If you already have some lovely big pots that you want to fill with plants but don’t quite know which ones, I promise you will love this selection.
Whether you already own the pots or you’re looking to buy them because they’re just so gorgeous, here you’ll find the best indoor plants that will fit into any big pots.
All of these plants will bring an abundance of life and color to your home or office, nestled inside their beautiful large pots.
Stay with me and let’s explore the 10 best indoor plants for big pots and I’ll tell you exactly how to care for each of them.
Also known as the Hurricane Plant, the Swiss Cheese is widely popular for its large palm-like leaves that develop holes as the plant matures.
Monstera Deliciosa comes from the tropical forests of Southern Mexico and is part of the Araceae family.
These plants require a large pot with extra depth so that you can add a trellis or other apparatus that it can climb.
The Swiss Cheese plant prefers a pot that its soil roots will easily fill.
A pot that’s too small will stunt the growth of these gorgeous plants that can grow up to 10 – 15 feet tall (3 – 4.5 m), so it’s a shame to keep them small.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but it tolerates low light.
- Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil becomes dry, about every 1-2 weeks.
- Temperature: Ideally between 65-85 °F (18 - 30 ºC). It can tolerate down to 50 °F (32 ºC).
- Soil: Use well-draining potting soil and add in some peat moss.
- Fertilizer: You can add liquid fertilizer once a week in summer and spring to boost growth.
- Pot size: Can stay in pots from 6" to 14" (15 to 35 cm)
2. Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Other names: Elephant’s Foot.
The popular Ponytail Palm, also known as the Elephant’s Foot is a great indoor palm to show off your large pot.
Native to Eastern Mexico but now confided to Veracruz only, this unique palm features a large bulbous expanded trunk that stores water and the plant can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 m) wide.
It grows long, curled streamer-like leaves that are green and speckled with yellow, cascading down the trunk from the crown of the stem and growing up to 3 feet (1 m) in length if kept indoors.
Interestingly, despite its name, the Ponytail Palm is not closely related to the true palms.
The Ponytail Palm stores some water in its large trunk, so you can wait for the soil to dry out between waterings. Also, it enjoys misting once in a while.
Here’s an article that includes everything you need to know about misting indoor plants.
This plant needs fertilizing during the growing season with cacti or succulent fertilizer but may be dormant during the cooler months, so does not require fertilizer.
Interestingly, plants can tell what season it is from a few clues they pick up in our homes. Read this article to find out more about this topic.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid full sun.
- Water: Water every 1-2 weeks, but can last up to 4 weeks without watering.
- Temperature: Ideally grows in temperatures between 50 - 75°F (10 - 24°C), but is tolerant of temperature variations. Becomes dormant below 50°F (10°C).
- Soil: Use potting soil made with sand and perlite to aid drainage.
- Fertilizer: Use a cacti/succulent fertilizer in the spring, once a month. Does not need fertilizing during winter.
- Pot size: Pot should be all around 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the base of the plant.
3. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Other names: Benjamin fig, Ficus tree, Ficus.
Native to Asia and Australia, Weeping Fig is one of the best matches for a big pot.
This indoor flowering plant is popular for being evergreen and for growing to around 6 feet tall in the right conditions indoors.
It’s one of the few trees that grow well in limited light conditions and features a light gray trunk that produces slender branches with dark green leaves.
The Ficus is renowned for improving air quality indoors and removing many toxins from the air.
The topic of plants and their cleaning air properties is fascinating. Here’s an article on this if you want to read more about it and discover some surprising houseplants that do best at cleaning the air in your house.
For optimum growing conditions, it’s best to re-pot the weeping fig every 9-12 months, gradually increasing pot size each year.
A mature 6-foot (1.8 m) tree will require a pot size of approx 24 inches (60 cm) in diameter.
You should allow the top of the soil to dry before watering and when adding water, make sure to drain the soil very well, otherwise, your Ficus may experience root rot.
The Weeping Fig requires heavy feeding during the growing period of summer and spring. Use slow-release fertilizing pellets, and fertilize once every two months during the cooler months.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Grows slowly in limited light conditions.
- Water: Water only when the top few inches of soil are dry (usually every 1 - 2 weeks).
- Temperature: Ideally 65-85 °F (18-27 °C )
- Soil: Grow in a rich, soil-based potting mix that drains well. Prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil.
- Fertilizer: Once every 2 weeks in summer and spring. Once every 2 months during cooler months.
- Pot size: Usually 2 - 3 inches (5 - 7 cm) larger than the one that came in from nursery. Always make sure the pot has drainage holes.
4. Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Other names: Dragon Tree.
This vibrant native to Madagascar and Mauritius grows exceptionally well in a large pot and features a dramatic explosion of deep pink and paler-shaded pointy leaves that grow from a sturdy stem.
Over time, multiple stems may grow and sprout new leaves, making the plant richer and larger, in need of a larger container.
This would be the perfect time to repot your Red Edged Dracaena. See here how to do it correctly.
The Red Edge Dracaena thrives indoors because it tolerates well various light conditions and requires little maintenance throughout the year.
Red Edged Dracaena loves humidity, so you can place its pot on a tray filled with pebbles and semi-fill the tray with water to promote more humidity for the plant to thrive.
Take a look at this article where I list some other plants that love humidity and speak about how to create the best humid conditions for indoor plants at home.
Yellow leaves indicate that your plant is thirsty, while brown edges of the leaves mean you are overwatering your Dracaena.
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light, although can grow slower in low-light levels.
- Water: Typically once every 10 - 14 days. Water only once the top 2-3 inches of soil has dried out. Water less frequently during winter.
- Temperature: Best off between 70 - 80 °F (21 - 26 °C).
- Soil: Use well-draining loam soil with a neutral to acidic pH level.
- Fertilizer: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 4 - 6 months. To boost growth, fertilize every 2 - 3 months.
- Pot size: Keep in a pot large enough that all the roots fit comfortably inside.
5. Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia)
Due to their colorful flowers and low-maintenance nature, these beautiful plants make a wonderful addition to any indoor space.
With large green leaves and flowers in the shape of birds, these tropical plants can grow up to 6 feet tall.
They have a large root system so need to be housed in a strong, large pot.
Bird of Paradise needs regular watering, once every 1 – 2 weeks.
They like their soil moist in summer and spring but allow the soil to dry in fall and winter before topping up. If your tap water is high in salt, use distilled water.
- Light: Bright sunlight, unless it’s very hot (e.g. a sunroom) when it should be placed in indirect light.
- Water: Once every 1 - 2 weeks. Keep the soil moist from April to September.
- Temperature: Ideally between 65 - 80 °F (18 - 26 °C).
- Soil: Moist, well-draining soil.
- Fertilizer: Provide a light liquid fertilizer in summer and spring at half the usual strength recommended.
- Pot size: Plants that are 3 - 4 feet tall (aprox. 1 m) need a 10 inches (25 cm) pot. 5 - 6 feet (1.5 - 1.8 m) plants need a 14-inch (35 cm) pot.
6. Dragon Tree (Dracaena deremensis “Warneckii”)
Native to Africa, the sub-tropical Dragon Tree can grow up to 50 ft tall (15 meters) in the wild.
It also grows well indoors, developing fibrous stems that produce long leaves with shades of green and white.
They’re an ideal plant for indoors as if you use a large pot they will continue to grow quite quickly and require minimum maintenance.
They are tolerant to a wide range of temperatures, so can be placed in nearly any room.
To boost the beauty of a Dracaena deremensis, you can wipe its leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and make its leaves shine. Avoid leaf shine for this plant.
Read this article to learn how to make a plant’s leaves shine naturally and without chemicals.
This plant is part of the air purifying plants collection, so it makes for a great indoor plant if you’re looking to clean the air in your home.
- Light: Thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Once a week. Allow the top half of the soil to dry out before re-watering. Water the plant less frequently during winter and fall.
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures between 70 - 80°F (21 - 26°C). Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) may result in yellowing leaves and root rot.
- Soil: Prefers loamy, well-drained soil.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize using a palm or liquid-based fertilizer once in spring and again in early fall.
- Pot size: Pot needs to be 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the plant base.
7. Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa)
The Ming Aralia is an exotic evergreen that is native to the tropics of Polynesia and India.
It grows fern-like elegant leaves that extend from a thick fibrous stem with a criss-cross texture.
It’s a slow grower, but with some time can reach over 6-feet (1.8m) tall in ideal conditions, making it a striking indoor plant for any setting.
Using a large pot will encourage the plant to grow faster, as will re-potting once a year.
Other than that, they require very little maintenance throughout the year.
Ming Aralia does not mind being slightly root-bound, so choose a pot that is just as big as the plant’s base and the roots fit in snuggly.
- Light: Ideally in bright indirect light.
- Water: Keep soil moist throughout the year but do not overwater. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between watering.
- Temperature: Grows best in 65 - 85°F (18 - 27 °C ).
- Soil: Use loamy soil in a pot that allows for good drainage. Add some small pebbles or stones to the bottom of the pot to further enhance drainage.
- Fertilizer: Use a liquid fertilizer once a month.
- Pot size: Keep in a pot large enough that all the roots fit comfortably inside.
8. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade plant is a native succulent to South Africa and grows up to 10-feet tall in the wild, with thick leg-like branches that expand from the trunk.
The branches produce flat round-shaped leaves that have a jade green, waxy appearance.
Indoors, the Jade plant grows to around 5 feet tall and benefits from a large pot where it can spread out its large bulbous-like trunk.
Occasionally, the Jade Plant will bloom with small star-shaped white flowers, although this is quite rare when planted indoors.
You should re-pot it every 2 – 3 years into a larger pot to encourage growth.
Keep the Jade plant away from heavily shaded places, and keep it in a south or west-facing window during the winter.
An organic soil that’s rich and dense will benefit this plant when it becomes more mature as it gets quite top-heavy and often has shallow roots.
- Light: At least 4 hours a day worth of full sun. Does not like shade.
- Water: Every 2 - 3 weeks. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, avoid overwatering, especially in the winter.
- Temperature: 65 - 75°F (18 - 24 °C ) is ideal.
- Soil: Use fast-draining soil that is dense and rich in organic matter to help bed the plant.
- Fertilizer: Use a water-soluble fertilizer every six months.
- Pot size: Keep in a pot only a bit larger than the plant's diameter.
9. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Other names: Miniature Fishtail, Dwarf Palm, Parlor Palm, Good Luck Palm, Lucky Palm, Table Top Palm.
The Neanthe Bella Palm or Parlor Palm is a native to Guatemala and the rainforests of Southern Mexico and is one of the most heavily sold houseplants in the world.
It is so common because it requires very low maintenance and it can adapt to pretty much every typical home or office.
It benefits from being housed in a large pot to grow its slender fibrous trunk that produces a large amount of foliage.
Although it takes a few years, it can grow up to 3 – 4 feet high.
It features crescent-shaped leaves and occasionally produces small pale-yellow colored flowers, with tiny berries appearing after flowering.
Used to the rainforest floor, the Parlor Palm thrives in semi-tropical and humid conditions and doesn’t need full sun.
The Parlor Palm prefers medium to high levels of humidity. Here’s an interesting article about how to create the perfect humid environment for plants.
And if you want to know more about tropical plants, I’ve got the right article here, where I talk about the best tropical plants that you can keep as houseplants.
- Light: Prefers low light indoors. Avoid positioning in the full sun as it will burn the leaves.
- Water: Every 2 weeks. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water less frequently during cooler months.
- Temperature: 65 - 85°F (18 - 27°C ) is ideal. If exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), leaves might turn yellow and the plant might die.
- Soil: Use fast-draining soil that is dense and rich in organic matter to help bed the plant.
- Fertilizer: Use a liquid fertilizer monthly so that it grows its best.
- Pot size: Start growing your palm in a 6-inch (15cm) pot and gradually go up in size as it grows to a pot that is maximum 14 inches (36cm).
10. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)
The African Milk Tree is a native succulent to Central Africa and resembles more of a tall cactus rather than a tree.
It is relatively fast-growing and has tall cactus-like stems that grow like arms from one or more stems.
The stems are green in color and feature small barbs that often sprout oval-shaped leaves that gravitate upward towards a light source.
In the right conditions and a large enough pot, the African Milk Tree can grow up to 1-2 feet (30 – 60 cm) a year and will peak at around 6-8 feet (1.8 – 2.4 cm) tall when grown indoors.
They thrive in warmer, more arid climates and are very robust, requiring an abundance of daylight and little else to survive.
For best growth, keep your African Milk Tree in full sun conditions. Good ventilation is required so it’s ideal if you can place it near a window.
Water whenever the top of the soil is touch to dry during the growing season. In winter, you can let the soil become dry down to about 1 inch from the top before topping up.
African Mill Tree is a dormant plant. If you’re interested, read more about dormant plants here.
- Light: Best in full sun. Tolerates various conditions from full sun to partial shade.
- Water: Once a week. During growing season, do not let the soil dry out. In winter, leave until the top 1 inch of the soil is dry.
- Temperature: Loves warm, arid climates, between 60 - 85°F (15 - 27°C) . Generally cannot survive below prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Soil: Use well-draining soil with medium to rich organic matter to help bed the shallow root system of the tree.
- Fertilizer: During spring and summer, fertilize once a month using a diluted water-soluble fertilizer. Do not fertilize during winter as they are dormant.
- Pot size: Start growing your palm in a 6-inch (15cm) pot and gradually go up in size as it grows to a pot that is maximum 14 inches (36cm).
