These houseplants are perfect for maximalists – 5 high-impact options for a more is more approach

Interior design can be divided into two camps. There's the understated cool of minimalism, where simplicity and clean lines take center stage. And then there's the polar opposite – the more is more approach of maximalism. In a nutshell, the latter embraces different colors, patterns, and shapes; the eccentric and unexpected; and then combines them to create high-impact, joyful, and deeply personal spaces.

Indoor plants can certainly play their part in this type of aesthetic. 'Maximalism is about making every inch of your space feel alive. And nothing does that better than houseplants,' says Katie Gutierrez, the principal interior designer at Errez Design. 'The right plants aren't just decor – they're characters in your story, full of personality, texture, and drama.'

Some plants are particularly well-suited to maximalists – think ones with huge, architectural leaves or fabulous foliage patterns. Below, you'll find five top picks to try.

1. Monstera

Number one on the indoor plant list has to be the monstera. I had one of these beauties in my previous home and, once I'd tackled a thrip problem and learned how to prune it properly, it turned into a total statement piece with its huge, holey, heart-shaped leaves.

Elliott Caldwell, the co-founder and CEO of Home Team Luxury Rentals, also recommends these plants for a maximalist design scheme, highlighting how they instantly bring a touch of fun and excess.

'A monstera in a lit corner near a window can stand in as organic sculpture,' he says. Remember that these houseplants grow vertically with the help of a moss pole, which adds to their dramatic impact.

For something a little more unusual, try the 'Thai Constellation' monstera, available at The Sill, which has beautiful pale marbling.

2. Bird of Paradise

'Bird of paradise plants are the equivalent of a power pose,' says Katie, who highlights their big, architectural leaves and glossy, deep green hue. 'When it blooms, you get flowers that look like tropical birds mid-flight,' she adds. However, do note that lots of light is needed for flowers indoors.

Elliot also recommends these plants, and suggests placing them in a central living space to lend an appealing visual focal point. Meanwhile, Katie suggests putting one in a corner that needs anchoring, 'near a floor lamp that mimics the sun'.

They thrive in warmth, so be sure to keep these plants protected from drafts and air conditioning. Bird of paradise plants are available to buy from The Sill.

Katie Gutierrez

Katie is the founder and principal interior designer at Miami-based Errez Design. She has over 20 years of experience in interior design, and a master's degree in architecture from University of Florida.

3. Croton Plants

'Croton plants deliver color powerfully with leaves streaked with red, yellow, and orange,' says Katie. 'Think of it like an exclamation point in your design.'

Also known as Codiaeum variegatum, these plants need plenty of bright light to stay vibrant. Upping the humidity levels around them and keeping temperatures consistently warm is also beneficial. Try to move it as little as possible, as this can cause the leaves to drop.

'Stick one on a bookshelf or cluster a few together for a wild, painterly effect,' Katie says. You can shop for 'Petra' croton plants at Lively Root. Or, for a variety with longer, narrow leaves, try 'Victoria Gold Bell' or 'Zanzibar'.

4. Anthurium

Anthurium brings a dash of color with its glossy, statement blooms, notes Elliot. Sometimes called the flamingo flower, they often come in scarlet and hot pink. But, I once had a variety with deep burgundy flowers so dark they were almost black, which added gothic drama to my sideboard. The pointed leaves and pronounced spadix (at the center) add to their sculptural vibe.

As they tend to be on the smaller side, be sure to position these plants where they can soak up the limelight. Elliot suggests marrying an anthurium with a sleek console table to bring unexpected color to a muted space.

On the top of a bedroom cabinet or in a bright bathroom can also be a good spot. As tropical plants, humidity and warmth are appreciated.

A range of anthuriums is available at Lively Root.

5. Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig introduces bold and sculptural forms that demand attention, says Elliott. He suggests placing one next to a modern window frame to call more attention to architectural details.

If you're looking for impressive touch-the-ceiling heights as well as lots of large leaves, be sure to add one of these to your maximalist interior scheme. They are a go-to for creating a jungle vibe.

These plants hail from western African rainforests, where they can grow over 40 feet tall. At home, providing bright but indirect light is best, and be sure to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Keep the plant looking beautiful by cleaning the leaves regularly.

Fiddle leaf figs are available from The Sill.

FAQs

What containers should you use for your houseplants in a maximalist scheme?

Like when selecting the plants themselves, choose bold containers with interesting colors, textures, or forms. Two fun examples for smaller plants are the Gianna Grecian bust pot and this pink-striped glazed pot, both available from Anthropologie. This white bubbles ceramic 14" planter from Terrain is also an eye-catcher.

What are some good flowering houseplants for maximalists?

Any flowering houseplants can be layered beautifully into a maximalist scheme, but if I had to pick two, I'd go for orchids and pelargoniums. The former lends a sense of opulence to a space with their pink and purple hues, while pelargoniums in pink and red are playful and bold – and can be popped onto your patio during the summer.

At the end of the day, maximalism is all about making a space that's just as unique as you, so choose plants that you are naturally drawn to. If you don't want to spend much time on plant maintenance, consider easy-care options, too.

Once you've got your indoor scheme sorted, you may decide to extend the aesthetic to your outdoor space – our guide on creating a maximalist border is a great place to start.