12 Indoor Houseplants with Big Leaves

In recent times, the pandemic has compelled the world to rethink the meaning and essentialities of life. People locked inside their homes with nothing but stress and anxieties have been forced to think about spending their time doing things that are not only productive but also have calming effects. Indoor gardening is one such activity that is still gaining popularity among householders. The houseplants not only increase the aesthetic value of the house but also are good for health and hygiene. They remove the unwanted toxins from the air and freshen it up with the oxygen that they emit. Moreover, studies also state that houseplants can improve concentration and productivity by 15%. This is why these plants are preferred for workspace as well. 

The houseplants come with a range of benefits that has increased their demand among the growers. For instance, the houseplants, especially those with big leaves can be kept on the desk, which will add to the greenery of the space. Moreover, these houseplants that come with big leaves help in the regulation of humidity and enhance positive vibes around them leading to the employee feeling relaxed, calm, and more focused on the work that he or she is doing. Therefore, to understand and identify some of the best indoor houseplants let us first look at the benefits that these green twigs can provide. 

Benefits of Indoor Houseplants

Nowadays, interior decoration is being largely impacted by indoor houseplants. It is one of the current social media trends. However, indoor gardening has many positive results that will outlast the transient world of virtual popularity. Let us look at some of the potential benefits of these plants.

• Reduced levels of stress

Research studies have found out that the presence of houseplants can enhance your quality of life by making you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your space. This means that the mere presence of the plants can lead to the reduction of physiological and psychological stress. 

• More concentration

The houseplants with big leaves emit more oxygen and take in carbon dioxide. Optimum levels of oxygen help the brain to function better leading to an increased degree of concentration and focus on the task. 

• Houseplants have therapeutic effects

The houseplants do not only enhance the aesthetic value of the space but also provide a visual impact that is soothing for mental stability. Doctors for treating medical conditions like dementia, anxiety, and depression recommend indoor potted plants. Moreover, they also help in speedy recovery by boosting the morale of the patients. 

Twelve indoor houseplants with big leaves

Now, that you know about the benefits of the houseplants, let us look at some of the best houseplants with big leaves that can be added to your indoor garden. These plants will certainly enhance the beauty of your home. 

1. Elephant Ear Plant (Calocasia)

The elephant ear plants are one of the most commonly grown outdoor plants. However, they can make for an excellent indoor plant for their lush texture and big leaves. Growers should be aware of the fact that the leaves of the elephant ear plant could grow as long as 3 feet. It depends on the plant species or variety. Therefore, the plant will need space to grow. Moreover, the elephant ear plant should be kept away from the reach of children and pets, as they can be toxic if ingested. These plants require bright indirect sunlight with a moist soil mix, which has a good drainage capacity and is rich in peat. 

2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitizia)

The bird of paradise or strelitizia is a tropical plant. The plant gets its name from the unique shape of the flower, which looks like a bird in mid-flight. This plant has large leaves, which grow from a single stalk. This means that the foliage sprouts in the form of layers from the central stalk. These plants when mature can tower up to a height of seven feet and reach a width of four feet. Growers should avoid this plant if they have pets at the house, as the leaves are highly toxic for pets. The plants like a combination of bright direct and indirect light with a medium-moist soil mix, which has a good drainage capacity and is loamy in texture. 

3. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Fiddle leaf fig trees are one of the most popular houseplant choices that can enhance the look of the space. They have big leaves in the shape of a fiddle. Moreover, the waxy leaves can be pruned into different desired shapes. The plants can grow to be big and bushy. However, potting and pruning helps to modulate the growth. The leaves of the plants can be harmful if ingested. The plants like a combination of bright direct and indirect light with a medium-moist soil mix, which has a good drainage capacity.

4. Monstera Deliciosa

The monstera deliciosa has its origin in tropical regions. They have lush green leaves that can enhance the look of the space. If grown indoors properly, the plant can tower to a height of around 10 feet. Moreover, a unique feature of the plant is that its leaves can grow up to 3 to 4 feet long. The leaves of the plants can be harmful if ingested. The plants like a combination of bright direct and indirect light with a medium-moist soil mix, which has a good drainage capacity.

5. Philodendron Xanadu

The houseplant has unique leathery leaves that are big and come in the shape of lobes. Moreover, as the plant matures the lobes in the leaves also increase. A grown plant can have a leaf, which is 40 cm long and has a width of 30 cm with around 15 lobes. The plant can prove to be toxic if ingested. The plant prefers a combination of bright indirect to medium lighting schedules with soil that is partially moist and has a good drainage capacity. 

6. Rubber Tree 

The rubber tree is another popular houseplant. The plant has a wide variety of shapes and colors. The rubber tree has its origin in tropical areas and has large waxy leaves. Naturally, these trees can grow up to a height of 50 feet. However, the grower can modulate the shape and size of the plant through pruning and potting. The plant requires direct sunlight and it is essential to have a wet soil mix during its vegetative stage. 

7. African Mask

The African mask plant is a houseplant that is preferred for deep green leaves. Moreover, another unique feature of the plant is that it has beautiful veins of white or light green color. The leaves have the shape of the heart with a deep purple color. The plant is one of the most aesthetic additions to the indoor garden. It requires bright indirect light with moist soil that has a good drainage facility. 

8. Philodendron Gloriosum

This is another philodendron species, which has been made to this list. This is because of the lush green leaves, which have a velvety texture along with a white veining system. The plant is not widely available and cannot be found in the local nursery shop in all likeliness. You might order it online. The plant can be toxic if ingested. It requires a combination of bright indirect sunlight with a soil mix that should be watered once the top layer is dry. 

9. Banana tree

The banana tree is one of the most famous trees, which requires no special mention. The tree if grown outdoors can grow up to a height of nine feet. It has its origin in tropical areas and is known for its large foliage. However, the tree can be a nice indoor plant whose shape and size can be controlled with potting and pruning. It requires full bright direct sunlight with moist soil. 

10. Majesty Palm

The majesty palm is an indoor houseplant that can be around 10 feet tall. It grows very slowly and has a unique shape with large green-colored fronds growing on multiple stalks. The plant is difficult to maintain and requires the perfect combination of bright indirect light with evenly moist succulent soil mix.

11. Calathea Orbifolia 

The calathea orbifolia has large leaves in the shape of orbs and is known for its spiritual values. It is treated as a prayer plant. The plant requires high humidity, which makes it difficult for keeping it indoors. It can be treated with a combination of bright indirect light with moist soil. 

12. Ruffled Fan Palm

This is another variety of palm species that comes with large leaves that are pleated and look like hand fans in shape. It is rare to find and can be easily maintained for indoor gardening purposes. The plant prefers a mixture of bright to medium indirect light with medium moist soil. 

Conclusion

These are the varieties of indoor houseplants, which you can purchase for indoor gardening purposes. However, it is crucial to remember that most of the plants can have toxic effects if ingested by pets or humans. Therefore, it is wiser to have your indoor garden in a safe space out of the reach of children or pets.