The Pilea Peperomiodes, also known as the Chinese Money Plant, has a fascinating story of how it arrived to Europe from Asia in the hands of a curious missionary.

With Lunar New Year quickly approaching, we’re shining a light on some of the most popular houseplants that are native to Asia— not only do these plants add a touch of the exotic to your home, but many of them also have a rich history of being symbols of good luck and prosperity.

From the classic Silver Evergreen to the trendy Pilea Peperomioides, discover the origins of some of your favorite plants and considering bringing one home to ring in the Lunar New Year!

CAST IRON PLANT

A popular plant during Victorian times, the Cast Iron Plant or aspidistra is native to China and Japan and is one tough cookie: it can handle low light, high humidity and grow in a wide range of temperatures. It's perfect for the black thumb plant parent or for those who wants to bring a little bit of the jungle to their home office.

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Lady Palm

Native to southern China and Taiwan, this fan palm is the ultimate diva of the plant world. With its elegant, feathery fronds, it's sure to add a touch of Hollywood glamour to any room.

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Pilea Peperomioides

Also known as the Chinese Money Plant or The Friendship Plant, this little cutie is native to the Yunnan province in China (and has a delightful story behind the name “The Friendship Plant!”). With its round, coin-shaped leaves, it's easy to care for and it's sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it.

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Braided Money Tree

A powerful symbol of good luck and prosperity according to the teachings of Feng Shui, the Braided Money Tree is a low touch plant that’s perfect for adding a touch of the exotic to your home. Available in many sizes, its braided trunk and lush leaves are sure to make a statement in any room.

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Silver Evergreen

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Silver Evergreen is a true survivor and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to those who care for it. With its striking variegated leaves, it can handle low light conditions and still look as lush as a jungle. Plus, it's a snap to care for, making it the perfect plant for the plant parent on the go.

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GROW YOUR OWN LUCK

Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with plants that bring good luck and fortune, according to the teachings of Feng Shui.

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They say bigger is better and when it comes to indoor greenery, there is — quite literally — a lot to love about large leaf tropical plants!

Gone are the days of hoarding succulents on the windowsill. We spend a lot of time in our homes, and creating an inviting and comfortable space is crucial to our mental and physical well-being. Large leaf plants not only turn heads and make statements, but they are also the perfect way to create the feeling of having nature close by. Read our plant stylists tips for how to style with statement plants, how to care for tropical indoor plants, and which tropical greenery they recommend having indoors.

How to style with statement plants

Wondering how to introduce a large plant into your space? Here are a few tips for bringing big statement plants indoors:

• Anchor a space by placing a large leafed plant in the corner. It will act as a natural focal point, bringing the other elements of a room together.

• Frame the main element of a room, such as a bed, dining room table, or large bathroom sink, with two matching large leaf plants on either side that create a balanced, slightly imperfect symmetry.

• Go minimalist (while being maximalist!) by pruning a large statement plant back to have just three or five fronds.

How to care for large leaf tropical plants

In terms of care, tropical plants are usually quite simple and don’t require too much maintenance. Of course each plant has its own specific care requirements but generally speaking, large leaf tropical plants love:

• Humidity - keep the humidity up by regularly misting the foliage or using a humidifier

• Medium to bright light - most tropical plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light

• Dusting - because of the surface area on their foliage, big leaf plants may require the occasional cleaning to avoid accumulation of dust; this will help them soak in more light!

Check out some of our favorite large leaf tropical plants below, and let their beauty inspire you!

Monstera Deliciosa

An iconic plant of the art deco era, the Monstera Deliciosa is an easy-care , low-maintenance plant that grows large leaves with splits as it matures.

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The Rubber Plant

The Rubber Plant or Ficus Elastica gets its name from the milky latex in its leaves which was once used to make natural rubber. The large, waxy leaves of this plant make a unique addition to any home.

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Bird of Paradise

Possibly the next “it” plant, the Bird of Paradise is a beautiful, incredibly low-maintenance indoor tropical plant with large, bright green leaves. Its name comes from the colorful flower which resembles a bird in flight, though it does not typically flower indoors.

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Red Congo

A member of the philodendron family, the Red Congo is a popular big leaf plant, known for its crimson and green leaves and ability to grow in medium levels of light.

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The Silver Evergreen

An incredibly hardy plant that can survive with next to no light, the Silver Evergreen is a beautiful tabletop plant with large, variegated leaves.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig

One of the most popular indoor plants, the broad-leafed Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. Though it’s got a reputation for being a bit finicky, they are relatively low-maintenance if placed in the right conditions (read: very, very bright spaces!).

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Looking for the perfect large leaf plant for your home or office? Read our guide on how to choose a plant for your space, and check out our full collection of care guides for more information!

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered.

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

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Exotic vacations might not be on the calendar this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of escapism from home. Indoor plants not only clean our air and boost our mood, they also can turn a dull corner into a beautiful oasis that looks and feels welcoming, calming, and refreshing. Kind of like vacation itself! So choose your destination, and bring a little piece it home with a tropical indoor plant.

Disconnect in Belize with the Parlor Palm

Palm trees come in all shapes and sizes, but what about one that fits neatly on a desk, shelf, or any other tabletop surface? The Parlor Palm is an adorable, pocket-size palm tree that requires minimal maintenance to keep the vacay vibes coming all year long.

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Relax in a Tulum paradise with the Bird of Paradise

There’s nothing that a few days in Tulum can’t cure. If you’ve got a case of the city blues, consider adding a lush Bird of Paradise to your home. These large-leaf statement plants instantly transform any space, and are incredibly easy to maintain and grow over time.

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Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s rainforest with the Bird’s Nest Fern

Craving the rainforest? Costa Rica is home to over 800 different varieties of the shade-loving fern. Bring the tropical rainforest vibes into your home with the Bird’s Nest Fern, a low-maintenance indoor plant that requires medium to bight indirect light and water once a week. With bright green tendrils that unfurl from the center, this plant will instantly satisfy your craving for nature.

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Stroll the hills of the Amalfi Coast with the Calathea Medallion

The Calathea Medallion may be a tropical plant, but its vibrant pink foliage will immediately transport you to the winding, narrow streets of Europe in summer: morning strolls, evening aperitifs, and bright bougainvillea every corner you turn.

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Soak up the lushness in Maui with the Monstera Deliciosa

No houseplant quite says “dreamy Hawaiian getaway” like the popular and easy-care Monstera Deliciosa. These split-leaf beauties become enormous in the wild, though they will remain relatively tame indoors.

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Looking for more indoor plant inspiration? Follow us on Instagram for all things plant styling, plant care, and more.

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Indoor plants, potted & delivered

Premium plants paired with stylish ceramics, plus lifetime plant care support. Order online at leonandgeorge.com

SHOP NOW