Few things lace our indoor spaces with a sense of life and vibrancy like indoor plants with big leaves.
There’s an alluring power contained in these generous foliage wonders; they make a statement, bringing a glint of the verdant wild into our homes or workplaces.
From Monstera Deliciosa’s Swiss cheese effect to the lush aesthetics of the Fiddle Leaf Fig, these sizable plants elicit a soothing communion with nature that knows no bounds.
Through this guide, we will delve into 17 indoor plants with big leaves that hold the capacity to transform your space into a marvel of nature’s beauty.
Monstera Deliciosa (The Swiss Cheese Plant)
Native to the tropical forests of southern Mexico, Monstera Deliciosa is well-loved for its striking and unique appearance. The plant’s nickname, “Swiss Cheese Plant,” comes from the significant fenestrations or holes in its large, vibrant green leaves reminiscent of a slice of Swiss cheese.
Alocasia (The Dramatic Houseplant)
Alocasia, also known as the Elephant Ear plant, is a must-include for any listicle about indoor plants with big leaves. As the nickname suggests, this plant is most renowned for its large, heart-shaped leaves, which often serve as the room’s dramatic centerpiece.
Native to the tropics, this plant thrives in warm, humid conditions. Consider misting the leaves with water to simulate this environment and keep them happy. It also prefers bright, indirect light, so place it near a window where it can enjoy the sun without getting scorched.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
This indoor green marvel is officially known as a Fiddle Leaf Fig or ‘Ficus lyrata’ if you want to get botanical about it.
Fiddle Leaf figs have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why. Its opulent, wide, shiny leaves surprisingly resemble the shape of a fiddle – hence the name.
Distinguished by their naturally glossy and thick leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is praised for its unique tall, sculptural appearance which can range from six to twelve feet in height indoors, becoming the statement piece in any room.
Bird of Paradise
This resplendent plant known as the Bird of Paradise is a dream to have indoors. As its name suggests, it displays some of the most exotic leaves that mimic a bird in flight. Its size and visuals make it a compelling piece in any room.
Philodendron (The Large-Leaf Indoor Plant)
Philodendron, a genus of the Araceae family, is native to the rainforests of South America but can thrive indoors with proper care. The defining feature of these tropical plants is their large, often heart-shaped, leaves that grow in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Philodendrons are known for their versatility and adaptability, making them ideal for indoor cultivation. They can handle many lighting situations, but they prefer indirect light. Too much sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow. In contrast, too little light can slow the plant’s growth and the leaves may not develop their characteristic large shape.
Rubber Tree
Renowned for their hardiness, ease of care, and striking aesthetic appeal, Rubber tree plants, also known as Ficus elastica, can be a remarkable addition to your indoor plant collection. The native habitat of these beautiful plants is the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, but they have adapted well to indoor environments worldwide.
One of the most striking features of Rubber tree plants is their lush, glossy leaves. These oval-shaped leaves range in colors from dark green to burgundy and can grow to impressive lengths, some up to a foot long. Their size and glossy finish make them an eye-catching centerpiece to any room.
Anthurium
Anthurium plants, also known as flamingo flowers, are eye-catching indoor plants with their large and glossy heart-shaped leaves. The leaves, which can grow up to 15-20 inches in length, have a striking dark green color, providing an excellent contrast to the bright red or pink spathes that these plants produce.
What makes these houseplants unique, is not just their size or shape, but also their long-lasting flowers. The actual flower of the anthurium is small and found on the spadix – the long spike in the center of the leaves.
But what is often mistaken for a flower is actually a bright, waxy leaf called the spathe. These spathes can be red, white, pink, salmon, orange, or a multi-color, producing a striking visual aspect of the plant.
Calathea
Captivating isn’t it? The Calathea plant, with its beautiful, large, rounded leaves that have intricate patterns, similar to mosaic artworks. Native to the tropics, it’s a perfect indoor companion, ready to liven up your space with its lush greenery.
You’ll notice the unique feature of Calathea’s leaves – they’re not just flat expanses of green. No, they showcase a unique pattern, almost as if someone has taken a paintbrush to them. This gives the plant an exotic, vibrant appeal, which makes it a popular choice amongst indoor gardening enthusiasts.
But that’s not all. The Calathea’s oversized, rounded leaves are highly efficient at cleaning the air, absorbing toxins and releasing fresh oxygen. You’re not just getting a pretty plant; you’re also improving the air quality in your home.
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant, a popular indoor plant named scientifically as Zamioculcas zamiifolia. This plant offers a captivating sight to behold with its large, waxy, dark green leaves that reflect sunlight beautifully, adding a unique charm to your spaces.
The ZZ Plant is adaptable to varying levels of indirect light and can survive without daily watering, making it an easy-to-care-for option for busy people or first-time plant owners. It’s a great plant choice for homes or offices that don’t get a lot of natural light.
Banana Plant
Native to Southeast Asia, the Banana Plant’s large leaves bring an exotic, tropical atmosphere to your indoor space.
It isn’t a demanding plant, having fairly simple requirements. For best results, provide your Banana Plant with lots of light. They love sunshine and without enough light, they might not grow their signature big leaves. The light doesn’t have to be direct, though; in fact, direct sunlight can sometimes scorch their large leaves. Indirect sunlight or even bright artificial light would do just fine.
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese Money Plant is an easy-to-care-for indoor plant that will bring lush greenery and a unique aesthetic to any space. Be sure to regularly check for any signs of pests or disease, and your plant will continue to flourish with its large, attractive foliage.
Croton
The Croton, botanical name Codiaeum variegatum, is an eye-catching plant heralding from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Its fame lies in its large, glossy, variegated leaves. Each leaf is a vibrant palette of colors, displaying hues of green, yellow, red, and even purple. Its big leaves not only liven up any indoor setting but also contribute to its unique appeal.
Kentia Palm
Originating from Lord Howe Islands in Australia, the Kentia Palm, also known as Howea Forsteriana, can grow up to 10 feet indoors, but it’s a slow grower, typically adding just one or two new fronds each year. This slow growth makes it manageable for indoor settings.
One of this plant’s strengths is its resilience in less-than-ideal conditions. It tolerates low light conditions but truly thrives in bright, indirect light. It doesn’t require direct sunlight, making it a great option for spaces with limited lighting. However, if you can provide it with filtered sunlight, it will pay back with healthier growth.
Jade Plant
Known for its rich, round leaves, the Jade plant is a beautiful succulent that’s perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home. It holds a significant place in homes and offices for its very easy-to-grow nature and vibrant green hue. Its lush, deep green leaves not only purify the air around you but also bring a sense of calm and tranquility.
To grow a Jade Plant, you want a pot with good drainage because, like all succulents, Jades don’t do well with too much water. They prefer indirect light, making them perfect for indoor environments, but they also thrive in direct sunlight if slowly acclimated.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily is widely embraced as an easy-to-care-for, indoor plant that transforms your room into a tropical oasis with its luscious, dark green leaves. Known scientifically as Spathiphyllum, this plant blooms throughout the year producing creamy white flowers that contrast gorgeously against its vibrant green foliage.
Best suited for indoor environments, Peace Lilies elegantly adapt to low light conditions but truly thrive in medium to bright light. So, whether you place it on a sunlit windowsill or at a shady spot in your home office, this versatile plant maintains its radiant charm.
Dracaena
Dracaenas are peculiar yet captivating houseplants, known for their glossy, pointed leaves that arch beautifully.
They exhibit a growth habit reminiscent of trees, featuring a naked central stem covered by sword-like foliage, thereby offering a striking visual element to your indoor spaces.
African Mask Plant
The African Mask Plant, scientifically known as Alocasia, is an indoor plant lover’s dream with its uniquely shaped leaves and distinct vein markings. This plant adds a touch of flare and exotic charm to any indoor space, characterized by its dark purple, almost black, arrowhead-shaped leaves with light green veins.
It is important to note that the African Mask Plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight could potentially burn its leaves. Its watering needs are modest but the plant does enjoy humidity. This makes it a perfect addition to a bathroom or kitchen, or you could simply mist the leaves regularly to meet its humidity needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, indoor plants with big leaves are a great way to add beauty, freshness, and style to your home or office.
They can purify the air, reduce stress, and create a relaxing atmosphere. With proper care and attention, these plants will thrive and reward you with their stunning foliage. So don’t hesitate to bring some of these spectacular indoor plants with big leaves into your life and enjoy their benefits.
