10 large house plants to grow now
❶ Howea forsteriana
Kentia palms offer an architectural grandeur, reaching heights of up to 2m. Their foliage provides a wealth of contrast against any wall colour. Situate in a room with bright, indirect light, make sure it has evenly moist soil and apply a house-plant fertiliser with every third watering.
❷ Beaucarnea recurvata
A sun-dweller, this slow-growing plant is a great option for rooms that receive copious amounts of sunlight each day. Well equipped for conservatories or south-facing rooms, follow the phrase ‘drenches between droughts’ to avoid over-watering. Only water this plant once the soil’s entirety becomes dry.
❸ Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
An easy-natured, versatile species that can grow either as a trailing plant (from a shelf) or pinned up against a trellis/coir pole for height. Its leaves resemble a smaller version of the popular Swiss cheese plant and can grow up to 4m indoors. Maintain moist soil, allowing the top 7.5cm to dry out between room-temperature drinks of water.
❹ Monstera deliciosa
The internationally popular Swiss cheese plant is a regular go-to for those who have a shady corner in their room. Due to their horizontal leaves directly facing far-away windows, they can capture light where other specimens may struggle. If in a low-light setting, remember to water less often to avoid root rot and rinse the leaves in the shower from time to time.
❺ Philodendron xanadu
When pruned every other year, this is a great alternative for those who like a bush-like shape. While preferring a sunless location, these 1m-high beauties can tolerate a room that has a few hours of early morning sun when kept evenly moist. Feed it once every three to four waterings to promote its large, glossy leaves.
❻ Dieffenbachia seguine
This jungle-like variety will live for many decades in the right care. Water once every 10-14 days and give it a regular nitrogen feed to maintain
its light-green and golden variegations. Specimens can be bought at around 50cm but will reliably grow into monsters in years to come!
❼ Yucca elephantipes
Another sun-loving species, the trusty yucca is often planted as a duo at differing heights in a single pot. This clean-cut, slow-growing specimen will add around 10cm of growth per year. To avoid over-watering, only water the compost once the pot feels light when lifted.
❽ Musa ‘Ae Ae’
Many banana varieties will grow in bay windows or conservatories. The variegated ‘Ae Ae’ can reach a height of 1.8m with a spread of just over 1m. Provide overhead lighting (to promote balanced growth), water the soil thoroughly every 10 days and give it a nitrogen-rich feed every third watering.
❾ Hibiscus sinensis
Few garden plants will grow well indoors, however many pot-grown outdoor specimens will do well in semi-shaded conservatories. Hibiscus can reach up to 1.2m (unpruned) and will become a surprisingly reliable house plant with a weekly watering.
❿ Dracaena fragrans Compacta Group
Ideal for minimalists. Allow the soil to half dry out between waterings and place it in a well-lit location to power its striking, compact figure. Grow it to 1m-2.5m from a windowsill that offers morning or late-evening sunlight.