Be Inspired Blog - Arizona

Level Up Your Houseplant Game With Indoor Trees and Oversized Plants

Having a lush, green indoor tree or oversized houseplant is a pretty major statement piece. They invigorate your space with vibrant color and keep the air fresh, but you need to make sure conditions are just right so that your plant will be comfortable. If you’ve nailed the basics of indoor plant care and you’re feeling ready to graduate to indoor trees and other large-sized plants, you’ve come to the right place.

A closeup of a monstera deliciosa houseplant with someone touching its largest leaft

Caring For Indoor Trees and Oversized Plants in Arizona

When buying houseplants, understanding their lighting and water needs are key. Another thing to consider is their summer care. With our hot, dry climate and the necessity for air conditioning during our warmer months, our indoor conditions aren’t always exactly ideal for large tropical houseplants or trees. These guys get thirsty, and they like to soak up a lot of moisture from the air to keep their leaves from getting crispy. They also aren’t particularly keen on cold air drafts.

To prevent indoor trees from getting dehydrated, it’s a good idea to use humidifiers or swamp coolers to add some supplemental moisture to the air. Keep plants away from any vents or direct drafts so that they don’t get blasted with cold air. Misting your plant regularly will also help to keep those leaves glossy and nourished.

These Indoor Trees and XL Plants Are Big On Style

Take your plant collection and your home decor to the next level by bringing home one of these Herculean houseplants. Their presence in your home will be appreciated by everyone who visits—don’t be surprised if they start to seem like one of the family!

2 images - a closeup of a fiddle leaf fig tree with a potted monstera in the background; and a large fiddle leaf fig tree potted in a light brown basket near a light blue couch

Fiddle Leaf Fig

A large, healthy fiddle leaf fig tree is a pretty spectacular sight to behold. The slight ripple throughout each glossy green leaf creates the illusion of draped, silky fabric. It’s smart to wipe down the leaves every couple of weeks with a damp cloth. That way, you can deliver some supplemental moisture to the leaves while removing the dust buildup that tends to accumulate.

Kentia Palm

With glossy foliage in that traditional palm leaf shape, and a maximum height of 12 feet indoors, this potted palm brings the tropical vacation vibes right into your living room. It’s non-toxic and pet-friendly, so it’s a fantastic option for folks with rascally animals at home. They prefer bright, indirect light, but are surprisingly tolerant of low light conditions. While it’s a generally low-maintenance plant overall, sometimes they can develop potassium deficiencies. If you notice the tips of their leaves start to get crispy, give them a potassium-fortified fertilizer.

2 images - a sofa and loveseat in a living room surrounded by large ficus benjamina houseplants; a room with a potted ficus benjamina next to other potted houseplants and a white wooden bench

Ficus Benjamina

Also known as the weeping fig, this indoor tree is one of the best air purifiers out there! Its trunks are quite flexible early in development, so growers often braid the trunks together to create a beautiful woven effect. They’re one of the more low-maintenance indoor trees out there, and they’ll grow to about 6 feet tall in bright, filtered sun.

Monstera Deliciosa

This tropical plant has become a household name in recent years for its distinctive “Swiss cheese” leaves. It can grow up to 15 feet tall, so it has all the appeal of an indoor tree, with gorgeous foliage that’s totally on-trend. If you want to keep those leaves looking immaculate, make sure you’re providing your Monstera with enough humidity!

Ponytail Palm

The quirky, curved trunk of this mini indoor tree reminds us of an antique lamp! Its wispy mop of foliage has a peculiar charm, bringing a fun, carefree attitude to your space. If you want your ponytail palm to grow extra-large, it’s best to grow it in an Arizona room or a room with a skylight. It loves to soak up some direct sunlight!

Ficus Moclame

This variety of fig tree has more of a spherical canopy, giving it a whimsical look like a topiary. It has glossy, round leaves that aren’t as likely to drop from shifts in light levels, compared to its popular cousin Ficus Benjamina. Indoors, they’ll grow to about 10 feet tall. Keep an eye out for spider mites or other pests on your Ficus Moclame—you should be able to beat them by applying pyrethrin spray, neem oil, or another natural pesticide that’s safe for indoor use.

Rhapis Palm

Also known as a Lady Palm and a Bamboo Palm, the Rhapis excelsa is prized for it's fan-shaped leaves that grow from multiple woody stems, and it's ability to adapt to a wide range of environments. This specimen houseplant prefers moist soil, temperature ranges of 50° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit, and partial or filtered sunlight. However, it can also tolerate part shade and will develop rich, dark green leaves. This broadleaf palm can very slowly grow as tall as 14 feet tall under the right conditions. If you're looking to add a tropical vibe to your home the Rhapis palm can definitely deliver!

Looking to buy indoor plants in Arizona? SummerWinds Nursery carries an impressive lineup of indoor trees and oversized houseplants. Visit one of our locations today to get your fix of gorgeous greenery and houseplant care advice for your home!