5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can make your home appear exotic and relaxing. As long as you give them the right conditions, they are generally easy to maintain.
These include a bright, warm spot, and high levels of humidity. Some of the most popular types of tropical houseplants include:
The dragon plant is a very easy to grow tropical foliage plant. It's a great air purifier that is tolerant of low lighting.
Alocasia Zebrina
This plant is unique in the world of tropical houseplants due to its unique zebra-striped leaves and enormous elephant ear-shaped stems. It thrives in the warm, brightly lit room with a high humidity level, but it's sensitive to direct sunlight that could cause burning of its waxy leaves. Place it close to a window that faces towards the south or in an area that is lit by the sheer drape.
houseplants near me grows moderately to quickly and thrives in warm temperatures. The soil it grows in must be moist, but not soaking wet. It needs to be fed an appropriate liquid fertiliser each month during the growth phase. The tropical plant is dormant in winter.
It also enjoys a humid environment which is why it's an ideal candidate for the bathroom or kitchen. This can be achieved by misting the plant often or by placing it in a tray with pebbles, which are filled with water. It can even be grown outside in USDA zones 10 and 11.
The plant is sensitive to frost and requires a warm climate that is between 64-77 degF. Keep it from cold windows and drafts.
If you notice that alocasia zebrina's leaves start to change color, becoming crisp or yellow it could be in need of more moisture. You can increase the humidity of the air by putting a humidifier near the plant or moving it into the area with a natural humidity like the kitchen or bathroom.
Alocasia prefers staying in its pots that are small and is rootbound, so don't repot too quickly. If you have to repotted it, choose soil mix that drains well and a pot that is a size larger.
The alocasia plant is prone to water rot if it's roots sit in water for too long. It is important to drain excess water and observe the weight before refilling. You can place an apron under the planter or the planter in the sink to stop drips from getting into the planter. houseplants near me is best to let the top two inches dry before you water. This will also help conserve water during the winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is an interesting tropical houseplant that has unusual foliage. It has a central rib as well as curving brown, red or purple stripes on its leaves, making them appear like wings. This plant is native from South America, and can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 5 to 9. It is most commonly known as a tropical houseplant because it thrives indoors and doesn't require protection from frost. It's easy to maintain and it grows rapidly.
It is important to water the plant slowly and thoroughly whenever it requires watering. This lets the soil to absorb the moisture, without becoming wet. Add a general-purpose fertilizer every at least once a year to the soil if it is in poor condition. This will promote healthy growth and flowering. A pre-bloom feed is particularly crucial, as the plant will be putting all its energy into preparing for the opening of blooms.
The plant requires regular pruning to keep it in a compact. It does best in a pot filled with nutrients-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates medium humidity but shouldn't be exposed to extreme heat or cold. The plant can be cut back in spring to stimulate new growth and encourage flowering.
Another great option for tropical houseplants is the philodendron called 'Sunrise' that has bright yellow flowers that look very similar to sunflowers. It also has large, dark green leaves that resemble a Rhododendron. It is simple to care for and can be used as a focal point for your home.
Finally, there's the moth orchid that is easy to take care of. It is commonly used in hotels and restaurants, as it has very long-lasting flowers and comes in a range of shades. Keep the plants out of drafts and give them plenty of sunlight to maintain their appearance.
Another option for tropical houseplants is the Arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum). This semi-tropical species is found in the rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Bolivia and can be found growing in the wild in zones 6-9. This plant is a climber, but it also works well as a houseplant. Its segmented, pinnately-branched fronds provide an exotic touch and can be used to embellish the interior of a Victorian conservatory or a modern living room.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a simple-to-care for a houseplant. The leaves are glossy green and covered with gold variegation. They are more robust than philodendron leaves and have an arrow shape and are often mistaken for one another. However, just a glance at the underside of the leaves will tell you the difference: philodendron leaves possess a smooth texture while golden pothos leaves have a leathery texture.
The plants can tolerate low to bright indirect light that is similar to what they experience in their native tropical French Polynesia forest. If the conditions are right the plant can reach at least a foot in length, with each leaf growing on its own stem. This makes it a versatile indoor plant, and an ideal option for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants are extremely simple to propagate. Cut a 4-6-inch piece of a mature plant that has at least two leaves attached. Be sure to include a node, which is a bump on the stem where roots will grow from and place it in the growing medium of your choice. Perlite, sphagnum, moss, and leca are all good alternatives. If you intend to plant the cutting directly into soil, use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to help it take roots. Within about a week the cutting should begin to establish roots. When the roots are established, transplant it into a larger container of potting soil that is fresh.
Although you shouldn't fertilize pothos during the winter dormant phase it is best when fed every month in the spring time of growth. Pothos are not susceptible to many issues, but it is important to inspect the plant regularly for insects and diseases. Be aware of aphids which are small green bugs that leave an unctuous trail of sap, and spider mites, which look like brown or yellow spots on the leaves. These pests can be easily eliminated by spraying water mixed with pyrethrum or insecticidal soap.
Be sure to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children since it is a source of compounds that can be harmful to rabbits, cats and dogs. The poisons can cause vomiting, swelling of lips or tongues. It is advised to seek immediate medical attention if your pet ingests this plant. house plants names may also experience an itch after touching the sap of the plant, but this is usually not serious. Antihistamine creams and washing the affected area may help.
Rainbow Croton
With colorful foliage that resembles rainbows, the tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a striking houseplant. It thrives indoors in bright light, but it can also be grown outdoors in moderate temperatures. This plant is simple for both experienced and novice gardeners to cultivate.
These boldly marked houseplants look fantastic in living rooms and dining rooms. The leaves of the croton plant have the appearance of a mix of yellow, green and red hues with bold veining. Certain croton plants, such as 'Petra,' and Florida Select', have round leaves, whereas others, like 'Mammy, and Gold Dust', have multi-colored and twisted leaves.
Crotons, as with other tropical houseplants require bright sunlight to stay vibrant. However, they do not like intense heat or humidity which can cause leaves to become dull or faded in color. To prevent this from happening, keep the Croton plants away form radiators and air conditioners. Instead, choose an area with plenty of windows that let in natural sunlight.
The croton plant should be watered regularly to keep it moist. But leave the top a few inches dry out between waterings. Fertilize a croton during the spring and summer months, when it's growing vigorously. However, it's less frequent in winter and fall.
It is a good idea to clean the leaves of a croton plant using a damp cloth frequently to remove dust and to help prevent pests such as mealybugs, scales, spider mites and thrips. These pests can hinder the growth of leaves and eventually cause croton plant to die if left untreated.
Although croton plants are generally safe for children and pets however, the leaves can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities. It is best to put the croton plant in a location away from the reach of curious pets or children. If you have kids who are young it is best to wait until they mature before adding the Croton plant to your home.