5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can make your home seem exotic and relaxing. If you provide them the right conditions, they are generally easy to maintain.
These include a bright spot with high humidity. Some of the most commonly used kinds of tropical houseplants include:
The dragon plant is a very easy to grow tropical foliage plant. It is an excellent air purifier that is tolerant of low lighting.
Alocasia Zebrina
The exotic zebra-striped stems as well as the 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 cause burns to the waxy leaves. So put it near a south-facing window or in a place that gets filtered light through the sheer curtain.
Like all tropical plants, alocasia zebrina thrives in warm temperatures and has moderate to fast growth. The soil it grows in must be dry, but not too wet. As it grows, it requires an annual feeding using an appropriate liquid fertilizer. The tropical plant is dormant in winter.
It also thrives in a humid environment, which is why it's the perfect fit for the kitchen or bathroom. You can create this atmosphere by misting it often or placing it in a pebble tray filled with water. It can be grown outside in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Because this plant is a frost-tender, it needs a warm environment that stays around 64-77degF. Keep it away from windows that are frosty and drafts.
If you notice that alocasia Zebrina's leaves begin to become crisp or yellow It may require more moisture. You can boost the humidity of the air by placing an air humidifier near the plant or moving the plant into a naturally humid area, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Alocasia prefers to remain in its pot that is small and rootbound, so don't repot too quickly. If you have to repotted it, choose a soil mix that drains well, and a pot that is one size larger.
If the roots of this alocasia are left in the water for too long, they may become rotted by water. It is crucial to eliminate excess water and check the weight prior to refilling. You can place an extra saucer under the planter or in the sink to stop drips from getting into the planter. It is recommended to let the top 2 inches dry out before watering. This will also help conserve water in the winter months.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is a fascinating tropical green houseplant with a unique foliage. It has a central rib and 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 planted outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. However, it's most popular as a tropical houseplant, since it is a great indoor plant and doesn't require frost protection. It's easy to cultivate and requires little care.
Water the plant slowly and deeply whenever it needs watering. This allows the soil to absorb the moisture without becoming too wet. If the plant is in poor soil adding a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the season will encourage healthy growth and blooming. Pre-bloom feedings are especially important because the plant is focused on preparing to release its flowers.
The plant requires regular pruning to keep it tidy. It also does best when planted in a pot with a nutrient rich, well-draining soil. It is tolerant of moderate humidity, but shouldn't be exposed to extreme cold or heat. In spring it is possible to cut back the plant to encourage new growth and blooming.
The Philodendron "Sunrise" is another great option for tropical houseplants. It is a bright yellow flowers which appear like sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves that resemble the Rhododendron. This plant is very easy to maintain and can serve as a centerpiece in your home.
Lastly, there is the moth orchid of old, which is also very easy to care for. best houseplants is often used in restaurants and hotels, as it has very long-lasting blooms and is available in a range of shades. To keep your plants looking great ensure that they receive plenty of light and stay away from drafts.
The arrowhead plant (Syngoniumpodophyllum) is another great option for tropical houseplants. This semi-tropical species is found in the rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Bolivia and is growing in the wild in zones 6-9. While this plant is a climber in the yard however, it can be used as a houseplant. The fronds that are segmented, pinnately-branched add a touch of exoticism and can be used to decorate the interior of a Victorian conservatory or modern living room.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a simple-to-care for houseplant. The leaves are glossy green and covered with gold flecks. They are more robust than philodendron leaves and arrow-shaped, which is why they're often mistaken for one another. However, a quick glance at the underside of the leaves will reveal the distinction: philodendron leaves have a smooth texture while golden pothos leaves have a leathery one.
The plants can tolerate low to bright indirect light which mimics what they get in their native tropical French Polynesia forest. The plant can grow to an elevation of 1 foot or more and each leaf grows from its own stem. This makes it a versatile indoor plant and a popular choice for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants are extremely easy to propagate. Cut off 4-6 inches of a mature plant that has at least two leaves attached. Make sure to include a node, which is a bump on the stem, where roots will develop, and place it in the growing medium of preference. Perlite, moss, leca, and sphagnum are all excellent choices. If you plan to plant the cutting directly in soil, you can use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to aid in the growth of roots. The cutting should begin to develop roots within a week or two. Once the roots are established, you can transplant them into a larger container of potting soil that is fresh.
While it is not recommended to fertilize pothos during the winter dormant period, the plant does best when fed monthly in the spring time of growth. Pothos is not prone numerous issues, but it's vital to be vigilant about bugs and diseases regularly. Be aware of aphids which are small green bugs that leave a sticky trail of sap, and spider mites, which look like spots of brown or yellow on the leaves. Spraying water with pyrethrum, or an insecticidal detergent, can easily get rid of these insects.
Be sure to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children as it contains chemicals that can be harmful to rabbits, cats, and dogs. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and breathing problems. If your pet is poisoned by the plant, it's best to seek medical attention immediately. Adults may also suffer from a rash when touching the sap of the plant, but it's usually not serious. Cleansing the skin and applying antihistamine cream can help.
Rainbow Croton
With its vibrant foliage that looks like a rainbow, the tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a stunning houseplant. It thrives indoors in bright light but can also be grown outside at moderate temperatures. This plant is easy to grow from cuttings making it a great choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
These strikingly marked plants are a favorite choice for tropical houseplants, and they are particularly striking in dining rooms as well as living rooms. The leaves of croton plant varieties feature the combination of yellow, green as well as red, purple and orange shades with strong veining and the edging. Some croton plants, like Petra's and Florida Select', have round leaves, while others, like 'Mammy,' and Gold Dust', have multi-colored and twisted leaves.
Crotons, just like other tropical houseplants, require bright sunlight to remain vibrant. They do not like extreme humidity or heat because they can cause the leaves' color to fade or become dull. To avoid this, croton plants should be placed away from radiators or air conditioners, and put in a space with plenty of windows that allow natural sunlight.
Water the croton plant enough to keep it evenly moist. But leave the top a few inches dry between waterings. Fertilize a croton in the spring and summer, when it's in full bloom. But it's less frequently in winter and autumn.
Regularly wipe the leaves of your croton plant using a damp rag to get rid of dust and stop pests such as mealybugs or spider mites. These pests can hinder the growth of the leaves and eventually cause the plant to die if not dealt with.
The leaves of croton plants can be poisonous in large quantities, even though they are generally safe for pets and children. To avoid this, it is recommended to place a croton plant in a spot that is safe from the reach of curious children or animals. Also, if you have young children it is best to wait until they are older before adding an invasive croton to your home.