Picture this: you walk into your home after a stressful day to big leaf houseplants, breathe deeply, and allow calm energy to flow over you. How would you feel? Probably more at peace and able to unwind.
Beautiful leafy green plants are more than just home decor; they’re living, breathing additions to your home that can transform spaces into lush, serene sanctuaries. Among the many different types of indoor plants, large leaf houseplants stand out.
Thanks to their exceptional visual appeal, they have the ability to make a bold statement in any room. These plants, with their oversized foliage, provide an instant touch of charm and offer numerous benefits, from air purification to stress relief.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to twelve of the best big leaf indoor plants that can bring a sense of nature’s beauty into your home.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner looking to simply get started on your indoor jungle journey, these impressive plants are sure to elevate your indoor space.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig, also known as the Ficus lyrata, is the king of big leaf indoor plants. Its striking, violin-shaped leaves can grow up to 18 inches long and 12 inches wide, large enough to grow into big spaces or fill in decor gaps.
Native to western Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig loves to live in bright, indirect sunlight but can adapt to low light conditions as well. However, it’s essential to avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves.
Caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig involves keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy (to prevent waterlogging) and allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings. These plants can grow quite tall, so make sure to prune them regularly and even consider using supports like wooden stakes to maintain their shape as they grow. Their iconic leaves make them a focal point in any interior space.
2. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Rubber Plants, or rubber tree plants, are a classic choice among large leaf houseplants. Its broad, glossy, dark green leaves lend an air of sophistication to spaces. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant is known for its adaptability (making it very beginner-friendly).
Rubber Plants can tolerate a range of light conditions, from bright, indirect light to moderate shade. However, they thrive when placed in a location with bright, indirect sunlight, like near a large window.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and make sure the pot has drainage holes so your plant doesn’t experience root rot. With proper care, your Rubber Plant can grow to be a tall, stately addition to your indoor garden.
3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
The Bird of Paradise plant is the perfect choice if you want to infuse a tropical vibe into your home. With large, banana-like leaves just looking at the plant transports you into sun-soaked beaches and lush jungles. Native to South Africa, this large leaf houseplant thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys being placed near a sunny window.
Water your Bird of Paradise moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry completely before watering again. Make sure the plant has enough space to spread its leaves since these beauties can grow wide. Need a vacation but can’t get away? Let the Bird of Paradise plant create your home oasis.
4. Monstera Deliciosa
One slice or two? The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is celebrated for its large, deep green leaves that develop unique holes and splits as they grow. Native to the rainforests of Central America, this tropical plant thrives in bright, indirect light. However, it can adapt to lower light conditions with slower growth.
Water your Monstera moderately, letting the top inch or so of soil dry between waterings.
One of the unique features of this plant is its vining habit. Providing a support structure allows it to climb, creating an intriguing focal point in your space (and great for filling up spaces in your home). With its lush and dramatic foliage, the Monstera Deliciosa is a plant in any room.
5. Philodendron Selloum (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
The Philodendron Selloum, also known as the Split-Leaf Philodendron, is a magnificent large leaf houseplant that boasts deeply lobed, glossy green leaves. Native to South America, this plant prefers medium to bright indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
A Philodendron Selloum can grow into a sprawling, large plant so if you have the space for it, they will thrive (and maybe even surprise you). Its tropical appearance adds a calming ambiance to any room.
6. Alocasia Polly (Alocasia amazonica)
The Alocasia Polly, more commonly known as the African Mask Plant, has a striking appearance. Its dark green leaves have contrasting white veins, resembling the patterns on an African mask. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant needs bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil to thrive.
This plant loves high humidity levels, so aim to mist the plant regularly or place it on a humidity tray.
Due to its unique and eye-catching foliage, this plant becomes an instant focal point in your indoor garden. The Alocasia Polly can be toxic if ingested, so keep it out of reach of pets and children.
7. Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta)
How did the Elephant Ear plant get its name? Thanks to its large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble the ears of an elephant, of course. Native to Southeast Asia, it can be grown both indoors and outdoors, making it an adaptable choice.
To thrive indoors, make sure it has bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil.
Elephant Ear plants can grow pretty large, so they are naturally bold and dramatic pieces of interior decor. Their lush, green foliage adds a tropical touch to your living space. Make sure you have enough ceiling height in your chosen location – they can reach impressive heights when mature.
8. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant, also known as the Zanzibar Gem or Eternity Plant, is perfect if you’re looking for a low-maintenance large leaf houseplant. Native to eastern Africa, this plant is pretty much indestructible and can thrive with minimal care.
It’s great for homes with low light, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or offices. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings since overwatering can lead to root rot.
The ZZ Plant has a sleek, modern look with glossy, dark green leaves. Its ability to purify the air makes it a practical and aesthetic addition to your home.
9. Banana Plant (Musa spp.)
The Banana Plant is perfect if you’re looking for a taste of the tropics. While it’s not a true tree, this large leaf houseplant has lush, broad fronds reminiscent of banana trees. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and consistently moist soil.
Banana Plants can grow quite tall, so be sure to have good ceiling height in your chosen location. Their bold foliage is exactly what you’ll need to create an oasis in your home.
10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The Chinese Money Plant, with its unique coin-shaped leaves and upright growth pattern, has captured the hearts of plant lovers everywhere. Native to southern China, this plant prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, and give the pot proper drainage to prevent root rot.
The Chinese Money Plant has a quirky and charming appearance. It’s easy to care for, and its propagation process is fairly simple, so it’s a fantastic choice if you want to gift cuttings of this plant to friends and family.
11. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)
The Dumb Cane is a popular big leaf indoor plant adored for its unique leaves and easy care. Native to tropical regions in Central and South America, this plant has broad, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to a foot long. What makes the Dumb Cane so attractive? Its remarkable spectrum of shades, including green, cream, and white, splashed across its foliage.
Dumb Canes can thrive in bright, indirect light, making them a good fit for different indoor settings. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, they will grow slower and look a lot less vibrant. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide proper drainage to prevent root rot.
12. Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum)
The Leopard Plant, belonging to the Ligularia genus family, is a captivating large leaf houseplant that has bold foliage and an overall unique look. While various species within the Ligularia genus exist, they share common traits like large, heart-shaped, or rounded leaves with striking patterns and textures. The name “Leopard Plant” is inspired by the distinctive spots or splotches on their leaves, resembling a leopard’s coat. In the right conditions, they can also produce beautiful yellow flowers.
Leopard Plants are generally grown for their impressive foliage and thrive in partial to full shade. They are an ideal choice for indoor spaces with limited direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging, as they prefer well-draining soil.
Big Leaf Indoor Plants for a Big Statement
Large leaf houseplants have the power to turn your home into an oasis. Whether you choose the regal Fiddle Leaf Fig, the tropical Bird of Paradise, or the uniquely patterned Alocasia Polly, these plants add a sense of majesty and serenity to your indoor space. You can create a soothing and visually stunning environment with proper care and attention to their specific needs.
So, go ahead and invite these captivating big leaf indoor plants into your home. Get ready to enjoy all the big leaf plants’ benefits, like improved air quality, peace of mind, and a deeper connection with nature.
