Houseplants with big leaves are true statement pieces and showstoppers of the indoor plant world. By just adding a single big-leafed plant, you can effortlessly turn any area into a lush, miniature jungle. Their intriguing textures and vibrant green hues offer a striking visual impact. If your aim is to elevate your indoor plant collection with a bold presence or cultivate a tranquil indoor-jungle vibe, then plants with large leaves are an ideal choice.
Why Go Big with Leaves?
Plants with large leaves aren't just about making a visual statement. They often offer a few unique benefits:
-
Dramatic Impact: A single large-leaf plant can transform a room, providing architectural interest and a sense of lushness.
-
Focal Points: Their size naturally draws the eye, making them perfect as a centerpiece in a living area or a welcoming touch in an entryway.
-
Tropical Vibes: Many big-leaf plants originate from tropical climates, bringing a touch of that exotic paradise indoors.
Top Houseplants Known for Their Impressive Foliage
When selecting houseplants with big leaves, it's helpful to consider their overall growth habits and specific care needs. Here are some popular options that make a grand statement:
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Famous for its iconic fenestrations (natural holes and splits) as it matures, the Monstera deliciosa boasts deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that can grow impressively large. This plant loves bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
With its striking, violin-shaped leaves that are thick and leathery, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a design favorite. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent watering, though it's sensitive to overwatering and sudden environmental changes.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai or S. reginae)
While known for its dramatic crane-like flowers outdoors, indoors, the Bird of Paradise is prized for its large, banana-like leaves that can reach impressive heights, giving any room a strong tropical feel. It needs bright light and consistent moisture.
Alocasia (Elephant Ear)
Various Alocasia species offer stunning, often arrow-shaped or heart-shaped leaves that can be deeply veined or come in dark, metallic hues. They thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity, requiring consistently moist soil.
Philodendron Selloum (Split-Leaf Philodendron, Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)
This large Philodendron cousin produces deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that can span several feet wide. It creates a lush, jungle-like effect and prefers bright, indirect light with regular watering.
Calathea Orbifolia
While many Calatheas are known for patterns, the Orbifolia stands out with its large, round, striped leaves. It thrives in high humidity and medium to bright indirect light, needing consistently moist soil.
Essential Care for Large-Leaf Houseplants
Big leaves often come with big needs when it comes to consistent care. Here's what to focus on:
-
Light is Key: Most large-leaf tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct, harsh sun can scorch their impressive foliage, while too little light can lead to stunted growth and smaller leaves. Find a spot near a window that gets plenty of light but avoids direct afternoon sun.
-
Watering Wisely: These plants can drink a lot, but overwatering is still a major concern. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again. Check the soil moisture by sticking a finger into the pot. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
-
Humidity Helps: Hailing from tropical climates, many big-leaf plants absolutely love humidity. If your home's air is dry, especially in winter, consider using a humidifier. Looking for other ways to increase humidity for your plants? Check out University of New Hampshire's guide to boost humidity for indoor plants.
-
Nutrient Needs: Larger plants use more nutrients. Feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer during their active growing season (spring and summer) every 2-4 weeks, following the product's dilution instructions.
-
Cleaning Those Leaves: Big leaves tend to collect dust. Regularly wipe them down with a damp cloth to keep them clean and allow for efficient photosynthesis. This also helps them look their best.
-
Support as Needed: As some large-leaf plants grow, like Monsteras or large Philodendrons, they may benefit from a moss pole or trellis to climb, mimicking their natural growth habit and encouraging larger leaves.
Since many houseplants with big leaves are of the tropical variety, you might find tropical plants tips and tricks from University of Illinois Extension helpful.
The Right Grow Light for Houseplants with Big Leaves
Many of these big-leaf indoor plants come from jungle environments where light is plentiful, meaning the lighting in your home or sunlight through a window may not cut it. This is where dedicated grow lights really shine.
Most of the plants listed here thrive on high light, which means they need powerful, consistent illumination to support their large leaves and growth. Here are a few options that will help your big-leaved plants thrive:
-
Aspect™ Gen 2: This light is a powerhouse, perfect for giving your big-leaf plants the bright, direct light they absolutely love. If you put it above a single statement plant, like a Fiddle Leaf Fig or a large Monstera, it'll make sure every bit of those wide leaves gets the energy it needs to grow strong, develop those cool splits (fenestrations), or really pop with color.
-
Aspect™ Gen 2 with Stello™ Pendant Stand Set: Looking for a freestanding, renter-friendly option with zero installation? The Aspect™ X Stello™ is perfect! You can pop this powerful grow light in the adjustable pendant stand right above your tall, tree-like plants, like a Bird of Paradise or a big Philodendron Selloum. It’ll make a gorgeous, well-lit display and help them grow their best.
-
Highland™ LED Track Light System: If you're building an indoor jungle with multiple large-leaf plants or need to illuminate a wider area, the Highland™ LED Track Light System is a versatile choice. The track is mounted to the ceiling and you can add up to 4 Highland™ LED Grow Lights per track. The adjustable light heads mean you can shine bright light exactly where your plants need it, making sure every leaf gets its share.
FAQ: Houseplants with Big Leaves
Do big-leaf plants grow faster than small-leaf plants?
Not necessarily. Growth speed depends more on the plant's species, light, water, and nutrient availability than solely on leaf size. However, their large leaves mean new growth makes a more noticeable impact on their overall size quickly.
Are large-leaf houseplants harder to care for?
Their care isn't necessarily harder, but it can be different. They often need more consistent watering and feeding due to their larger size and metabolic needs. Cleaning their larger leaves is also a more frequent task.
How often should I clean the leaves of my big-leaf plants?
Regularly wiping down large leaves every 2-4 weeks with a damp cloth is generally recommended. This prevents dust buildup, which can block light absorption and hinder photosynthesis, and also keeps them looking vibrant.
Can large-leaf plants cause allergies?
Any plant can potentially cause allergies for sensitive individuals, typically through pollen or sap. Large-leaf houseplants are generally grown for their foliage, not their flowers (which produce pollen), reducing airborne allergens. However, contact dermatitis from sap is possible with some species, like Ficus.
What are common signs a large-leaf plant is not getting enough light?
Signs include new leaves growing smaller than older ones, leggy, stretched-out stems, a lack of new growth, or the plant leaning dramatically towards a light source. The vibrant color of the leaves may also fade.
Do these plants need very large pots?
Large-leaf plants often develop substantial root systems to support their size. They generally prefer pots that accommodate their root ball with room for growth, but not excessively large pots, which can lead to overwatering issues. Repotting into a slightly larger size every 1-2 years during the growing season is common.
Final Thoughts on Houseplants with Big Leaves
Want to add some serious flair to your home? Houseplants with big leaves are a fantastic way to create a stunning, lush, and tropical vibe. Give them the right light and care, and these beauties will not only flourish but also become amazing centerpieces that really boost your home's style.
Need some inspiration for styling your plants with big-leaves? We have the inspiration to help you curate your indoor jungle with full-foliaged plants. Check out our Pinterest →
