23 Popular Houseplants With Big Leaves (Pictures and Names)

Last Updated on April 4, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

Do you want to make a statement with your houseplants? If so, then you should consider adding one or more of these eight big-leaf plants to your collection.

From the bold and beautiful elephant ear plant to the stately fiddleleaf fig, these plants are sure to turn heads. Read on for information on how to care for these eye-catching plants and learn about some of their unique features.

African Mask Plant (Alocasia amazonica).

African mask plant is a captivating foliage plant with arrow-shaped leaves that resembles the decorative carvings of African masks. It grows best in bright indirect light, not direct sunlight, and prefers temperatures between 65-85°F.

During the warmer months, keep the soil moist but never soggy to avoid root rot. In winter it needs less frequent watering, but will still require some humidity.

Mist the leaves once or twice a week to keep them healthy and looking lush. It is also important to prune any dead foliage as needed.

Fertilize every few weeks throughout the growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer for best results.

Banana Tree Plant (Musa).

Banana tree is an easy-to-care-for houseplant that requires minimal upkeep. It enjoys a bright, indirect light and can thrive in temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

While it doesn’t need to be watered often, the soil should remain moist but not soggy; water when the top one inch of soil feels dry. To ensure adequate nourishment, feed a balanced fertilizer once every two months during the summer.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia).

Bird of Paradise is a stunning tropical plant native to South Africa. With its large and vibrant blooms, it’s sure to be an eye-catching addition to any garden or home. To keep your Bird of Paradise healthy and thriving, here are some important tips for care:

Watering: Bird of Paradise enjoys regular watering during the summer months. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and reduce watering during winter when growth slows down.
Light: This tropical plant loves bright, indirect light or full sun in cooler climates. Too much direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so avoid any intense heat.
Fertilizer: Feed your Bird of Paradise monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. During winter, reduce feeding to once every two months.
Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Avoid drafty areas and cold rooms during wintertime.
Pruning: Prune your Bird of Paradise as needed to ensure a neat and attractive shape.
Unique Features: Bird of Paradise is famous for its tall, bright yellow blooms that resemble a bird in flight. The large leaves are grey-green in color with striking dark veins. It’s a slow growing plant but can reach heights of 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 meters).

Caladium (Caladium bicolor).

Caladium is an eye-catching plant with attractive foliage in shades of red, pink and white. It’s a great choice for bringing some color into your garden or home. Here are some tips to help care for Caladium:

Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering during winter when growth slows down.
Light: Caladium prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Avoid any direct sunlight as intense heat can scorch its leaves.
Fertilizer: Fertilize your plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season, reducing to once every two months in winter.
Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Avoid drafty areas and cold rooms during wintertime.
Pruning: Prune your Caladium as needed to keep its shape tidy and attractive.
Unique Features: Caladium is known for its bright colored foliage in hues of pink, red and white. The heart-shaped leaves are often speckled with silver or green. It is a fast-growing plant but can reach heights of up to 20 inches (50 cm).

Calathea Orbifolia (Goeppertia orbifolia).

Calathea Orbifolia is a stunning tropical plant with beautiful long, oval-shaped leaves. It’s an excellent choice for adding texture and color to your home or garden. Here are some tips for caring for this unique plant:

Watering: Calathea Orbifolia should be watered regularly, about once a week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering during cooler months and don’t let the soil dry out completely.
Light: Calathea Orbifolia prefers bright indirect light so it’s best placed near an east or west facing window. Avoid direct sunlight as this may cause the leaves to scorch.
Humidity: Calathea Orbifolia likes high humidity, so it’s a good idea to mist its leaves frequently or use a humidifier.
Fertilizing: Feed your Calathea Orbifolia once every two weeks during the growing season with a well-balanced fertilizer.
Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 60 – 85°F (16 – 29°C). Keep it away from drafts, air conditioners, and heaters.
Repotting: Repot your Calathea Orbifolia every two years to refresh its soil and give it more room to grow.
Pruning: If your Calathea Orbifolia is looking a bit leggy, trim off the extended stems and leaves with clean, sharp scissors.

Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior).

Cast-iron plant is one of the toughest and hardiest houseplants you can find. This plant will easily survive in low light conditions, making it a great option for those without access to bright windows. Here are some tips for caring for this unique plant:

Watering: Cast-iron plants need only minimal watering – about once a month year-round. Let the soil dry out completely between watering and reduce watering in winter months.
Light: These plants can survive in low light conditions, but will benefit from some direct morning or afternoon sun.
Humidity: Cast-iron plants don’t need high humidity like some other houseplants, but they do appreciate regular misting in dry conditions.
Fertilizing: Fertilize your cast-iron plant once every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Temperature: Cast-iron plants can tolerate temperatures between 55 – 80°F (13 – 27°C). Avoid drafts, air conditioners, and heaters.
Repotting: Repot your cast-iron plant every two years to refresh its soil and give it more room to grow.
Pruning: Prune off any dead or dying leaves from the cast-iron plant with clean, sharp scissors. This will encourage new growth.

Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree.

Dwarf cavendish banana tree is a tropical plant with beautiful, lush foliage and exotic fruits. Here are some tips for caring for this unique plant:

Watering: Dwarf cavendish banana tree needs regular watering – about once or twice a week depending on the temperature and humidity. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Reduce watering during cooler months.
Light: These plants thrive in bright indirect light, but can also tolerate some morning or afternoon sun.
Humidity: Dwarf cavendish banana tree loves high humidity, so mist its leaves with water frequently or use a humidifier.
Fertilizing: Feed your dwarf cavendish banana tree once every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 65 – 85°F (18 – 29°C). Keep it away from drafts, air conditioners, and heaters.
Repotting: Repot your dwarf cavendish banana tree every two years to refresh its soil and give it more room to grow.

Elephant Ear Plant (Calocasia).

Elephant ear plant is a beautiful tropical plant with large, arrow-shaped leaves. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be watered regularly to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

The Elephant Ear Plant can rot if allowed to stay too wet for too long, so it’s important to allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

Fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season will help promote healthy growth.

The Elephant Ear Plant can also be propagated easily through the division of its rhizomes or by stem cuttings.

This is an excellent way to create more plants for your home and garden. With its unique foliage, it makes a great addition to any indoor or outdoor space.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata).

Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular houseplant due to its ornamental broad, deep green and fiddle shaped leaves.

It thrives in bright indirect light, prefers high humidity and will benefit from regular misting during the summer months. It should be watered deeply every 7-10 days when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilize weekly with a weak liquid fertilizer during the growing season, reducing the frequency in winter. Remove dead leaves and stems as needed to promote healthy growth.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are susceptible to root rot due to over-watering so ensure soil is dry before re-watering. If kept in an ideal environment with enough light and care, this plant can grow to be over 6 feet tall.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are stunning plants that will bring life and color to any room. With a little extra care, they can thrive in the home environment.

Fiddle Leaf Figs have unique features that make them stand out from other plants. Their intricate foliage with its deep green hue adds a pop of color to any room. The large size of the plant gives it an impressive presence in any space.

Additionally, Fiddle Leaf Fig can be trained to grow up trellises or shapes by pinching and pruning the branches. This feature allows gardeners to create unique designs with their plants that will stand out in their homes.

Hosta.

Hosta is a type of perennial plant that is known for its beautiful foliage. They are shade loving plants and generally prefer cool temperatures. Hosta thrives when given ample amounts of water, but it’s important to make sure they don’t become over-watered.

Watering should be done twice weekly throughout the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between each watering.

A general-purpose fertilizer should be applied every other month for best results. Hosta will benefit from mulching to retain moisture, protect against soil erosion and discourage weeds. Pruning is not necessary but can help tidy up the plant and remove dead foliage or stems.

Hostas have many features that make them stand out in any garden or home. These plants come in a variety of sizes and leaf shapes, which makes them extremely versatile. Their foliage is usually either green or yellow and can be accompanied by white streaks or spots.

Hosta will also produce beautiful blooms in the summertime that attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Hosta is an easy care plant that will bring a classic look to any outdoor or indoor space. With minimal effort, they can thrive and provide year-round color and texture.

Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana).

Kentia palm is an evergreen plant with a striking silhouette. It requires bright, indirect light and prefers high humidity levels. In the summer months, it should be watered weekly or when the soil feels dry 1 inch deep down.

Fertilize monthly during the growing season using a general-purpose fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary but can help remove dead leaves or stems and keep the plant looking tidy. To help prevent pests, regularly inspect the leaves for signs of damage as well as mist with tepid water.

Kentia palm has many features that make it an attractive houseplant. Its large, feathery leaves create a graceful arching habit giving the plant a unique look. It is also relatively slow-growing, which makes it well-suited for a home or office environment.

Additionally, Kentia palm is easy to care for and can easily tolerate neglect while still remaining healthy. It is the perfect plant to bring a tropical feel to any living space with its bright green foliage and impressive height.

Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum)

Leopard plant is an attractive evergreen that has unique spotted foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil, but not overly wet.

Water when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry and fertilize monthly with a general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season. Pruning is generally not necessary but can help tidy up the plant by removing dead leaves or stems.

Leopard plant is an eye-catching addition to any indoor or outdoor space with its striking foliage. Its leaves are yellow and green, often with a mottled pattern of deep purple spots.

During the springtime, this plant will produce yellow daisy-like flowers that add a splash of color. It is also relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it ideal for beginner gardeners. With its unique look, Leopard plant will add interest to any home or garden.

Majesty Palm (Ravenna rivularis)

Majesty palm is an attractive, slow-growing evergreen that can add a touch of sophistication to any home. This palm prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil with good drainage.

Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer. Pruning may be necessary to remove old foliage or stems.

Majesty palm is a great houseplant with several unique features. It has lush fronds that can reach heights of 6-8 feet, making it an impressive addition to any living space.

Its leaves are glossy green and have a unique quilted pattern on the underside. Majesty palm also produces beautiful white flowers in the fall that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. With regular care, Majesty palm can easily become the centerpiece of any room or garden.

Monstera.

Monstera is an easy-care tropical houseplant with unique and eye-catching foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil, but not overly wet.

Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and fertilize monthly during the growing season using a general-purpose fertilizer. Pruning may be necessary to remove dead leaves or stems in order to keep the plant looking tidy.

Monstera is an ideal houseplant due to its interesting and varied foliage. Its leaves have a glossy green hue with signature holes and splits giving it a unique look that adds texture to any space.

Additionally, Monstera is relatively hardy and can tolerate neglect, making it well-suited for busy lifestyles. With its unique features and easy-care requirements, Monstera is sure to be a conversation piece in any home or office.

Philodendron Gloriosum.

Philodendron gloriosum is attractive, slow-growing evergreen with unique foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil with good drainage.

Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and fertilize monthly during the growing season with a general-purpose fertilizer. Pruning may be necessary to remove dead leaves or stems in order to keep it looking tidy.

Philodendron gloriosum is an eye-catching houseplant that adds a tropical feel to any space. Its vibrant, glossy leaves are green and have distinctive ridges along the sides, giving them a quilted look.

In addition to its attractive foliage, Philodendron gloriosum produces small white flowers and red fruit that add a touch of color to the plant. With its easy-care requirements and unique features, Philodendron gloriosum is sure to be an impressive addition to any home or office.

Philodendron Xanadu

Philodendron Xanadu is an easy-care tropical houseplant with lush foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil with good drainage.

Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and fertilize monthly during the growing season using a general-purpose fertilizer. Pruning may be necessary to remove any dead leaves or stems in order to keep the plant looking tidy.

Philodendron Xanadu is a great houseplant for beginner gardeners due to its attractive foliage and easy-care requirements. Its leaves are glossy green with unique lobes that give it a wavy look, adding texture to any room.

In the summer months, Philodendron Xanadu will produce yellow daisy-like blooms that can brighten up any space. With its lush foliage and easy-care requirements, Philodendron Xanadu is sure to be an attractive addition to any home or office.

Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

Rubber tree is an attractive, low-maintenance houseplant with unique foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil with good drainage. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry and fertilize monthly during the growing season using a general-purpose fertilizer. Pruning may be necessary to remove dead leaves or stems in order to keep it looking tidy.

Rubber tree is an ideal houseplant due to its unique and eye-catching foliage. Its leaves are glossy green with distinct veining, giving it a beautiful texture.

Rubber tree can also produce small white flowers in the springtime that add visual interest to any space. With its easy-care requirements and beautiful features, Rubber tree is sure to be an impressive addition to any home or office.

Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala Grandis)

Ruffled fan palm is an easy to care for houseplant that has uniquely beautiful, fan-shaped fronds. It flourishes in bright filtered sunlight and moist but well-draining soil.

Water the plant when the topsoil becomes dry and fertilize during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

The plant prefers humid conditions, so it is important to mist it regularly with a spray bottle. To maintain the plant’s unique shape, pinch off excess leaves or prune if necessary. Be sure to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake plant is an easy-to-care-for, low maintenance houseplant that can survive in low light and irregular watering. It requires only occasional watering – about once a week for mature plants and every three to four weeks for younger ones.

Additionally, snake plant does not need frequent fertilizing and prefers well-draining soil. As with most houseplants, Snake Plant should not be sitting in standing water.

Snake Plant is an air-purifying houseplant; it produces oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide from the air. It is also known for its resilience against pests and diseases – making it a great choice for those new to growing houseplants.

Uniquely, Snake Plants have fleshy leaves and can tolerate low light environments. The plant’s long, sword-like leaves come in a variety of sizes and shapes – depending on the cultivar – with smoky green and yellow stripes appearing like “snakeskin.”

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii)

Swiss cheese plant is an attractive, easy to care for tropical houseplant with distinctive large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Its common name comes from the holes that perforate the leaves when mature. It can be grown in a variety of conditions as long as it receives adequate light and moisture.

When caring for Swiss cheese plants it’s important to give them bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soggy. They should be fertilized with a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during its growing season.

Pruning is also important in order to encourage new growth, so trim off any brown or yellowing leaves as well as any dead stems.

In addition to their unique leaf pattern, Swiss cheese plants also make interesting conversation pieces due to their aerial roots which can attach themselves to a stake or trellis for support.

It is also one of the few tropical houseplants that do well when grown in terrariums as long as it has adequate humidity and light.

Tropic Snow Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia seguine)

Tropic snow dumb cane is an attractive houseplant with large variegated leaves. As with all houseplants, proper care and maintenance will ensure it grows healthily and looks their best.

This plant prefers a moderate amount of indirect light and should be kept away from direct sunlight. It can handle low to medium temperatures, but should not be exposed to cold drafts or extreme heat.

Water when the soil surface is dry, making sure not to overwater as this can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Feed monthly with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer during the growing season, but do not fertilize when it’s dormant in winter.

Keep the plant clean by wiping down its leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks. This will prevent dust from building up and help to keep the leaves glossy.

Propagate Tropic Snow Dumb Cane by division, separating a section of the root ball and replanting it in new soil. As evergreen plants, they are perfect for adding life to any home or office space year-round!

Velvet Philodendron (Philodendron gloriosum)

Velvet philodendron, also known as Philodendron gloriosum, is a popular tropical houseplant. Noted for its attractive foliage and easy care requirements, this plant makes a great addition to any home or office space.

To ensure the best care for your Velvet philodendron, position it in bright, indirect light and keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. The ideal temperature range for Velvet philodendron is 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilize the plant regularly during its growing season, spring through fall, to maintain healthy growth. Prune the foliage as needed and avoid overwatering or drafts that can cause leaf spots or yellowing leaves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, houseplants with big leaves offer many benefits and can be a great addition to any home. So if you are looking for something that will add color to your space while also purifying the air, it may be worth considering adding one of these plants to your living environment.

Plus, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is perfect for your home. No matter what type of houseplant you choose, make sure to follow the care instructions carefully and enjoy watching it thrive!

Happy gardening!