13 Big Leaf Houseplants That Make a Statement

Houseplants with big, dramatic leaves can transform a space by adding vibrant pops of color, interesting textures, and an exotic tropical feel. If you want to make a bold statement with your greenery, look no further than these stunning large-leaved beauties! From ruffled monstera leaves to big bird of paradise blooms, these plants are sure to become eye-catching focal points wherever you place them.

Monstera Deliciosa

The monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is characterized by its large, glossy green leaves with holes and fenestrations that give it a distinctive, latticed appearance. Native to Central and South America, monsteras can grow over 60 feet in the wild, but are typically kept much smaller when grown as houseplants.

Monsteras make excellent statement plants in any indoor space. Their leaves can reach up to 3 feet long by 2 feet wide when given proper care and conditions. Position a monstera where its dramatic foliage can take center stage. The leaves look especially striking when allowed to trail down from raised surfaces. Their natural climbing growth habit gives them a sculptural, climbing vine aesthetic.

Caring for Monstera Deliciosa

Light – Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct southern sun exposure.
Water – Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
Soil – Well-draining potting mix amended with bark or perlite. Does not like to sit in wet soil.
Humidity – Mist leaves or use a pebble tray to boost humidity. Likes 40-60% humidity if possible.
Fertilizer – Diluted balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer. Reduce in fall and winter.
Support – Use moss poles, trellises or clipping the trailing stems to provide support.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig has become an incredibly popular houseplant thanks to its elegant, violin-shaped leaves that can reach an impressive size of 18 inches long by 12 inches wide. These dramatic leaves emerge in a vibrant shade of green, darkening as they mature. With proper care, a fiddle leaf fig can grow into an impressive focal point over 10 feet tall. Give them plenty of space to spread out and show off their beautifully shaped foliage.

Caring for Fiddle Leaf Figs

Light – Bright, indirect light is best. Some direct sun is ok. Low light will cause leaf drop.
Water – Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Don’t let sit in standing water.
Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Amend with perlite if needed for drainage.
Humidity – Mist leaves and provide humidity through pebble trays or humidifiers.
Fertilizer – Fertilize every 2-3 months during active growth with a balanced houseplant food.
Pruning – Prune only for shaping. Wipe leaves with moist cloth to remove dust.

Split Leaf Philodendron

The split leaf philodendron, also called monstera deliciosa, is named for its large, prominently lobed leaves. This vining philodendron can be trained upward on a trellis or allowed to trail from a high shelf to show off its dramatic foliage. With bright indirect light its leaves can grow up to 36 inches long by 30 inches wide on mature plants. The leaves start out with perforations that split into deep cuts as the plant matures.

Caring for Split Leaf Philodendrons

Light – Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Water – Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from bottom.
Soil – Loose, well-draining soil mix. Doesn’t like sitting in wet soil.
Humidity – Mist leaves and use pebble tray to provide humidity.
Fertilizer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during active growth.
Pruning – Remove yellowing leaves as needed. Prune to shape or train climbing stems.

Bird of Paradise

Native to South Africa, the exotic bird of paradise is known for its vibrant orange and blue bird-like flower that grows on long upright stems. Its leaves are also quite dramatic – they can reach up to 6 feet long by 1 foot wide, with a bright green color and bold split leaflets. A mature plant can grow over 6 feet tall and wide, making a stunning architectural statement. Position bird of paradise where its vibrant blooms and enormous leaves will really stand out.

Caring for Bird of Paradise

Light – Very bright light, some direct sun. South or west facing window ideal.
Water – Allow top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water less in winter.
Soil – Rich, well-draining potting mix amended with perlite and bark.
Humidity – Mist leaves, use a pebble tray or humidifier. Likes 40-50% humidity.
Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks during active growth with bloom-boosting fertilizer. Reduce in winter.
Support – Stake tall stems once they become top heavy.

Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Sometimes called Mini Monstera, Rhaphidophora tetrasperma has leaves that look like a smaller version of a split leaf philodendron. Its lobed leaves can reach 8 inches long by 4 inches wide. Let it trail from a hanging basket or climb up a moss pole to show off the pretty fenestrations and splits in each leaf. Rhaphidophoras are fast growers but stay fairly compact, maxing out around 3 feet tall. Their petite size makes them great statement plants even in smaller spaces.

Caring for Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma

Light – Bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct southern exposure.
Water – Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Don’t oversaturate soil.
Soil – Well-draining potting mix. Allow to slightly dry between waterings.
Humidity – Provide 40-60% humidity. Misting leaves helps increase humidity.
Fertilizer – Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks from spring to fall.
Pruning – Prune off any dead or damaged leaves. Pinch back long vines.

Rubber Plant

With its shiny, leathery leaves and tall, tree-like growth habit, the rubber plant or Ficus elastica makes a tropical statement wherever its placed. Its oval-shaped leaves emerge as a rich burgundy before darkening to a deep green at maturity. With proper care, a rubber plant can grow 6 to 10 feet tall indoors. Let it spread out to highlight its huge, ornamental leaves. The Rubber Plant’s waxy foliage and sculptural shape work well as a bold anchor plant in indoor tropical displays.

Caring for Rubber Plants

Light – Bright, filtered light. Some direct sun OK. Avoid direct southern exposure.
Water – Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings. Don’t let sit in water.
Soil – Use a well-draining potting mix. Does not like soggy soil.
Humidity – Mist leaves and provide moderate humidity.
Fertilizer – Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season with a balanced houseplant food.
Pruning – Wipe leaves with damp cloth to remove dust. Prune to shape or control size.

Rattlesnake Calathea

With its oval leaves banded in alternating stripes of light and dark green, the rattlesnake calathea makes a striking statement displayed on its own. Native to Brazil, calatheas can reach 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The delicate zebra-like striping on its leaves resembles the patterns of a rattlesnake’s scales, giving it its common name. Rattlesnake calatheas need bright, indirect light to maintain their vibrant foliage colors. Their large, showy leaves look great in hanging baskets, on plant stands, or on accent tables.

Caring for Rattlesnake Calathea

Light – Bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun.
Water – Keep soil moist, water when top 1-2″ are dry. Don’t let dry out.
Soil – Use a peat based, well-draining soil mix. Does not like to dry out.
Humidity – Provide 60-80% humidity. Mist leaves frequently.
Fertilizer – Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength every 2-4 weeks during growing season.
Pruning – Remove dead or damaged leaves. Wipe leaves often to remove dust.

Chinese Evergreen

With its large, rounded leaves available in shades like silver, green, pink, and red, the Chinese evergreen offers tons of visual interest! It can grow over 3 feet tall, but is typically kept smaller when cultivated as a houseplant. Chinese evergreens are slow growing, low maintenance plants that can tolerate low light conditions in indoor spaces. Their large colorful leaves look fantastic displayed alone or arranged in groups to create a spectrum of colors and textures. The variegated varieties add pops of white, silver and pink that really stand out against the deep green foliage.

Caring for Chinese Evergreen

Light – Low to bright indirect light. Tolerates shady conditions.
Water – Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil – Use a general potting mix. Well-draining but remains moist.
Humidity – Average room humidity is fine. Mist leaves occasionally.
Fertilizer – Feed monthly during growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning – Remove faded or damaged leaves. Wipe large leaves to remove dust.

Alocasia (Elephant Ear)

With huge, heart-shaped or arrowhead shaped leaves that point upward atop thick stems, Alocasias really live up to their nickname “elephant ears”! Their leaves can grow over 3 feet long on mature plants. Alocasias thrive in tropical settings, producing new leaves all season long. Place them in front of other plants to highlight their oversized, architectural foliage. Use contrasting colors and textures in the background to make them pop even more. There are many hybrid Alocasia varieties to collect with leaves patterned, colored and shaped differently.

Caring for Alocasias

Light – Bright, indirect light is best. Some direct morning sun OK.
Water – Keep soil consistently moist. Never let dry out fully.
Soil – Rich, dense and moisture retaining. Well-draining soil.
Humidity – Provide 60-80% humidity. Mist leaves daily.
Fertilizer – Feed every 2-4 weeks during growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning – Remove spent leaves and old stems. Wipe dust from leaves.

Philodendron Xanadu

Named for its lush, tropical appearance, Philodendron xanadu has uniquely lobed leaves that emerge from a central base rather than a vine. Each glossy leaf has sharply defined leaflets that diverge from a central vein. This gives them an almost palm-like or fern-like appearance. Xanadu philodendrons can reach 4 feet tall and wide, producing evergreen foliage all year long. Use its big, bushy leaves as a colorful green backdrop to other statement plants. Or let it take center stage on its own, surrounded by some colorful pottery or garden art.

Caring for Philodendron Xanadu

Light – Bright indirect light to partial sun. Avoid direct afternoon sun.
Water – Allow soil to partially dry between waterings. Don’t let totally dry out.
Soil – Well-draining potting mix. Allow to slightly dry between waterings.
Humidity – Average humidity is fine. Mist leaves occasionally.
Fertilizer – Feed every 3-4 weeks during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Pruning – Remove yellowing leaves as needed. Prune to maintain desired size and shape.

Stromanthe Triostar

The eye-catching tri-colored leaves of the Stromanthe triostar make it a fabulous statement plant! Each striking leaf has bands of white, pink, and dark green emanating from a central point. The leaves can reach up to 2 feet long by 1 foot wide and look almost painted when lit well. Native to the Brazilian rainforest, Stromanthes thrive in bright, humid settings. Let its pastel tones brighten up your living space in a way few other plants can!

Caring for Stromanthe Triostar

Light – Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure.
Water – Keep soil consistently moist. Never let dry out fully.
Soil – Peaty, moisture-retentive soil. Does not like drying out.
Humidity – Provide 60-80% humidity. Mist leaves daily.
Fertilizer – Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength.
Pruning – Wipe leaves with moist cloth to remove dust. Remove dead leaves/stems.

Majesty Palm

If you want the look of a tropical palm tree in your home, majesty palms are an excellent choice! They grow in a standard palm style with long feathery fronds emerging from a central stalk. Indoors, majesty palms typically reach heights of 4-5 feet tall. Place them in a large pot and let the graceful cascading fronds make a huge visual impact. Majesty palms are also effective screening or divider plants thanks to their incredible height achieved on slender stems. Let them create a tropical focal point anywhere in your home!

Caring for Majesty Palms

Light – Bright indirect light or partial sun. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
Water – Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Don’t let dry out.
Soil – Rich, dense and moisture-retentive potting mix.
Humidity – Mist leaves daily and use a humidifier nearby. Likes 50-70% humidity.
Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning – Remove yellow fronds as needed and trim off brown frond tips.

Banana Tree

Though not a true tree, the fast growing banana plant makes a bold tropical statement in any home thanks to its huge paddle-shaped leaves and delightful banana fruits! Banana trees can grow up to 25 feet tall in the tropics, but when grown as houseplants they typically max out around 6-8 feet tall. Let your banana tree spread its wide, dramatic leaves in a bright location and watch it transform a space with its bold, exotic vibes. The added interest of the developing banana fruits also adds to its statement appeal.

Caring for Banana Trees

Light – Provide very bright light for best growth. Some direct sun is ideal.
Water – Keep soil consistently moist but avoid sogginess. More water in summer.
Soil – Rich, dense and moisture retentive potting mix.
Humidity – Mist leaves and provide 40-50% humidity if possible. Pebble tray helps.
Fertilizer – Feed weekly in summer with a high potassium fertilizer. Reduce in winter.
Pruning – Prune off dead or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks.

Split Leaf Alocasia

Also called Alocasia Polly, the split leaf Alocasia features dramatically lobed leaves that can reach over 1 foot long. Each leaf is deeply cut into distinct points that spread outward from the center. New growth emerges as a dark blackish-green before maturing to a deep emerald shade. When grown in optimal conditions the split leaf Alocasia will continuously produce new foliage from its central corm. Let its substantial leaves make a prominent statement wherever tropical vibes are desired. Their unique shape is eye catching alone or contrasts beautifully against other big, bold houseplants.

Caring for Split Leaf Alocasia

Light – Provide bright, indirect light. Some early morning sun OK.
Water – Keep soil consistently moist. Water when top few inches are dry.
Soil – Loose, chunky potting mix that retains some moisture.
Humidity – Maintain 50-60% humidity. Mist leaves often.
Fertilizer – Feed every 2-4 weeks during active growth periods with balanced liquid fertilizer.
Pruning – Remove dead, damaged, discolored leaves as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest houseplants?

Some of the biggest houseplants include Fiddle Leaf Figs, Monstera Deliciosa, Split Leaf Philodendrons, Banana Trees, Bird of Paradise, and Rubber Plants. When provided adequate space and care they can grow quite large indoors, up to 10 feet tall for some varieties.

What houseplants have the biggest leaves?

Houseplants renowned for their big, dramatic leaves include Monsteras, Fiddle Leaf Figs, Elephant Ears, Bird of Paradise, Chinese Evergreen, Banana Trees, Philodendron Xanadu, and Alocasias. Tropical foliage plants tend to have the largest leaves.

How do you care for large houseplants?

Large houseplants need a few special things:

Large container or planting bed space to spread roots
Moisture-retentive and well-draining potting soil
Bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight
Consistent watering to maintain moist but not soaked soil
Humidity from misting, pebble trays or humidifiers
Support from stakes or trellises as they grow taller

Where should I place big houseplants in my home?

The best places for big statement houseplants are:

Near bright, sunny windows where their large leaves can spread out
In entryways or corners to make use of vertical space
Against blank walls and open floor areas as a decorative focal point
In rooms with high ceilings, like lofts