Large houseplants — green statements for your home
Which XXL plants really work in the living room and office, and what to look out for when buying them.
A single large plant has the power to fundamentally change the atmosphere of an entire room. Where there may previously have been only an inconspicuous, empty corner, a vibrant piece of nature suddenly draws the eye. But if you want to buy large houseplants , you should know beforehand: not every plant is suitable for every lighting condition.
Why large plants are so popular
The trend of bringing an "urban jungle" into one's home has long since established itself as a lasting interior design concept. Large green plants play the main role, for very practical and aesthetic reasons:
- Immediate spatial effect: While small offshoots require years of care before they catch the eye, a man-high fiddle-leaf fig or a striking dragon tree makes an immediate visual statement in the living room from day one.
- Natural room division: Large canopies of leaves are ideal for gently structuring expansive, open-plan living and dining areas. They create zones without the need for permanent walls.
- Improved indoor climate: A large leaf mass physically means more evaporation and therefore higher humidity. Especially in dry offices during winter, this can make a noticeable difference for respiratory health and concentration.
- Stress reduction: Environmental psychology studies regularly show that the sight of plants can lower cortisol levels. This calming effect is perceived even more strongly with large, lush specimens, so-called statement plants .
The best large green plants compared
The selection available in stores is huge, but not every XXL plant forgives occasional care mistakes. The following overview honestly shows you which varieties have proven successful in practice:
| Plant species | Maximum height (indoors) | Light requirements | Care effort | Optical feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) | Up to approximately 2.5 m | Lots of indirect light | Medium | Large, architecturally striking leaves |
| Monstera Deliciosa | Up to approximately 2.0 m | Bright to indirect sunlight | Small amount | Distinctly lobed leaves, grows strongly in width |
| Strelitzia (bird of paradise flower) | Up to approximately 1.8 m | Tolerates direct sunlight | Small amount | Exotic flair, can bloom in optimal light. |
| Dragon tree (Dracaena) | Up to approximately 2.0 m | Part shade to bright | Very low | Narrow, wide-spreading crown; ideal for narrow niches |
| Kentia palm (Howea) | Up to approximately 2.5 m | It copes well with partial shade | Small amount | Elegant, drooping fronds; robust in low light. |
| Elephant's Foot (Beaucarnea) | Up to approximately 1.5 m | Bright to very sunny | Very low | Thickened trunk acts as a water reservoir, ideal for those who are reluctant to water their plants |
| Yucca palm | Up to approximately 2.0 m | As sunny as possible | Very low | Tolerates dry air from heating systems exceptionally well. |
Our tip for shadier rooms: If your living room is on the ground floor or has windows facing a rather dark courtyard, the Kentia palm and the classic dragon tree are the safest choices. Both species cope remarkably well with low light levels and still grow to an impressive size.
Calculate location and space requirements correctly
Before you fall in love with a sprawling plant and bring it home, you should definitely check three spatial considerations. Nothing is more frustrating than finding that the expensive plant later doesn't have a suitable place:
- Measure the ceiling height beforehand: A classic Viennese apartment building often offers over three meters of ceiling height – a paradise for tall-growing ficus varieties. In modern new buildings (usually around 2.50 m), however, a two-and-a-half-meter-tall palm quickly reaches its limits. Always plan for at least 40 to 50 centimeters of clearance above the ceiling.
- Don't underestimate its spread: A Monstera doesn't just grow upwards, but also spreads its leaves extensively in all directions. For mature specimens, you need to reserve at least one square meter of ground space so they aren't brushed against every time you walk by.
- Check the actual light level: Our eyes often deceive us about brightness. Hold your smartphone at the planned location and use a free lux meter app. If the reading is consistently below 500 lux during the day, only true shadow artists will survive there in the long run.
Caring for large plants — what's different in everyday life
Essentially, the same biological rules apply to large houseplants as to small cuttings. However, their size presents some significant challenges:
- Adjust your watering habits: A large pot holds many liters of soil, which retains moisture much longer than a small seedling pot. Always check deep in the substrate to see if the plant actually needs water before you reach for the watering can out of habit.
- The challenge of repotting: Roughly every two to three years, the roots completely fill the pot. Repotting a plant that's 1.80 meters tall becomes a demanding task. Be sure to get a second person to help you and spread out plenty of potting soil beforehand.
- Leaf care is essential: XXL leaves (like those of the fiddle-leaf fig or bird of paradise) collect considerable amounts of house dust over the course of weeks. This dust blocks the light and reduces photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
- Install mechanical support: Plants like the Monstera tend to become top-heavy with age due to their own weight. A sturdy moss pole or a robust bamboo stick in the pot helps maintain balance and prevent the plant from breaking.
Caution during transport: A common problem when buying large plants is the journey home. Especially during the colder months, tropical plants like the Monstera are extremely sensitive to icy winds. Even a few minutes unprotected at temperatures below 10°C can lead to irreparable cold damage (blackening or falling leaves). Therefore, we deliver all large plants temperature-insulated and professionally secured.
Finding the perfect statement plant
Leave behind the hassle of lugging heavy plants and worrying about broken leaves. We deliver your new, lush greenery safely and stress-free, right to your doorstep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
High-quality plants, starting at around one meter in height, begin at approximately €60. Rarer or particularly sought-after specimens, such as a very dense, mature fiddle-leaf fig or a large bird of paradise, may be more expensive depending on market conditions and exact size. For specific prices and current availability, it's best to give us a call.
We deliver to all districts in Vienna. Because very large plants require special transport, we will usually contact you by phone before delivery. This ensures that you are home and that the plant arrives safely.
If you tend to forget to water your plants regularly, the yucca palm and the elephant's foot (Beaucarnea) are practically indestructible. Both plants store water, withstand the dry air from heating systems in winter, and easily tolerate being neglected for extended periods.
Yes, it's actually an extremely popular gift – especially for occasions like moving into a new apartment, opening a practice, or a milestone birthday. We prepare the plant attractively, add a handwritten greeting card upon request, and personally deliver it to the recipient's address.
