Tall houseplants: 8 unusual and fascinating species for your home
To decorate your home with very little effort, few items are as effective as using houseplants: with their brightly colored flowers, plants are not only beautiful, but also improve the quality of the air in the home and generally just "lift" the mood of the surroundings.
Tall/high houseplants, in particular, draw one's eye upwards, helping to make small rooms feel larger and more spacious. Additionally, most popular houseplants are easy to cultivate and take care of.
That said, the choice of houseplant is, of course, down to your personal tastes. Below, we suggest 8 wonderful, "tall" plant species you can choose from in order to decorate your home.
1. Schefflera arboricola
Also known as the "umbrella plant" due to the shape of its leaves, Schefflera is a tropical plant native to South America and the Pacific Islands. It requires exposure to indirect sunlight and, although it can adapt to a more shaded spot, it will tend to lose the variegation of its leaves. The ideal ambient temperature for this plant is 20-25 degrees C, and it should be kept away from draughts. Finally, the ambient humidity should be kept at around 50-60%.
2. Alocasia zebrina
A lesser-known species of the Alocasia genus, Alocasia zebrina is characterized by its stems with spectacular yellow and black "streaks" and its large, shiny, arrow-shaped dark green leaves. It cannot tolerate the cold, requiring temperatures which are always 15 degrees C or higher and good exposure to sunlight. Always keep the soil moist, paying attention not to over-water (which could cause root rot and fungal diseases). Also pay attention to ambient humidity: this species is of tropical origin and therefore requires a humidity level of 50-60%.
3. Polyscias scutellaria
A less well-known plant but with high decorative value, Polyscias is easily grown in pots and its height which rarely exceeds 150 cm (making it ideal for filling empty spots around the home). Polyscias requires temperatures above 10 degrees C and brightlyl-lit areas (but not direct sunlight). Polyscias requires constant watering - especially in the hot months - and misting of its leaves.
4. Polaskia chichipe
Polaskia chichipe is a branched, column-shaped cactus native to Mexico. It requires a bright spot, and can tolerate direct sunlight. Polaskia chichipe prefers high temperatures and low humidity. Being drought-resistant, it does not require much watering.
5. Olive tree
A species traditionally grown outdoors, the olive tree can also be grown in a pot in an apartment. A very slow growing plant, olive trees are very robust but require good exposure to direct sunlight. Given this, it is best not to have olive trees if your home does not receive much natural light. For the first year, you will need to water this tree about every 15 days (and when the soil is dry on the surface). Once it reaches maturity, you can reduce watering to once a month.
6. Beaucarnea
A very slow growing succulent plant, Beaucarnea is characterized by the "swelling" at the base of its stem and its long ribbon-like leaves. It doesn't like to change position, so you need to think carefully about where to place it from the start. Beaucarnea prefers a bright and slightly heated spot, with temperatures between 8 and 12 degrees C. Water regularly when soil is dry in the spring and summer.
7. Pachira aquatica
Pachira aquatica is a plant of the Bombaceae family (the same family as the Baobab). This plant prefers temperatures of between 18 and 25 degrees C and bright spots (but not direct sunlight which will burn the leaves). It can tolerate the heat well, but it is necessary to maintain humidity leves with continuous misting. Water generously but ensure the soil dries out between one watering and the next.
8. Euphorbia trigona rubra
This is an ornamental cactus native to East Africa, notable for its unusual leaves and its ease of cultivation. It requires regular watering about once a week (more often during the hot seasons), and requires exposure to direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours to grow properly.
Which of these plants is your favorite?