11 Big, Leafy Plants That’ll Bring Your Empty Corner to Life
All you need is one.
Updated Oct 22, 2018 7:37 PM
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We all have one. A sad, empty corner that you could style a few ways, but just never have. Our current favorite solution? A big, leafy plant. Not quite a “tree” (we have small city apartments, okay?), but a plant that’s larger than your average monstera. Keep reading for a variety of plant babies that will instantly brighten up your home.
Palm Plants
There are so many different palms to choose from. The parlour, majesty, and fan palm plants have many thin leaves while the ponytail palm has more of a real trunk and resembles the classic palms you associate with warm weather climates. Bottom line: You can’t go wrong with a palm plant.
Light type: Medium to bright
Rubber Tree
We like to think of the Rubber Tree as a cousin to the hard-to-kill ZZ plant. Rubber trees are fairly low-maintenance, are easy to find in a variety of sizes, and have darker, thick leaves that make it perfect for a minimalist space, like Erin Fetherston’s California home you see here.
Light type: Medium to bright
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The ficus that started it all! By now, we all know even the most devoted plant parents have trouble keeping fickle fiddles alive and prospering. We have tips to help, but also wouldn’t tattle for opting to buy a fake.
Light type: Bright
Bird of Paradise
The Bird of Paradise is a go-to alternative to the Fiddle Leaf Fig for a few reasons. It’s similar in size, is marginally easier to keep alive, and has flowers that actually bloom. We like that it has big, thick fronds, not a trunk.
Light type: Medium to bright
Dracaena Lisa Plant
If you’re looking for a plant that grows taller, not wider, the Dracaena family is a good place to start your search. This distinctive plant has stalks that more closely resemble the bamboo plant.
Light type: Low to medium
Plant Pedestal Solution
We know, we know. We said we were giving you large plant options, but another option is a trailing plant on a pedestal. Hit your favorite vintage market for the best plant stand selection and choose your favorite trailing plant to sit on top. We’re currently digging the silver philodendron.
Light type: Medium to bright
Your Favorites… Just a Bit Bigger
We love keeping smaller ZZ and snake plants around the house because they’re easy to care for. Simply search for a bigger grow pot size (think 10-14 inches) and enjoy your new low-maintenance corner plant.
Light type: Low
Yucca Plant
These plants resemble a miniature version of your typical palm tree, and we think they’re really, really cute. If you’re looking to create a Cali-cool, bohemian vibe, this is your plant.
Light type: Medium to bright
Money Tree
The Pachira aquatica, known more commonly as a Money Tree, is said to bring wealth and prosperity, which explains its nickname. Add the beautiful braided trunk and vibrant, green leaves to your corner for a little good luck.
Light type: Medium to bright
Aralia fabian
If you’re into feng shui (which we have a lazy girl’s guide to), you’re most likely familiar with the Aralia fabian, also known as the Plum Aralia. If you prefer the look of a tree or shrub over a palm, you’ve met your match. But fair warning, it’s not for you if you’re a novice plant parent—they require more attention than your average plant.
Light type: Medium to bright
More plant resources:
This Chic Home Garden Line Proves Potted Plants Are OutUnexpected Ways to Display Your PlantsThe Chic Houseplants You Should Be Buying in 2018