What Are Some Great Indoor House Plants?

Potted fiddle-leaf fig plant beside a sofa.

Put on a show this winter with ‘look at me’ indoor foliage plants.

Green up interior spaces during the cold months and create visual impact with these four striking and sculptural indoor house plants. Featuring shapely leaves that range from glossy green to variegated or patterned, these dramatic plants are low-maintenance if their light and water needs are met. Here’s what to pick and how to grow them.

At a glance: Four great indoor house plants that make an impact

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)
Monstera ‘Thai constellation’ (Monstera deliciosa)
Crocodile fern (Microsorum musifolium)

Close up of fiddle-leaf fig plant leaves with new growth.

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

With its tall stature and glossy green leaves, this bold indoor plant knows how to make a statement. Position in bright, indirect light and water when the top 25-50mm of potting mix is dry, ensuring water runs through the bottom of the pot (place a big saucer underneath). Feed throughout the warmer months with a house plant fertiliser and wipe leaves to keep them dust free.

Close up of Bird of paradise plant with unfurling leaf.

Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

High drama but low maintenance, this beauty grows into a multi-stemmed clump with broad leaves fanning out to form a grand architectural silhouette. Place in bright, indirect light, though it doesn’t mind direct morning sun. Water when the soil is near dry and check for pests, as it can be prone to sap-sucking insects such as scale and mealybugs. If you spot any, treat with insecticide.

Close up of Monstera indoor plant with variegated leaves.

Monstera ‘Thai constellation’ (Monstera deliciosa)

A collector’s favourite, this monstera is splashed with creamy variegation across its large, fenestrated leaves, adding light and contrast. Grow in bright, indirect light to maintain variegation and water when the soil is near dry. As it grows, attach it to a moss pole to encourage upward growth and larger, more dramatic leaves.

Close up of crocodile fern with wavy, green leaves.

Crocodile fern (Microsorum musifolium)

The textured, rippled fronds of this fern, patterned like crocodile skin, bring interesting shape and character to indoor spaces. Grow it in bright, indirect light and water regularly to keep the potting mix lightly moist. As a rainforest plant, it appreciates higher humidity, so place it in the bathroom or group near other plants to help create a more suitable microclimate.

Keep in mind...

Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix, and store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets, and check their suitability for your region, as some may be classified as weeds in certain states and territories.