Giant Plants Resource Guide

Giant Plants

There is nothing more dramatic than a huge specimen tree or palm. Giant plants can be installed freestanding in decorative containers, in tree pits, or planted as part of a larger planter design. Most of these plants are High light species and require large windows or skylights.

Generally these plants are an integral part of the space design, not something added later. This is important because these plants have special environmental needs that need to be designed into the space. See our Planter / Atrium Guidelines for more information.

Choosing the Size – Consult our list of several species of trees and palms that are readily available in larger sizes. Some specimens have limited availability in heights over 24 feet. As these plants are unique specimens, ask for photos and height and width specifications for all giant plants.

If the design has not been selected, a good rule of thumb for plant height is to have at least a few plants that are 50 to 70% of the ceiling height. In narrow spaces, remember that most trees have heads of foliage at least 50% of their height.

Note: palm trees could grow 1-2 feet per year, and cannot be pruned to restrict height. Select palm height carefully. (Trees can usually be pruned to stay within space limits.)

Acclimation Process – These plants undergo an acclimation process to adapt to lower indoor lighting levels. To reduce the effects of this process, all large foliage plants should be potted into a final container and “finished off” at least six months in a shade house (with at least 70% shade covering).

Exterior quality field grown plants are lower cost, but will never survive indoors in the long-term. Discuss the finishing process used by the grower before ordering any large plants.

For specifications and tips on selecting pots for giant palms and trees, please see our container size chart.