Big, bold, and beautiful, that’s what we’re talking about today! If your houseplants are more like house trees, this list is for you. Big-leaf houseplants bring a touch of the tropics indoors, instantly transforming your space into a lush, green oasis. Their dramatic foliage not only adds visual interest but also purifies the air and creates a sense of calm.
Anthurium clarinervium
Unlike the more common Anthuriums with their colorful spathes (modified leaves), the Velvety Anthurium is prized for its large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white veins. Its velvety texture and deep green color make it a stunning addition to any collection.
Banana Plant (Musa spp.)
Bring a touch of the tropics indoors with a Banana Plant. These fast-growing beauties can reach impressive heights, even indoors, with their large, paddle-shaped leaves adding a lush, tropical feel to any space. They do best in bright, indirect light and need consistent moisture.
Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)
With its graceful, pleated leaves that resemble a hand fan, the Ruffled Fan Palm is a showstopper. Its lush, deep green foliage can grow up to 3 feet wide, making it a dramatic focal point in any room. This palm prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Philodendron Xanadu
This tropical beauty boasts deeply lobed, glossy leaves that can reach up to 18 inches long. Its compact growth habit and tolerance for low light make it a popular choice for indoor spaces. Just be sure to give it a well-draining potting mix and water it regularly.
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Known for its striking, bird-like flowers, the Bird of Paradise also boasts large, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long. These architectural leaves add a touch of the exotic to any space. The Bird of Paradise prefers bright light and well-draining soil.
Monstera Deliciosa
The undisputed queen of big-leaf houseplants, Monstera Deliciosa is known for its iconic, fenestrated leaves (those with natural holes). These stunning leaves can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, making them a true statement piece. Monstera Deliciosa prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Be sure to provide it with a moss pole or trellis to climb on, as it’s a natural climber.
Alocasia
Often referred to as “Elephant Ears” due to their massive leaves, Alocasias come in a wide variety of sizes and colors, from deep greens and purples to variegated varieties with striking white or pink veins. These show-stopping plants prefer warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-draining soil.
Colocasia
Another member of the “Elephant Ear” family, Colocasia esculenta plants are known for their dramatic, upright growth habit and massive, heart-shaped leaves. They come in a variety of colors and textures, from glossy greens and purples to velvety blacks. Colocasias thrive in moist soil and full sun to partial shade.
Anthurium Warocqueanum
These tropical beauties are prized for their colorful, heart-shaped spathes (modified leaves) that surround their actual flowers (the spadix). Anthuriums come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, white, orange, and purple. They prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity.
Spade-Leaf Philodendron
True to its name, this philodendron boasts large, spade-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long. It’s a relatively easy-care plant that prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering. The Spade-Leaf Philodendron is a vining plant, so it looks great in hanging baskets or trained up a trellis.
Big Leaf Paper Plant
This dramatic plant features large, palmate leaves (shaped like a hand) that can grow up to 12 inches wide. Its glossy, deep green foliage adds a touch of elegance to any space. The Big Leaf Paper Plant prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Rice Paper Tree
This unique tree features massive, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 3 feet in diameter. Its fuzzy, brown bark adds to its exotic appeal. The Rice Paper Tree prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can grow quite tall outdoors, but it can be kept smaller indoors in a container.
Caladium
Often called “Angel Wings” or “Elephant Ears,” Caladiums are prized for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves that come in a dazzling array of colors and patterns. These tropical beauties prefer warm temperatures and high humidity, making them perfect for a bright bathroom or sunroom.
Dieffenbachia
Also known as “Dumb Cane” due to the temporary speechlessness it can cause if ingested, Dieffenbachia is nonetheless a popular houseplant for its large, variegated leaves. These tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering. Be sure to keep them away from pets and children, as the sap can be irritating.
Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
This elegant palm is a classic choice for indoor spaces, thanks to its graceful, arching fronds and slow growth habit. Kentia Palms prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They’re relatively drought-tolerant, so they don’t need to be watered as frequently as some other houseplants.
