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Houseplants are one of the easiest (and best) ways to add style, personality, and life to your space. But the adorable greenery is often bite-size. That’s great for decorating bookcases and window sills, but it can make those empty spots in your home look even more empty. Enter big-leaf houseplants. These varieties of plants offer plenty of personality with their gargantuan leaves. From big philodendrons to tall palms and the designer favorite fiddle-leaf fig, big-leaf plants make any room look better. Not only do big-leaf plants look nice, but many types of them also help clean the air and get rid of pollutants.
If taking care of a big-leaf plant sounds scary, don’t worry—it’s not that different from taking care of any other plant. Stephen McFarlane, regional landscape manager for, says, “Make sure you have the space for the plant and enough room to closely monitor.” Thats true for any houseplant, but especially for big-leaf plants. He also says, “Many of these plants will do well in bright, indirect light. If you have a room with windows facing south, east, or west, you’re in luck.” “The plant should be situated near but not in front of the window to prevent scorched leaves. ” He suggests rotating the plant a quarter turn weekly to ensure all sides receive adequate light.
Are you sure that big-leaf plants are the next big thing in design? Keep reading to learn about 12 amazing big-leaf houseplants and how to take care of them so they last for years. 1.
Liven up any indoor space with large leaf houseplants! Their oversized foliage makes a dramatic statement in home decor. Beyond aesthetics, many varieties also purify indoor air This guide will explore the top picks for big leaf indoor plants and how to care for them.
Why Choose Big Leaf Houseplants?
Large leaf plants have many benefits
- Provide bold textures with huge, architectural leaves
- Make small spaces feel more expansive
- Draw the eye to create a focal point
- Add lush, tropical style to any room
- Filter indoor air pollutants
- Raise humidity levels
Lush greenery also boosts mental health according to studies. So there are many great reasons to incorporate big leaf plants in your home!
Most Popular Big Leaf Houseplants
Here are favorite large leaf indoor plant varieties:
Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Iconic split leaves make Monstera deliciosa an interior design staple. Leaves can grow over 1 foot wide on climbing vines or bushy plants. Prefers bright, indirect light.
Elephant Ear
True to its name, elephant ear has leaves up to 3 feet long resembling elephant ears. Alocasia and Colocasia offer stunning selections like ‘Black Magic’. Give bright to medium indirect light.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Graceful violins shaped leaves on a statuesque plant. Can reach 10 feet tall indoors. Thrives with bright light. Monitor for pests.
Banana Plant
Giant paddle-shaped leaves unfurl from stout pseudostems. Some dwarf varieties like ‘Musa Dwarf Cavendish’ work well indoors. Loves humidity.
Calathea OrbiFolia
Round, 38cm leaves have purplish undersides. Its unique foliage thrives with medium to low light levels. Keep soil moist.
Dieffenbachia
Bold variegated leaves show off striking patterns. Toxic if ingested so avoid homes with pets and kids. Give medium to low light.
Hosta
Mostly grown outdoors but translates well indoors too. Many varieties have heavily puckered and ruffled leaves. Prefers shaded spots.
Caring for Large Leaf Plants
Basic needs include:
- Sun: Bright indirect light, some tolerate less
- Water: Allow soil to partly dry out before watering again
- Humidity: Mist leaves and use pebble trays to boost humidity
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix, repot annually
- Fertilizer: Standard houseplant food in growing season
- Pruning: Remove dead leaves and trim leggy growth
Pay attention to your plant’s preferred conditions and care routine. With a bit of effort, you’ll have huge happy leaves in no time!
Where to Buy Large Leaf Indoor Plants
You can find many common big leaf plants at your local nursery or hardware store. For more choices, buy online or at specialty garden centers.
Online Stores
- Etsy – Search for trusted sellers offering established plants vs. tiny seedlings.
- The Sill – Good selection of popular indoor plants, helpul care tips provided.
- Bloomscape – Modern selection, free shipping over $75.
Big Box Stores
Check garden centers at stores like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. Inventory varies by location and season. Avoid leggy or neglected plants.
Local Nurseries
Seek out small businesses focused on indoor gardening. Their staff expertise is invaluable! Try botanical gardens and florists too.
Buying local supports small businesses and reduces environmental impact. Bonus, you can inspect plants before purchasing.
Displaying Large Leaf Plants at Home
Maximize the impact of big leaf plants with these decor tips:
- Place in front of plain walls or blank corners to become a living focal point.
- Angle the leaves toward the center of the room.
- Use contrasting pot colors like bright orange with dark green foliage.
- Combine multiple big leaf plants for a jungle effect.
- Add plant stand risers or wall mounts to show off leaves.
- Keep small plants near big ones for a sense of scale.
Remember to rotate your plants occasionally so all sides get light exposure. Mist leaves often to keep them dust-free and shiny!
Key Takeaways for Large Leaf Plants
- Their huge leaves make a dramatic statement in any space.
- Many popular varieties like monstera and fiddle leaf fig have big leaves.
- Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
- Buy from reputable online or local sources.
- Use stands and contrasting pots to highlight foliage.
Incorporate one or more of these stunning big leaf beauties to create an indoor jungle! Their vibrant greenery will literally brighten your home.
National Plant Network Odora Elephant Ear Plant (Alocasia)
Similar to its namesake, this plants luscious leaves are nearly as big as a baby elephants ears. This plant doesn’t need much care, but in the winter, you may need to prune it to get rid of leaves that are turning brown and crispy and have drooped or fallen.
Elephant Ear Plant Care Tips
- Sunlight: Full sunlight to partial shade.
- When the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch once a week, water.
- Soil: Well-draining houseplant soil
- Pet friendly: No
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Costa Farms Peace Lily Plant Now 13% Off
Peace lilies are classic houseplants because theyre pretty easygoing (and super inexpensive), but they love bright light. In their favorite conditions, they can actually grow up to six feet tall. Do not get one of these around cats; lilies are especially dangerous to them. If you put yours in a self-watering planter, itll do great.
Peace Lily Care Tips
- Sunlight: Do best in bright, indirect light, but can handle medium and low light
- Water: Enough to keep the soil consistently moist
- Soil: Well-draining houseplant soil
- Pet friendly: No
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The pretty calathea plant has beautiful leaves with pink undersides and green stripes on top. It is the perfect houseplant for low light and low maintenance. This plant is also called a prayer plant because its leaves move with the sun as it rises and sets.
Calathea Care Tips
- Sunlight: No direct sunlight, low-light friendly
- Water: Once a week
- Soil: Well-draining houseplant soil
- Pet friendly: Yes
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5 large leaf Indoor Plants that brings huge green and make a statement
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