10 Houseplants With Big Tropical Leaves That Change a Room

Tropical houseplants can instantly enhance any room with their dramatic, oversized leaves. These plants are not only beautiful, but they also create a relaxed, tropical vibe that brings the outdoors in. Whether placed on a stand or nestled in a corner, their presence can make any space feel fresh and inviting. Even if you have little experience with houseplants, tropical varieties are surprisingly easy to care for. 

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Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa, often known as the Swiss cheese plant, is one of the most popular tropical houseplants. Its large, perforated leaves make it an eye-catching addition to any room. Known for its ability to grow large, it can quickly become a statement piece in a living area. Monstera thrives in moderate light and can handle a variety of environments, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.

This plant does well in both pots and hanging baskets, growing rapidly with the proper care. Its vines can extend up to 10 feet long, so it is important to provide it with enough space. Regular watering is needed, but it does not like being overwatered. With the right conditions, the Monstera will grow into a stunning tropical centerpiece that will change the dynamic of a room.

Bird of Paradise

The Bird of Paradise is known for its striking resemblance to a bird in flight, thanks to its large, bold leaves. This plant’s dramatic leaves can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it an ideal choice for spaces with high ceilings. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires well-drained soil to flourish. The Bird of Paradise is often placed in living rooms or entryways where it can add a touch of elegance and nature.

Besides its stunning appearance, this plant is relatively easy to care for. Regular watering, especially during the growing season, is essential for maintaining its vibrant foliage. During the colder months, the plant’s growth slows down, requiring less frequent watering. It is a durable plant that can adapt to various room conditions, making it a standout feature in any home.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig has become a favorite among interior designers for its impressive, large, violin-shaped leaves. Its thick, dark green foliage adds a touch of sophistication to any room. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. When cared for properly, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow into a statement piece, making it perfect for open spaces like living rooms or large entryways.

This plant requires consistent watering and occasional dusting of its leaves to keep it looking its best. It can be a bit finicky, but with the right care, it rewards its owners with lush, vibrant leaves. It may require a little extra attention compared to other houseplants, but its beauty and ability to transform a room are well worth the effort. Make sure to check the soil regularly and avoid overwatering to ensure the plant’s health.

Elephant Ear Plant

The Elephant Ear plant lives up to its name with its large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall, making it a perfect addition to larger spaces. It thrives in areas with high humidity and bright, indirect light. With proper care, it will add a tropical, jungle-like atmosphere to any room, turning a plain corner into an eye-catching area.

The Elephant Ear is easy to care for, requiring regular watering and well-drained soil. It prefers moist environments, so placing it in a humid room, like a bathroom, can help it thrive. During the colder months, it may go dormant, but it will spring back to life when warmer weather returns. Its large leaves make it an instant focal point in any room.

Calathea Makoyana

The Calathea Makoyana, also known as the Peacock Plant, has leaves with a unique pattern that gives it a distinct, elegant look. Its large, green leaves feature dark purple undersides and striking white veins, making it an attractive choice for anyone looking to add color and texture to a room. It thrives in low to medium light, making it suitable for places that do not receive direct sunlight. The Calathea’s unique appearance can serve as a natural art piece in any space.

While the Calathea is not the easiest plant to care for, its beauty makes it worthwhile. It prefers consistently moist soil and high humidity levels, so misting its leaves regularly is beneficial. It is important to avoid letting the plant dry out between waterings. This plant’s rich colors and unique foliage will definitely make a statement in any room.

Aglaonema

Aglaonema, known for its striking foliage, is a tropical plant that comes in a variety of colors, from vibrant reds to silvery greens. Its leaves are large and glossy, creating a bold statement in any room. It does well in low to moderate light, making it a versatile option for many areas of the home. Aglaonema is perfect for adding a pop of color and texture to a living room, bedroom, or hallway.

This plant is very easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance. It enjoys well-drained soil and occasional watering, but it does not need to be overwatered. It is also relatively pest-resistant, making it a hassle-free plant for those who do not want to worry about frequent care. Its striking leaves and ability to thrive in a variety of environments make it a great choice for homes with varying light conditions.

Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)

The ZZ plant is a hardy tropical plant known for its glossy, dark green leaves that grow in a striking zigzag pattern. Although it does not have the same large, dramatic leaves as some other tropical plants, its upright growth habit and shiny foliage make it an eye-catching addition to any room. It is perfect for areas with low light, making it an excellent choice for offices or rooms without direct sunlight.

The ZZ plant is incredibly low-maintenance and thrives with little attention. It is drought-tolerant, so it only needs watering every two to three weeks. This makes it ideal for those who are often busy or forgetful when it comes to plant care. The ZZ plant’s bold green leaves add a sleek, modern touch to any interior while requiring minimal effort to keep healthy.

Rubber Plant

The Rubber plant is a well-known tropical houseplant with large, glossy leaves that can grow up to 8 inches long. Its rich, dark green foliage brings a bold statement to any room. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys slightly moist, well-drained soil. The Rubber plant can be used to add a touch of elegance and natural beauty to a living room or entryway.

The Rubber plant is relatively easy to care for and can tolerate lower light levels, although it will grow better in brighter conditions. It requires occasional pruning to keep its shape, especially as it grows taller. Regular watering is necessary, but it is important to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. The Rubber plant’s large, glossy leaves create a luxurious and tropical atmosphere wherever it is placed.

Split Leaf Philodendron

The Split Leaf Philodendron is another tropical plant with large, dramatic leaves that add a bold, architectural touch to any space. Its deeply split, glossy leaves can grow up to 3 feet long, making it an impressive choice for large spaces. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and enjoys regular watering, although it prefers to dry out between waterings. It is often used as a floor plant to fill empty corners or bring greenery to an otherwise dull space.

The Split Leaf Philodendron can grow quickly under the right conditions, making it a great option for those looking for a fast-growing plant. It benefits from occasional misting to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments. The plant is relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. Its bold, tropical appearance makes it a standout feature in any room.

Alocasia Polly

Alocasia Polly, also known as the African Mask plant, is known for its striking arrow-shaped leaves and dramatic appearance. The leaves are large, dark green, and have silvery veins that create a stunning contrast. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers to be kept in high humidity. It is ideal for filling a bright corner or adding a bold statement piece to a living room.

While the Alocasia Polly is a bit more finicky compared to other tropical plants, it is still relatively easy to care for with the right attention. It requires regular watering, but it is essential not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot. The plant’s exotic appearance and striking leaves make it a popular choice for those looking to add a unique tropical plant to their collection. It is a stunning addition to any home that enjoys a bit of tropical flair.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.