Large Leaf Houseplants For a Lush Indoor Oasis

Large leaf houseplants have become increasingly popular in recent years as an easy way to incorporate greenery and a touch of nature into indoor spaces.

These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have numerous benefits for our well-being. In this article, we will explore the world of large leaf houseplants, from the popular to the uncommon, and learn how to care for them properly.

Incorporating Greenery into Indoor Spaces

Incorporating greenery into indoor spaces has been shown to have numerous benefits for our well-being.

Plants not only add visual appeal but also improve air quality by removing toxins from the air we breathe. They can also reduce stress levels and boost productivity.

In addition to their health benefits, large leaf houseplants can make a statement in any indoor space. They can enhance interior design by adding texture and color to a room’s décor. They are versatile enough to be used as accents or focal points depending on personal preference.

Popular Large Leaf Houseplants

Monstera Deliciosa: Iconic and Easy to Care For

The Monstera Deliciosa is perhaps the most recognizable of all the large leaf houseplants. Its iconic, perforated leaves are often seen in home décor magazines and on social media.

But, did you know that this plant is also incredibly easy to care for? It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs to be watered once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry.

The Monstera also benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity levels.

One interesting fact about the Monstera is that its perforations actually serve a purpose beyond aesthetics. The holes allow sunlight to reach lower leaves, which helps the plant grow more evenly.

In addition, this plant is known for its air purifying qualities as it removes toxins like formaldehyde from the air.

Fiddle Leaf Fig: Trendy and Requires Some Attention

If you’ve spent any time browsing home decor blogs or social media accounts lately, you’ve likely seen the fiddle leaf fig.

This trendy plant has become a favorite among interior designers and homeowners alike due to its tall stature and large, violin-shaped leaves. However, while beautiful, fiddle leaf figs require some attention in order to thrive indoors.

They prefer bright but indirect light and need to be watered once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilizing every six weeks during growing season can also help maintain their health.

One common problem with fiddle leaf figs is that they can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or placed in pots without proper drainage. In addition, these plants may need pruning in order to maintain their shape as they grow tall.

Rubber Plant: Low Maintenance and Air Purifying

If you’re a fan of the large leaf look but want a low maintenance option, consider the rubber plant. This plant is known for its striking, glossy leaves and for being one of the easiest large leaf houseplants to care for.

Rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light and only need to be watered once every week or two depending on soil moisture. They can also tolerate lower humidity levels, making them a great option for those in drier climates.

In addition to being low maintenance, rubber plants are also known for their air purifying qualities as they remove toxins like formaldehyde from indoor air. Plus, they can grow quite tall – up to 8 feet – if given enough space and time.

Calathea Orbifolia: Striking Foliage Patterns and Unique Growth Habits

Are you looking for a large leaf house plant that is sure to make a statement? Look no further than the Calathea Orbifolia. This stunning plant boasts oversized leaves with intricate patterns of light and dark green that resemble lace.

The patterns on each leaf are unique, making this plant an absolute showstopper in any space. But the Calathea Orbifolia isn’t just pretty to look at – it also has some unique growth habits.

During the day, the leaves of this plant are flat and wide, but as night falls they begin to fold up like hands in prayer. This mesmerizing movement has earned it the nickname “prayer plant”.

Caring for your Calathea Orbifolia is fairly simple. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium light as well.

Keep its soil moist but not soggy and make sure it is in a pot with good drainage. Humidity is also important for this plant, so consider placing it near a humidifier or misting it regularly.

Bird’s Nest Ferns: Low Light Tolerant with a Distinctive Shape

If you’re looking for a large leaf house plant that can thrive in low light conditions, consider adding a Bird’s Nest Fern to your collection. This fern has uniquely shaped leaves that curl inward towards the center of the plant, creating an adorable nest-like appearance. Bird’s Nest Ferns prefer low to medium light and should be kept out of direct sunlight which can burn their delicate fronds.

They also like moist but well-draining soil, so be sure to water them regularly without letting their roots sit in standing water. One unique thing about Bird’s Nest Ferns is that they don’t have a traditional stem – instead, the leaves grow directly from the soil.

This can make them a bit tricky to repot, so be sure to handle them with care. Whether you go for the striking patterns of the Calathea Orbifolia or the unique shape of a Bird’s Nest Fern, adding an uncommon large leaf house plant to your collection is sure to turn heads and add some extra personality to your indoor space.

Care Tips for Big Leaf Plants

Light Requirements: How Much Light is Needed for Different Plants

The amount of light a large leaf house plant needs varies based on the type of plant. Some plants require direct sunlight, while others prefer more indirect light.

Generally, plants with darker leaves can tolerate lower levels of light than those with lighter leaves. If you’re unsure about how much light your plant needs, check the care instructions or do some research online.

Place your plant near a window and observe it over the course of a week to see how it responds to the light in that location.

Watering Frequency: How Often to Water and Signs of Over/Under Watering

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for their large leaf houseplants.

Before watering, check to see if the soil is dry by poking your finger an inch into the soil. If it’s dry, then water thoroughly until water comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Signs of overwatering include yellow leaves that are soft or mushy to touch and soil that’s constantly wet or smells bad. Signs of under watering include wilted leaves that are dry and crispy to touch.

Soil Type: The Importance of Well-Draining Soil

Large leaf houseplants need well-draining soil that allows excess water to drain away from roots. The type of soil you use depends on the type of plant you have and its specific needs.

A good rule of thumb is to use a mix consisting mostly peat moss and perlite with a little bit charcoal mixed in.

Avoid using garden soil since this can be too heavy for indoor plants and may contain pests or diseases harmful to them.

Humidity Needs: Ways to Increase Humidity Levels Indoors

The ideal humidity level for large leaf houseplants is between 40-60%. However, indoor air typically has lower humidity levels than what these plants prefer.

One way to increase humidity levels is by placing a tray filled with water near the plant. As the water evaporates, it increases the surrounding air’s moisture content.

Another option is to use a humidifier or misting bottle to spray water directly onto your plant’s leaves. Be careful not to mist too often since this can encourage fungal growth on the leaves.

Air Purification: How Plants Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

Large leaf houseplants are not only beautiful to look at, but they can also improve the air quality in your home.

Many indoor spaces lack proper ventilation and contain pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These pollutants can cause health issues like headaches, eye irritation, and respiratory problems.

However, large leaf houseplants can help remove these toxins from the air.

Plants absorb pollutants through tiny openings on their leaves called stomata. The pollutants then travel through the plant’s vascular system and are broken down or stored in the plant’s tissues.

In addition to removing harmful toxins from the air, large leaf houseplants also release oxygen which promotes better breathing and helps us feel more alert.

So not only do they look great in our homes, but they also contribute to our overall health and well-being.

Stress Reduction: The Calming Effects of Nature on Our Mental Health

Living in urban areas with little access to nature can lead to stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that exposure to nature has a calming effect on our minds and bodies.

Large leaf houseplants can bring a bit of nature inside our homes and create a more relaxing environment. The color green is associated with feelings of peace and tranquility which is why incorporating greenery into indoor spaces can promote relaxation.

In addition, caring for plants provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment which improves mental health.

Some large leaf houseplants that are particularly good for stress reduction include Aloe Vera (also great for minor cuts), Lavender (known for its soothing scent), and English Ivy (known for reducing airborne mold).

Aesthetic Appeal: Enhancing Interior Design with Greenery

Aside from the health benefits, large leaf houseplants can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of our homes. They add a touch of nature, color, and texture to our indoor spaces that can’t be replicated with any other décor.

When choosing large leaf houseplants for their aesthetic appeal, consider the size and shape of the plant as well as its placement in your home.

Some plants like the Monstera Deliciosa have large leaves that create a bold statement while others like the Birds Nest Fern have smaller fronds that add delicate texture to a space.

Incorporating large leaf houseplants into your interior design can also help connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

For example, placing a tall Fiddle Leaf Fig next to a window creates a visual connection between inside and outside.

Conclusion

Large leaf houseplants are great additions to indoor spaces for many reasons – they can clean the air we breathe and improve our mental health by reducing stress levels while adding beauty to our surroundings at the same time. Besides, they also have interesting and unique characteristics that make them more than just pretty plants.

From natural watering systems to edible fruits, large leaf houseplants have much to offer beyond their attractive appearance. So why not try adding a few to your home or office and start reaping the benefits today?