Big-leaf houseplants bring drama, elegance, and a touch of the tropics into your living space. With their oversized leaves and bold appearances, they serve as statement pieces while improving air quality and adding a natural vibe to your decor.
From show-stopping Monstera to less common beauties, here are 20 stunning options to take your indoor jungle to the next level.
Giving You Choices Without the Overwhelm
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We decided to curate this list of 20 large-leaf houseplants to give you a mix of options that can fit your plant-parent goals. Maybe you’re looking to add one new bold plant to a corner of your home, or want to start adding a whole wall of plants for more green space. Regardless, this list has you covered.
To decide what works best, Mississippi State Extension recommends choosing houseplants that match your home’s light, humidity, and care capabilities boosts success rates.
1. Monstera Deliciosa
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Monstera deliciosa, often called the “Swiss cheese plant,” is known for its large, split leaves that continue to spread as the plant matures. These tropical beauties thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light.
Place your Monstera near a filtered south or west-facing window (not direct, as this can scorch the leaves) for the best light conditions. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure your pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
2. Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)
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With its round, pleated leaves resembling ancient fans, the Ruffled Fan Palm is both exotic and regal. This plant loves a warm, humid environment and is best suited for spaces with consistent moisture.
Place it near a window with bright, indirect sunlight or in dappled light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and mist its leaves occasionally to replicate its natural habitat.
3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
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Known for its dramatic leaves and iconic tropical presence, the Bird of Paradise can grow up to 10 feet tall. While it rarely flowers indoors, it makes up for it with its glossy, architectural foliage.
Position this plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate some direct sun. Water it when the soil is mostly dry, about every 1-2 weeks depending on your home’s humidity. Note: This plant is unlikely to flower indoors unless it has high doses of direct sunlight.
4. Banana Tree (Musa)
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The Banana Tree instantly brings a tropical flair to your living space with its enormous, arching leaves. Dwarf varieties like Super Cavendish are ideal for indoor growth.
Give it as much direct sunlight as possible or supplement with a grow light. Water it consistently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but never completely.
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
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With violin-shaped leaves that shine in any room, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular but somewhat finicky option. It prefers stable conditions and abundant light.
This plant enjoys indirect bright light. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging. Rotate the pot periodically to ensure even growth.
6. Philodendron Selloum (Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum)
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This fast-growing philodendron features deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to two feet long. It’s easy to manage and an excellent addition to spacious settings.
Position it in a bright room with indirect light. Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out before watering, and mist the leaves to maintain humidity.
7. Dieffenbachia ‘Crocodile’
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This striking plant offers long leaves with bold spots and ruffled midribs. Its vibrant foliage adds a pop of personality to any corner of your home.
Place it in bright, but indirect light to prevent leaf burn. Water it when the soil’s top inch feels dry and avoid cold drafts for optimal growth. Warning: the sap is toxic to pets and humans.
8. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)
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The Rubber Tree is a low-maintenance plant with shiny, dark green leaves. It can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors while tolerating a range of light conditions.
Position it where it can get bright, indirect light and keep away from cold windows. Water only when the soil feels dry, and wipe the leaves occasionally to remove dust.
9. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
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This lush, tall plant is recognized for its long, strappy leaves and versatility in diverse light conditions. It’s excellent for low-light corners.
Place it near an east-facing window or in a well-lit room. Keep the soil slightly moist, letting it dry out between waterings.
10. Philodendron ‘Moonlight’
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A fast-growing, easy-care houseplant, this type of philodendron features chartreuse new leaves that mature into a deep green.
Position it in a brightly lit room, but avoid harsh, direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist, and fertilize monthly for vigorous growth.
11. Elephant Ear (Colocasia spp.)
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Prepare to be wowed by the gigantic, heart-shaped leaves of the Elephant Ear plant. Although more demanding, it’s worth the effort for its show-stopping foliage.
Provide it with ample humidity and a spot in bright, indirect light. Water regularly but avoid waterlogged soil, and ensure strong drainage.
12. Alocasia
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With its vivid green leaves and intricate veining, Alocasia is a tropical gem that adds exotic beauty to your home.
Place it near other houseplants or a humidifier to mimic its native environment. Water it regularly but avoid soggy soil, which can harm the roots.
13. Philodendron ‘Red Congo’
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This philodendron offers large, glossy leaves with a deep purple-r
ed hue. It grows into a compact mound perfect for floor displays.
Position it in a warm room with indirect sunlight. Water when the topsoil dries and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
14. Philodendron ‘Golden Crocodile’
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Golden Crocodile features bright yellow-green, textured leaves that resemble the humps on a crocodile’s back. This unique plant thrives in indoor conditions.
Place it in bright, indirect light and water when the soil’s surface dries. Use a well-draining mix to avoid saturation.
15. Giant Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
![[Asplenium nidus] Bird's nest fern on tree](https://www.backyardgardenlover.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Shutterstock_1640835952.jpg)
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Keep it in moderate to bright indirect light and allow the soil to stay consistently moist. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its thin fronds.
16. Chinese Fan Palm (Livistona chinensis)
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Its dramatic fan-shaped leaves make the Chinese Fan Palm an eye-catching addition to entryways or large spaces.
Place it near a window with diffused light, and provide regular watering when the topsoil dries. Occasional misting helps maintain its lush greenery.
17. Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)
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This graceful palm adds a tropical feel to indoor spaces with its feathery fronds.
Position it near a south-facing window for indirect light and keep its soil moist but not soggy. High humidity will keep it thriving.
18. Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
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Often called the “Mini Monstera,” this vining plant has a similar leaf structure but on a smaller scale.
Give it medium to bright indirect light, and allow the topsoil to dry before watering. A moss pole can support its climbing habit.
19. ZZ Raven Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia Raven)
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With deep black, waxy leaves, this plant is both low maintenance and deeply dramatic.
It tolerates low light but grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings for optimal health.
20. Anthurium Clarinervium
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Known for its heart-shaped leaves covered in intricate veins, this standout species is perfect for tight spaces needing an artistic touch.
Position it with medium, indirect light and keep its soil constantly moist but not soggy. Humidity control will help its striking foliage stay vibrant.
Enhance your home with these bold and beautiful big-leaf houseplants. Each adds its charm while recreating the lush vibes of a tropical paradise indoors. With proper placement and care, your space will thrive with greenery and elegance year-round.
