Indoor plants with large leaves are an excellent way to brighten your home. Having houseplants with huge, lush foliage is one way to turn any area into an indoor tropical paradise. On top of that, they can improve your indoor air quality and be a lot of fun to maintain!
Here are 7 big-leafed plants that are ideal for growing indoors.
1. Giant Bird of Paradise
With adequate light, the giant bird of paradise can thrive indoors. If you want to grow it as a houseplant, be sure the specimen you purchase comes from an indoor greenhouse. Plants grown for outdoor use do not adapt well to being transferred inside.
The giant bird of paradise features enormous banana-like leaves and unique bird-like flowers. It can reach 5 to 6 feet in height.
Choose a bright location that receives a lot of natural light throughout the day. Don’t let the soil dry out completely; water your plant when the top inch of the soil is dry, but moisture may still be felt just below the surface.
Keep in mind that the leaves and flowers are harmful to humans and animals if consumed.
2. Elephant Ear Plant
Because it has enormous, attractive leaves that will fill up a room, the elephant ear plant is an excellent indoor houseplant if you are looking for a tropical effect. The leaves of this plant can reach a length of 36 inches.
The elephant ear plant does best in a location that receives light from a south-facing window. It does not tolerate direct sunshine or a draft very well. Water this plant only sparingly, whenever the soil feels dry. Providing too much water can lead to root rot.
3. Snake Plant
The snake plant is a fantastic choice for inexperienced gardeners because it is very hardy. It is easy to grow and adaptable; it tolerates both bright light and dim conditions. It looks great in a container, either on the floor or on a tabletop.
This plant may grow to be 6 inches or 8 feet tall. Snake plants come in a range of hues, but the majority feature yellow-bordered, green-banded, stiff, sword-like leaves.
While they don’t mind a lot of shade, snake plants will grow faster when exposed to a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Only water the plant when the soil is dry. During the summer, water once a week; throughout the winter, scale it back to just once a month.
4. Rubber Tree
This Indian native makes an excellent indoor houseplant since it is simple to maintain and grows quickly. In an ideal location, the rubber tree can reach a height of up to 10 feet.
This plant requires a lot of light but prefers it to be indirect and cool. If possible, place it next to a window with sheer curtains, which allow for enough light but shield the plant from too much heat. It’s also a good idea to regularly spray your rubber tree houseplant’s leaves with water or wipe them clean with a moist cloth.
The rubber tree does not need a lot of water. During its dormant season, you may only water it once or twice a month. If the leaves start to droop but don’t fall off, gradually increase the amount of water you give the rubber tree until the leaves perk back up. If you overwater the rubber tree plant, the leaves will become yellow and brown and eventually fall off.
5. Kris Plant (Alocasia Sanderiana)
The alocasia plant needs some help to thrive indoors. But if you are willing to put in a little effort, alocasias will reward you with wonderfully crisp foliage with vibrant colors. Paired with other houseplants, it will give your home an exotic, tropical feel.
The kris plant needs hot and humid conditions to thrive. It has very specific soil and light requirements and needs to be watered gently and frequently. Indoors, it is unlikely to flower, although its unique leaves make up for that. As you can see, this African mask plant requires regular attention to do well.
This plant’s clean and clearly defined lines look particularly appealing when displayed in a contemporary home design.
6. Calathea Orbifolia
Calathea orbifolia is a popular houseplant because of its huge, round leaves. They are gently striped with pale silver-green patterns, with the underside being a light silver-green. It adds a dramatic appeal to your home.
Like other variegated plants, calathea orbifolia requires a lot of diffused light. The leaves will fade and lose their marks if they are exposed to direct sunlight or too much shade. This plant prefers warm to hot temperatures, preferably between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It must have enough room for the air to move between its foliage, but it doesn’t like drafts. The soil needs to be evenly moist but not excessively wet. It is best to frequently water a little bit
7. Majesty Palm
The majesty palm is a large, sturdy palm that thrives in tropical climates. It has long upward arching fronds for leaves and grows nicely as an indoor plant. It can reach a height of 10 feet.
It favors high humidity and temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the air in your home is dry during the winter, consider using a humidifier to help the plant thrive.
Although majesty palms are understory plants in their native environment, providing as much indirect light as possible inside is a good idea. Plants that are wilting should be relocated to a brighter location for a few weeks, but not in direct sunshine.
Make sure the potting material is evenly moist but not soggy. Letting the soil get too dry between waterings will cause the plant to lose lower leaves.
The majesty palm is a fantastic palm variety if you have pets or children because it is non-toxic to both.
