5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can make your home appear exotic and relaxing. If you provide them the right conditions, they are generally easy to maintain.
They can be bright spots with a high humidity. Some of the most commonly used kinds of tropical houseplants include:
Dragon plant is an exotic foliage plant that is easy to cultivate indoors. It is a great air purifier and is tolerant of low light.
Alocasia Zebrina
The exotic zebra-striped stems and huge elephant-ear-shaped leaves of this plant make it an outstanding choice among tropical house plants. It thrives in brightly lit, warm rooms with high humidity. However direct sunlight can burn the leaves' waxy twigs. It's best to put it close to a south-facing window or in a place where light is filtered through curtains.
Like most tropical plants, alocasia zebrina thrives in warm temperatures and has moderate to fast growth. Its soil should remain moist throughout the year however, it should not be soggy. As it grows, it needs an annual feeding using a balanced liquid fertilizer. This tropical plant goes into dormancy in winter.
It also enjoys humidity and is an ideal fit for the kitchen or bathroom. You can create this environment by misting it regularly or placing it in a pebble tray filled with water. It can also be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Since this plant is extremely frosty, it needs a warm environment that stays between 64 and 77 degrees. Keep it from drafts and cold windows.
If you notice the leaves of alocasia Zebrina turning brown or becoming crisp it could be in need of more moisture. You can increase the humidity in the air by putting a humidifier next to the plant or by moving it to a room that is naturally humid, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Alocasia prefers staying in its small pot and is rootbound, so don't repot too quickly. If you do need to repotted it, use soil mix that drains well and a pot that is one size larger.
This alocasia plant is susceptible to water rot if it's roots sit in water for too long. This is why it's essential to be aware of the weight of its pot and empty the excess water prior to refilling. It is possible to place an apron under the planter or the planter in the sink to collect any drips. It is best to let the top 2 inches dry before you water. This will also help conserve water during winter.
best houseplants has an unusual green tropical foliage. It has a central rib as well as the curved brown, red, or purple stripes on its leaves, which make them appear like wings. The plant is native to South America, and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 5 through 9. It is most commonly known as a tropical houseplant because it thrives indoors, and doesn't require frost protection. It's easy to grow and requires minimal care.
To care for the plant, water it slowly and deeply when it needs to be watered. This helps the soil absorb the moisture, but not become soggy. If the plant is in poor soil, adding a general-purpose fertilizer every once or twice throughout the season will help promote healthy growth and blooming. Pre-bloom feedings are crucial because the plant is focusing its energy on preparing for the opening of its flowers.
Although the plant is low maintenance, it does require some regular pruning to keep it tidy and neat. It is also best placed in a pot that has a nutrient rich, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of moderate humidity, but shouldn't be exposed extreme cold or heat. The plant can be cut back in spring to stimulate new growth and improve flowering.
The Philodendron "Sunrise" is a great choice for tropical houseplants. It has bright yellow flowers which look like sunflowers. It also has large, dark green leaves that look like a Rhododendron. This plant is very easy to maintain and can be a focal point in your home.
The moth orchid is another easy-to-care-for plant. This plant is utilized in restaurants and hotels because it has long-lasting flowers and comes in a variety of colors. Keep the plants out of the elements and let them get plenty of sunlight to maintain their appearance.
Another great option for tropical houseplants is the Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum). This semi-tropical plant grows in the rainforests in Brazil, Ecuador Mexico and Bolivia. It is also found in the wild growing in zones 6-9. Although this plant is a climber in the yard, it does very well as a houseplant. Its pinnately branched, segmented leaves can be used as a decorative element in the form of a Victorian conservatory, or a modern living space.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a durable houseplant that is easy to care for. The shiny green leaves are sprinkled with gold. They are more robust than philodendron leaves and arrow-shaped and are often mistaken for each other--but an inspection of the underside of the leaf will reveal the difference: philodendron leaves have smooth texture, while golden pothos leaves have a leathery one.
The plants can withstand low to bright indirect sunlight which resembles the dappled light that they receive in their native tropical French Polynesia forests. If the conditions are right, the plant can grow up to a foot or more in length, with each leaf growing on its own stem. This makes it a versatile indoor plant and a popular option for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants can be propagated very easily. Cut off 4-6 inches of a mature vine with at least two leaves. Make sure to include a node which is a bump on the stem from which roots will grow from and place it in your growing medium of your choice. Perlite, sphagnum, moss, and leca are all excellent options. If you're planting the cutting directly into the soil then use a small Houseplant Propagation Promoter to aid in taking root. The cutting should start to grow roots in one or two weeks. Once the roots have grown then you can plant it into a larger container with fresh potting soil.
Although you shouldn't fertilize pothos during its dormant winter season it is best when fed every month during the spring growing season. Pothos aren't prone to many problems but it is important to inspect the plant frequently for any signs of disease or insects. Be aware of aphids which are insects that are light green and leave an unctuous trail of sap, and spider mites, which look like yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Spraying water with pyrethrum or an insecticidal detergent, can easily get rid of these pests.
Be sure to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children since it is a source of compounds that are harmful to rabbits, cats and dogs. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and breathing difficulties. It is recommended to seek immediate medical attention if your pet ingests this plant. Adults can also experience a rash from touching the sap of the plant, however, this isn't usually serious. Rinsing the skin and using antihistamine cream can ease the itch.
Rainbow Croton
With colorful foliage that resembles a rainbow, the tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) makes an eye-catching houseplant. It thrives indoors in bright sunlight but can also be grown outdoors in moderate temperatures. It's easy to grow from cuttings so it's a good choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
These strikingly marked plants are a popular choice for tropical houseplants. They are especially attractive in dining rooms and living rooms. The leaves of croton plant varieties feature mixtures of yellow, green as well as red, purple and orange hues, with bold veining and the edging. Certain varieties of croton such as 'Petra' and 'Florida Select' are round, while others, like 'Mammy' or 'Gold Dust' have multi-hued, twisted leaves.
Crotons, as with other tropical houseplants require bright sunlight to remain vibrant. However, they do not like intense heat or humidity which can cause leaves to become dull or fade in color. To prevent this from happening, keep the Croton plants away form air conditioners and radiators. Instead, select an area with plenty of windows to let natural sunlight.
Water a croton plant often enough to keep the soil evenly moist, but don't let the top couple of inches of soil dry out between waterings. Fertilize a croton during the spring and summer when it's growing vigorously. But less often in winter and autumn.
Make sure to regularly wipe the leaves of your croton plants using a damp rag to remove dust and prevent pests like mealybugs and spider mites. These pests can impede the growth of the leaves and eventually cause the croton plant to die if left untreated.
The leaves of croton plant can be poisonous in large quantities, despite the fact that they are generally safe for children and pets. For this reason, it is recommended to place the plant in a place away from the reach of curious children or animals. If you have children who are young it may be better to wait until they're older before adding an invasive croton to your home.