19 Stunning Houseplants With Large Leaves [Photos]

If you don’t know which houseplant with large leaves suits your home decor needs, my compilation can inspire you. In fact, I have been using some of the large-leafed beauties below to cover an ugly patch on my wall.

Beautiful houseplants with large leaves include:

1. Monstera deliciosa,
2. Strelitzia nicolai,
3. Dieffenbachia,
4. Ficus lyrata,
5. Fatsia japonica,
6. Ficus elastica,
7. Alocasia,
8. Epipremnum aureum,
9. Calathea lancifolia,
10. Codiaeum variegatum,
11. Geoppertia orbifolia,
12. Spathiphyllum sensation,
13. Draceana fragrans,
14. Philodendron gloriosum,
15. Caladium,
16. Licuala grandis,
17. Sansevieria masoniana,
18. Anthurium, and
19. Philodendron bipinnatifidum.

There are many distinct types of houseplants, and each one makes a striking statement. – Here is a guide to some houseplants that sport massive leaves and the care they need.

1. Monstera deliciosa – Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera Deliciosa, commonly called the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular houseplant with broad heart-shaped leaves. It grows deep green foliages with a leathery or glossy texture and develops elliptical holes and marginal splits as they mature. A full-grown leaf can measure up to 1 foot or more.

In its native habitat, monstera can reach 70 feet tall, while most home cultivation keeps it at 6-8 feet. Because this plant can grow pretty massive, strong support is required to keep the stems from breaking. It grows well under bright indirect sunlight and loves humid conditions.

The plant should get 8 hours of filtered or dappled light to maintain its leaf color and form. Water only when the soil is approaching dryness and drench the plant deeply. In a dry indoor setting, a humidifier can help increase room humidity.

Monstera leaf is toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

2. Strelitzia nicolai – Giant Bird Of Paradise

The bird of paradise is a magnificent tropical herbaceous perennial with massive banana leaf-like foliages. Bluish to greyish green oblong leaves emerge alternately from a crown at the plant’s base. The leaves are carried on a tall stalk and can grow up to 3-4 feet long.

Giant bird of paradise can reach 30 ft. tall and shoot blooms that resemble the bird’s head. Flowers of orange and blue hues emerge only when the plant is mature. During the winter, it requires a well-lit spot indoors, and in the summer, it thrives when brought outside.

It is crucial to ensure the plant is acclimatized to the bright sun outdoors, or else it will get scorched. The plant needs steady watering in the hot, dry season, but it allows the soil to dry out slightly before watering when indoors. The bird of paradise is prone to root rot, so avoid overwatering.

Fruits, seeds, and the rest of the plant have low toxicity on animals and humans alike.

3. Dieffenbachia – Dumb Cane

Dumb cane or ‘Dieffenbachia” has beautifully formed elliptical waxy green leaves. The shape of its leaves is emphasized by its cream, yellow, and white patterns. Its average leaf measures 6-12 inches across and 3-6 inches wide.

Dumb cane is an erect lush perennial that can reach 1 to 1.5 meters at maturity. It has a cane-like succulent stem that rarely branches out. All parts of a dumb cane plant are toxic because of the sap that may cause swelling and irritation.

Although it can tolerate a bit of drought, it is best to maintain a slightly moist soil for this plant. Water deeply down to the bottom, and not again until the first few inches of the topsoil is completely dry. Leaves will begin to wilt and develop brown tips when the plant lacks moisture.

The best thing about dumb cane is that it can tolerate and adapt to a wide range of light conditions. It can withstand direct sunlight (up to 4hrs) and grow in a dark room for weeks. However, to achieve the best growth, provide the plant with bright indirect light.

4. Ficus lyrata – Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Fiddle-leaf fig has broad, deep green, thick, puckered foliages with yellow-green veins spreading to the margins that attract plant lovers. A matured leaf can grow 8-15 inches long and 10 inches wide.

Fiddle-leaf fig is a common name for Ficus lyrata. It was named after the shape of its leaf that looks like a lyre or a fiddle. This evergreen tree can reach 10-15 meters tall when grown in a landscape setup. However, you can manage the plant’s size if grown in a big container indoors.

Watering should be right for a fiddle leaf tree as overwatering, and underwatering can harm the plant. Water only when the first few inches of the topsoil are dry. Keep the plant from sitting on wet soil for too long because the roots will easily rot.

Like any indoor foliage, fiddle leaf requires a sunny spot or 4-6 hours of the morning sun to make the plant happy. An unhappy fiddle leaf shows yellow to brown leaf tips, stems will become spindly, and leaves will drop.

5. Fatsia japonica – Paper Plant

Fatsia japonica, or paper plant, has broad, dark green shiny foliages with 7 to 9 deep lobes resembling a palm. The plant’s glossy star-shaped leaf is 8-12 inches wide, borne in a sturdy, long stem.

Fatsia adds a character indoors because of its rounded shrubby appearance. This evergreen foliage can extend up to 8-10 feet tall and spreads 10 feet wide. Once established, it can tolerate full sun and drought, but growth will be slower, and leaves are likely to burn.

Fatsia requires dappled sunlight and a moist potting medium to maintain healthy growth and beautiful foliage. As the plant grows tall, prune old leaves to promote new growth and leaf formation. Some cultivars have variegated leaves.

6. Ficus elastica – Rubber Tree

Ficus elastica, better known as the rubber tree, grows red oval leaves that mature to dark green, leathery and shiny leaves that span up to 12 inches long and 5 inches wide. It exudes an irritating sticky, milky sap when a leaf is snapped.

There are several rubber tree cultivars, and each has its unique leaf colors. Some have white or reddish midribs, pink and white variegation, and others with cream and gray hues. Aside from its appealing leaves, plant lovers are attracted to this houseplant because it is easy to care for.

It can tolerate both low light and direct sun but prefers bright filtered sunlight indoors to preserve its foliage. A window with the morning sun coming in from the east is the best location. Rubber plants like a bit of moisture retained in the soil, but too much water might cause root difficulties.

7. Alocasia – Elephant Ear

The elephant ear comes from the genus Alocasia. It is an evergreen perennial with waxy bright to dull arrow-shaped green leaves. Conspicuous textured veins of various colors highlighted the large thin leaf in some cultivars.

The leaves emerge directly from the rhizome beneath the ground, so the plant really doesn’t have any stems but stalks. All parts of an elephant ear are toxic when ingested, causing itchiness and swelling.

Most elephant ears have thin leaves that easily wilt under direct sunlight. To avoid leaf damage, position the plant in a spot that gets bright indirect sunlight or partially shaded. The plant enjoys moist or wet conditions, so water regularly.

8. Epipremnum aureum – Pothos

Epipremnum aureum or Pothosis a perennial root climber with simple heart-shaped green leaves, often with streaks and patches of cream or yellow colors. The thick and rubbery leaves increase in size as the plant matures.

Typically, its juvenile leaves measure approximately 4 to 6 inches but extend up to 30 inches long as they mature. Pothos grow as a ground crawler in a tropical environment and go high up on trees. But as indoor foliage, it is planted in hanging baskets or allowed to stick on the walls through its aerial roots.

The most popular way of growing Pothos is in a pot, trained to climb upwards in a coco or sphagnum pole. Although it can tolerate limited time under direct sun and drought, it is best grown in the shade with regular watering.

9. Calathea lancifolia – Rattlesnake Plant

The rattlesnake calathea is a bushy species with broad, crinkled, and upright foliage that measures 18 inches long. Its leaves are golden green with alternating big and small diagonal blotches in deep green. The underside of the leaf is burgundy.

The markings on each foliage resemble the pattern found on rattlesnakes, hence the name. This herbaceous plant will spread its leaf as it grows, looking like a fountain. It usually reaches a height of 18 inches indoors but can reach a height of 30 inches outdoors.

Because of its moisture requirements, rattlesnake calathea is often a challenge to care for. Nonetheless, it is often used as an ornamental house plant because of its striking leaves. Rehydrate regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated.

Calathea is not fond of basking directly under the sun, so position the plant in the shade. You will know if it gets too much sunlight because the leaves will develop brown tips.

10. Codiaeum variegatum – Croton

Croton is another famous shrub with a wide variety of beautifully colored broad leaves growing up to 12 inches long. Leaf styles include twisted or large oval foliages, while leaf patterns may range from brightly colored spots to green with white, pink, and yellow designs.

Crotons have thick leathery leaves about 2-12 inches long. Their best leaf color will show when exposed to adequate light, so give 4-6 hours of bright sunlight indoors. Vibrant, colorful leaves will revert to green in low light but dull with intense exposure.

It is capable of reaching 12 feet tall in outdoor landscapes but stands up to 5 feet high indoors. Croton is not picky with soil medium as long as it drains well. The plant can endure a short drought but may drop leaves if kept dry for a long time. Water regularly to maintain its best condition.

11. Goeppertia orbifolia

The broad orb-shaped leaves of Goeppertia orbifolia, also known as “Calathea orbifolia,” make this plant a show-stopper. Faint silvery-green patterns line on the exquisite foliage. A mature orbifolia leaf measures 8-12 inches long and 6-9 inches wide.

Calathea, like most variegated perennials, requires a lot of diffused light. The delicate foliage will damage, and stripe patterns will fade in prolonged direct sun. It can take some shade, but dappled filtered light is best to keep the pretty leaves.

Calathea needs to be in moist soil at all times but be mindful not to let it sit on a wet potting mix for too long. Overwatering will cause leaves to turn brown and develop fungus. The rule of thumb in calatheas is to water only when the topsoil is dry to touch.

12. Spathiphyllum sensation- Peace Lily

Peace Lily ‘Sensation’ has a prominent ribbed texture of large elongated leaves. Its deep matte green leaves grow 12-20 inches long and 5-8 inches wide. It rises directly from the plant’s base through an upright, sturdy green stalk.

The ‘Sensation’ can reach a height of 6 feet in a natural setting, but it is more likely to get 3 feet in an indoor setup. Like any other peace lily selection, the sensation can get by with a bit of light but prefers bright rooms to keep the foliage bouncy. Too much sunlight can burn and wilt its leaves.

What’s interesting about this evergreen is that it can still bear beautiful showy white blooms in a low-light setup. Peace Lily grows best on organic-rich potting soil that can retain water to keep the medium moist but not soggy. Extended drought will cause leaf yellowing and wilting.

13. Dracaena fragrans- Corn Plant

The corn plant is a large tropical palm-like shrub typically grown as houseplants. It has a tall rigid cane-like stem with arching 18-36 inches long green leaves similar to a corn leaf. Various cultivars have white or yellow central variegations on the leaves.

It is a popular houseplant, especially for beginners, because it can grow without any fuss indoors. The plant will thrive in a shady room but grow and bloom with adequate sunlight inside. Exposing the plant to an indirect but bright light will bring out vibrant leaf variegation.

Dracaena fragrans is upright and can grow up to 10 ft in landscapes, but the height is manageable in interior decoration. When the plant gets too high, it is trimmed off to propagate and control the plant size. It is drought-tolerant, but healthy leaves will develop brown tips in prolonged dryness.

14. Philodendron gloriosum

Philodendron gloriosum is a creeping indoor plant with unusual white-pinkish veins emerging from the center to the blades. The heart-shaped leaves are deep green spread in a matte texture.

The extensive heart-shaped foliage can reach 30-60 cm in the natural habitat. However, an indoor setup is unlikely to produce this leaf size, but you can still enjoy a large and magnificent leaf with good plant care.

To grow huge, beautifully veined foliage, position the plant to a spot with filtered bright light. Keep the foliage away from direct sunlight, as it can burn and damage the leaf. It will take a month before new leaves will form, so be careful not to damage the plant leaf.

Gloriosum prefers a moist soil medium to maintain proper root growth and supply the big leaves with enough water. Always check for soil moisture by dipping your finger 1-2 inches below the top surface. Dry soil means the plant needs water, but refrain if it feels wet.

15. Caladium

Caladium species are not only known for having big heart-shaped leaves but also for their gorgeous multicolored foliage. The stunning leaves can reach 6-12 inches, which will show various color combinations such as green, pink, white, and red.

The plant can grow 12-36 inches tall by standing upright with long petioles. Petioles emerge directly from the tubers beneath the soil and shoot up the pretty colored leaves. In the dormant winter season, the stalks and leaves will die naturally and grow again in spring.

Most Caladiums can only endure 2-4 hours of direct sunlight, but the leaf will burn and lose color over prolonged exposure. Dappled or diffused morning light is ideal for maintaining healthy growth and vibrant leaf colors.

Water regularly and deeply to maintain proper soil moisture but not to the point of over-saturation. If you’re planting caladiums in a container, make sure it drains well and has adequate drainage holes, as too much water can rot Caladium tubers.

16. Licuala grandis – Ruffled Fan Palm

Licuala grandis or ruffled fan palm has uniquely pleated fan-shaped foliage with pointy tips. Although it belongs to the palm species, the ruffled fan palm is dwarf and stands 6 ft tall indoors.

The glossy, vibrant green leaf will span up to 20 inches across. It thrives in partial or full shade, and keeping the plant out of direct sunlight will save the leaves from turning brown and damaged. Also, protect the plant from strong winds because it can knock its slender trunk.

Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again to maintain moist soil but not soaked. Reduce the amount of water you use in the winter, but keep an eye on the potting soil to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

17. Sansevieria masoniana – Whale Fin Snake PLant

The Sansevieria masoniana has the thickest and widest leaves among other snake plant varieties. It is popularly called whale fin because its foliage has the shape of a whale’s fin and is attractively mottled with dark and light green patterns. This plant can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet.

The leaf blades turn pink when exposed to direct sunshine, giving them some personality. Sansevieria masoniana do well under dappled direct sunlight and shade, as well as indirect light. Although 4-6 hrs of direct sun is tolerable, it can burn the leaf with extreme heat.

Masoniana Sansevieria can reach a height of 2 to 3 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet. If you keep the plant in a small pot, it will be unable to achieve its full potential. A minor drought is preferable for the whale fin snake plant than damp soil. So water only when the top 2 inches of the soil is dry.

18. Anthurium

Anthurium includes 1500 species, all with erect petioles and heart-shaped green shiny leaves of varying sizes. Its foliage has prominent veins spreading 8-12 inches to maturity, while the whole plant can reach 2-3 feet.

Anthurium has stunning heart-shaped flowers of several colors, with white, pink, and red, as the common ones. Bright indirect light exposure is needed for most species to blossom properly. Intense direct sunlight can scorch the glossy leaves, while too low light won’t get the plant to flower.

Water anthurium plants deeply to the bottom for the roots to drink properly. Always allow the soil to dry out a little bit before giving water again. Overwatering is a common primary cause of anthurium death.

19. Philodendron bipinnatifidum – Tree Philodendron

Tree philodendron or Philodendron bipinnatifidum is a tropical perennial admired for its solid green and glossy heart leaves with deep cuts and no holes. One mature foliage can reach 18-36 inches long.

Tree philodendron develops a sturdy trunk that looks like a tree as it matures. Hence, the name was given to this plant. It can grow up to 6-12 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide. The plant can do best on medium to bright indirect light near the window inside and can endure a shady spot too.

Water the potting soil often enough to keep it equally moist but not soggy. Never leave your plants submerged in water, or they will rot. Although high humidity is ideal for optimal growth, philodendrons can endure the low humidity found on most indoor setups.

Benefits of Large Leaf Plants: 4 Advantages

The advantages of having houseplants with large foliage are:

1. It adds character to a room,
2. It increases humidity and oxygen levels,
3. Leaves are easier to clean and maintain, and
4. It fills unwanted spots at home.

Large leaf houseplants are for decoration purposes and have several good benefits. Here I will discuss some advantages of having huge foliage evergreens inside your homes.

1- Adds Character To A Room

The large foliage can easily catch the eye and bring positive vibes inside a home. Their distinct shapes and colors give personality to the interior.

If you have a dull interior or a bare wall, fill it with large leaf evergreens to brighten the space and improve your mood. They can help fill in the empty nooks and give your interior a happy, beautiful, and lively look.

2- Increase Humidity And Oxygen Level

Big foliages can increase the humidity and oxygen level inside the room. As the plant transpires, it releases water vapor to the environment through stomata on the leaves. Moreover, when the plant makes its food during the day, it releases oxygen.

Plants with larger leaves have more stomata compared to smaller leaves. So, the more extensive the leaves are, the more moisture and oxygen it releases. To make your plants provide you with these benefits, you have to offer them the best growing conditions, such as regular watering and proper sunlight.

3- Easy To Clean and Maintain

Plants with big leaves are easier to clean. Dust on larger leaves can be wiped off easily, reducing the cleaning time.

Dust can accumulate on the leaves, which can clog the stomata. It will make the plant’s activity difficult, like transpiration and photosynthesis. Hard water can cause water spots to form on the leaves, making them unsightly.

Indoor gardeners prefer having large, glossy foliage because it makes cleaning easier. Waxy leaves will resist dust and water, so you’ll need less effort in keeping them clean and fresh.

4- Fill Unwanted Spots At Home

Large leaf houseplants make unwanted areas at home beautiful. Ugly patches on the walls or broken floors can be hidden with the massive foliage of the plant.

The big leaves can conceal unsightly areas and make them look presentable. Wall cracks and faded walls become invisible when lined with huge plant arrangements.

Summary on Houseplants With Large Leaves

• Some examples of large leaf houseplants are monstera deliciosa, giant bird of paradise, dumbcane, fiddle leaf fig, fatsia, rubber tree, elephant ear, pothos, rattlesnake plant, croton, philodendron gloriosum, caladium, ruffled fan palm, whale fin snake plant, anthurium, and tree philodendron.
• Most of these large leaf houseplants have attractive and dramatic foliages because of their shapes and colors.
• The benefits of huge leaf house plants include adding character to the interior, increasing room humidity and oxygen, easy to clean and maintain, and beautifying unwanted spots at home.

Source

• “Monstera deliciosa,” North Carolina State University
• “Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia reginae,” University of Wisconsin Horticulture
• “Dieffenbachia,” University of Connecticut
• “Ficus lyrata,” American University in Beirut
• “Fatsia japonica,” University of Florida
• “Epipremnum aureum,” by (J.J. Linden & E.F. Andre) G.S. Bunting, Texas A & M University
• “Cultural Guidelines For Commercial Production Of Interiorscape Spathiphyllum,” University of Florida Extension
• “Caladiums,” University of Florida Gardening Solutions
• “Taxonomy and Biology of Anthurium,” The University of West Indies

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