You are reading this article for a list of plants with big leaves.
There are many reasons for owning houseplants. They are air purifying, relaxing to look at, and create a nice focal point in any room. I like a mix of leaves and textures for my houseplants.
I like big leaves, and I cannot lie.
I love a good statement plant. You know the type. A houseplant with big leaves that steals the show when you enter a room.
Takeaways
| Plant Name | Leaf Length | Leaf Width |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Cheese Plant | 35.5 in | 29.5 in |
| Anthurium | 28 in | 16 in |
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | 16 in | 12 in |
| Elephant's Ear | 60 in | 48 in |
| Giant Bird of Paradise | 120 in | 71 in |
| Philodendron | 24 in | 16 in |
| Caladium | 12 in | 8 in |
| Hosta | 18 in | 12 in |
| Rubber Plant | 14 in | 6 in |
| Ruffled Fan Palm | 12 in | 22 in |
| Dieffenbachia | 8 in | 5 in |
| Banana Plant | 79 in | 20 in |
What are Plants with Big Leaves?
Many plants have big leaves: Monstera, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Elephant’s Ear, Giant Bird of Paradise, Philodendron, Caladium and Hosta, Rubber Plant, Ruffled Fan Palm, Dieffenbachia, and the Banana Plant.
Table of Contents
1. Swiss Cheese Plant
Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
Leaf length: 35.5 in
Leaf diameter: 29.5 in
The Monstera plant, or Monstera deliciosa, has large green leaves that command attention. The foliage of the Swiss Cheese plant contains holes and slits. This is where the Swiss Cheese reference comes from.
It needs medium light or bright indirect light. The most common care mistake for beginners is to overwater this plant.
2. Anthurium
Scientific Name: Anthurium
Leaf length: 28 in
Leaf diameter: 16 in
When talking about monstrous leaves, you must consider the Anthurium family of plants. Some of the Anthuriums in my collection, such as the King Anthurium and Queen Anthurium or Anthurium metallicum produce gigantic leaves.
Like almost all Aroids, they prefer well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and watering about once a week.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Scientific Name: Ficus lyrata
Leaf length: 16 in
Leaf diameter: 12 in
Fiddle Leaf Figs ( Ficus lyrata) have oven-mitt-sized green leaves on top of a thin spindly trunk. They are bold yet have a clean design that works well for offices and homes. The downside? They need bright light and do not do well with frequent moving.
They are also easily one of the most demanding plants I ever cared for. Do not overwater it, and avoid direct sun and low light conditions.
4. Elephant’s Ear
Scientific Name: Colocasia esculenta
Leaf length: 60 in
Leaf diameter: 48 in
The Elephant’s Ear, or Colocasia esculenta is a huge plant. It has dinner plate-sized leaves if not bigger, and huge stalks.
They require a bright room and a lot of humidity as their origins are in Africa. They are prone to scorching, so make sure the light is indirect, and their soil must always be moist.
5. Giant Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name: Strelitzia nicolai
Leaf length: 120 in
Leaf diameter: 71 in
Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) grows over 7 feet tall (2m) and is a striking addition to any room. Their massive leaves grow from thin green stalks and are pointing upwards. If they are well cared for, these tropical beauties will reward you with a beautiful flower uniquely shaped like a bird.
6. Philodendron
Scientific Name: Philodendron
Leaf length: 24 in
Leaf diameter: 16 in
Philodendron can grow large and tall with massive leaves. Some of them can grow leaves that are up to 4 feet long (1.2 m). The leaves are sometimes jagged, giving this showstopper a fern-like vibe in some cases.
They require medium sunlight, need consistent watering, and well-draining soil.
7. Caladium
Scientific Name: Caladium
Leaf length: 12 in
Leaf diameter: 8 in
Caladiums have large, heart-shaped leaves. According to the University of Florida, the large leaves of Caladiums are a stunning combination of white, pink, red, and green.
They rarely flower, but with the leaves as stunning as they are, they don’t need to make a big impression. These plants thrive in partial shade but do require a high humidity level.
8. Hosta
Scientific Name: Hosta
Leaf length: 18 in
Leaf diameter: 12 in
Hosta plants are best known for their large, waxy blue and green leaves. They are a regular addition to outdoor flower beds but can also be elegant indoor plants. They need a well-lit area with at least 3 hours of direct sunlight daily.
9. Rubber Plant
Scientific Name: Ficus Elastica
Leaf length: 14 in
Leaf diameter: 6 in
The leaves of a Rubber plant or Ficus elastica are large, although not huge. Their leaves are oval-shaped and dark green. This Ficus elastica grows 10 feet tall (3m) and comes in dozens of colorful varieties. These plants need a medium to bright light and should be left to dry out in between watering partially.
10. Ruffled Fan Palm
Scientific Name: Licuala grandis
Leaf length: 12 in
Leaf diameter: 22 in
There are lots of varieties of indoor palm trees that I could have put on the list. They are all stunning and different. Some have smaller leaves but grow to an enormous height, while others sit on shorter trunks adorned with massive green leaves.
The Ruffled fan palm or Licuala grandis has massive green leaves with a ruffled side like a handheld fan. This large plant needs partial sunlight that must be indirect.
A large window is an absolute must for a plant like this. You have to make sure there is a filter between the sun and the plant, or its leaves with scorch.
11. Dieffenbachia
Scientific Name: Dieffenbachia reflector
Leaf length: 8 in
Leaf diameter: 5 in
Dieffenbachia, otherwise known as a dumb cane, these plants have large waxy leaves. They are a pretty mix of yellow, white, and green. They are low maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any office or room with filtered, indirect light.
Let these plants partially dry in between watering. Like many plants that prefer indirect sunlight, their leaves will burn if they sit in direct sunlight.
12. Banana Plant
Scientific Name: Musa
Leaf length: 79 in
Leaf diameter: 20 in
Banana plants or Musa have large tropical leaves that are lush and dark green. Some banana plants produce edible fruit while others do not, and there is no guarantee that an indoor variety will, so don’t let fresh bananas decide whether to own one of these beauties.
Banana plants need 4 to 6 hours of sunlight a day, so if you do get one, make sure you have a sunny area that is big enough. Indirect light is best for them, and they prefer a humid climate.
Conclusion
Big-leaved houseplants are eye-catching and give you a sense of comfort. Convert your house or apartment into an indoor jungle with the listed plants with big leaves.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.