My 11 Favorite Tropical Plants to Create Your Dream Indoor Jungle Oasis

By Alice Jane

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Have you ever dreamed of turning your living room into a lush, tropical oasis? Indoor plants can transform your space into a calming jungle paradise, and the best part is, it’s easier than you might think. Whether you’re an experienced plant lover or just starting out, tropical plants are a fantastic way to add beauty, tranquility, and even cleaner air to your home.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 11 indoor jungle tropical plants that are perfect for creating a dreamy indoor oasis. Each of these plants brings something unique to the table, and most are available for easy purchase on Amazon, so you can start building your indoor jungle in no time.

Let’s dive into the world of tropical plants and find the perfect ones for your home.

1. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

The Monstera Deliciosa, often called the Swiss Cheese Plant due to its unique leaf holes, is a must-have for any indoor jungle. Its large, glossy leaves instantly evoke a tropical feel, and its fast-growing nature means it can fill an empty corner in no time.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Iconic split leaves for a bold look.
  • Grows large, making it perfect for empty spaces.
  • Low-maintenance and forgiving for new plant parents.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
  • Water: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry.
  • Humidity: Loves humidity, so misting is a good idea.

Recommended Product:

Monstera Deliciosa in a decorative planter

2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

Bring the tropics indoors with the Bird of Paradise, a plant with large, banana-like leaves that can grow up to six feet tall indoors. This plant is an instant statement piece, perfect for bright rooms that need a touch of exotic flair.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Adds a beachy, vacation-like vibe to any room.
  • Its tall stature creates a striking focal point.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
  • Humidity: Prefers high humidity; occasional misting helps.

Recommended Product:

Indoor Bird of Paradise with a modern plant stand

3. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a beloved choice in the world of interior design. Its large, violin-shaped leaves are elegant and timeless, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to add a statement plant to their space.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Bold, glossy leaves that add height and drama.
  • A favorite among designers and home decor enthusiasts.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Needs bright, filtered light.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, but don’t over-mist.

Recommended Product:

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree with a stylish ceramic pot

4. Calathea (Prayer Plant)

For a plant with unique leaf patterns, look no further than the Calathea. With its stunning striped or variegated leaves, the Calathea adds a pop of color and texture to your indoor jungle. It’s also pet-friendly, making it a perfect option for homes with furry friends.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Gorgeous patterns and color variations.
  • Non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Prefers lower light conditions.
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
  • Humidity: Loves high humidity—ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.

Recommended Product:

Calathea in a self-watering planter

5. Philodendron Brasil

Philodendron Brasil is an easy-going, low-maintenance plant with stunning heart-shaped leaves that feature vibrant green and yellow hues. It’s perfect for creating a trailing, cascading effect, ideal for hanging baskets or high shelves.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Eye-catching, variegated leaves.
  • Great for hanging planters or trailing down shelves.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
  • Humidity: Enjoys regular misting in low-humidity homes.

Recommended Product:

Hanging Philodendron Brasil in a decorative pot

6. Areca Palm

No indoor jungle is complete without the feathery, tropical fronds of the Areca Palm. This plant gives off major tropical vibes and is perfect for filling a larger space with its airy and light feel.

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Why It’s Great:

  • A classic tropical palm that’s easy to grow indoors.
  • Adds a light, breezy feel to any room.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Water: Water when the top layer of soil feels dry.
  • Humidity: Benefits from high humidity, so mist often.

Recommended Product:

Areca Palm in a mid-century modern plant stand

7. Alocasia (Elephant Ear Plant)

The Alocasia is a stunning plant known for its large, arrowhead-shaped leaves that bring a bold, exotic look to any indoor space. It’s perfect for plant lovers looking to make a statement.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Bold, oversized leaves that add drama.
  • Great for modern, minimalist decor.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
  • Humidity: Needs high humidity; mist regularly.

Recommended Product:

Alocasia Polly in a designer planter

8. Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)

The Rubber Plant is a fantastic choice for those who love sleek, glossy foliage. Its rich green or burgundy leaves add a sense of sophistication to any room, and it’s relatively easy to care for.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Thick, glossy leaves that make a bold statement.
  • Can grow into a large tree-like plant if given space.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings.
  • Humidity: Tolerates low humidity, but loves occasional misting.

Recommended Product:

Large Rubber Plant in a matte black planter

9. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos is a fan favorite for indoor jungles because it’s nearly indestructible and grows long, trailing vines. It’s perfect for adding a touch of greenery to higher spots in your home, like shelves or hanging baskets.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Perfect for beginners due to its low-maintenance nature.
  • Fast-growing vines that trail beautifully.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Tolerates low light but grows faster in bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the soil feels dry.
  • Humidity: Can tolerate low humidity, but misting helps.

Recommended Product:

Pothos Hanging Plant Set with macrame holders

10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies are known for their sleek, white flowers and rich green foliage. This plant brings a sense of calm and serenity to any room, making it a great choice for low-light spaces like bedrooms or offices.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Elegant white flowers that bloom throughout the year.
  • Ideal for low-light areas of your home.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Thrives in low to medium light.
  • Water: Keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.
  • Humidity: Enjoys high humidity, making it perfect for bathrooms.

Recommended Product:

Peace Lily in a self-watering planter

11. Dracaena Marginata (Dragon Tree)

The Dracaena Marginata, or Dragon Tree, is a great plant for those who want a sleek, modern look in their jungle-inspired decor. Its long, spiky leaves and tall, slender trunk make it ideal for filling vertical spaces.

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Why It’s Great:

  • Slim, spiky leaves that add height to your plant collection.
  • Perfect for minimalistic, contemporary decor.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Does well in both low and bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • Humidity: Tolerates low humidity but appreciates occasional misting.

Recommended Product:

Dracaena Marginata in a sleek, tall planter

Final Tips for Creating Your Indoor Jungle

Building your indoor jungle takes more than just selecting a few plants. Here are a few final tips to help you achieve that lush, tropical feel in your home:

  1. Group Plants Together: Placing your plants in clusters not only looks more jungle-like but also helps create a more humid environment that tropical plants love.
  2. Vary Plant Heights: Use a mix of tall, medium, and trailing plants to create layers and visual interest in your space.
  3. Use Stylish Planters: Choose planters that complement your decor

, whether it’s sleek and modern, bohemian, or rustic.

  1. Rotate Plants Regularly: Ensure all sides of your plants get enough light by rotating them every few weeks.
  2. Consider Lighting Needs: If your space doesn’t get a lot of natural light, consider investing in grow lights to keep your tropical plants healthy and happy.

By incorporating these 11 indoor tropical plants and following the care tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating the indoor jungle oasis of your dreams. Whether you’re decorating a small apartment or a spacious home, these plants can bring life, beauty, and a touch of the tropics into your everyday living space.

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Written By
Alice Jane
Alice is a gardening expert with 4 years of experience writing about horticulture and over 2 years of experience working in landscaping firms.

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