I’ll never forget the day I brought home a plant so big, I could barely fit it through the door.
My kids thought I was crazy, but that huge, leafy thing changed our whole living room.
Since then, I’ve become obsessed with these big indoor plants – or “shrubs” as the garden folks call them. They’re like magic for making a home feel cozy and alive.
Want to know which ones work best? Here are my 10 favorites that even I can’t kill.
Top 10 Best Indoor Shrubs
1. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig has been my go-to plant for adding a touch of sophistication to our living room. Its full canopy of slender, glossy leaves creates a stunning focal point. I love how the dark green foliage adds depth to the space, making it feel more alive and welcoming.
2. Lemon Tree
Nothing brightens up our kitchen quite like our lemon tree. With its bright green foliage and fragrant blossoms, it’s a cheerful addition to any room. The bonus of fresh lemons for our summer lemonades makes it a family favorite!
3. Azalea
I’ll never forget the first time our azalea bloomed indoors. The striking flowers against the dark green foliage created an astonishing display of colors. It’s like having a piece of spring inside our home all year round.
4. Croton
Our croton plant is truly a living piece of art. Its colorful, glossy leaves in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green never fail to catch the eye of our guests. It’s like having a splash of paint in our indoor space.
5. Norfolk Island Pine
During the holiday season, our Norfolk Island Pine becomes the star of the show. Its unique, softer take on the traditional pine tree adds a touch of elegance to our decor. The layered branches with soft green needles create a sense of tranquility that we all appreciate during the busy holidays.
6. Song of India (Dracaena)
The Dracaena Song of India has been a game-changer in our sunroom. Its striking variegated leaves, with bright green centers and yellow edges, add a vibrant depth to the space that I didn’t even know was missing.
7. Rubber Plant
When we wanted to make a bold statement in our home office, we turned to the rubber plant. Its large, shiny leaves exude luxury, whether you opt for the dark green or burgundy variety. It’s become an architectural focal point that adds character to the room.
8. Hibiscus
Our hibiscus plant brings a touch of the tropics to our indoor garden. With its dark green leaves and exotic, colorful blooms, it creates a visual spectacle that transports us to a beachside paradise, even in the middle of winter.
9. Umbrella Tree
The umbrella tree in our entryway never fails to impress visitors with its eye-catching, lush appearance. Its glossy dark leaves, arranged in umbrella-like clusters, provide a dense, voluminous look that adds life and vitality to the space.
10. China Doll Plant
For those cozy corners that need a touch of green, the China Doll plant is my go-to choice. Its small, bright green leaves offer a delicate, lacy appearance that adds texture and visual interest. It’s the perfect plant for adding a bit of lushness and intricacy to any setting.