7 Big Leaf Houseplants to Make Your Home Feel Lush

The Monstera, often affectionately referred to as the “Swiss Cheese Plant,” has become a ubiquitous symbol of the modern houseplant craze. With its distinctive, fenestrated leaves and tropical vibe, this big leaf beauty is a surefire way to inject some lush, jungle-inspired flair into your home.

What’s so special about the Monstera? For starters, its massive, glossy leaves can grow up to 3 feet in length, making it a true showstopper. As the plant matures, the leaves develop those iconic splits and holes, giving it a truly one-of-a-kind appearance. Plus, the Monstera’s rapid growth rate and adaptability to a wide range of indoor conditions make it a relatively easy-to-care-for option.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy Monstera, make sure to provide it with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. These plants enjoy a moderate amount of water, so be sure to check the soil before each watering to avoid over or under-watering

Care Level: Easy

The Fiddle Leaf Ficus, with its large, distinctive leaves and towering stature, has long been a darling of the interior design world. In 2024, this iconic plant continues to reign supreme as a must-have for any modern, nature-inspired space.

The Fiddle Leaf Ficus is known for its signature broad, violin-shaped leaves, which create a lush, sculptural silhouette that demands attention. As the plant matures, the leaves can grow up to 12 inches long, adding a touch of drama and grandeur to any room.

When it comes to care, the Fiddle Leaf Ficus falls somewhere in the moderate to difficult range. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require consistent watering to maintain their signature deep green hue. They can be sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s essential to provide them with stable, well-drained soil and avoid sudden shifts in temperature or light levels.

And if you have an eagle eye and are wondering what the black label on my ficus says, it says Fiona. Which is the name my stepkids bestowed upon our Ficus friend.

Because I have a feeling these are the most popular on the list and they do require a little of time and knowledge, I wanted to include this wonderful guide from A Beautiful Mess that breaks down exactly how to care for Fiddle Leaf Ficuses!

Care Level: Moderate to Difficult

The Snake Plant, also known as the “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” is a true workhorse when it comes to big leaf houseplants. With its upright, sword-like leaves and striking patterns, this low-maintenance stunner is the perfect addition to any space, whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a total beginner.

Snake Plants are incredibly resilient and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of lighting conditions and soil types.

I mentioned in another post that I bought this Snake Plant as a baby about 10 years ago at Ikea. I have since split into at least 6 different plants whose leaves range from 2-4 feet in length.

Snake Plants are as easy as they are hardy. Their rigid, succulent-like leaves also make them highly drought-tolerant, meaning you don’t have to worry about constant watering.

Plus, the Snake Plant’s impressive air-purifying abilities make it a practical and beneficial addition to any home.

When caring for a Snake Plant, focus on providing it with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. These plants are relatively low-maintenance, but they do appreciate the occasional watering when the soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater as they can suffer root rot.

Care Level:Easy

The Chinese Evergreen, with its stunning, variegated foliage and adaptable nature, is a true powerhouse among big leaf houseplants. This versatile plant stands out with unique charm and air-purifying abilities.

Chinese Evergreen, sometimes called Silver Bay is known for its large, oval-shaped leaves that boast a mesmerizing array of colors and patterns, ranging from deep greens and silvers to vibrant splashes of red and pink. This visual display reminiscent of a watercolor painting makes the Chinese Evergreen a true standout, capable of adding a touch of natural elegance to any space.

When it comes to care, the Chinese Evergreen falls on the moderate side of the spectrum. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil. They’re also relatively forgiving, making them a great choice for both seasoned plant parents and those new to houseplants. I find they need quite a bit more water than most of my other plants. Particularly when they are flowering. I water mine well every week, but regularly water it throughout the week with water cups left out.

Green Tip: Collect the remaining drinking water for watering plants. My stepkids seem to need a new cup every time they take a drink of water, so I am constantly scooping up mostly full cups of water and using them to water my plants so that water doesn’t go to waste.

Care Level: Moderate

The Calathea, often referred to as the “Prayer Plant,” is a stunning big leaf houseplant that’s known for its mesmerizing leaf movements and vibrant foliage. Going forward, this captivating plant is poised to continue its reign as a must-have for those seeking to infuse their homes with a touch of tropical elegance.

Calathea are known for their large, oval-shaped leaves which boast a stunning array of colors and patterns. Ranging from deep greens and purples to striking variegated hues. But the real showstopper is the way the leaves “pray” – closing up at night and reopening during the day, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

The skill required to care for a Calathea falls somewhere between moderate and difficult. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. They can be sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s essential to provide them with stable conditions and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or dry air.

Care Level: Moderate

The Peace Lily, with its graceful, white-blooming flowers and broad, glossy leaves, is a beloved big leaf houseplant. This versatile plant not only adds a touch of natural beauty to any space but also boasts impressive air-purifying capabilities.

The Peace Lily is known for its unique, spoon-shaped leaves create a lush, tropical vibe that complements a wide range of interior styles. As the plant matures, it produces striking, white blossoms that resemble calla lilies, adding an extra layer of visual interest. Plus, the Peace Lily’s relatively easy care requirements make it a great choice for both novice and experienced plant parents.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy Peace Lily, focus on providing it with bright, indirect light and consistently moist, well-draining soil. These plants are relatively forgiving and will let you know when they need water by droopping their leaves.

What they will not forgive is being forgotten outside for a month in November/ December after moving. RIP my Peace Lily. But she was gorgeous and easy to care for for years before that!

Care Level: Easy

The Majesty Palm is a true showstopper, with its dramatic, feathery fronds and stately presence. In 2024, this regal big leaf houseplant is set to captivate homeowners seeking to infuse their spaces with a touch of tropical elegance.

Majesty Palms boast massive, fan-shaped leaves that can grow up to 6 feet in length, creating a stunning, sculptural silhouette that evokes both the calm and excited of the tropics. The plant’s upright growth habit and lush, vibrant green foliage also add a touch of natural sophistication to any room.

When it comes to care, the Majesty Palm falls on the moderate to difficult side of the spectrum. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require consistently moist, well-draining soil. They can be sensitive to changes in their environment, so it’s essential to provide them with stable conditions and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or dry air.

Care Level: Moderate