Are you looking to bring life to your indoor area and you’re wondering which indoor plants work best to give a fresh splash of green?
Houseplants with large rich foliage are amazing and just one of them has the ability to transformany room into an indoor tropical oasis.
So, we are going to go over the15 best big leaf indoor plants and I will tell you exactlyhow to care for them:
Table of Contents
1. Dwarf Banana Plant (Musa)
Other names: Dwarf Cavendish banana, Banana plant.
Renowned for its large tropical foliage, the Dwarf Banana Plant grows well indoors when placed in a large pot and in a bright well-lit area.
Its leaves grow quickly and are large and waxy.
The leaves of a Banana Plant are known to be completely non-toxic for humans or animals and are said to even be used in cooking in some parts of the world.
- Light: Various - from full sun to light shade.
- Water: Warm months - regularly to maintain soil moist. Cold months - once a week.
- Temperature: prefers tropical climates, but grows anywhere between 50°F - 90°F (10°C - 32°C).
- Soil: Rich moist soil. Fertilize every 2 weeks during the growing phase of the leaves. Soil pH of 5.5 - 7 (mildly acidic).
2. Bird Of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Other names: Strelitzia, Bird of paradise flower.
This South African native is a well-known flowering tropical plant that is sure to impress in any indoor setting.
Fun fact: Bird Of Paradise plant gets its genus name – Strelitzia – from Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom.
Bird of Paradise is popular for its beautiful long-lasting flowers and large green waxy leaves.
This plant can reach 7 feet (2 meters) tall by 4 feet (1.2 meters) wide.
Note that the leaves and flowers are poisonous for humans and animals when consumed.
- Light: Full sun or semi-shade.
- Water: Once a day until soil is moist. Then, only water when soil is dry.
- Temperature: 65 - 70°F (18°C - 21°C)during the day and 50°F (10°C) at night.
- Soil: Well-drained rich soil. Use plant food during spring. Soil pH of 5 - 7 (slightly acidic).
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Other names: Banjo fig, Ficus lyrata bambino.
As a central African native, these popular indoor plants are denoted by their fiddle-shaped leaves that are waxy in appearance.
These plants will grow to scale to the size of the pot.
Note that the leaves are poisonous to people and animals if eaten.
- Light: Bright indirect sunlight, keep out of shade.
- Water: Keep soil moist at all times.
- Temperature: Best in 60 to 85°F (15.5°C - 30°C), warm humid conditions.
- Soil: Moist and well-fertilized soil, with a pH of 6.6 - 7 (mildly acidic).
4. The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
Other names: Ceriman, Cheese plant.
This climbing evergreen plant hails from tropical zones from Mexico to Panama in Central America.
The Swiss Cheese Plant features huge, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that grow up to 36 inches in length.
In nature, these plants can grow several meters, but if kept indoors they reach around 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) tall.
The plant’s leaves are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, and the sap may cause skin irritation.
- Light: Bright and indirect sunlight
- Water: Keep soil moist at all times,watering 2-3 times per week.
- Temperature: 68 – 86°F (20°C - 30°C) indoors, keep away from frost or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Soil:Slightly moist and well-drained soil, with anacidic soil pH of 5.5 - 7.5.
5. Elephant Ear Plant (Colocasia)
Other names: Taro, Colocasia esculenta, Elephant ears.
These native South American plants grow quickly outdoors and can be just as easily potted indoors near bright, indirect sunlight using a large pot.
Elephant Ear Plants have leaves growing up to 36 inches long.
If you have pets or small children, keep this plant out of reach as the leaves may be toxic if ingested.
- Light: Bright indirect sunlight, keep out of full sunlight
- Water: Keep soil moist.
- Temperature: 70 to 85°F (21to 30°C)during the day, and nights no lower than 60°F (15°C).
- Soil:Moist acidic soil with a pH of 5 - 7.
6. Thaumatophyllum Xanadu (Philodendron Xanadu)
Other names: Xanadu, Cut-leaf Philodendron, Philodendron bipinnatifidum Winterbourn.
This perennial evergreen is native to Brazil and features flowers that can be deep red in color.
Philodendron Xanadu grows well indoors in cooler climates.
This plant has low-spreading, glossy green and lobed leaves that have the potential to reach 16 inches in length.
Note that there are many varieties and all are toxic when ingested by humans or animals, and the sap also causes skin irritations.
- Light: Medium-light, keep away from direct light as leaves will brown and burn.
- Water: Keep soil moist. Mist leaves occasionally.
- Temperature: 65ºF to 85ºF (18ºC to 30ºC).
- Soil:Moist soil.Fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Soil pH of 5.6 - 7.5 (slightly acidic).
7. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
Other names: Rubber fig, Indian Rubber Bush, Rubber plant.
This Indian native is a great indoor houseplant as they are easy to care for and grow quickly.
They feature glossy leaves that can grow up to 15 inches.
They are an ideal indoor plant as they will typically reach around 3-10 feet (1-3 meters) in height in an indoor environment.
Note that the leaves and sap are mildly poisonous to humans and animals and may cause irritation to the skin.
- Light: Indirect bright light.
- Water: Keepsoil moist and well-drained. Water more during the spring season.
- Temperature: 50 to 85ºF (10ºC to 30ºC), not below 40ºF (approx. 5ºC).
- Soil:Keep soil moist and well-drained. Repot every 9-12 months. Fertilize every month. Soil pH of 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic).
8. African Mask Plant (Alocasia Amazonica)
Other names: Alocasia Polly.
The African Mask plant is actually a native of the Philippines and was named due to the large leaves resembling that of an African mask.
The large colored leaves grow up to 18 inches long and feature a shiny finish with silvery-white veins and a striking white outline.
When planted outdoors, they often flower and produce vibrant orange berries which are toxic to humans and animals, although flowers and berries are rare when grown indoors.
- Light: Well-lit diffused light. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Water: Water regularly during active growth. Keep soil moist and well-drained.
- Temperature: 60 to 85ºF (15to 30ºC).
- Soil:Use a pebble tray below the plant to promote humidity in the soil. Use a slow-release fertilizer every few months and keep the soil well-drained. Soil pH of 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic).
9. Calathea Orbifolia
Other names: Goeppertia Orbifolia.
A great indoor houseplant option if you live in a big city or polluted environment, Calathea Orbifolia is a purifying houseplant that removes toxins from the air.
They’re also easy to care for and feature large waxy green leaves that have white or silver forks expanding outward.
The plants can grow up to 3 feet (about 1 meter) tall and the leaves can grow up to 20 inches in diameter.
- Light: Bright indirect sunlight.
- Water: Water every 1-2 weeks.Keep soil moist.
- Temperature: 65 - 85°F (18to 30ºC)during the day, above 50°F(10ºC)at night.
- Soil:Rich, well-drained soil. Fertilize every 2-3 months. Soil pH 5 - 6 (slightly acidic).
10. Philodendron Gloriosum
This Colombian native plant likes to crawl and features foliage that has pink, white, or pale green veins running up and along large heart-shaped leaves.
As a member of the Araceae plant family, these plants love to climb and will grow best indoors in bright indirect light with slightly higher humidity.
Although a slow grower, leaves can reach up to 36 inches in diameter in a mature plant.
The leaves, roots, and stems are toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
- Light: Bright indirect sunlight.
- Water: Keep soil damp. Water 2-3 times per week based on the dampness of the soil.
- Temperature: 45°F to 95°F(7ºC to 35ºC)during the day, and 60°F to 70°F(15ºC to 21ºC)at night.
- Soil:Rich, organic soil with a pH of around 5 - 8. Use orchid potting mix and fertilize a few times a year.
11. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
Other names: The Majestic Palm.
The Majesty Palm is a robust palm that grows abundantly in tropical environments.
It grows equally well as an indoor plant and features long upward arching fronds for leaves.
When grown indoors the Majesty Palm can reach around 10 feet tall (approx. 3 meters) and is a great option if you have pets or kids as it is not toxic for pets and humans.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Water: Water every 1-2 weeks. Allow soil to dry out half way down between waterings.
- Temperature: 65 - 85°F(18ºC to 30ºC)during the day, best above 50°F(10ºC)at night.
- Soil:Moist, acidic soil, pH of 5 - 6. Can use cactus potting mix.
12. Tropic Snow Dumb Cane(Dieffenbachia seguine)
Other names: Dumbcane, Tuftroot, Dieffenbachia.
As one of the largest varieties of Dumb Cane, this evergreen perennial can reach 10 feet tall (3 meters) when planted indoors.
Tropic Snow Dumb Cane features striking, large variegated leaves that have green or pale yellow spots.
They are air purifying and easy to care for, however, the leaves and stem of the plant are toxic to humans and animals.
- Light: Medium-light conditions.
- Water: Water once a week. Keep soil moist but not saturated. Mist leaves occasionally.
- Temperature: 65 - 85°F(18ºC to 30ºC).
- Soil:Well-drained, moist soil, with a pH of 6.1 – 6.5 (slightly acidic).
13. Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)
Other names: Vanuatu Fan Palm, Palas Palm.
With glossy, plated palm-like fronds, this plant is a native of the lowlands of the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
It grows with a thick, fiber-covered trunk that supports leaves that grow up to 22 inches in diameter that fan upward from the trunk.
The fronds have sharp teeth at the base and are not ideal for small children or pets due to the poisonous berries that grow during the late season.
- Light: Full, bright sun.
- Water: Water once or twice a week, just enough to keep the soil moist.
- Temperature: 65 - 89°F (18to 32ºC).
- Soil:Well-drained, fertile soil. Fertilize once every 2 months.
14. Pinstripe Houseplant (Calathea ornata)
Other names: Calathea Pinstripe.
This perennial plant is native to South America and is well-known for its beautiful large leaves that are a jungle green color highlighted with pale pink stripes.
Since this plant is used to being protected by a tree canopy it doesn’t like too much sun and can tolerate many rooms as a result.
Best of all, it’s one of the few indoor plants that are safe for animals and humans if ingested so perfect if you have kids or pets.
- Light: Bright indirect light.
- Water: Maintain soil moist.
- Temperature: 65 to 85°F(18to 30ºC).
- Soil:Humid soil.Use a peat-based soil mix and place the pot on a pebble tray with some water to give your plant extra humidity.
15. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Other names: Saint George’s Sword, Mother-in-law’s Tongue, Viper’s Bowstring Hemp.
Previously known scientifically as Sansevieria, the Snake Plant comes in different varieties and resembles giant leaves growing out of the soil toward the ceiling.
Its leaves are large, stiff, and perfect for making a bold statement and accentuating any setting.
It’s an excellent houseplant because it can grow nearly anywhere.
- Light: Partly shady to full sunlight. Grows faster in a lighter location.
- Water: Water fortnightly. Let soil dry out before watering. Water more frequently during growing season and less during colder months.
- Temperature: Above 50°F(10ºC). Keep away from draughty areas in winter.
- Soil:Neutral soil pH. Should be potted in sandy or loamy soil.
