Houseplants not only add greenery to our indoor spaces, but they also create a calm and somewhat private atmosphere.
Our interiors often need design improvements, or rather, “minimal design adjustments.” A room that appears peaceful typically feels that way too. One of the best tools to enhance space and build a welcoming mood is the use of large houseplants.
When all the busy and distracting elements are removed, such as bustling families, traffic, or the energy of youth, large houseplants are an excellent way to breathe life into a room.
Time and again, it’s been proven that even the grumpiest retiree can find a bit of cheer with the right large houseplant in their home.
Selecting the Right Large Houseplants
Most social service facilities, hospitals, airports, or any place where people have little control over their environment or may not want to, often use large houseplants.
In large or even maximal arrangements, these plants help make busy, overcrowded spaces feel safer and more homey.
When the surroundings feel secure and welcoming, people tend to relax and feel more at ease. Interestingly, the only noncommercial space that typically doesn’t feature large houseplants is a museum.
Yet, even museums could benefit from the presence of a plant with large, striking leaves. Both large houseplants and museum exhibits require generous space to truly shine.
Large houseplants can add a dramatic touch to your home/environment and improve air quality. However, it’s important to choose the best houseplants that are suitable for your space and lifestyle.
Here’s a guide to help you select the right large houseplants:
1. Consider Your Space:
Measure your available space to determine the maximum size of a houseplant you can accommodate.
Assess the amount and type of light your space receives. Some plants require bright, direct light, while others prefer low-light conditions.
Consider the temperature and humidity levels in your home. Some plants thrive in warm, humid environments, while others prefer cooler, drier conditions.
2. Popular Large Houseplants:
2. Popular Large Houseplants:The Fiddle Leaf Fig is famous for its large, fiddle-shaped leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and does well in moderate humidity.
Monstera Deliciosa, with its large, split leaves, is a favorite in modern homes. It grows best in bright, indirect light and needs moderate humidity.
The Rubber Tree is a timeless houseplant, known for its glossy, dark green leaves. It can handle low light but prefers bright, indirect light.
The Bird of Paradise stands out with its large, fan-shaped leaves and vibrant flowers. It needs bright, indirect light and prefers moderate to high humidity.
The Kentia Palm is a great choice for large areas, thriving in bright, indirect light and moderate humidity.
3. Care Considerations:
Water your houseplants regularly, but avoid overwatering. Check the soil moisture before watering to prevent root rot.
Fertilize your houseplants during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Repot your houseplants every two to three years to provide them with fresh potting mix and more room to grow.
6 Best Design Strategies for Creating More Space with Large Houseplants
Large houseplants have the ability to transform a room in ways that smaller plants cannot.
They bring drama, beauty, and depth, often becoming the focal point that grabs attention.
More importantly, when placed carefully, they can make a room feel larger by softening sharp edges and improving the natural flow of the space.
Whether you’re decorating a small apartment or a bigger home, strategically adding large houseplants can help you maximize your available space.
1. Corner Placement for a Roomy Feel
One of the easiest ways to create the illusion of more space is by placing large houseplants in the corners of your rooms. Corners are often overlooked in design, leaving a blank, unused area that can make a room feel cramped. By adding a tall plant, you fill the space in a way that draws the eye upward and outward, making the room feel more expansive.
Consider a plant like a fiddle leaf fig or a bird of paradise, which can grow to impressive heights. Their large leaves create a visual anchor in the room, pulling attention to the corners and away from the center, where furniture may take up more space.
2. Vertical Planting to Maximize Height
When floor space is limited, it’s time to think vertically. By choosing tall, slim houseplants, you can emphasize the height of your room without taking up too much ground space.
Think of plants like snake plants or bamboo palms, which naturally grow upwards rather than outwards.
Vertical planting also gives your room a sense of structure, much like tall ceilings or large windows would. It’s like adding a skyscraper to a city skyline—it immediately draws attention and adds a feeling of spaciousness.
3. Pairing Plants with Minimalist Furniture
To create more space with large houseplants, balance is key. Minimalist furniture, with its clean lines and simple design, pairs beautifully with bold, leafy plants. This combination allows the room to breathe without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
By keeping furniture sleek and understated, your plants can take center stage, making the room feel open and airy. Think of this pairing like wearing a simple outfit and adding a statement accessory—the overall look is clean, yet striking.
4. Using Large Plants as Natural Room Dividers
If you live in an open-concept space or have a large room that you want to break up without using bulky furniture, large houseplants are an excellent solution.
They can act as natural room dividers, creating separate zones without blocking light or air.
For example, you could place a group of tall plants like rubber plants or kentia palms between your living room and dining area. This creates the feeling of two distinct spaces while keeping the room open and fluid.
5. Choosing Pots That Complement Space
The pots you choose for your large houseplants can either enhance or hinder the spaciousness of your room. Opt for minimalist, sleek pots that blend in with your decor, rather than chunky or overly decorative containers that may take up more visual space.
Neutral colors, like white, grey, or soft earth tones, work well to keep the focus on the plants rather than the pots themselves. Additionally, selecting pots that elevate the plants slightly off the ground, such as those with stands, can create an airy effect, making the room feel less cluttered.
6. Creating Layers with Different Heights
A well-designed room feels dynamic, and one of the best ways to achieve this is by layering plants of varying heights. By placing taller plants behind smaller ones, you can add depth to your space, making it feel more dimensional and open.
Think of it as creating a multi-tiered garden indoors. For instance, a large monstera plant could be placed in the background, with smaller ferns or succulents in front. This staggered arrangement adds visual interest and allows the eye to travel through the space, enhancing the feeling of openness.
Large houseplants are not only beautiful, they can also create a sense of space and openness in your home. By using the design strategies mentioned earlier, you can arrange these plants in a way that improves the flow of your room, adds depth, and makes even smaller spaces feel more spacious.
Read Also: House Plant Compost Guide: 6 Best Options for Indoor Plants
