The Tiny house Blog

The 9 Best Large Leaf Houseplants for Your Home

By
Jason Francis
Designed and built over 100 custom tiny homes, lived on a sailboat for 9 months, and loves to live life to the fullest with his wife and their 4 kids.
Updated on:
March 21, 2024
large leaf house plants

Image Source: Canva

Revitalize your home with these nine large leaf houseplants. Envision the richness of heart-shaped leaves from the Philodendron Gloriosum, or the glossy foliage of the Rubber Tree. Consider the striking effect the Fiddle Leaf Fig's large, shiny leaves can bring, or set your sights on the distinct fronds of the Majestic Palm.

Delight in the beauty of the Monstera Deliciosa, the grandeur of the Bird-of-Paradise Plant, or the individuality of the African Mask Plant. Last but not least, the Elephant Ear Plant can add a tropical touch to any space. Each plant enhances both the aesthetic and the air quality of your home, and comes complete with their own care instructions. Stick with us and you'll be a plant pro quicker than a Bird-of-Paradise can sprout its dramatic plumage.

Philodendron Gloriosum

Have you considered adding a touch of tropical elegance to your home with the Philodendron Gloriosum? This large leaf houseplant, also known as the 'Creeping velvet Philodendron', could be the perfect addition to your indoor jungle. With its velvety, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 4 feet in length, it's sure to make a statement in any room.

Philodendron Gloriosum prefers bright, indirect sunlight, so placing it near a north or east-facing window would be ideal. The plant's growth will be most essential during the warmer months, but it can survive in lower light conditions during winter.

It's vital to water your Philodendron Gloriosum when the top one to two inches of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to err on the side of too dry than too wet. This plant loves a rich, well-draining potting medium, which will help prevent waterlogging.

In terms of size, your Philodendron Gloriosum can reach 2.5-3 feet tall and wide, so make sure you've got enough space for it to grow. With the right care, this tropical gem will reward you with its lush, exotic beauty.

Monstera Deliciosa

If you're searching for a houseplant that's both stunning and easy to care for, the Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, should be at the top of your list. This tropical beauty, native to Central America, is renowned for its unique, large, glossy green leaves that often have natural holes or slits, giving it a distinctive Swiss cheese appearance.

Monstera Deliciosa is an adaptable plant, thriving in bright, indirect light to medium indirect light. You'll want to water it only when the top inch of soil is dry—overwatering can lead to root rot. The plant prefers a well-draining, rich potting medium to support its vigorous growth.

This plant's size is part of its charm. It can grow anywhere from 3 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 8 feet wide, offering a striking visual impact wherever it's placed. But remember, it's not pet-friendly, so keep it out of reach from curious pets. With its alluring looks and easy-going nature, Monstera Deliciosa is a great addition to any indoor green space. It will certainly enhance your home's style quotient while bringing a touch of the tropics indoors.

Rubber Tree

Looking for a statement piece to add to your indoor plant collection? Let's talk about the Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica), a large leaf houseplant known for its stunning, glossy dark green leaves and its ability to grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. Originating from Southeast Asia, this dramatic plant is a real showstopper with its impressive height and wide, elliptical leaves.

You'll love the Rubber Tree for its low maintenance needs. It thrives in a well-draining potting medium and loves direct light. Yet, it can also tolerate lower light conditions. Keep the soil moist during the growing season, but let it dry out slightly between watering in winter. And don't worry, it's quite forgiving if you forget a watering session or two.

Rubber Trees are also excellent air purifiers, removing toxins from your home's air. Just be aware, they're not pet-friendly. The sap can be irritating to pets and humans alike, so it's best to keep it out of reach. With a little care and attention, your Rubber Tree will become a stunning centerpiece and a fantastic conversation starter in your home.

Majestic Palm

Shifting gears to another popular large-leaf houseplant, let's explore the world of the Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis), a tropical palm known for its lush, feathery fronds and regal presence. Originating from the island of Madagascar, this houseplant can grow up to 10 feet tall in your home, adding a touch of the tropics to your living space.

Although it's a stunner, the Majesty Palm demands a bit more care compared to other houseplants. It craves bright, indirect light, so a well-lit spot near a window is ideal. It's also partial to high humidity, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat, so consider placing it in a bathroom or using a humidifier.

Watering the Majesty Palm can be a delicate balance. You'll need to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged. It's also a good idea to use a well-draining potting mix to prevent root rot.

One more tip for you - this palm loves a good feed. Use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season for best results. With a bit of love and care, your Majesty Palm can become a stunning focal point in any room.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Image Source: Canva

Diving into the world of the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), you'll find this plant is a favorite among interior designers and plant enthusiasts alike, thanks to its large, glossy leaves and stunning presence. A native to West Africa, this charismatic plant can grow between 6-10 feet tall indoors, making it a striking addition to your space. Its unique violin-shaped leaves are its trademark - hence the name.

To keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy, it needs bright, indirect light. It doesn't appreciate too much direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring you don't overwater, as it's susceptible to root rot. A well-draining soil is ideal.

A key aspect of Fiddle Leaf Fig care is consistency. It does not like significant changes in its environment, such as temperature and light variations. So, find a bright spot in your home and let it settle in. Every so often, give its leaves a gentle wipe to remove dust. This not only keeps the plant looking its best, but also helps it photosynthesize more efficiently. With a little love and care, your Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a spectacular indoor companion.

Philodendron Xanadu

If you're searching for a plant with a tropical feel, the Philodendron Xanadu should be top of your list. This large leaf houseplant is an absolute standout with its glossy, deeply lobed leaves that give it a unique, exotic look. Not only does it bring a lush vibe to your space, but it's also a rather easy plant to care for.

The Philodendron Xanadu thrives in bright, indirect light, but it can also tolerate medium light. It's quite flexible, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. In terms of watering, let the top inch of the soil dry out before giving it another drink. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's better to under-water than overdo it.

In terms of size, this plant can grow up to 3-5 feet tall and wide, making it a fantastic statement piece for your home. It's also worth noting that it's not pet friendly, so keep it out of reach if you have curious fur-babies. With its beautiful foliage and easy care, the Philodendron Xanadu is definitely a top contender for your indoor jungle.

African Mask Plant

Bear in mind that a touch of drama to your indoor plant collection, the African Mask Plant is a stunning choice with its bold, dark green leaves patterned with high-contrast venation. Scientifically known as Alocasia amazonica, this plant will certainly make a statement in your home.

Native to the tropics, it thrives in warm, humid conditions, much like a steamy bathroom or kitchen. It prefers bright, indirect light, so position it near a window where it can get plenty of natural light but be shielded from direct sun which can scorch its leaves.

When it comes to watering, keep in mind that less is more. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot which could be detrimental to the plant's health. A well-draining, rich potting medium is best for this plant, allowing water to flow freely without causing waterlogging.

One thing to be cautious of is that this plant is known to be toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so it's best to keep it out of reach of curious pets or children.

Caring for an African Mask Plant may require a bit of effort, but trust us, it's worth it for the stunning visual impact it delivers.

Bird-of-Paradise

When you're looking to make a bold statement with your indoor greenery, the Bird-of-Paradise plant is a fantastic choice. Known scientifically as Strelitzia, this plant is famous for its large, glossy leaves and striking bird-like flowers that can add a touch of tropical flair to any space.

This plant loves bright, direct to indirect light. So, place it near a south or west-facing window to make sure it gets plenty of sunshine. Yet, it's not just about the light. The Bird-of-Paradise also prefers a rich, well-drained potting medium. In terms of watering, wait until the soil is dry before you give it a drink. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your plant.

The Bird-of-Paradise can grow quite tall, ranging from 3.5 to 6 feet, and spread 3 to 4 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for filling up empty corners or as a stunning centerpiece in your living room. With the right care, this plant can be a star in your collection, impressing guests with its exotic beauty. Remember, though, it's not pet-friendly, so keep it out of reach from your furry friends.

Elephant Ear Plant

Image Source: Canva

Another large leaf houseplant you might want to consider for your home is the Elephant Ear Plant, scientifically known as Colocasia spp. This plant, with its large, heart-shaped leaves, is a real showstopper. It's perfect for creating a tropical vibe in your living space and is surprisingly easy to care for.

Bring this plant home and you'll see it thrive in bright, indirect light. It's not a fan of direct sunlight so keep it somewhere it can enjoy diffused light. Don't forget to maintain a well-draining, peat-rich potting medium for best growth.

The Elephant Ear Plant loves moisture. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. If you're someone who forgets to water plants, this might not be the ideal choice for you. It's also worth noting that this plant can reach a mature size of 3–6 feet tall and wide depending on the variety.

The Elephant Ear Plant is a perfect choice if you're looking to make a bold statement with your houseplants. It's a plant that's sure to draw the eye and spark conversations. So, why not give your home a touch of the tropics with this spectacular houseplant?

Conclusion

So, there you have it - the nine best large leaf houseplants that can transform your home into a green paradise. With care and patience, you'll watch your indoor jungle thrive and grow, adding life and vibrancy to your space. From the elegant Monstera Deliciosa to the bold Elephant Ear Plant, each one brings its unique charm. Now, it's your turn to let these leafy giants take root in your home. Happy planting!

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