Monstera Deliciosa

If you’re looking for a real statement piece, you’re not going to find a better one than the monstera deliciosa. The gaps in its stunning leaves (fenestrations) allow the sun to reach the lower parts of the plant. They are toxic to people and pets.12

• Name: Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water:  Water whenever the top 2 in. of soil feel dry
• Mature Height: Up to 10 to 15 ft. tall and 8 ft. wide

Snake Plant

Choose a snake plant if you want something easy. You can get them in pretty much any size but if you want a large one, buy it that way as they’re really slow growers. Keep an eye on pets and kids around them as they are mildly toxic.23

• Name: Snake plant (Dracaena spp.)
• Light: Most light conditions
• Water: Water when soil feels dry
• Mature Height: Up to 8 ft. tall

Kentia Palm

These were the “it” plant the Victorian era in the UK. The gorgeous palms were a status symbol, and you can still see them in homes or in a “palm court” tea parlor. They’re really good at coping with low lighting if needed.

• Name: Kentia palm (Howea forsteriana)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2 in. of soil are dry
• Mature Height: Up to 10 ft. tall

Corn Plant

Corn plants are unique because of the way they’re leaves grow from their trunk. Their wing-like foliage that will make a dramatic statement in your space. Corn plants are toxic to people and pets.2

• Name: Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans)
• Light: Most light conditions except for direct sun
• Water: Drought tolerant; let soil dry out completely in between waterings
• Mature Height: Up to 6 ft. tall

Fiddle Leaf Fig

While fiddle leaf figs are definitely more of a finicky type of plant, if you care for them the right way, they’ll reward you with giant, beautiful leaves. Keep in mind these are toxic to people.2

• Name: Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
• Light: bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2 in. of soil are dry
• Mature Height: Up to 10 ft. tall

Giant Bird of Paradise

The giant bird of paradise plant is sometimes called the wild banana plant, though you definitely won’t get any fruit. The plant only gets its second nickname from the look of its leaves, which are similar to those of an actual banana plant.

• Name: Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not wet
• Mature Height: Up to 6 ft. tall

Dragon Tree

This species of dragon tree is a common plant and pretty easy to take care of. Make sure it’s getting the right amount of water and light and it will grow tall over several years. It is a slow grower, so don’t expect any rapid changes. Remember to keep an eye on curious kids and pets around this plant as it is mildly toxic.2

• Name: Dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
• Light: Most light conditions are fine as long as it’s not in direct sun
• Water: Drought tolerant; let soil dry out completely between waterings
• Mature Height: Up to 8 ft. tall

Money Tree

The most notable feature of this plant is the gorgeous braided trunk. In feng shui it is believed to bring good fortune to the recipient, so it’s often given as a gift.

• Name: Money tree (Pachira aquatica)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water only when soil is completely dry
• Mature Height: Up to 6 ft. tall

Weeping Fig

A weeping fig can grow up to 100 feet tall in its natural habitat. In your home, it can reach about six feet, so will look great in a corner as a statement plant. Just pull it out about a foot from the wall and it’ll look like a piece of decor. Weeping fig is toxic to people and pets.42

• Name: Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil moist, but not soggy
• Mature Height: Up to 6 ft. tall

African Fig

The dark green leaves on this ficus is what makes it absolutely stunning. Keep the leaves shiny by wiping away any dust, which will also help it to photosynthesize. But be careful! The sap is toxic so wear gloves to avoid irritation.42

• Name: African fig (Ficus cyathistipula)
• Light: Bright, indirect light but can tolerate shade.
• Water: Water when the top 2 in. of soil feel dry.
• Mature Height: Up to 8 ft. tall

Rubber Plant

This common houseplant gets its name because the latex running through the leaf veins was once used to make rubber. Don’t let pets or kids do a taste test on the leaves; the plant is toxic.2

• Name: Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2 in. of soil are dry
• Mature Height: Up to 10 ft. tall

Laurel Fig

This little tree has beautiful green leaves that will make you feel like you’re outdoors whenever you look at it. It’s really simple to look after, requiring consistently moist soil, and doesn’t take up too much space. It’s toxic so keep it away from kids and pets.2

• Name: Laurel fig (Ficus microcarpa ‘Moclame’)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
• Mature Height: Up to 10 ft. tall

Council Tree

If you want a tall plant but don’t have a ton of space to handle any spreading leaves, the council tree is a great option. Like other species of ficus, it should be kept away from kids and pets.2

• Name: Council tree (Ficus altissima ‘Yellow Gem’)
• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Water when the top 2 in. of soil are dry
• Mature Height: Up to 6 ft. tall

Bird of Paradise

Treat this plant well and you’ll be rewarded by stunning flowers during the winter and spring. The bird of paradise is one of the most beautiful plants out there, but don’t let kids or pets be fooled by the pretty flower petals and think it’s edible.25

• Name: Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
• Light: Bright light
• Water: Water when the top 2 in. of soil feel dry
• Mature Height: Over 6 ft. tall

Parlor Palm

The parlor palm is another plant that will transport you back to Victorian times in the UK where it was also a status symbol. It brings elegance to a room and can grow fairly tall. 

• Name: Parlor palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
• Light: Moderate to bright light
• Water: Water whenever the top 2 in. of soil are dry
• Mature Height: Up to 6 ft. tall

Cast Iron Plant

The cast iron plant is one of those plants that is nearly impossible to kill. It tolerates most lighting and prefers the soil to dry out between waterings, so it’s okay if you forget to go by with a watering can for a while.

• Name: Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior)
• Light: Tolerant of most light levels
• Water: Allow soil to completely dry out between waterings
• Mature Height: Up to 3.5 ft. tall

Alocasia Zebrina

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