Whether you’ve decided to transform your living room into a tropical paradise or you’re going for something a little more subtle, a big leaf plant is a striking addition to any home or outdoor space.
Large foliage plants make a bold statement, and they even offer a number of health benefits. Improved air quality, reduced stress levels and better noise absorption are just a couple of things you can look forward to if you invest in a large-leafed friend or two.
Need some inspiration? Check out these 35 big leaf plants indoors and out.
Big Leaf Plants For Indoor
1. Rubber Tree
Native to India, the rubber tree is easy to care for and will grow quite rapidly! It’s a great choice for first time plant owners thanks to its simple maintenance. It prefers indirect sunlight and well-drained but moist soil. Look after your rubber plant and it could reach a height of up to 3 metres!
2. Birds of Paradise
Famous for its large ribbed leaves, the birds of paradise plant is native to South Africa. The leaves are a rich dark green and can reach up to 2 m long! This plant does best in temperatures above 18°C, and likes to be placed outside in hot weather. It prefers moist soil and regular misting.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Known for its waxy, fiddle-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a stunning large leaf plant. One for the more experienced large leaf enthusiasts, this plant does require a fair amount of maintenance. It prefers bright light and rich, well-drained soil.
4. Swiss Cheese Plant
It seems the whole world has discovered the magic of a Swiss cheese plant! These gorgeous houseplants have stunning Swiss cheese-like leaves. They can grow up to 3 m tall when grown indoors, and prefer bright indirect light.
5. African Mask Plant
With deep green leaves and white or light green veining, the African mask plant commands attention. Making a stunning focal point in a sunny home, this plant prefers moist soil and bright-indirect light.
6. Tropic Snow Dumb Cane
This big leaf plant makes a dramatic statement thanks to its enormous variegated leaves. It loves lots of moisture and bright, indirect light. Keep in mind that these plants are mildly toxic so aren’t suitable for families with children or pets.
7. Philodendron Gloriosum
Characterised by its velvety deep green leaves and white veining, the philodendron gloriosum makes an unusual addition to any interior. This plant grows slowly and doesn’t produce many seeds, so can be tricky to get hold of. Because of this, the philodendron gloriosum tends to be quite pricey!
8. Banana Tree Plant
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With leaves that can grow up to 3 m long, a banana plant makes a serious impact. While commonly grown outdoors, it thrives in bright, sunny interior spaces. Unlike a lot of big leaf plants, banana trees aren’t toxic to pets.
9. Majesty Palm
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While slightly tricky to look after due to its very specific light, water and soil needs, the majesty palm makes a stunning addition to homes of experienced houseplant owners. It’s characterised by its large green fronds and can reach up to 3 m tall.
10. Calathea Orbifolia
A South American prayer plant, a calathea orbifolia has large leaves with silver bands. This plant has an unbeatable elegance, but can be a little tricky to look after. It loves well-drained soil, medium to low light and high humidity.
READ NEXT: 15 Best Indoor Hanging Plants for Low Light Conditions
11. Ruffled Fan Palm
The highly distinctive ruffled fan palm can be difficult to get hold of, but thankfully is very easy to look after. Known for its pleated leaves that resemble a traditional hand fan, if you can get your hands on a ruffled fan palm, you’re bound to love it.
12. Snake Plant
One of the most popular large leaf houseplants, the snake plant is exceptionally tolerant! A good option for first-time plant owners, this highly forgiving plant can be neglected for weeks at a time and come back thriving.
13. Anthurium Veitchii
If you’ve got a large room that’s looking a little empty, the anthurium veitchii can bring warmth to any space. This plant is elegant and totally unique, with large leaves and distinctive flowers. You can expect the leaves to grow up to 90 cm long in home conditions.
14. Peace Lily
While one of the smaller plants featured, the gorgeous peace lily still deserves a mention. Producing lovely white flowers and glossy leaves, peace lilies thrive in most light conditions. In the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, they are thought of as an ‘aura purifier’.
15. Caladium
A caladium is a stunning houseplant that’ll add a pop of colour to your home. Known for its arrowhead-shaped foliage in pink, white, red and green, this is a must-have for those who love bright and bold when it comes to their interior.
16. Kentia Palm
One of the easiest houseplants to take care of, the kentia palm is drought tolerant and very forgiving! It produces arching palm-shaped fronds and makes a beautiful addition to a sunny indoor space.
Big Leaf Plants For Outdoor
17. Giant Rhubarb
Often grown next to ponds or in damp areas, giant rhubarb has spiky stems and huge leaves. It can grow up to 2 m tall and provides exterior spaces with a dramatic accent. This plant performs best in very moist soil and full sun, but it’s relatively easy to grow.
18. Chinese Rice Paper Plant
Growing up to 3 m height with a spread of 2.5 m, the Chinese rice paper plant has stunning green leaves and, in the autumn months, produces cream flowers. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, and prefers moist soil.
19. Giant Butterbur
Producing giant, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 60 cm wide, the giant butterbur makes an eye-catching addition to large gardens. This plant is known for its medicinal qualities and thrives in moist soils.
20. Greater Sea Kale
Grown as an ornamental, greater sea kale makes a beautiful architectural plant. It has distinctive dark green, heart-shaped leaves and thrives in full sun or partial shade. The shoots grow from the roots and can be eaten raw or cooked!
21. Castor Oil Plant
Bringing exotic structure to outdoor spaces, the castor oil plant has bold purple leaves They can grow up to 2.5 m in a year, and thrive in moist but well-drained soil. Don’t forget that all parts of this plant are highly toxic – including the seeds!
22. Japanese Banana
This evergreen perennial has huge paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 m long. This plant is often selected for containers or wall-side borders, and we love seeing it create dappled shade over a decking or seating area.
23. Sacred Lotus
This large-leaved tropical plant can reach up to 1.8 m tall! Lotus flowers will rise above the foliage and thrive in full sunlight. This big leaf plant loves to be grown in a garden pond.
24. Hosta
Hostas, or plantain lilies, are a large leaved perennial favourite amongst many gardeners. They produce a lush foliage and range in colour from deep green to soft cream. Hostas with light foliage prefer more sunshine, while those with a darker foliage will do better in shadier spots.
25. Elephant’s Ear
Characterised by its unusual purple or red leaves, the Elephant’s Ear brings an exotic appeal to garden spaces. It’s often used architecturally in the garden, adding a soft texture to a structured space. This plant prefers full sun and medium to wet soils.
26. Angel’s Trumpet
An Angel’s Trumpet is a real show stopper, reaching up to 2 m in size. This plant brings a tropical spectacle to patios or doorsteps thanks to its trumpet-shaped flowers. An Angel’s Trumpet prefers a warm spot and plenty of water. It’s best brought inside before temperatures drop below 7–10˚C.
27. Umbrella Plant
With leaves growing up to 60 cm wide, an Umbrella Plant can quickly adapt to its environment, so it’ll thrive inside or out. This iconic plant grows best in light shade and moist soil during the growing season. If you want it to grow big, give it a lot of space!
28. Broussa Mullein
This evergreen biennial perennial is characterised by its silvery-grey large leaves. The leaves have a furry texture and bring structure to your garden. It’s also a great plant for attracting pollinators!
29. Chusan Palm
The chusan palm is a hardy palm tree that thrives in the UK’s cooler temperatures. Bringing a tropical vibe to any garden, there’s nothing better than relaxing under this tree with your favourite cocktail!
30. Leopard Plant
Leopard plants have yellow flowers and large leaves, and are native to Japan, Korea and Taiwan. The golden flowers emerge in clusters and do best in sheltered, shady areas.
31. Canna
Cannas have stunning paddle-like leaves and brightly coloured flowers. They can be grown in borders or containers, but must be moved to a frost-free spot when colder temperatures hit. While not the easiest to take care of, the bright flowers will bring warmth to any outdoor space.
32. Rodgersia
This medium size perennial has broad palm-shaped leaves. The flowers produced are white or pink, and bloom in late summer. A rodgersia adds colour to your garden and prefers very moist soil.
33. Mayapple
Mayapples are perennial wildflowers that can grow up to 45 cm in height. They have deep-cut umbrella-like leaves, with flowers that resemble apple blossoms appearing in May. These are fairly difficult to grow from seed, preferring shaded areas and well-drained soil.
34. Siberian Bugloss
With large heart-shaped leaves and clusters of bright blue flowers, a Siberian bugloss brings a striking elegance to exterior spaces. It loves part to full shade, and thrives in organically rich and moist soil. These plants are fairly low maintenance.
35. Big Leaf Ligularia
Producing large leaves with deep red stalks and yellow blooms, a big leaf ligularia will add dramatic contrast to your garden. They are often used as a backing plant for mixed borders, and are a great option for shadier spots of the garden.
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