According to Statista, a survey shows that in the three years leading up to 2019, houseplant sales increased by 50% to $1.7 billion. This trend appears to have continued and accelerated during the pandemic, including large-leaved houseplant sales surging further in 2020 and 2021.1
It’s not just about aesthetics; studies have shown that these big-leaf beauties are powerhouses for purifying indoor air.2
Here are the 12 show-stopping big-leaf house plants that are stealing the spotlight.
1. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
The Instagram darling of houseplants, Monstera deliciosa, has earned its “delicious monster” nickname. With iconic split leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long, this tropical beauty commands attention in any room.
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Monsteras are relatively easy to care for, thriving in bright, indirect light. They can reach heights of 10 feet or more indoors, making them perfect for filling empty corners or creating natural room dividers.
Just be prepared – once you bring one of these beauties home, you may find yourself constantly rearranging furniture to make room for its ever-expanding presence.
2. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The fiddle leaf fig has been the “it” plant of interior design for years, and it’s easy to see why. Its large, violin-shaped leaves create a sculptural silhouette that adds instant sophistication to any space.
While notoriously finicky, fiddle leaf figs can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors with proper care. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
Be warned – these plants have a reputation for being drama queens, but their stunning good looks make the extra effort worthwhile.
3. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Want to bring a taste of the tropics indoors? Look no further than the bird of paradise. This striking plant features large, paddle-shaped leaves that fan out dramatically, creating a bold architectural statement.
Bird of Paradise plants can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, ideal for filling large, empty spaces. They thrive in bright light and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.
With proper care, you might even be rewarded with their unique, bird-like flowers that give the plant its name.
4. Elephant Ear (Alocasia spp., Colocasia spp.)
Consider adding an elephant ear plant to your collection for large leaves that will make your guests double-take. These impressive plants feature heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long, living up to their pachyderm-inspired name.
Elephant ears prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. Depending on the variety, they can reach heights of 3-6 feet indoors.
Be prepared to give these thirsty plants plenty of water and space to spread their enormous leaves.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The rubber plant is a classic houseplant that’s making a major comeback. Its large, glossy leaves and upright growth habit make it the perfect choice for a low-maintenance statement plant.
Rubber plants can grow up to 8 feet tall indoors, making them an excellent choice for filling vertical space.
They’re adaptable to various light conditions and are relatively drought-tolerant. Plus, their air-purifying abilities make them as functional as they are beautiful.
6. Philodendron Xanadu (Thaumatophyllum xanadu)
If you’re looking for a plant with a more compact growth habit but still want impressive foliage, the Philodendron Xanadu is an excellent choice. This stunning plant features deeply lobed, glossy green leaves that can grow up to 18 inches long.
Philodendron Xanadu thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
It can reach a height and spread of 3-4 feet, making it perfect for tabletops or a floor plant in smaller spaces. Its lush, tropical appearance adds instant drama to any room.
7. Peacock Plant (Goeppertia orbifolia)
For those who love patterns, the Peacock Plant is a must-have. This stunning plant features large, round leaves with striking silver and green stripes that seem to shimmer in the light.
Peacock Plant prefers medium to low light and high humidity. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for adding a pop of pattern to darker corners of your home.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to maintain those beautiful leaves.
8. Alocasia Polly (Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’)
Also known as the African mask plant, Alocasia Polly is a showstopper with its dramatic, arrow-shaped leaves. The deep green foliage is accented by striking white veins, creating a bold contrast that demands attention.
Alocasia Polly prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. It can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide, perfect for smaller spaces that still need a touch of drama.
Be careful not to overwater, as these plants are prone to root rot.
9. Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis)
Ficus Audrey is gaining popularity for its velvety, oval leaves and more forgiving nature than its finicky cousin.
Ficus Audrey can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a statement tree. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
Its elegant, upright growth habit and lush foliage make it a stunning focal point in any room.
10. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Look no further than Dracaena marginata, also known as the dragon tree, for a touch of architectural elegance. This striking plant features long, slender leaves with red edges that grow from thin, woody stems.
Dracaena marginata is incredibly adaptable and can tolerate various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. It can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors, making it perfect for adding height and texture to any space.
Its low-maintenance nature and air-purifying qualities make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
11. Schefflera Amate (Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’)
Also known as the umbrella plant, Schefflera Amate features large, glossy leaflets that grow in a circular pattern, resembling an umbrella. This lush plant can add a tropical feel to any room with its abundant foliage.
Schefflera amate prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. It can grow up to 8 feet tall indoors, making it an excellent choice for filling large, empty spaces.
Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.
12. Creeping Velvet Philodendron (Philodendron gloriosum)
Last but certainly not least, the Philodendron gloriosum is a true collector’s item. This stunning plant features large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent white veins that create a mesmerizing pattern.
Philodendron Gloriosum is a crawling plant that prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. While it doesn’t grow tall, its leaves can reach up to 2 feet long, creating a lush ground cover or stunning hanging plant.
Its unique growth habit and striking foliage make it a conversation piece in any plant collection.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.