Although there is no official or orthodox measure to talk about large indoor plants compared to small ones, it can be considered that all those that exceed approximately one meter in height will fall into this category. Large indoor plants are decorative elements that will bring great freshness to the house and that, in addition, will also help us to purify the air inside the buildings. However, it must be borne in mind that not all types of large indoor plants will be the same, as well as the specific needs and advantages that each one of them have. If you want to go a little deeper into the subject, keep reading and we’ll tell you about it.
What are the differences between large and small indoor plants
The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to caring for large versus small indoor plants is that large plants will need more space to develop properly. This is logical. However, this space is not limited only to having a larger pot, which will mean that it is heavier and that it costs more to move it if you want to change the site of the plant. But you will also need more air space around it.
In this sense, regardless of the type of plant in question, it will be recommended that the leaves and branches of the plant are not in contact with any other element of the house, be it the wall, the window, the curtains, etc. Many plants of this type are affected by contact with objects in the house and, consequently, their leaves tend to turn yellow and brown at the tips. This does not happen with small plants since, thanks to their size, their leaves do not expand as much.
Tips for having large indoor plants
These are the aspects that must be taken into account when caring for large indoor plants :
- Due to the size of their pot, they will have greater ease when it comes to retaining water, although they will also have greater needs than small plants. In this way, it is important to water them frequently but, at the same time, it is equally important to prevent the plate under the pot from becoming waterlogged or retaining too much water. In this sense, the most advisable thing to do is always carry out the recommended waterings for each type of plant when the upper part of the earth is appreciated a little dry, but without going too far or short on water.
- As the pot will be considerably larger than those of small plants, and consequently also heavier, it is recommended to place the pot on a frame with sturdy wheels . In this way, even if the plant is not going to move too much, it can be easily moved when necessary, which will mean a considerable element of comfort.
- Likewise, it will be necessary to take into account the natural light needs of each type of tall and large indoor plants and adapt their location to this need.
- Learn about everything possible at your nursery or garden store before purchasing a large plant for your home.
Examples of large indoor plants
The types of large indoor plants that we can find in a nursery are quite varied. However, in all cases, we must take into account their particular needs and, despite their size, not neglect their care, which is usually one of the most common mistakes when caring for these types of plants. Some of the names of large indoor plants that we can have indoors are the following:
- Norfolk Pine.
- The Ficus Benjamina
- Ficus Ginseng
- Ficus Lyrata
- The Ficus Elastica
- Ficus Microcarpa
- The Ficus Pumila
- The kentia palm tree.
- The jade plant.
- Cassava.
- The philodendron .
- The Polyscias.
- The crotos or croton .
- Japan’s fatsia.
- The chef.
- The desert rose .
- The bird of the prairie plant.
- The dracena.
- The rib of Adam or Monstera .
- The bamboo.
- The nolina or elephant foot .
Next, we will see in more detail some of these plants and their care.
Norfolk pine
In nature it can reach more than 60 meters, although indoors it does not usually exceed 2 meters . As can be expected, this is also influenced by the size of the pot in which it is placed. It is a plant that needs a lot of light, although it is sensitive to drafts. Therefore, it is best to place it near a window with good lighting but not usually open.
Ficus
The ficus is a fairly common houseplant due to its shape and aesthetics. However, it must be borne in mind that it is one of the most delicate large indoor plants that we can find. Therefore, it is recommended that you pay attention to it on an ongoing basis. It is advisable to pay it in autumn, as well as to carry out the pruning that is necessary both in spring and in autumn.
Kentia
The kentia palm tree adapts very well to interior spaces. In addition, since it prefers environments with indirect light, it is one of the large indoor plants that best adapts to closed spaces. It needs a moist soil, especially in summer, although, in winter with heating it will also be necessary to make sure that it has enough water and that the earth does not dry out completely.
Jade plant or tree
The jade plant or tree is one of the most beautiful indoor plants and that best adapts to any environment. If we place it in a small pot, it will be a small plant, and if we put it in a large pot, whatever the pot itself will grow will grow. It requires little care and adapts well to almost any environment, although it prefers bright places but with indirect light. It is a slow-growing succulent plant , but it will help purify the air in an exceptional way.
Yucca
This is another of the best known indoor plant names. Yucca is one of the plants that best adapt to any environment, whether it is indoors or outdoors.
This is one of the plants with elongated green leaves that needs a lot of light and is very sensitive to excessively humid soils. For this reason, it is important to let the soil dry enough before watering it and, above all, to prevent the plate under the pot from getting waterlogged.
