Large Foliage

Large Foliage Care

Tips for Your Large Leafy Friends

When caring for larger foliage plants, there are a few extra considerations due to their size and the amount of soil they contain:

Sunlight:

  • Larger plants can cast shade on their own lower leaves, so give them a little spin every now and then to make sure all sides get light.

  • If you’re moving a big plant to a brighter or dimmer spot, can be tricky. Try shifting it in small steps, or set up a grow light nearby to help out.

  • Pro Tip: If you’re working with limited natural light, a grow light can be a game-changer! Look for full-spectrum lights to mimic sunlight and help your plant thrive indoors. You can find grow bulbs at most hardware stores.

Watering:

  • Bigger pots hold more soil, which means water takes longer to reach the roots and dry out. Check the soil deeper down—about 2-3 inches instead of just 1 inch—since moisture might still be trapped below the surface even if the top layer feels dry.

  • Because larger plants can be more challenging to move, bottom-watering (adding water to a tray or saucer underneath) can help saturate soil evenly without overdoing it at the surface.

  • Pro Tip: Are you worried about the moisture level of your large plant? Consider using a moisture meter to check below the surface without disturbing the roots. This tool is a quick, easy way to know if the soil’s really dry down deep.

Avoid These Common Watering Mistakes:

  • Over-watering: With more soil to retain water, it’s easier to accidentally keep it too wet. If possible, use pots with drainage holes to let excess water escape and prevent root rot.

  • Under-watering: Since large plants need more water per session, be sure to give them a thorough watering until some water drains out—this ensures it reaches the deeper roots.

Temperature: 

  • Larger plants can handle minor temperature shifts better but avoid placing them near doors, windows, or vents where temperature changes are more drastic.

  • For large plants near sunny windows, watch for any heat build-up, which can cause leaf scorch.

Grooming:

  • Prune regularly to manage size and prevent legginess. Larger plants can benefit from being thinned out, especially if they have dense foliage that restricts airflow.

  • When spotting new “baby plants” in larger pots, gently loosen the surrounding soil with a small tool to separate them without disturbing the main root system. These young plants can be repotted in their own container, and with the proper care, can grow up to be a large plant too!

  • Pro Tip: Give those leaves a gentle wipe-down now and then with a damp cloth or soft sponge. This keeps dust from blocking light and improves your plant’s airflow and overall health.

Trying to put a face to a name when it comes to your plant? Take a look through our visual Plant Finder below to correctly identify your new leafy friend.