10 Big Leaf Houseplants for Your Indoor Jungle

Plants with big leaves resemble an indoor jungle. Along with reducing stress and soothing your mental health, houseplants are known to increase humidity by evapotranspiration process.

With their large green leaves, houseplants create a calming ambience.

Few studies claim that having indoor plants can increase morale and promote relaxation.

Though there is no scientific evidence to back how plants can improve air quality, a NASA study claim plants can reduce volatile oxygen compounds.

You don’t need studies to tell you how good it feels to be surrounded by green.

10 Big Leaf Houseplants for Your Indoor Space

Stuck in the midst of the concrete jungle, growing plants with big leaves gives us a comforting connection to the natural world.

But to grow them successfully, you should fulfill its growing requirements like indirect light, adequate water, enough fertilizer and regular pruning.

Below mentioned are 10 big leaf indoor plants that you can consider to include in your home.

1. African Mask Plant

With bold, arrow-shaped leaves edged in bright white veins, this dramatic houseplant looks like something straight out of a jungle dream.

Though compact in size (usually maxing out around 2 feet tall), its sculptural foliage commands attention. It loves humidity, indirect light, and a little extra care—but the tropical vibe it brings is well worth it.

Keep it in a warm spot away from drafts, and let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.

While it may go dormant in cooler months, it’ll bounce back with the right conditions—like a diva taking a seasonal break.

Also Read: 18 Houseplants with Red and Green Leaves

2. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

Thick, glossy leaves in deep green or burgundy give the Rubber Tree a bold, modern look. This low-maintenance plant thrives in bright, indirect light and adds instant elegance to any corner.

It can grow impressively tall—up to 8 feet indoors—if given room and steady care. Wipe the leaves occasionally to keep them shiny and dust-free. It’s a quiet statement-maker that doesn’t ask for much but gives a lot.

3. Calathea Orbifolia

Known for its wide, silvery-green leaves with soft striping, Calathea Orbifolia is like living wallpaper—serene and eye-catching all at once. It’s a humidity lover and thrives in lower light, making it perfect for bathrooms or cozy corners.

The leaves move subtly throughout the day, giving the plant a dynamic presence. Keep its soil consistently moist but never soggy. With proper care, it brings a gentle, meditative vibe to any space.

4. Banana Tree Plant

Nothing screams tropical getaway quite like the lush, oversized leaves of a Banana Tree. Indoors, it won’t bear fruit, but its dramatic height and vibrant green foliage make it a showstopper.

It craves sunlight, warmth, and moisture, so give it a bright, sunny spot and regular watering. Keep the humidity up, and this beauty will reward you with fast growth. Think of it as a palm-free ticket to paradise.

5. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

With its fan-like arrangement of banana-like leaves, the Bird of Paradise brings bold, architectural drama to indoor spaces. Though it rarely flowers indoors, its tropical foliage alone steals the show.

It thrives in bright light—even direct sun—and can grow up to 6 feet tall inside. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry and rotate it regularly to keep it growing evenly. It’s the plant equivalent of vacation energy.

6. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Big, leathery, violin-shaped leaves make this plant a favorite for modern interiors. While a bit temperamental, it rewards consistency with stunning vertical growth—up to 10 feet indoors.

Bright, filtered light and moderate watering are key to keeping it happy. It prefers to stay in one spot, so avoid moving it too often. When it thrives, it becomes the sculptural centerpiece of the room.

7. Tropic Snow Dumb Cane

Splashy green leaves mottled with creamy white make this tropical stunner impossible to miss. It’s easygoing and adaptable, growing well in indirect light and average humidity.

It can reach heights of 5 feet or more, giving rooms a lush, full look. Just keep it away from pets, as its sap can be irritating. For a bold, low-fuss beauty, this one’s a keeper.

8. Monstera Deliciosa

Undisputed plant darling of social media, the Monstera is all about those iconic, split leaves and jungle vibes. Its foliage is not just gorgeous—it’s massive, sometimes reaching 3 feet long.

Indoors, it can grow over 10 feet tall if given room to climb or spread. Keep it in bright, indirect light, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings. It’s bold, tropical, and effortlessly cool.

9. Elephant Ear Plant

Aptly named, this plant flaunts enormous, heart-shaped leaves that can grow as big as your head—or bigger! It loves moisture, warmth, and dappled light, creating a true rainforest feel wherever it lives.

Indoors, it usually stays under 4 feet but can stretch taller in the right conditions. Give it space, because those leaves love to spread. Perfect for creating instant jungle drama.

Also Read: 19 Plants that Have Heart Shaped Leaves

10. Philodendron Gloriosum

A crawling philodendron with velvety, heart-shaped leaves lined in creamy white veins—Gloriosum is as fancy as it sounds. Unlike climbing varieties, this one sprawls along the surface, so it needs room to roam.

Bright, indirect light and high humidity help its striking leaves stay lush and full. It grows slowly but rewards patience with undeniable beauty. Think low-key diva with a velvet wardrobe.

How to Care for Big Leaf Indoor Plants?

1. Provide Proper Light

Big-leaf indoor plants like Fiddle Leaf Fig and Monstera prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Calathea tolerates low light but grows slower and less vibrant.

2. Maintain Humidity

Many large-leafed plants thrive in high humidity, typical of their tropical origins. In dry climates or winter, increase humidity by using a humidifier, grouping plants, or placing a water-filled tray beneath them. Avoid over-misting to prevent fungal problems.

3. Water Properly

Big-leaf plants love a steady watering routine, but they aren’t fans of sitting in wet soil.

Overwatering is a common mistake and can lead to root rot. To prevent this, always check the top inch of the soil first—only water if it’s dry.

During warmer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler months, cut back. Plants like the Elephant Ear love moisture, so keep the soil just slightly damp, but never soggy.

4. Soil and Potting Needs

Well-draining soil is essential for big-leaf plants, especially tall varieties like the Rubber Tree or Bird of Paradise. A tropical plant mix or a combination of peat, perlite, and pine bark provides the perfect balance.

Always use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing root rot. As your plant grows, repot it every couple of years to refresh the soil and provide room for its expanding roots.

5. Fertilize Regularly

Fertilizing big-leaf plants, especially fast growers like the Monstera, helps them thrive. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed them once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

In fall and winter, cut back on fertilization as the plant enters its resting phase. Always dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid burning the roots.

6. Prune for Health and Shape

Pruning plays a key role in keeping big-leaf plants healthy and looking their best. Regularly remove yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage fresh growth and keep the plant tidy.

For taller plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig, trimming the top can promote a fuller, bushier shape. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts and prevent injury or disease.

Beyond aesthetics, pruning helps stop the spread of potential issues by removing affected areas early.

7.  Avoid Pests

Thanks to their lush foliage and love for moisture, big-leaf plants can sometimes attract unwanted pests like spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.

It’s a good habit to inspect the undersides of their leaves regularly for any signs of trouble. If pests do show up, act quickly with treatments like insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a gentle water-and-dish-soap spray.

Staying on top of watering and humidity helps keep your plant resilient and less appealing to invaders.

9. Temperature Considerations

Warm, stable temperatures are key to keeping big-leaf tropical plants happy. Most thrive between 65–75°F and can react poorly to sudden chills or heat. Keep them away from drafts, AC vents, and heaters to avoid stress.

When temperatures dip too low, you might notice leaf drop or other signs of distress—so aim for a cozy, consistent environment to keep them thriving.

With the right care, big-leaf plants won’t just grow—they’ll transform your space with bold, tropical flair. They might need a bit more love, but the lush vibes and calm they offer make it totally worth it!