your official guide to statement leaves

are leaves... the new plants?

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Green Graphic
Photography by none

ARE LEAVES THE NEW PLANTS?

Don’t get us wrong, we love our succulents. And our fiddle leaf figs… And ALL of our plants that need lots and little of sunlight and water. But sometimes, a single leaf (or two!) just feels right. Whether you’re entertaining and are in need of a no-fuss centerpiece or like to have greenery around the house, but have a black thumb through and through, or travel too often to keep anything alive, know statement leaves are an option… And they fit perfectly with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. Keep reading to learn about a few of our favorites.

written by    ALYSSA CLOUGH

Photography by Brittany Ambridge

New Monstera!

monstera

This little leaf is a crowd favorite—and it’s not hard to see why. It’s modern and tropical all at once. As the Monstrera leaves grow, they develop splits, and then holes. Chances are you’ve probably seen a few variations of them before.

Green and White Vignette
Photography by WEEKDAY CARNIVAL

Old Monstera!

Green Graphic
Photography by none

split leaf philodendron

Often confused with the Monstera, this plant grows leaves of a more, to put it scientifically, crinkled nature. There are deep splits and no holes in the leaves.

White Dining room
Photography by TESSA NEUSTADT

Psssst, frond is basically the fancy way of saying “the leafy part”. Like, not the stem, which can sometimes be long when you’re dealing with larger plants.

Green Graphic
Photography by none

areca palm

Style this type of palm fronond solo for a more minimalist feel or in bunches for a more full, tropical vibe. Larger palms also make for a breathtaking, dramatic centerpiece.

White Bathroom
Photography by NICK JOHNSON
Brown and White and Wood Vignette
Photography by LAURE JOLIET
Green Graphic
Photography by none

fan palm

Ruffled or split—or a little bit of both, we love them all! This leaf has the roundest shape out of all our favorites.

Black and Green Entryway
Photography by JEREMY HARWELL VIA DECOR8
Green Graphic
Photography by none

banana leaf

Yes, as in, the infamous Beverly Hotel

banana leaf print

. The leaves can grow to be seriously large, like the ones you see here, and work best as centerpieces. That is, if you choose the leaves. You can also keep a smaller plant in your home!

Green Graphic
Photography by none

bird of paradise

This leaf is similar to that of a banana leaf, but with a slightly different shape. Though these plants can grow to be just as large as banana plants, the leaves you’ll encounter will most likely be smaller.

Green and White Vignette
Photography by JASON BUSCH FOR INSIDE OUT MAGAZINE
Green Graphic
Photography by none

fern frond

Most fern fronds are smaller than the tropical leaves you’ll encounter. That doesn’t mean single stems (or handfuls!) aren’t as striking.

Green and White Vignette
Photography by ANDREA DOZIER VIA DESIGN SPONGE
Green Graphic
Photography by none

italian ruscus

Usually used as flower filler, this understated green is not to be underestimated. Use for simple, minimalist centerpieces or around your home. Style like this branchier green you see here or opt a larger vase for a fuller effect.

Claire Zinnecker Black Studio
Photography by MOLLY WINTERS
Brown and Gray Dining room

Bottom line: ANYTHING WITH LEAVES AND A STEM CAN BE DISPLAYED IN A VASE. USE YOUR IMAGINATION, CREATIVITY, OR EVEN THE LEAST EXPENSIVE GREENERY YOU CAN FIND AT THE FLORIST AND GO FOR IT!

Alyssa Clough

Writer/Editor

Alyssa is a Brooklyn-based maximalist and vintage addict who is always on the hunt for something—a new piece of collage art, more plant babies, yet another ceramic vessel, you get the picture. Obsessions include bold accent walls, living a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, and supporting female artists and makers. Find her on Instagram ignoring her phone’s screen time alerts.