Kuroc.. Are there nearby trees/buildings, and do you plan on hanging curtains/blinds?
Will 'X' plant be placed directly in front of the window, or several feet away?

Almost, all plants need sun, but Dracaena 'Janet Craig' will surive in the lowest light.

Toni

Aspidistra, definitely!

It will be a few feet from the window by the wall, there are blinds but I keep them pulled up during the day. The light in the room looks good enough for some plants.

I should also mention that I want the plant to have a tall growth habit.

Would a rubber tree plant work?

Hey Marguerite...

Kuroc.

In other words, 'X' plant will be adjacent your north window?

Yep, you mentioned you wanted an upright grower.

That's one reason I suggested D. 'Janet Craig.'
Have you ever seen a Corn Plant? JC's grows upright, like CP.

Do you like Sansevierias?
Sans, 'commonly known as Snake Plant and Mother-in-Laws-Tongue,' get tall and upright.

They're a bit slow-growing, but if you're interested, you might find tall specimens at Home Depot or Walmart under 20.00.

Ficus, Rubber Trees are sun-lovers, but if you can find an inexpensive tree, place directly in front of window, it might do okay.
Then again, it could grow spindly and/or drop leaves.

Does the area get any artificial light? Toni

I'd definitely try a corn plant. It is readily available at Lowes and OSH, like Toni mentioned, but I have had trouble finding a nice one there that didn't look like it was dying, sick or special needs -- or in my case, too big, as I'm not wanting an enormous one right now. I did find a beautiful specimen at IKEA, but I had to go back to get the car that could bring it home -- and poof, it was gone. Given that I get to IKEA around once a year, I was enraged lol.

I'd definitely try a corn plant. It is readily available at Lowes and OSH, like Toni mentioned, but I have had trouble finding a nice one there that didn't look like it was dying, sick or special needs -- or in my case, too big, as I'm not wanting an enormous one right now. I did find a beautiful specimen at IKEA, but I had to go back to get the car that could bring it home -- and poof, it was gone. Given that I get to IKEA around once a year, I was enraged lol.

Had you thought of a Palm plant?

Larry

Maybe a neanthe bella palm or spathaphylum? Maybe a pothos trained up a pole? Ficus benjamina might work although it will drop lots of leaves before it acclimatizes and should be right in the window. Also giant strelitzia or money tree right in the window as well.

I would second the ficus Benjamina and also not worry tooth about leaf droppage other than perhaps one time when you first get it.

I have one on top of a cabinet in my office with no windows to the outside. The closest window is 30' away but it's at a car dealership and its glass all the way around the perimeter.

How about a ZZ plant?

Thought of one more, Canela although they can be expensive for a 5" or so specimen.

I might be able to get a good sized corn plant pup for free.

she said I could have it!!!

Kuroc..there you go. A free 'Corn Plant.'

What size is the pup?
Thought you were looking for a large plant?
A CP pup will take years and years before it's 5' tall. lol.

I still say, D. Janet Craig. The pup of JC takes time, too but nowhere as long as a Corn Plant.

Toni