Introducing indoor plants with big leaves, the perfect statement pieces to elevate any room. These stunning foliage plants not only spruce up your space but also give you that at-home jungle feel you’ve been longing for. Moreover, they can serve as a leafy green base, complementing smaller plants like African violets or peace lilies for an added pop of color.
If you’re looking to add a touch of pizzazz to a dark corner or expand your houseplant collection, indoor plants with large leafy green leaves are the way to go. Let’s explore some of our favorite options!
Key Takeaways
African Mask Plant
Scientific Name: Alocasia amazonica
The African Mask Plant stands out with its heart-shaped, dark green leaves that feature distinctive wavy edges, white veining, and a purple underside. While growing it indoors can be challenging, the rewards are worth it. Remember to keep these glossy leaves away from direct sunlight to prevent them from getting burnt. Additionally, maintaining lightly moist soil in a well-drained container is crucial for this plant’s success.
Banana Tree
Scientific Name: Musa
For those seeking pet-friendly indoor plants with large leaves, the Banana Tree is the perfect choice. With its yellow-green paddle-shaped leaves and tall trunk, it adds a tropical touch to your home decor. Each leaf can grow up to 10 inches long, and each plant produces multiple leaves. To ensure its well-being, provide the banana tree with humid conditions and moist, well-drained, acidic soil.
Birds of Paradise
Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae
Among the most beloved indoor plants with big leaves are the Birds of Paradise. These tropical plants produce stunning orange and blue flowers reminiscent of feathered wings in flight. The large, dark-green leaves can reach up to 18 inches long and 6 inches wide, spreading out in layers from the central stalk. To enjoy the flowers, make sure your plant receives full sun. Provide dense, acidic, well-drained soil and an appropriate pot size for the best results.
Caladium
Scientific Name: Caladium bicolor
Add a delightful pop of color to your home with Caladium, an indoor plant with large leaves. Its arrowhead-shaped foliage comes in various colors, including pink, white, red, and green. Each leaf appears as if it has been individually hand-painted, with many exhibiting variegated red patterns. Caladiums thrive in high humidity and stable temperatures, so they’re perfect for bathrooms or sunrooms. Keep the soil lightly moist and avoid drafty areas or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Calathea Orbifolia
Scientific Name: Goeppertia orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia, a tropical perennial, boasts large, round leaves with pale, whitish-green stripes on the topside and silvery-green color on the underside. These prayer plants rise and fall with the sun, showcasing their fantastic foliage. Originating from Brazil, Calathea Orbifolia prefers high humidity and nitrogen-rich fertilizer to prevent brown tips. Keep the top inch of soil dry before applying filtered water, and provide semi-shade for optimal growth.
Cast-Iron Plant
Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
Looking for an effortless yet sophisticated indoor plant? The Cast-Iron Plant is the answer. With its long, arching, deep-green leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in length, this plant thrives on neglect. It is an excellent option for beginners, as it is resistant to pests and diseases. Indirect sun or partial shade and well-drained soil are all it needs to thrive.
Dumb Cane
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia seguine
For a show-stopping plant that reaches incredible heights indoors, the Dumb Cane plant is an excellent choice. It features variegated, pointed paddle-shaped leaves. Dumb Cane plants are low-light tolerant, making them perfect for dark corners. They can withstand a bit of neglect and don’t have specific soil preferences. However, it’s crucial to keep them away from children and pets as they are toxic if ingested.
Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree
Scientific Name: Musa
The Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree, with its purple-to-green leaves, is another glorious indoor plant option. This variety produces shorter stalks and can bear edible fruit with the right conditions and care. Provide it with acidic, loamy, well-drained soil and regular fertilization for optimal growth.
Elephant Ear
Scientific Name: Colocasia
Elephant Ear plants are known for their large, arrowhead-shaped leaves that come in various shades of blue-green. These easy-to-grow plants can reach impressive heights and are well-suited for both indoor pots and outdoor gardens. They require well-drained soil and regular watering to thrive. Keep in mind that Elephant Ear plants are toxic to animals if ingested.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Scientific Name: Ficus lyrata
The popular Fiddle Leaf Fig is a must-have if you’re in search of an indoor plant with big leaves. Its green, waxy leaves resemble the shape of a fiddle and create an eye-catching display. While these plants can be temperamental, they can thrive indoors if given the right conditions and care. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight. Regular pruning and well-drained soil are essential for a healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Hosta
Scientific Name: Hosta spp.
Hostas, commonly known for their lush and colorful foliage, are not only ideal for outdoor gardens but also make beautiful indoor houseplants. With shades of blue, green, yellow, and white, their heart or lance-shaped leaves create a captivating mounded formation. Keep the soil slightly acidic, consistently moist, and avoid overwatering.
Kentia Palm
Scientific Name: Howea forsteriana
The no-fuss Kentia Palm is a drought-tolerant indoor plant that can add an old-world elegance to any sunny corner. Its arching palm-shaped fronds in deep green create a timeless appeal. Adaptability is one of its strengths, with the ability to tolerate different light conditions and soil types. To keep your Kentia Palm thriving, maintain even moisture in the soil, and be mindful of common issues such as spider mites or potassium deficiencies.
Leopard Plant
Scientific Name: Farfugium japonicum
The Leopard Plant displays large, shiny foliage that adds beauty to any indoor container. This sunflower family member produces striking yellow flowers that attract pollinators if given the right conditions. Some varieties have bright yellow spots on their leaves, creating a visual treat. To keep your Leopard Plant happy, maintain consistent moisture in the soil, and provide it with partial sun to full shade. Avoid drafty areas or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Majesty Palm
Scientific Name: Ravena rivularis
The majestic Majesty Palm, one of the most popular indoor palm trees, boasts hundreds of delicate green fronds that create a stunning display. With its maximum height reaching 6 feet, this tropical tree thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It prefers high humidity and temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Embrace the beauty of this palm to infuse a touch of grandeur into any well-lit corner.
Rubber Tree
Scientific Name: Ficus elastica
The Rubber Tree, also known as the Indian Rubber Bush, is a beautiful indoor houseplant with large, attractive leaves. Its thick, waxy, and glossy foliage showcases oblong leaves that can grow up to 15 inches long. These hardy plants tolerate neglect and low light conditions with ease. Repotting every 12 months and providing well-drained soil are beneficial for their growth.
Ruffled Fan Palm
Scientific Name: Licuala Grandis
The Ruffled Fan Palm exhibits heart-shaped foliage resembling a paper fan. With spiky, lobed edges, its leaves grow up to an impressive 22 inches wide, erupting from a single trunk. This plant is a rare find, admired for its uniqueness and suitability for pet-friendly households. Create a green oasis with this captivating indoor houseplant.
Snake Plant
Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata
The Snake Plant, with its stiff, upward-facing sword-like leaves, is a popular choice for indoor plants with large leaves. It comes in various colors, typically featuring a dark green center and a yellow or white border. Snake plants do well in low-light conditions, making them perfect for hallways and basements. Moderation in watering is key, as they prefer indirect light to full shade.
Monstera
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
Unleash the beauty of the Monstera, a fan favorite in the plant community. Its large, showy green leaves exhibit a heart shape and striking leaf splits called fenestrations. When given adequate support, this climber can grow like a vine. Ensure proper drainage in both soil and container, consistent light, and warm temperatures to provide the perfect environment for this remarkable plant. Mist regularly to maintain proper humidity.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Scientific Name: Monstera adansonii
The Swiss Cheese Plant, a cousin of the Monstera, is known for its large, bright green leaves that feature holes instead of splits. This variation also grows like a vine when provided with the proper support. Swiss cheese plants are fast growers and require regular fertilizer and pruning for optimal growth.
Velvet Philodendron
Scientific Name: Philodendron gloriosum
The rare Velvet Philodendron, native to Colombia, mesmerizes with its gigantic yellow-green heart-shaped leaves. The beautiful pink, pale green, or cream-colored veins that traverse each leaf add a touch of elegance. Treat this slow-growing plant to high humidity between 60-80% or mist it regularly if your home’s humidity levels are lower. As it produces one new leaf per month, watch it flourish.
Xanadu
Scientific Name: Thaumatophyllum xanadu
The Xanadu plant offers bold and attractive foliage that captivates onlookers. With each leaf reaching up to 16 inches in length and featuring spiky, lobed edges, this compact evergreen perennial stands out. Unlike most philodendrons, it grows upright instead of vining. Maintain even moisture in the soil and provide medium, indirect light to enjoy the beauty of this exceptional plant.
Embrace the beauty of indoor plants with big leaves and transform your home into a lush oasis. Whether you’re a seasoned houseplant collector or just starting, these majestic plants will elevate your space, providing a captivating atmosphere that brings nature indoors.
For more information and to explore a wide range of indoor plants with big leaves, visit Ames Farm Center.
