13 Big Leaf Houseplants That Make a Statement (2024)

Gardening

Houseplants

Types of Houseplants

Looking for a big-leafed houseplant that will make a statement in your room and complement your home decor? These 13 big leaf plants could be a perfect addition to your collection. You can turn your home into an indoor jungle oasis with these stately houseplants.

• 01 of 13

  Elephant Ear Plant (Calocasia)

  

  Elephant ear plants might be commonly grown outdoors, but they can make excellent large, show-stopping houseplants too. The leaves of an elephant ear plant can grow up to three feet long, depending on the variety.

  Keep this plant away from small children and pets, as it can be toxic.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep the soil moist
  • Soil: Well-draining, peat-rich soil

• 02 of 13

  Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)

  

  The bird of paradise is a tropical plant that earned its name thanks to its unique flower, which resembles a bird in flight. These houseplants have large leaves that grow in a self-heading habit—meaning the foliage sprouts in layers from a single central stalk.

  At maturity, a bird of paradise grown indoors can reach up to six to seven feet tall and four feet wide. Be aware, however, that this plant is toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses.

  • Light: Bright direct to bright indirect light
  • Water: Water once the soil is dry
  • Soil: Loamy, rich, well-drained soil

• 03 of 13

  Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

  

  Fiddle leaf figtrees are popular houseplants that make a statement in any room. They are characterized by large, waxy, fiddle-shaped leaves and can be pruned into a variety of different shapes.

  Despite their popularity, these plants are notorious for being temperamental and difficult to care for. However, under the right care conditions, fiddle leaf figs can grow into full-sized trees.

  When grown indoors, their size is normally restricted by being grown in pots and careful pruning. The leaves of fiddle leaf figs are toxic to humans, cats, and dogs.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Water: Water once the soil is dry.
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining potting medium.

• 04 of 13

  Monstera Deliciosa

  

  Instagram’s favorite plant—the Monstera deliciosa—is a large houseplant with stunning large fenestrated leaves that instantly adds a tropical feel to any room. When grown indoors, the plant can grow up to ten feet tall, with leaves up to three to four feet long.

  Unfortunately, the Monstera deliciosa is mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

  • Light: Bright indirect light to medium indirect light
  • Water: Water once the soil is dry
  • Soil: Well-draining, rich soil

  Continue to 5 of 13 below

• 05 of 13

  Philodendron Xanadu

  

  See Also

  Is a Meyer Lemon Tree the New Fiddle Leaf Fig?

  The unique large, leathery, lobed leaves of the Philodendron xanadu will make it a focal point in any room. As the plant matures, the leaves become more intricate with a greater number of lobes. Each leaf can grow up to 40cm long and 30cm wide and can have 10 - 15 lobes.

  This houseplant is another one that is toxic to humans and pets. It's best to keep it out of reach of small children, cats, and dogs.

  • Light: Bright indirect light to medium indirect light
  • Water: Water once the soil is dry
  • Soil: Well-draining soil

• 06 of 13

  Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

  

  The rubber treeis a popular houseplant that comes in many different colors and shapes. Its large, waxy leaves are the focal point of this tropical houseplant.

  When grown in its natural habitat, the rubber tree can grow up to 50 feet tall. However, when grown indoors, its size and shape can be controlled through pruning and root restriction.

  This tropical plant requires bright, direct sun to thrive indoors. The rubber tree can be mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

  • Light: Direct light
  • Water: Keep the soil moist during the growing season
  • Soil: Well-draining soil

• 07 of 13

  African Mask Plant (Alocasia amazonica)

  

  The African mask plant is a striking houseplant characterized by large deep green leaves accentuated by deep white or light green veining. The leaves are roughly arrowhead or heart-shaped, and the underside of the leaves is usually a deep purple color.

  This gorgeous plant does well in bright, indirect light and rich, well-draining soil. Alocasia are toxic to people and pets.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil

• 08 of 13

  Philodendron Gloriosum

  

  Philodendron gloriosum is a stunning large-leafed philodendron variety that is characterized by velvety deep green leaves with white veining.

  This plant is relatively rare and you likely won’t be able to find it at your local garden center and might need to order it online or from a local collector.

  Philodendron gloriosum is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight
  • Water: Water once the top one to two inches is dry
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil

  Continue to 9 of 13 below

• 09 of 13

  Banana Tree Plant (Musa)

  

  The banana tree plant is famous for its large tropical foliage, and a mature specimen can grow leaves up to two feet wide and nine feet long.

  While the banana plant is commonly grown outdoors, it does well as a houseplant when placed in a bright, sunny location. Ensure that the soil stays evenly moist during the growing season.

  An added bonus is that this tropical plant is safe for pets.

  • Light: Full sun
  • Water: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil

• 10 of 13

  Majesty Palm (Ravenna rivularis)

  

  The majesty palm is an attractive and popular indoor palm tree that can grow up to ten feet tall, although it is relatively slow-growing. Majesty palms are characterized by large green fronds that grow atop multiple stems.

  It can be a difficult palm species to keep happy indoors, and it might not be suited for those who don't have a green thumb. The right light, temperature, and fertilization is imperative to keeping a majesty palm happy.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged
  • Soil: Cactus or succulent soil mix

• 11 of 13

  Calathea orbifolia

  

  The Calathea orbifolia is a type of prayer plant that is distinguished by its large orb-shaped leaves. This houseplant requires high humidity in order to thrive, which can make it difficult for some plant lovers to keep it happy indoors.

  Place your Calathea orbifolia in a location that receives bright indirect light, and keep the soil evenly moist.

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: Keep soil evenly moist
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining soil

• 12 of 13

  Tropic Snow Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia seguine)

  

  The tropic snow dumb cane (Dieffenbachia seguine)is one of the largest varieties of dumb cane and can grow up to ten feet tall indoors. Its huge, variegated leaves and ease of care make it a popular houseplant.

  The tropic snow dumb cane can withstand lots of neglect and can tolerate low light. However, it is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans.

  • Light: Bright to low light.
  • Water: Water once the soil is dry.
  • Soil: Well-draining, but not picky about soil.

  Continue to 13 of 13 below

• 13 of 13

  Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)

  

  The ruffled fan palm (Licuala grandis) is a unique and unusual palm variety with large, pleated leaves that resemble hand fans. While getting your hands on a ruffled fan palm can be tricky,keeping it happy indoors is simple.

  Choose a location in your home that receives bright, indirect light and allow the top inch or two of soil to dry between waterings.

  • Light: Bright to medium indirect light
  • Water: Average water needs.
  • Soil: Well-draining soil.