This hotel-inspired houseplant instantly made my living room feel more expensive – and interiors and plant experts say it adds drama, height and luxury to any room

If you've ever walked into a hotel and wondered why the space feels so effortlessly luxurious, I think the answer is often simpler than you might think. Alongside the lighting and furniture, many of the most stylish hotels rely on large statement plants to soften a room and create a sense of calm. One houseplant I always spot and now have in my own home is the bird of paradise.

When it comes to hotel-inspired houseplants, few varieties make quite the same impact as a bird of paradise. Also known as Strelitzia, it's loved by interior design experts for its large architectural leaves and impressive height, which can instantly elevate a room. It's also part of the big houseplant trend that's seeing homeowners, like me, swap collections of smaller plants for one or two statement specimens.

While it wouldn't top a list of fuss-free houseplants, it's certainly one of the best low-maintenance plants for a boutique hotel look, bringing structure to a room with not much effort at all, really, and it's easy to care for.

Latest Videos From

Watch full video here:

Here's why it's become my favourite for creating a polished, hotel-inspired aesthetic at home, and why experts agree.

The moment I brought ours home from IKEA (an insider secret is that they sell them in-store for £60, which is way cheaper than other places), it transformed an empty corner in our living room that always felt a bit flat. Rather than adding more furniture or accessories, one tall plant changed the feel of the room.

According to Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, that's exactly why the plant has become such a staple for hotel interiors.

'The bird of paradise has a real architectural quality that instantly draws the eye, which is why it's become such a staple in hotel interiors. Its large, upright leaves create height and structure without feeling heavy, helping to fill the space in a way that feels both dramatic and relaxed,' she explains.

That sense of structure is something Sara Hesikova, Ideal Home's Room Decor Editor, believes is key to creating a well-balanced interior.

'When designing and decorating a room, it's always important to incorporate pieces of various heights to create depth and intrigue and avoid it looking flat. And tall, lush plants like this one are the perfect tool to do this, which is why some of the most stylish and expensive-looking homes often have one, or even a few.'

Shop bird of paradise plants

The bird of paradise's ability to add height without taking up lots of floor space is another reason it works so well in homes. While it can eventually reach up to two metres tall, its upright habit means it creates a dramatic focal point without taking up floor space.

As Lance Russell, horticultural expert at Thompson & Morgan, explains, 'The bird of paradise brings instant holiday luxury indoors. Its stately, deeply ribbed blue-green foliage creates a magnificent architectural silhouette that commands attention in vast hotel lobbies and minimalist living rooms alike.'

Shop large stylish pots

It's not all about looks, either. Jo explains that hotels often use bird of paradise plants to create a feeling of escapism and relaxation, thanks to their tropical appearance.

'The foliage has a tropical feel that's associated with luxury destinations, but the plant itself is surprisingly versatile and works just as well in modern homes. Even a single bird of paradise can anchor a room and give it the same considered look that people admire in hotel lobbies and lounges.'

I think that's what I love most about mine. It has the ability to make a room feel more expensive without requiring a complete redesign. While my smaller houseplants can sometimes get lost among furniture, it naturally becomes part of the room's design.

Lance agrees, adding that hotels and homeowners alike are drawn to the plant because it delivers 'maximum visual impact' while adapting perfectly to bright indoor spaces.

Its neat, upright structure means it creates a sculptural focal point without overwhelming the room. And if you've got an empty corner or a room that feels a bit meh, Jo believes a bird of paradise could be the answer.

I think people are drawn to this plant because they make a space feel more considered without requiring much else around it. Adding one can completely change the atmosphere. It brings height, texture and a touch of the outdoors indoors, which is something people are increasingly looking for in their homes.'

And its biggest draw is how easy it is to look after.

How I care for my bird of paradise plant

While it might look like a high-maintenance tropical plant, I've found it's fairly forgiving provided it's given the right conditions.

Mine sits in a bright spot in a south-facing room where it gets plenty of natural light throughout the day, and I only water it when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry or when its watering indicator (£4 at Amazon), looks low. During spring and summer, I feed it with Miracle-Gro Pump & Feed, £5 at Amazon, to encourage healthy growth.

The only maintenance task I make sure to keep on top of is wiping down its massive leaves every few weeks as they collect dust quickly. Wiping them down with banana peel keeps the plant healthy and ensures it always looks great. I also give it a spritz of Baby Bio leaf shine, £4.49 from Amazon, as this also helps remove dust and gives the plant a little extra pizzazz.

Houseplant care essentials

So there you have it. If you're looking for a simple way to recreate a hotel feel at home, the bird of paradise is one of the most effective houseplants you can buy!