Monstera
Monstera soared to popularity on home blogs and social media a couple years ago, but there is still some mystery surrounding this unusual plant, including how to care for it and which plants are true monsteras. Monstera deliciosa is perhaps the most iconic variety, but there are several other plants that sold under the label “monstera.” Before you buy, learn about the variety you’re choosing. In a nurturing environment, some types of monstera can grow to be 12-feet tall, while others rise to smaller dimensions.
Related: The 8 Best Plants for Your Bedroom, and Why
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Rubber Tree
Rubber trees are an ideal plant for beginner gardeners who want large statement plants but don’t want to spend a lot of money. While plant stores will charge mega bucks for rubber trees of several feet high, you can grow your indoor tree from a bargain 4-inch pot in almost no time. A short rubber tree can grow by as much as two feet in a single growing season, and can continue growing for almost as long as you allow it. If the plant outgrows its pot and becomes root bound, it’s time to repot. However, take care that you go up by only one pot size when replanting, as overpotting can cause the plant to experience root rot.
Related: 11 Reasons Your Houseplants Are Dying
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Fiddle Leaf Fig
The original darling of plant bloggers, fiddle leaf fig remains a stunning option for home gardeners who want a large houseplant that makes a big statement. Place your fiddle leaf fig in a bright window and turn it every once in a while so the tree grows straight instead of leaning towards the light. Once you find the ideal spot for your tree, don’t move it: Fiddle leaf figs don’t respond well to frequent moves.
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Croton
Colorful croton can reach heights of 8 feet but will usually grow to be about half that size when grown indoors. The leaves of this large houseplant tell a story: Vibrant color and dramatic veining indicates the plant is receiving the bright and indirect light it needs, while muted colors indicate the light is too low and burned leaves indicate the light is too direct.
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Bird of Paradise
If you can help this large houseplant grow tall, it will reward you with striking blooms. The plant can grow to be 7-feet high, and does best when planted in a tight pot.
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Olive Tree
Cultivated by Mediterranean farmers for thousands of years, the olive tree remains an important crop even to this day. Thanks to the cultivation of dwarf varieties, even indoor gardeners can enjoy raising this attractive plant. The dwarf olive tree grow to be about 6-feet high and will produce fruit even before it reaches its full stature.
Related: The 9 Best Houseplants for the Kitchen
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Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena comes in many forms, each with its own silhouette and stature, but dracaena marginata is one of the most popular varieties for those seeking a dramatic indoor garden. Growing to 8-feet tall, with a spray of spiky leaves, and a willowy trunk, this large houseplant can complement both minimalist or maximalist home decor schemes.
Related: 8 Exotic Houseplants You’ve Never Heard Of
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Corn Plant
Corn plants are some of the easiest houseplants to grow—and they do grow, to heights of 12 feet or more. If you desire to keep your corn plant on the shorter side, cut the top of the stems as soon as they reach your preferred height.
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Yucca Plant
Yucca plants come in several varieties but it is nearly universally true that these plants do best when exposed to indirect light and well-draining soil. Take care not to overwater these drought-tolerant houseplants and they will reward you by being a living accent piece for your bedroom, living room, entryway, or anywhere you .
Photo: mycityplants.com
Lemon Tree
You can enjoy fresh (and local!) citrus at home, even if you don’t live in a warm climate, by growing an indoor lemon tree. There are different varieties available, all of which grow to different heights. Choose one that will suit the dimensions of your room. This dwarf variety of Meyer lemon grows to about 3-feet tall—small enough to keep your living room from becoming an orchard, yet big enough to make a design statement, and supplement your pantry.