17 Big Leaf Plants That Are Ideal For Indoor And Outdoor Space

In horticulture, giant-leaf plants hold a special allure, offering a bold statement that can transform any space into a verdant sanctuary. Whether nestled in a cosy corner of your living room or basking in your garden's sunlight, these botanical giants provide an aesthetic appeal and a touch of nature's serenity. From the lush, tropical vibes they evoke to their air-purifying qualities, incorporating big-leaf plants into your decor can elevate the ambience of indoor and outdoor settings. Today, we will discuss about 17 such plants that you can keep in your house indoors as well as outdoors.

Monstera deliciosa

Often referred to as the Swiss Cheese Plant, Monstera Deliciosa is celebrated for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves adorned with natural perforations. Thriving in indirect light and requiring minimal care, this big leaf plant adds a dramatic touch to any indoor space, while its robust nature allows it to flourish outdoors in warmer climates.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Boasting glossy, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a Pinterest-worthy addition to any room. It prefers bright, filtered light and moderate watering, making it suitable for both indoor elegance and outdoor splendour in milder temperatures. This big-leaf house plant will surely enhance the vibe of your home.

Elephant Ear (Alocasia)

With its striking, oversized leaves that resemble elephant ears, Alocasia introduces a dramatic flair to both gardens and indoor spaces. It relishes a humid environment and partial shade, thriving in both settings as long as it’s protected from direct sunlight. If you are looking for a big-leaf indoor plant, then this surely won't disappoint you.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

Known for its spectacular, crane-like flowers and large, banana-shaped leaves, the Bird of Paradise is a vibrant addition to any space. It enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering, flourishing indoors with enough light and outdoors in tropical or subtropical climates. When it comes to choosing the right pick between long-leaf plants, you should keep it in the top 10 choices.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is a big-leaf plant known for its impressive, dark green leaves and its air-purifying qualities. It adapts well to various lighting conditions and prefers occasional deep watering, making it a versatile choice for enhancing indoor and outdoor environments.

Calathea orbifolia

The Calathea orbifolia is another interesting big-leaf plant that stands out with its large, round leaves beautifully striped with silver and green. This stunning plant thrives in the dappled light of a well-lit room or a shaded garden spot, requiring consistent moisture to keep its leaves vibrant. It’s a perfect choice for adding a sophisticated and tropical feel to any space, indoors or out, with the added bonus of purifying the air.

Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

Towering over its cousin, the Strelitzia reginae, the Giant Bird of Paradise can bring your space an instant tropical forest feel. Its enormous blue-green leaves create a lush, dramatic backdrop indoors or a striking focal point in outdoor landscapes. It loves a sunny spot but tolerates semi-shade, making it versatile for various settings.

Philodendron xanadu

Philodendron xanadu is a dense, low-growing plant known for its wide, deeply lobed leaves. This plant with long green leaves prefers moderate to bright indirect light and evenly moist soil, making it an ideal plant for indoor environments or shaded outdoor areas. Its compact size and ease of care make it a popular choice for adding greenery without overwhelming a space.

Ruffled Fan Palm (Licuala grandis)

The Ruffled Fan Palm adds an exotic and elegant touch with its unique, pleated fan-shaped leaves. This long leaf indoor plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity, making it well-suited for a bright bathroom or conservatory. Outdoors, it prefers a sheltered, shady spot in warmer climates, adding a sophisticated tropical vibe.

Split Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)

Not to be confused with Monstera deliciosa, the Split Leaf Philodendron features deeply cut leaves that can make a bold statement in any setting. It enjoys bright, indirect light and regular watering, adapting well to indoor environments. In a garden setting, this long leaf indoor plant adds a lush, tropical feel and is relatively low maintenance, thriving in partial shade to full sun in warmer regions.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily, with its glossy, dark green leaves, not only adds elegance to any indoor space but also boasts air-purifying properties. This green plant with large leaves produces striking white spathes that resemble flowers, enhancing its visual appeal. Preferring low to medium light and moist soil, the Peace Lily is a resilient plant that thrives with minimal fuss, making it perfect for novice and experienced gardeners.

Banana Plant (Musa)

The Banana Plant’s large, paddle-shaped leaves instantly evoke the feel of an exotic getaway. Thriving in full sun to partial shade and requiring regular watering, this plant is ideal for a sunny spot in the garden or a well-lit indoor area. This green leaf indoor plant's rapid growth and impressive foliage make it a focal point wherever it’s placed.

Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis)

This majestic palm is known for its large, arching fronds that create a dramatic silhouette. It is suitable for outdoor growth in warmer climates and can make a stunning statement in any garden. With adequate space, sunlight, and water, the Canary Island Date Palm can bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your outdoor space.

African Mask Plant (Alocasia amazonica)

With its striking, arrow-shaped leaves and bold white veins, the African Mask is a standout choice for adding drama to indoor spaces. This green leaf indoor plant prefers a warm, humid environment with indirect light, making it a splendid addition to a bathroom or kitchen. Its distinctive appearance is sure to draw attention and spark conversation.

Swiss Cheese Vine (Monstera adansonii)

A cousin to the Monstera deliciosa, the Swiss Cheese Vine boasts smaller, but no less intriguing, perforated leaves. This fast-growing climber is ideal for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant with support, thriving in indirect light and humid conditions. It’s perfect for adding a lush, jungle-like feel to your indoor garden or shaded outdoor areas.

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

Aptly named for its robust nature, the Cast Iron Plant is the epitome of resilience, thriving in conditions where other plants might falter. This plant with long green leaves brings a touch of understated elegance to any space. It’s perfectly suited for those less sunny spots indoors or in shaded outdoor areas, requiring minimal attention beyond occasional watering. This plant is ideal for beginners or those seeking a low-maintenance addition to their plant collection, adding a lush, green presence without needing constant care.

White Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)

The White Bird of Paradise is a plant that has big leaves with a statuesque appearance. This magnificent plant can bring a tropical flair to any setting. It thrives in bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to maintain its vibrant appearance. This plant is particularly suited for large indoor spaces or as a striking centrepiece in a sheltered part of the garden. Its ability to grow tall makes it an excellent choice for adding height and drama to your indoor or outdoor plant ensemble.

In a Nutshell

Embracing the grandeur of large-leaf plants can significantly transform your living or outdoor spaces into vibrant havens of greenery and calmness. Whether your preference leans towards tropical species’ exotic allure or hardier varieties’ understated elegance, there’s a plant on this list to complement every space and lifestyle. These seventeen botanical beauties not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home or garden but also contribute to a healthier, more serene environment. By integrating these magnificent plants into your surroundings, you invite a slice of nature’s majesty into your daily life, enriching your connection with the natural world.

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