House plants can make any space feel more welcoming. Not only do they add a pop of green, but certain varieties improve air quality and emit pleasant aromas.
If you're seeking to add a bit of greenery with a little more height, here are the best tall houseplants that will rise to incredible heights.
African Candelabra
The African Candelabra is an upright evergreen that has dark green, narrow leaves that are extremely ornamental. Its coarse texture helps it stand apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage. It is also admired for its ability to produce fruit in the summer. To maximize the ability of the plant to produce fruit, it is crucial to maintain healthy foliage. If the plant doesn't receive enough water, it can get root rot very quickly and stop producing fruit. Other issues include fungal infections and the natural withering of the fruits due to the ripening process.
Euphorbia ingens, also known as the African Candelabra Tree or Good Luck Cactus, is a succulent that can grow up to 36 to 49 feet (12 to 15 meters) tall when grown outdoors, and much smaller when planted as a plant for the big house plants. The plant produces long stems of thorny spikes which are adorned with greenish-yellow flowers that resemble three-lobed capsules.
The most common house plant way to propagate the African Candelabra is through cuttings. The plant's stems produce a milky sap, which is why it is important to wear gloves and goggles when handling the plant. Rinse the plant in cold, clear water before taking a cut to remove any milky sap. After washing the cutting, it should be allowed to dry for two days. Once it has been dry, the cutting can be planted in a soil that is well-drained.
African Figure
Ficus cyathistipula, also known as the African fig plant, is a stunning tropical houseplant with long, rounded dark green leaves. It's easy to maintain and is a fantastic large indoor plant since it can grow fast in the right conditions. It's also on NASA's list of plants that are clean because it eliminates toxins such as formaldehyde from the air.
Fiddle leaf figs thrive in warm and humid conditions. They prefer bright indirect light however they can tolerate direct sun. Watering in the morning or evening is best to avoid the evaporation. Water the soil until it's moist to a depth of 2-3 inches. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to mold and other problems. It is tolerant of low humidity, but it will benefit from misting every once in a while.
Water the plant regularly throughout the growing season, and then reduce the frequency to once or twice a week during cooler temperatures. It requires a balanced, light fertilizer to promote the growth of lush. In the spring, summer, and fall feed it at least every month twice with a mild fertilizer for houseplants. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months as this could result in 'fertilizer burning'.
If you notice brown spots or leaves on your fiddle leaves, it could be due to a lack of humidity or excessive watering. This is also an indication of excessive sun. It is recommended to move it to a more shaded area.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss cheese plant, also referred to as Monstera custard or deliciosa is a beautiful tropical vine that can be used as a stunning house plant. Its large leaves are encased in holes that resemble Swiss cheese. These fenestrations permit the plant to take in sunlight and produce oxygen through photosynthesis. The leaves also function as dust traps and help prevent dry skin, sinus issues and respiratory infections.
Swiss-cheese grows best in indirect, warm sunshine. They can withstand direct sunlight, but it's better to limit it to just a few hours a day. This will shield the leaves and keep them from burning. It can also help to keep the fenestration patterns from fading.
When growing a Swiss-cheese indoors, it needs a well-draining soil mix. Mixture of perlite, coconut coir or peat-based potting mix and orchid bark is ideal. The plants like an environment that is slightly acidic with high humidity. They are able to be misted from time to time to add humidity to the air.
This plant is a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners, as it grows well with minimal care. It's a fast-growing species and is easy to propagate by cuttings. It's also possible to cultivate the plant from seeds that are available at a variety of gardening stores and online retailers. The seeds should be planted in a tray that is filled with a moistened seed-starting mixture, and they should be lightly covered. The seeds should begin to germinate within one or two weeks.
Umbrella Papayrus
Umbrella papayrus, also known as umbrella papyrus and umbrella sedge, is a semi-aquatic plant that thrives in a humid, warm environment similar to that of an indoor pond. It is native to West Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula but can grow as a houseplant in all USDA zones.
This tall plant is an sedge family. It grows on thick, woody rhizomes that are covered in leafy bracts that look like spokes on an umbrella. During the summer the plant produces ugly flower spikelets that are brown and green.
Water your Umbrella Grass regularly however, avoid overwatering. You can do this by using a drip tray that does not drain, or by keeping the container within which the plant is growing filled up. Additionally, it is also recommended that you fertilize the plant bi-annually using a low salts slow release product.
Pruning your Umbrella Grass regularly is another effective method to keep it healthy and lush. This can be done by removing any dead stems that appear, as well as cutting the edges of the leaves to promote growth. It is recommended to trim this plant the same manner as you would prune a bonsai tree because it can be quite temperamental and will resent being cut too hard.
Yucca
Yucca plants are a fashionable house plant that adds texture and class to any home. Their sword-shaped leaves and empty trunks are usually grouped together to create a chic design that is perfect for a minimalist or contemporary home. The plants are also noted for their air-purifying properties that eliminate harmful allergens and chemicals from the home environment.
The yucca is tolerant to both outdoor and indoor conditions. However, it is best to plant the plant in an area that is sunny and warm with a well-drained soil. Adding organic material to the soil is recommended to improve drainage and air circulation. The plants require only a little water, however it is essential to provide them with sufficient moisture to keep their roots from drying out.
Fertilize yucca plants once a month, during the growth season. Use liquid fertilizer or controlled release according to the directions on the label. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this could cause the plant to look shriveled or brown.
Keep your yucca plant out of the reach of children and pets, as it contains saponins that are toxic when consumed. These substances can cause dizziness, weakness, drooling, www.raincoast.com/?URL=houseplantalley.com/alocasia-black-velvet-propagation// and vomiting when ingested by humans and small animals. The plant is classified as poisonous by the ASPCA for cats, dogs and horses. It is also invasive and a natural weed. It's important that you get rid of any unwanted sprouts. This will help the environment and prevent the competition for resources from other plants that are in the area.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a low maintenance houseplant that is ideal for offices and other indoor spaces. Its wide leaves can reach an average height of two to three feet, and it requires little maintenance. It can withstand droughts, neglect and low-light conditions. According to an NASA report it is a superb air purifier. It is capable of removing volatile organic compounds such as the xylene and benzene-toluene compounds through its roots.
The roots of this plant are tuber-like and can store water. This makes it resistant to excessive watering. In general, the ZZ plant requires watering every two weeks. It is crucial to let the soil dry between waterings. Overwatering can result in wrinkled, wilting and yellowing leaves as well root rot. The plant is attracted to soil that is well-drained and has a rocky, chunky and inert materials added to it. It can tolerate average humidity levels in your home, however it would benefit from a humidifier or pebble tray to increase the humidity in your home.
The ZZ Plant is not pet-friendly because it is a source of calcium oxalate which can cause irritation to dogs and cats if ingested. It is best to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets in case they nibble on its foliage. You can propagate ZZ Plants by cutting their rhizomes, or cutting stems. Stem cuttings are more difficult to propagate, however the plant will begin to grow roots in a few months.
