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The Best Large Houseplants for Apartment Living

The Best Large Houseplants for Apartment Living

Big Style in Small Spaces: How to Choose the Right Large Indoor Plants for Your Apartment 

Large houseplants make a big visual impact, especially in an apartment where every decor detail matters. From tropical foliage to year-round sculptures, these showpiece plants can provide texture, tranquility, and personality to your space. But selecting the right one requires more than a quick visit to the garden center. You'll need to assess the layout of your space, exposure to sunlight, and even your routines to select a plant that thrives in your geographic region and home. 

Here's everything you should know before adding your first (or next) oversized green friend into the mix. 

A green leafy plant sits in a white pot on a wooden floor.

What to Consider When Choosing Large Indoor Plants: The Naturally Lit Environment 

Before you choose your plant, consider the lighting in your home. If you have bright, sunny rooms with southern exposure and windows, go for a more tropical plant that loves sunlight, like a bird of paradise or fiddle leaf fig. If you're working with less direct sunlight, look for low-light plants that tolerate darker situations, like a snake plant or ZZ plant. 

The Dimensions of The Space 

If you have tall ceilings in your apartment, think about tall plants like rubber trees or kentia palms to draw the eye upward. If your apartment is smaller, consider thinner-profile plants like dracaenas for greenery that doesn’t overwhelm the space. 

Visual balance is key. Think of where your plant will live—tucked in a corner, flanking a sofa, or acting as a divider between spaces. A strategically placed oversized plant can differentiate a living space from a dining area or soften the harsh lines of construction, like those found in many open floor plan apartments. 

Your Layout 

Your home's style dictates where and how plants will blend. If you're living in a studio, an oversized palm can act as an attractive divider between your sleeping area and the rest of the space. If you're in a one-bedroom, an oversized plant in the bedroom corner or by the front door adds interest to your space. 

Plant Care and Lifestyle Fit 

Be honest with yourself about how much time you will—or will not—spend tending to a plant. Some of the more popular larger houseplants, such as fiddle leaf figs can be temperamental, while rubber plants, parlor palms, and snake plants are more easygoing and adaptable. 

Also consider how you will water the plants. For low maintenance and traveling lifestyles, researching drought-resistant plants may be a good option. Those who love to mist and prune weekly may prefer the more temperamental tropicals. 

Animals in the Home 

If you have pets that like to chew on indoor plants, note that some houseplants can be toxic if ingested. Avoid the sago palm, fiddle leaf fig, and monstera if you have pets in your household. Instead, go for non-toxic parlor palms, bamboo palms, or calatheas. 

A close up of a green leaf with water droplets on it.

Best Large Houseplants for Apartment Living 

Here are some of the most apartment-friendly large houseplants, each suited to different light levels, care needs, and home styles. 

Fiddle Leaf Fig 

The fiddle leaf fig is characterized by its large, waxy leaves and sculptural quality. It flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight and would do quite well on a corner apartment ledge with frequent access to light. 

Rubber Plant 

Rubber plants are very chic and low maintenance. They grow in an upward direction and will develop large, dark green leaves. They prefer medium light and only need to be watered about once a week or once every other week. 

Snake Plant 

The snake plant features long, sword-like leaves and will provide an architectural design element to any room. This plant enjoys low light and does not require frequent watering, making it an ideal plant for novice plant parents or anyone who finds it challenging to keep plants hydrated. 

Parlor Palm 

Another pet-friendly plant that grows slowly, the parlor palm can sustain itself in low light and adds a soft fluffiness to any room. It's ideal for a low-light bedroom, office, or hallway that still needs a touch of nature. 

Bird of Paradise 

For something more daring, there's the bird of paradise. Its large leaves grow in the shape of a fan, extending upward toward the light. This plant needs as much light as it can get and space to grow. It's best for expansive apartments with large windows and bright, open spaces. 

Dracaena 

There are many types of dracaena, which are tall and thin. They grow vertically like a spike as opposed to horizontally. They are ideal for small corners or wedged beside furniture. They are also hardy and low-maintenance, thriving in moderate light with minimal watering. 

Kentia Palm 

Kentia palm has relaxed growth habits and arching fronds. This plant is relatively easy to care for and very apartment-friendly. It tolerates low light levels and low humidity. 

A close up of green fern leaves.

Plants That Make Your Apartment Feel Like Home 

Large house plants transform an environment instead of just taking up space. The perfectly placed plant can liven up a living room, soothe a bedroom, or accent an entryway. Luckily, many plants that make for good large house plants are easy to care for and apartment-friendly. 

Should you desire to rejuvenate your space, consider that large house plants are fantastic decorative flourishes whether you have a large living room or just want to put your best foot forward in an apartment nook. Placement and lighting options can easily make your apartment a temple of green and greenery. 

If you’re looking for your next apartment, please visit us here at The Park Apartment Homes in Fayetteville, NC. Our 1, 2, and 3 bedroom floor plans are open, spacious, and perfect for your very own indoor jungle. 

Schedule your tour today and discover The Park Apartment Homes— Fayetteville’s premier living community.