indirect light, this slow grower can reach up to eight feet in height.

24. Umbrella Tree

Umbrella trees (Schefflera actinophylla) are incredibly forgiving and can tolerate a variety of conditions. These hardy plants can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors and require only indirect light and occasional watering. With solid or variegated foliage options, the umbrella tree is a versatile and low-maintenance choice.

25. Weeping Fig

Weeping figs (Ficus benjamina) are known for their resilience and unique appearance. Although they may drop their leaves when exposed to changes, they are hardy and can reach up to 10 feet tall indoors. Their graceful form makes them a popular choice for those seeking a traditional houseplant with a tree-like structure.

Tall houseplants bring height, elegance, and a touch of the outdoors into your home. With their striking presence, they make a bigger statement than smaller houseplants and transform any space into a lush sanctuary. Choose the species that calls your name and create a stunning indoor jungle that captivates the senses.

Don’t stop here! We have a range of other guides to help you bring nature indoors. Explore our selection of low-light houseplants, nontoxic varieties, and colorful additions to warm up your home this winter. Share your favorites with us in the comments and, if you’d like, show us photos of your thriving indoor oasis. Let nature inspire and transform your living space! Ames Farm Center