8 large plants that create a tropical feel indoors

Do you want to create a real jungle at home?

Green plants with large, broad leaves instantly create a tropical feel and can transform an entire room. In this guide, we recommend easy-to-care-for large indoor plants, from classic monstera to exotic banana plants and tree ferns.

We go through care, light requirements, size, and toxicity, so you can easily find the right plant for your home.

Large plants that make an impression at home

Decorating with large indoor plants is an easy way to add personality and life to a room. A large plant in the living room or hallway can create a calm atmosphere and also improve air quality.

Here we list some of our favorite plants with large leaves, from trendy classics to more exotic green plants.

1. Monstera deliciosa, an easy-care classic

Monstera is one of the most popular houseplants right now, and it's easy to see why. The large, glossy leaves with their characteristic holes (fenestrations) create a tropical feel at home. They're also very easy to care for!

Light : Does best in bright, indirect light

Water : Water when the soil has dried out slightly.

Soil : Loose, well-drained potting soil

Size : Up to 3 meters high and about 1–2 meters wide

Toxicity : Yes, toxic to both humans and animals (if eaten)

2. Strelitzia reginae – Parrot flower

Large, banana-like leaves combined with spectacular orange-blue flowers make Strelitzia a real star among indoor plants. Requires a little more space, but grows quickly in the right environment.

Light : Likes bright light, preferably some direct sun

Water : Keep the soil slightly moist, but not wet.

Soil : Nutritious, airy soil

Size : 2–2.5 meters high, 1–1.5 meters wide

Toxicity : Yes, slightly toxic

Buy Strelizia here

3. Musa spp. – Banana plant

The banana plant has impressively large leaves that bring to mind tropical latitudes. It thrives best with lots of light and high humidity.

Light : Full sun to bright, indirect light

Water : The soil should be kept evenly moist.

Soil : Nutritious and well-drained

Size : 2–3 meters indoors (depending on species)

Toxicity : No

4. Philodendron gloriosum , s ammet with white nerves

With its velvety, dark green leaves and white veins, gloriosum is a real jewel among the larger philodendron species. It grows creeping rather than climbing and has leaves up to 90 cm long!

Light : Bright, but not direct sun

Water : Water when the surface of the soil has dried up.

Soil : Well-drained soil, preferably with perlite and bark

Size : Up to 1 meter wide, low growing

Toxicity : Yes

5. Calathea orbifolia 'round leaf calathea', Shiny and rounded

One of the largest Calatheas with silver-striped, round leaves, Calathea orbifolia is also one of the most beautiful plants for bathrooms thanks to its love of moisture.

Light : Indirect light

Water : Keep the soil evenly moist

Soil : Light, moisture-retaining soil

Size : 60–100 cm high

Toxicity : No

6. Alocasia zebrina , Zebra shield

With its striped stems and pointed, arrow-shaped leaves, this is a plant that really stands out. Alocasia zebrina requires a little more care, but the rewards are great.

Light : Bright, but protected from direct sun

Water : Evenly moist soil – but not wet

Soil : Well-drained, porous soil

Size : Up to 1.5 meters tall

Toxicity : Yes

7. Tree fern

A prehistoric favorite with a stunning presence, the tree fern grows slowly but eventually becomes a full-grown tree. The leaves are large, fluffy and create a lush appearance.

Light : Partial shade

Water : High humidity, showering is welcome

Soil : Moist, humus-rich soil

Size : about 1–2 meters indoors

Toxicity : No

8. Cycas revoluta – Cone palm

Another plant with an almost ancient appearance. The cone palm has stiff, shiny leaves that grow in symmetrical rosettes. A very common plant in the Mediterranean, appreciated for being easy to care for.

Light : Bright to direct sun

Water : Water sparingly, let dry out between waterings

Soil : Well-drained, gravelly soil

Size : Up to 1.5 meters indoors

Toxicity : Yes, very toxic if eaten

How do you care for large plants indoors?

Large potted plants often need more water, more space for the roots and sometimes a stake or plant support. Also keep in mind that easy-care large plants often need well-drained soil, it is moisture, not wet feet, that makes them happy. Also don't forget to dust the leaves occasionally, it prevents pests from visiting your large plants!

FAQ

How often should you water large plants?

It depends on the plant, but generally large plants need more water than small ones because they have larger leaves that evaporate more moisture. Feel the soil, it should usually be slightly moist but not wet. Many plants prefer to dry out a little between waterings.

What do I do when my plant gets too big?

Most large plants can tolerate pruning. You can cut them back gently, repot them in a larger pot, or divide the plant if the variety allows it. Some, like Philodendron and Monstera, can be topped to make them bushier.

What is the easiest large plant to care for?

Monstera deliciosa is one of the easiest plants to grow. It is hardy, forgiving, and grows quickly. The banana plant is also extremely hardy as long as it gets enough water.

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