Big leaf houseplants bring a bold, tropical feel to any indoor space. These stunning plants can transform any ordinary room into a lush paradise. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced plant parent, these varieties offer options for every skill level and living space.
Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea Orbifolia has round, striped leaves that move up and down throughout the day in response to light. The silvery stripes on each leaf create a striking pattern that catches attention from across the room. These plants stay relatively compact but their leaves can grow quite large, making them perfect tabletop specimens. They require higher humidity than many houseplants. Consistent moisture and filtered light help maintain their beautiful appearance.
Elephant Ear Plant
The elephant ear plant makes an immediate impact with its massive heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to three feet long. These dramatic plants add a bold tropical statement to any room and grow well in bright indoor spaces. The leaves come in various shades of green, and some varieties show beautiful veining patterns that catch the eye. Indoor specimens typically reach heights of 3 to 6 feet, creating a year-round display. Regular watering and high humidity help maintain their large, beautiful leaves.
Banana Tree
The indoor banana tree grows between 3 to 5 feet tall, making them perfect for corners or beside large windows. The large, paddle-shaped leaves create a beautiful display of green that spreads outward like a fan. These plants love lots of sunlight and need regular watering to keep their big leaves healthy and strong. A banana tree will grow best when placed in front of a sunny window, and its soil should stay consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Birds of Paradise
The bird of paradise stands tall and proud with its large, banana-like leaves that fan out to create a stunning display. This plant can reach impressive heights indoors, typically growing between 5 to 6 feet tall in containers. The thick, waxy leaves split naturally as they age, giving them an exotic appearance that draws attention. They adapt well to indoor conditions and can tolerate average home humidity levels. They do well with consistent care and prefer their soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regular dusting of the leaves helps them photosynthesize better and maintains their glossy appearance.
Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa is famous for its split leaves that create a unique, tropical appearance in any indoor space. Its natural holes and splits develop as the plant matures, giving its nickname “Swiss cheese plant.” The leaves can grow massive indoors, often reaching two to three feet wide. These plants climb naturally and can be trained on support poles to grow upwards rather than outwards. They adapt well to normal household conditions.
Alocasia
These plants command attention with their arrow-shaped leaves held up on strong stems above the soil. Their dramatic leaves often show striking vein patterns and can grow quite large on healthy plants. These tropical beauties prefer consistent warmth and humidity to keep their foliage looking its best. They grow steadily in bright, indirect light when given proper care and attention. Regular watering and good air circulation help prevent common leaf problems.
Rubber Tree
Rubber trees stand out with their thick, glossy leaves that can range from deep green to burgundy depending on the variety. These sturdy plants grow upright and can reach impressive heights even indoors, typically 6 to 10 feet when mature. Their leaves stay firm and upright, creating clean lines. New leaves emerge from reddish buds and gradually darken as they mature. Regular cleaning of the large leaves helps maintain their natural shine and healthy appearance.
Philodendron Selloum
This houseplant creates a dramatic display with its deeply cut, dark green leaves that can grow, developing a full bushy appearance that fills empty corners beautifully. The stems grow thick and sturdy, supporting the weight of its massive leaves. Indoor specimens typically reach about 6 feet tall when given proper care and enough space to grow. These plants tolerate lower light conditions but grow faster in bright, indirect light with slightly moist soil.
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron plant lives up to its name with incredible durability and tolerance for less-than-ideal conditions. Long, broad leaves grow upright from the base, creating a dense cluster of deep green foliage. This plant grows slowly but steadily. It thrives in low-light conditions where other plants struggle to survive. The thick, leathery leaves resist damage and maintain their appearance with minimal care.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs have become incredibly popular for their large, violin-shaped leaves that create a striking vertical display. These plants can grow into impressive indoor trees, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet when properly cared for. The thick, leathery leaves cluster along straight stems. They need consistent bright, indirect light and regular watering to maintain their impressive appearance. A stable environment without drafts or sudden temperature changes helps these plants thrive indoors.
Dracaena Fragrans Green
Dracaena Fragrans grows tall with clusters of long, strap-like leaves that arch gracefully from central stems. The leaves grow in rosettes along the canes, creating natural layers that add to the visual. This plant can often grow 6 feet or taller over time. It tolerates lower light conditions while maintaining its attractive appearance and steady growth. The long leaves stay green and healthy with basic care and occasional dusting.
Philodendron Xanadu
The Philodendron Xanadu grows into a compact but full plant with deeply lobed leaves that create an interesting texture. This plant stays relatively bushy rather than climbing, making it perfect for spaces where you want width rather than height. The dark green leaves grow in layers, creating a full appearance that fills empty corners beautifully. Each leaf develops more lobes as the plant matures, adding to its architectural appeal. They grow steadily in moderate to bright indirect light and tolerate average home humidity.