21 Stunning Indoor Plants with Large Leaves

Are you looking to transform your living space into a lush, green paradise? Indoor plants with big leaves can be the key to achieving that eye-catching, at-home jungle feel you’ve been yearning for. These majestic plants not only make a bold statement but also provide a leafy green base that complements smaller indoor plants, like African violets or peace lilies, adding a delightful pop of color to your space. If you’re ready to embrace the beauty of indoor plants with large, striking foliage, let’s explore our top picks that are sure to captivate your senses.

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African Mask Plant

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

The African Mask Plant is a true showstopper with its smaller stature and large, dark green heart-shaped leaves adorned with wavy edges. Each leaf boasts thick white veining and a stunning purple underside. Growing this plant indoors can be a challenge, but the reward is a breathtaking beauty. To succeed, ensure humid conditions and avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Keeping the soil lightly moist is essential, so opt for well-drained soil in a suitable container.

Banana Tree

Scientific Name: Musa
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant Size: 12-20 feet tall
Water Needs: Every 2-3 days
Sun Needs: Full, direct sun

For those seeking a pet-friendly indoor plant with large leaves, the Banana Tree is an excellent choice. Its tropical allure is defined by its vibrant yellow-green, paddle-shaped leaves and tall trunk. Each leaf can reach up to 10 inches in length, and a mature plant typically boasts 8 to 12 leaves. The Banana Tree thrives in humid conditions and well-drained, acidic soil.

Birds of Paradise

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

Among the cherished indoor plants with big leaves, the Bird of Paradise stands out. This tropical gem produces stunning orange and blue flowers that resemble feathered wings in flight. With large, dark-green leaves, reaching up to 18 inches in length and 6 inches in width, this plant adds a touch of elegance to any space. To cultivate a Bird of Paradise, provide dense, acidic, well-drained soil and a suitable pot size.

Caladium

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

If you’re yearning for a burst of color in your home, the Caladium is the perfect choice. Its arrowhead-shaped foliage comes in a vibrant array of colors, including pink, white, red, and green, creating a colorful riot on each leaf. To thrive, Caladiums require high humidity and stable temperatures, ideally around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Place them away from drafts and consider misting them to maintain the required humidity levels.

Calathea Orbifolia

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 renowned for its slightly round leaves adorned with pale, whitish-green stripes and a silvery-green underside. Known as prayer plants, these tropical wonders follow the sun, creating captivating movement in your indoor space. Originating from Brazil, Calathea Orbifolia thrives in high humidity and nitrogen-rich soil.

Cast-Iron Plant

Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant Size: 3 feet tall, 2 feet wide
Water Needs: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Sun Needs: Indirect sun, partial shade

The Cast-Iron Plant is an ideal choice for beginners due to its remarkable resilience and adaptability. It features long, arching, deep-green leaves that can grow up to 2 feet in length. Not only is it easy to care for, but it’s also resistant to common pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance addition to your indoor garden.

Dumb Cane

Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia seguine
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant Size: 10 feet tall, 3 feet wide
Water Needs: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Sun Needs: Bright to low light

The Dumb Cane plant is a tall indoor house plant with large, variegated leaves shaped like pointed paddles. It’s an excellent choice for beginners as it can endure some neglect and thrives in low light conditions. However, be cautious as it is toxic to humans and pets, so keep it out of their reach.

Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree

Scientific Name: Musa
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant Size: 8 to 10 feet tall
Water Needs: Water every 2-3 days
Sun Needs: Bright, direct sunlight

The Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree, characterized by its shorter stalk, is another captivating banana plant variety. It boasts long leaves that transition from purple to green as they mature. When given the right conditions, this plant can even produce edible fruit. To thrive, provide it with acidic, loamy, well-drained soil and regular fertilization.

Elephant Ear

Scientific Name: Colocasia
Plant Type: Ornamental, tropical
Plant Size: 8 feet tall, 6 feet wide
Water Needs: 2-3 inches per week
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

Elephant Ear plants are known for their large, arrowhead-shaped leaves that come in various shades of blue-green. These giants can reach impressive heights, making them a statement piece in any room. They thrive in well-drained soil and require consistent watering, though they don’t tolerate waterlogged roots. Keep in mind that they are toxic to animals if ingested.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Scientific Name: Ficus lyrata
Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Plant Size: 10 feet tall
Water Needs: Maintain moderate moisture
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts, known for its large, waxy, green leaves that resemble a fiddle. However, it can be temperamental, requiring high heat and humidity to thrive. Avoid placing it near vents and air conditioning units, and prune it regularly to maintain a healthy shape. Rich, well-drained soil is crucial for its well-being.

Hosta

Scientific Name: Hosta spp.
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Plant Size: 4 feet tall, 6 feet wide
Water Needs: Maintain even and consistent moisture
Sun Needs: Partial sun to full shade

While often seen in outdoor gardens, Hostas also make splendid indoor houseplants. With lush, colorful foliage in various shades, these heart or lance-shaped leaves form a mounded arrangement. Hostas prefer slightly acidic to well-drained soil and thrive when consistently moist. Avoid soaking the soil for prolonged periods.

Kentia Palm

Scientific Name: Howea forsteriana
Plant Type: Perennial palm
Plant Size: 12 feet tall
Water Needs: Maintain even and consistent moisture until mature
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

The Kentia Palm is a no-fuss house plant that brings old-world elegance to your space. It features arching, palm-shaped fronds in a rich green hue and adapts well to varying light conditions. This hardy plant is drought-tolerant and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Leopard Plant

Scientific Name: Farfugium japonicum
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Plant Size: 4 feet tall, 3 feet wide
Water Needs: Maintain even and consistent moisture
Sun Needs: Partial sun to full shade

Leopard Plants boast large, round, shiny foliage that adds an elegant touch to indoor containers. Some varieties even feature bright yellow spots on their leaves, giving them their name. To thrive, they require consistent watering, higher temperatures, and protection from drafts.

Majesty Palm

Scientific Name: Ravena rivularis
Plant Type: Tree
Plant Size: 6 feet tall, 6 feet wide
Water Needs: Keep soil evenly moist to avoid losing lower leaves
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

No list of indoor plants with large leaves would be complete without the Majesty Palm. This tropical beauty produces hundreds of delicate green fronds and grows about one foot per year. It thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil and enjoys high humidity and temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rubber Tree

Scientific Name: Ficus elastica
Plant Type: Flowering plant
Plant Size: 3 to 10 feet tall
Water Needs: Keep soil evenly moist and well-drained
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

Also known as the Rubber Plant or Indian Rubber Bush, the Rubber Tree is a captivating indoor houseplant with large, glossy, oblong leaves that can grow up to 15 inches long. It’s resilient and can withstand neglect, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardening.

Ruffled Fan Palm

Scientific Name: Licuala Grandis
Plant Type: Perennial palm
Plant Size: 6 feet tall
Water Needs: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Sun Needs: Partial to complete shade

The Ruffled Fan Palm boasts heart-shaped foliage with pleats resembling a paper fan. While its edges are sharp, mature leaves can grow up to 22 inches wide, creating a unique and captivating appearance. This plant is a sought-after choice for those seeking pet-safe indoor options.

Snake Plant

Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Plant Size: 8 feet tall
Water Needs: Water every two weeks
Sun Needs: Indirect light to full shade

The Snake Plant is a low-maintenance indoor plant with large leaves, characterized by stiff, sword-shaped leaves in varying shades of green. It thrives in low-light conditions and is an excellent addition to hallways and basements.

Monstera

Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
Plant Type: Climbing evergreen
Plant Size: 3 feet tall, 3 feet wide
Water Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks and let it dry out between waterings
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light to partial shade

Monstera plants, with their large, fenestrated leaves, are a favorite among plant enthusiasts. These climbing evergreens require proper drainage in both soil and containers and consistent light and warmth to thrive. Mist them regularly to maintain the right humidity levels.

Swiss Cheese Plant

Scientific Name: Monstera adansonii
Plant Type: Climbing evergreen
Plant Size: 10 to 12 feet tall, 3 feet wide
Water Needs: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

The Swiss Cheese Plant, a cousin of the Monstera, produces large, bright green leaves with distinctive holes. It grows like a vine when provided with proper support. These fast-growing plants require regular fertilizer and pruning to flourish.

Velvet Philodendron

Scientific Name: Philodendron gloriosum
Plant Type: Evergreen perennial
Plant Size: 3 feet tall
Water Needs: Maintain even moisture
Sun Needs: Bright, indirect light

The Velvet Philodendron, native to Colombia, features large, yellow-green heart-shaped leaves with striking pink, pale green, or cream-colored veins. It thrives in humidity levels between 60-80% and is a slow grower, producing one new leaf each month.

Xanadu

Scientific Name: Thaumatophyllum xanadu
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen
Plant Size: 2-4 feet tall, 6 feet wide
Water Needs: Maintain even moisture
Sun Needs: Medium, indirect light

The Xanadu plant is renowned for its bold foliage, with leaves reaching up to 16 inches in length and spiky, lobed edges. This compact plant typically grows wider than it is tall and adds a touch of sophistication to your indoor decor.

In conclusion, indoor plants with large leaves can bring life and elegance to your interior decor. To select the best plants for your home and climate, consult your local nursery for expert guidance. With patience, practice, and a bit of research, you can provide these stunning indoor plants with the care they need to thrive and enhance your living space.