Oversized house plants help clean our indoor air and make a statement in almost every room, says Mallory Lennon, founder and lead interior designer of Reimagine Designs in Fredericton. “Oversized house plants have become such a growing trend. I’d love to see that continue to stay.”

Sansevieria trifasciata (snake plant)

These plants work well in open-concept rooms, whether they fill a void space or in the corner of a living room setting. “We see a lot of bohemian trends happening,” she says. “The tropical-sized plants definitely complement that esthetic.” If the space is overdone with too many different plants, it can start to look messy. Avoid overshadowing your statement plant with too many others.

Angie Cleven is the inventory and marketing administrator at Scott’s Nursery in Lincoln, N.B. Scott’s sells tropical plants from Florida year-round. The price is usually determined by pot size and how much effort it takes to grow. “Plants with a longer crop time are more expensive because they require more resources to get them to a finished size,” she says. At Scott’s, floor plants come in 10-inch pots to 21-inch pots. Prices start at $39.99 and can go up to $2,000 for a 3.6 metre tree in a 21-inch pot.

Ficus Benjamina (weeping fig)

Many nurseries carry tropical plants year-round, but they aren’t your only option. “Of course there’s tons of live plants at the big box stores now because they are increasingly becoming popular,” says Lennon. Find an assortment of oversized plants at Ikea and home improvement stores.

Lennon stresses the importance of research before you buy. “There’s so much info out there, or ask your local nursery,” she says. “They have great experts there that teach you how to keep your plants thriving.” Some varieties will be better suited to your home’s light and temperature than others. If you have pets or children, ensure any plants you buy aren’t poisonous.

Monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant) cuttings

All plants need good drainage, says Cleven. We’ve all had that moment when a pot at a store or online catches the eye, fits the plant and suits your room’s colour scheme, but doesn’t have a drainage hole.

To get around this, add a thick layer of small stones to the bottom of the pot before adding soil or place your plant in a plain terracotta pot with a drainage hole, and put that pot inside the one you want on display.

It’s better to underwater than overwater. “Too much overwatering will cause root rot and plants just can’t recover from that,” says Cleven. Plants generally require less water during the winter months when the days are shorter and they are not actively growing. Look your plant up online to learn its lifecycle and optimal watering schedule.

5 oversize plant varieties that make a statement

Monstera deliciosa, or swiss cheese plant, widely popular in the ‘70s and ‘80s is making a comeback, says Cleven. It has giant leaves with interesting splits and perforations. This low-maintenance plant needs bright, indirect light near an east window. Let the soil dry between watering and mist occasionally.

Ficus Benjamina, or weeping fig, has several small leaves and a delicate appearance to go along with its delicate constitution, says Cleven. It is notorious for dropping leaves if placed out of bright, indirect light or near drafts and heating or air conditioning systems. Once you find a spot that works, don’t move it.

Ficus Lyrata (fiddle leaf fig)

Ficus lyrata, or fiddle leaf fig, is a popular houseplant that’s hard to care for, says Lennon. Its large leaves grow up to 30-centimetres long. It needs lots of bright sunlight, and you have to clean any dust and dirt off the leaves so it doesn’t suffocate.

Ficus elastica, or rubber plant, is consistently popular, especially the harder to get variegated types, says Cleven. This low-maintenance plant needs bright light with some morning sun. Let the soil dry between watering.

Sansevieria trifasciata, or snake plant, originates in West Africa. Scott’s Nursery carries 10 different varieties ranging from a 4-inch to 12-inch pots. It’s forgiving in all types of light, but only water when the soil is dry. This is a great choice for those who tend to forget watering duties.