Indoor plants can transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary, adding greenery and improving air quality.
Once you’ve completed your home renovation, condo renovation, or built your custom home in Vancouver it’s time to add the touches to your home that will make it truly yours. Our chief interior designer, Sahar Abrishami, says “Vancouver has the perfect climate to help large indoor plants thrive, giving your home beauty & fresh air all year round”.
So with that, we present you a list of the top 10 large indoor plants
Top 10 Large Indoor Plants Suited to Vancouver’s Climate & Your Home
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle Leaf Fig Key Features: Known for its iconic large, glossy leaves that make a striking statement in any room. It has a tree-like growth habit, reaching heights up to 10 feet indoors. Its leaves can grow up to 18 inches long, making it an impressive focal point.
Care Tips: Requires bright, indirect light to avoid leaf burn. Water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, and rotate the plant occasionally to promote even growth.
2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Bird of Paradise Key Features: Long, arching leaves that resemble banana leaves. It is famous for its distinctive orange and blue flowers that mimic a bird in flight. When mature, it can reach up to 6 feet in height, creating a tropical vibe.
Care Tips: Needs bright, direct sunlight to flower well and high humidity to thrive. Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Mist regularly or use a humidifier to provide sufficient humidity. Fertilize every two weeks during the growing season.
3. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber Plant Key Features: Thick, waxy leaves range in color from deep green to burgundy, giving it an elegant appearance. It grows vertically with strong branches, reaching heights of up to 8 feet indoors.
Care Tips: Prefers indirect light and infrequent watering. Let the soil dry out partially before watering again. Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and maintain their shine. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer.
4. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera Deliciosa Key Features: Iconic split leaves with deep holes create a unique, tropical look. It has a sprawling growth habit and can climb with support, reaching heights of 8 feet indoors.
Care Tips: Prefers bright, indirect light and needs support to climb. Water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune regularly to control its shape, and mist leaves to maintain humidity.
5. Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
Kenita Palm Key Features: Feather-like leaves grow in an elegant, airy manner. It can reach heights of up to 10 feet indoors, creating a graceful and natural aesthetic.
Care Tips: Thrives in low light and high humidity, requiring occasional watering. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering. Mist leaves regularly and place the plant in filtered light for best growth.
6. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Dragon Tree Key Features: Tall, slender stems support tufts of narrow, spiky leaves with red edges, creating an attractive, sculptural look. It can grow up to 10 feet indoors.
Care Tips: Low-maintenance and drought-resistant, it tolerates indirect light well. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Prune to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
7. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Parlor Palm Key Features: Graceful, arching leaves grow from a central stalk, giving it a delicate and compact appearance. It remains relatively small, reaching around 4 feet.
Care Tips: Tolerates low light and needs occasional watering. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize monthly during the growing season and mist leaves to increase humidity.
8. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
Areca Palm Key Features: Clusters of arching fronds create a full, tropical appearance. It can reach up to 8 feet indoors and is known for its bright green foliage.
Care Tips: Needs consistent watering and indirect light. Water thoroughly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize every two weeks during spring and summer, and mist regularly to maintain high humidity.
9. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
Corn Plant Key Features: Tall, arching leaves grow from a central trunk, resembling a corn stalk. It can reach up to 6 feet indoors and produces fragrant, white flowers in ideal conditions.
Care Tips: Requires minimal watering and indirect light. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer, and wipe leaves regularly to remove dust.
10. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Weeping Fig Key Features: Graceful, drooping branches bear glossy, oval leaves. It has a bushy growth habit and can reach heights of up to 10 feet indoors.
Care Tips: Prefers bright light and consistent watering. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and avoid moving it frequently to prevent leaf drop. Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Large Indoor Plants
Lighting Requirements
Each plant requires a different amount of light. Vancouver homes can have varying light conditions due to seasonal shifts and architectural differences. Ensure that your chosen plant matches the available lighting in your space. For instance, a Fiddle Leaf Fig flourishes in bright, indirect light, while a Corn Plant does well in low-light conditions.
Humidity and Temperature
Vancouver’s winters can be dry – no that’s not a joke, we know we’re also called “raincouver”, but due to indoor heating the insides of homes can be dry. Because of this maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial. Bird of Paradise plants and Areca Palms enjoy higher humidity, making them suitable for bathrooms or with a nearby humidifier.
Space Considerations
Large plants need ample space to grow and spread. Measure your available floor and vertical space, ensuring you have room for your chosen plant at its full size. The key is to not buy a large plant for a small area.
Maintenance Level
Different plants require different levels of care. Rubber Plants need occasional watering, while Monstera Deliciosa needs regular pruning to control its shape. Consider how ‘green’ your hands are, if you think you’re going to struggle keep plants alive then get a low maintenance one. If you’re an expert, then go for something more difficult.
Use Indoor Plants To Enhance Your Space
Choosing the right large indoor plants can significantly enhance your home’s appeal and improve air quality. By considering the specific conditions in your home and the plant’s growth habits, you can create a lush and inviting space that thrives all year long.
If you want to speak to one of our interior design professionals, then book a free consultation today. If you’re just looking for some inspiration then you can view some of our projects here, and connect with us on Instagram!
Author
Gia Flores
Gia Flores is the Digital Marketing Specialist at Enzo Design Build Inc., where she drives awareness of their superior renovation and construction services within the construction industry. Her strategic marketing campaigns skillfully highlight the craftsmanship and innovative solutions Enzo offers, drawing in clients throughout Vancouver.
