If you’re looking to add a touch of nature and create a lush atmosphere in your home, indoor plants with big leaves are the perfect solution. Not only do they make a stunning statement in any room, but they also provide an affordable way to spruce up your space and give you that at-home jungle feel you’ve been craving.
One of the best things about these indoor plants is that they can be incredibly versatile. They can act as a leafy green base, complementing other indoor plants and adding a pop of color with smaller plants like African violets or peace lilies. Whether you’re an avid houseplant collector or simply looking to add a little pizazz to a dark corner, these majestic plants will do the trick. Let’s explore some of our favorite indoor plants with large leafy green leaves!
African Mask Plant
Be sure to keep these glossy leaves out of direct sunlight, otherwise they may burn.
Scientific Name: Alocasia amazonica
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Plant size: 2-6 feet tall, 10 inches wide
- Water needs: Every 6-7 days
- Sun needs: Bright, indirect light
Few indoor house plants are as striking as the African Mask Plant. Its heart-shaped, dark green leaves with wavy edges and thick white veining make a bold statement. While it can be a bit challenging to grow indoors, the effort is well worth it for the beauty it adds to your space. Remember to provide humid conditions and keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Plant it in well-drained soil to keep the soil lightly moist at all times.
Banana Tree
Even indoors, these trees can grow to the ceiling, and beyond.
Scientific Name: Musa
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Plant size: 12-20 feet tall
- Water needs: Every 2-3 days
- Sun needs: Full, direct sun
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly indoor plant with large leaves, consider the Banana Tree. Its large yellow-green paddle-shaped leaves and tall trunk make it a stunning addition to any home decor. Each leaf can grow up to 10 inches long, and each plant can produce between 8 to 12 leaves. To keep your Banana Tree happy, provide it with humid conditions, moist well-drained soil, and plenty of direct sunlight.
Birds of Paradise
If your plant is healthy, you can expect one new leaf a month.
Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae
- Plant type: Ornamental, tropical
- Plant size: 7 feet tall, 4 feet wide
- Water needs: Every 1-2 weeks
- Sun needs: Bright, indirect light
The Bird of Paradise is one of the most beloved indoor plants with big leaves. Its large, dark-green leaves can reach up to 18 inches long and 6 inches wide. This tropical plant produces stunning orange and blue flowers that resemble feathered wings in flight. However, these flowers only appear if the plant receives full sun. To keep your Bird of Paradise thriving, provide it with dense, acidic, well-drained soil and a suitable pot size.
Caladium
Add a pop of color to your home with this humidity-loving plant.
Scientific Name: Caladium bicolor
- Plant type: Tuberous tropical perennial
- Plant size: 20 inches tall, 14 inches wide
- Water needs: Maintain even moisture
- Sun needs: Medium, indirect light
Caladium is a perfect indoor plant for adding a delightful pop of color to any room. Its large, arrowhead-shaped leaves come in various colors, including pink, white, red, and green, often with variegated red patterns. This plant thrives in high humidity and stable temperatures. Keep it away from drafty windows, vents, or air conditioning units, and make sure the temperature stays at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Regular misting can help provide the humidity it needs.
Calathea Orbifolia
These Brazil natives prefer semi-shade and high humidity.
Scientific Name: Goeppertia orbifolia
- Plant type: Tropical, perennial
- Plant size: 3 feet tall
- Water needs: Apply filtered water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Sun needs: Semi-shade
Calathea orbifolia is a stunning calathea variety known for its large, round leaves with pale, whitish-green stripes. Its silvery-green underside adds to its beauty. These tropical plants are often called prayer plants because their foliage rises and falls with the sun. They require high humidity and nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Keep them away from direct sunlight and provide well-drained soil to ensure their well-being.
These are just a few examples of the incredible indoor plants with big leaves that can make a statement in your home. Whether you prefer the bold and striking African Mask Plant, the tropical vibes of the Banana Tree and Birds of Paradise, the vibrant colors of Caladium and Calathea Orbifolia, or the unique characteristics of other stunning options like the Fiddle Leaf Fig, Hosta, or Monstera, there’s a plant out there that will suit your style and bring life to your space.
Remember to choose plants that fit your home’s lighting conditions and provide them with the care they need. With a little love and attention, these indoor plants with big leaves will transform your home into a lush oasis. So go ahead, bring in the green and enjoy the beauty and benefits of these stunning plants!
For more information and to find these amazing plants, you can visit the Ames Farm Center website. Happy gardening!