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26 Best Tall Indoor Plants That Make a Statement

Shop these large, easy-care picks to add some drama and flair to any room.

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tall indoor plants

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When it comes to gorgeous houseplants, sometimes it's worth following the motto: the taller, the better. That's why we've rounded up some of the best tall indoor plants to make a statement in your home.

Whether you're on the hunt for a large, easy-care pick to frame your living room windows or a tropical beauty to fill an empty nook or office space, this list has you covered. You'll find pet-friendly options, including the cat palm and olive tree, along with a few dracaena varieties (there's the low-maintenance dracaena massangeana plant and the striking dracaena marginata).

Are you on the hunt for low-light tall indoor plants? Then you might consider the ZZ plant, which needs indirect sunlight to thrive. We also couldn't help but to include bold beauties like the bird of paradise and majesty palm — both flourish with bright, direct sunlight. For Feng Shui plant lovers, you can bring on the good fortune with a money tree.

Go ahead and take a look below to find the best tall houseplant for your interior and lifestyle. You're sure to find the right option based on factors like lighting conditions (see our grow lights, by the way), watering schedules, air purification and whether or not it's pet-friendly. Once you've settled on a large indoor houseplant, browse some of our favorite trendy indoor trees and succulents to complete your space.

1
Ideal for Narrow Spaces

Cordyline Harlequin

Cordyline Harlequin

Pros

  • Drought-tolerant
  • Thrives indoors and outdoors

Cons

  • Toxic to cats and dogs

Add a pop of color to any space (especially narrow areas) with this easy-to-care-for plant, which has striped, leather-like leaves. It can thrive both indoors and outdoors with partial sun and regular watering (only when the soil is dry).

2
Perfect for Coffee Fanatics

Arabica Coffee Shrub Plant

Arabica Coffee Shrub Plant

Pros

  • Produces coffee beans within 3 - 5 years

Cons

  • Beans can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested
  • Needs ample water

With bright, indirect light, this plant can flourish indoors. Its rich green, glossy leaves are full of visual appeal and once it begins to flower indoors, you might mistake its fragrance for jasmine. Keep in mind that it can grow anywhere from up to 4-6' tall indoors and they can take up to five years to produce coffee beans.

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3
For Formal Decor Lovers

3-Ball Eugenia Topiary

3-Ball Eugenia Topiary

Pros

  • Drought-tolerant
  • Unique shape

Cons

  • Slow-growing

Love the look of more formal greenery? Then the eugenia topiary is for you. This slow-growing plant needs slightly moist soil and plenty of light to maintain its beauty — it's best to keep it by a south-facing window.

4
Fast-Growing Option

Weeping Fig Tree

On Sale
Weeping Fig Tree

Pros

  • Ability to tolerate a variety of lighting conditions
  • Tends to grow quickly

Cons

  • Can attract pests like spider mites and mealybugs
  • Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

This houseplant, which is native to southeastern Asia and Australia, is beloved for good reason. It can thrive in a slew of lighting conditions, but does best with bright, indirect light. The fast-growing plant can reach anywhere between 3-6' tall indoors. Keep in mind that it's toxic to humans and pets if it's ingested.

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5
For a Tropical Vibe

Emerald Isle Alocasia

Emerald Isle Alocasia

Pros

  • Adds a tropical flair to any space
  • Ability to handle sun and shade

Cons

  • Toxic when ingested

Enjoy the beauty of this plant's glossy, tropical-looking leaves in a container indoors. While it's versatile enough to tolerate both sunny and shady environments, it will thrive best if outdoor conditions (humidity and, ideally, bright light) are recreated indoors.

6
Fragrant Pick

Star Jasmine Vine Shrub

Star Jasmine Vine Shrub

Pros

  • Not toxic to cats and dogs
  • Drought-resistant
  • Pests, including spider mites, can be an issue
  • Won't grow well without proper air flow

This sweet-smelling vine, marked by white star-shaped flowers that are partial to cool temperatures, grows fairly quickly. Stick to well-drained soil and keep it in a sunny area indoors (at least six hours per day is ideal).

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7
Great Tall Plant for Beginners

Marginata Cane Dragon Tree

Marginata Cane Dragon Tree
Credit: Lively Root

Pros

  • Thrives in a variety of light conditions
  • Drought-tolerant

Cons

  • Toxic to pets

Also known as the dracaena marginata, these ornamental houseplants have slim candelabra-shaped trunks and spiky leaves with hints of red. Indoors, they'll grow to about six feet tall, making them striking additions to your greenery collection.

8
Low-Light Plant

ZZ Plant

ZZ Plant
Credit: The Sill

Pros

  • Tolerates low, indirect sunlight
  • Frequent watering not required

Cons

  • Toxic to pets

Air-purifying ZZ plants are popular for their ability to thrive in many different conditions. They have waxy green leaves and large, potato-like rhizomes that store water underneath the soil. Keep them in medium to bright, indirect sunlight, like by a south-facing window, for proper growth.

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9
Air-Purifying Plant for the Bedroom

Snake Plant

Snake Plant

Pros

  • Produces oxygen at night
  • Beginner-friendly

Cons

  • Toxic to pets

Also known as the sansevieria plant, snake plants have sword-like leaves that'll make gorgeous additions to modern decor. Although they grow well in indirect sunlight, they can withstand full sun and low light. They're ideal for the bedroom, since the tall branches produce oxygen at night.

RELATED: How to Grow and Care for a Snake Plant

10
Strong-Willed Succulent Plant

Ponytail Palm

Ponytail Palm
Credit: Bloomscape

Pros

  • Distinct look
  • Slow-growing
  • Requires very little care

Cons

  • Overwatering causes brown tips

Despite its name, the ponytail palm is neither a palm nor a tree — it's a succulent! It's known for being a forgiving plant that can survive two to three weeks without water. Place it in bright indoor light and keep the soil fairly dry between waterings.

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11
Full Plant for Open Spaces

Cat Palm

Cat Palm
Credit: Bloomscape

Pros

  • Safe for pets
  • Drought-tolerant

Cons

  • May require pruning

As they age, cat palms get fuller and bushier. You can place the lush plant in your office, living room or any space that provides bright but indirect light. When kept indoors, they'll grow up to three feet tall.

12
Long-Lasting Houseplant

Norfolk Island Pine Plant

Norfolk Island Pine Plant
Credit: Thorsen's Greenhouse

Pros

  • Grows indoors or outdoors
  • Prefers full sunlight but can survive without
  • Can double as Christmas decor

Cons

  • Thrives best with humidity

The bright green foliage of live Norfolk island plants makes them great picks during the Christmas season. You can hang lights and ornaments from their branches without worrying how fast they'll wither. They can thrive for years in your home and rarely reach five feet in height.

RELATED: Types of Christmas Trees to Spruce Up Your Home This Holiday Season

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13
Best Air-Purifying Plant

Peace Lily

Peace Lily
Credit: Bloomscape

Pros

  • Tolerates low light
  • Polishing isn't required

Cons

  • Will wilt dramatically when too dry

Native to the rainforests of Colombia and Venezuela, peace lilies have shiny leaves and rich white flowers. They are known for being great air-purifying plants that can adapt to low light. Keeping them in bright, indirect light will guarantee you see their stunning blooms.

14
Striking Houseplant for any Room

Large Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Large Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
Now 83% Off
Credit: The Sill

Pros

  • Requires infrequent watering
  • Grows slowly

Cons

  • Not suitable for dark homes and apartments

Keep this tall plant in a space where it'll receive tons of indirect sunlight — next to a large, sunny window with a sheer curtain, for example. The fiddle leaf will flourish in stable temperatures and is ideal for a bedroom or bathroom.

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15
Ideal for Empty Corners

Burgundy Rubber Tree

Burgundy Rubber Tree
Credit: Bloomscape

Pros

  • Adjusts to different light conditions
  • Air-purifying
  • Symbolizes happiness and wealth

Cons

  • Toxic to pets

Based on Feng Shui principles, placing rubber plants in corners helps to soften sharp angles. They have shiny, thick leaves with hints of red and black tones, and can grow six to 10 feet tall indoors.

16
Great for Indoors and Outdoors

Alocasia Dawn

Alocasia Dawn
Credit: Nature's Way Farms

Pros

  • Striking leaf color pattern

Cons

  • Grow slowly
  • Toxic when ingested by pets and toddlers

Great for displaying on the patio, porch or indoor garden, alocasia dawns have large heart-shaped leaves. You'll find that the green and white tones are unique and come in multiple patterns and variations. When fully grown, they can reach three to five feet tall, so they're sure to stand out wherever they are placed.

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17
Rainbow-Colored Plant

Croton Plant

Croton Plant
Credit: American Plant Exchange

Pros

  • Year-round fall foliage

Cons

  • Toxic to young children and pets

Add a tropical touch to your indoor decor with croton plants. Their eye-catching leaf colors range from red and yellow to orange and pink. They'll grow up to six feet tall and need partial to full sunlight to flourish.

18
Beautiful Bouquet Additions

Olive Tree

Olive Tree
Credit: The Sill

Pros

  • Safe for pets
  • Grow as tall as 20 to 30 feet

Cons

  • Thrive best in hot environments

Olive trees are delicate, simple and long-lasting. They have small, grayish-green leaves that flourish in bright, direct sunlight. Keep them by your south- or west-facing window and add them to floral centerpieces.

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19
Colorful Houseplant

Hawaiian Ti Plant

Hawaiian Ti Plant
Now 32% Off
Credit: Fast Growing Trees

Pros

  • Adapts to different conditions
  • Grows up to 10 feet high

Cons

  • Leaves may show less color variation in low light

As the Hawaiian ti plant grows, you'll notice the bottom leaves starting to drop — resembling a more tree-like structure that's just as eye-catching as when it arrived. They're known for bringing good luck and are perfect to grow in sun-filled spaces.

20
Tree With Unique Trunk

Braided Benjamina Ficus Tree

Braided Benjamina Ficus Tree
Now 17% Off
Credit: Fast Growing Trees

Pros

  • Resistant to shedding leaves
  • Thrive despite neglect

Cons

  • Yellow leaves appear without frequent watering
  • Toxic to pets

The braided benjamina ficus tree is known for its braided trunk and weeping leaves. They enjoy bright, indirect light (at least six hours a day) and environments with high humidity.

Headshot of Mariah Thomas
Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work. 

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Monique Valeris
Home Design Director

Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."

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