5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can give a an exotic and tranquil atmosphere to your home. They are often easy to care for as long as you provide the appropriate conditions.
They can be bright spots with high humidity. Some of the most commonly used types of tropical houseplants include:
Dragon plant is a tropical foliage plant that's easy to grow indoors. It is a great air purifier and can tolerate low light.
Alocasia Zebrina
The exotic zebra-striped stems and enormous elephant-ear-shaped leaves on this plant make it stand out among tropical house plants. It thrives in brightly lit, warm rooms with high humidity. However direct sunlight can burn the waxy leaves. Therefore, place it close to a south-facing window or in a location that receives light through curtains.
Alocasia zebrina grows moderately to quickly and thrives in warm temperatures. Its soil needs to be moist, but not soaking wet. It needs to be fed a balanced liquid fertilizer each month as it grows. This tropical plant becomes dormant during winter.
It also enjoys an atmosphere that is humid which is why bathrooms or kitchen are ideal. 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.
The plant is sensitive to frost, so it requires a warm and humid environment of 64-77degF. Keep it from drafts and cold windows.
If you notice the leaves of alocasia zebrina turning yellow or becoming crispy, it could need more moisture. You can increase the humidity in the air by placing an air humidifier near the plant or by moving it into a naturally humid area, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Alocasia zebrina prefers to be rootbound in its tiny pot therefore, don't plant it too quickly. If it has to be repotted, use a well-draining soil mix and a pot one larger than the one you have now.
This alocasia plant is susceptible to water rot if its roots sit in water for too long. This is the reason it's crucial to keep an eye on the weight of its pot and remove any excess water prior to refilling. It's a good idea put a saucer under the planter to catch drips, or place the plant in a sink when watering. It is recommended to allow the two inches of soil on top to dry out before watering again. This will also help conserve water during winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is a fascinating tropical houseplant that has unusual foliage. It has a central rib and the curved brown, red, or purple stripes on the leaves, which make them appear like wings. The plant is native to South America, and can be grown outside in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. It is most commonly known as a tropical houseplant because it thrives indoors, and doesn't need frost protection. It's easy to maintain and it grows rapidly.
It is important to water the plant slowly and deeply whenever it requires watering. This allows the soil to absorb the moisture, but not become soggy. Add a general-purpose fertilizer every at least once a year to the soil if it is in poor condition. This will help promote healthy growth and blooming. Pre-bloom feedings are particularly important because the plant is focused on preparing to release its flowers.
The plant needs regular pruning in order to keep it tidy. It also thrives when planted in pots with a nutrient rich, well-draining soil. It can tolerate moderate humidity but shouldn't be exposed to excessive heat or cold. In spring, you can cut back the plant to encourage new growth and blooming.
Another great alternative for tropical houseplants is the philodendron 'Sunrise' which has bright yellow flowers that appear similar to sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves, that resemble those of Rhododendron. This plant is easy to care for and can serve as a focal point in your home.
Lastly, there is the moth orchid that is easy to maintain. It is commonly used in hotels and restaurants because it has long-lasting flowers and comes in a variety of colors. Keep the plants clear of cold drafts and provide them with plenty of sunlight to maintain their appearance.
The arrowhead plant (Syngoniumpodophyllum) is a good choice for tropical houseplants. This semi-tropical plants grows in the rainforests in Brazil, Ecuador Mexico and Bolivia. It can also be found in the wild growing in zones 6-9. While this plant is a climber in the yard however, it can be used as houseplants. Its pinnately branched, segmented fronds can be used as a decorative element in the design of a Victorian conservatory, or in a contemporary living space.
best houseplants is an easy-to-care for houseplant. The leaves are glossy green and splattered with gold variegation. They are thicker than philodendron leaves and arrow-shaped that's why they're often mistaken for each other--but a quick glance at the underside of the leaf will tell you the distinction: philodendron leaves have a smooth texture while golden pothos leaves have a leathery texture.
The plants can withstand low to bright indirect light that is similar to what they experience in their native tropical French Polynesia forest. The plant can reach an elevation of 1 foot and more and each leaf grows from its own stem. This makes it a great indoor plant, and also a popular choice for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants are extremely easy to propagate. Cut a 4-6-inch piece of a mature vine that has at least two leaves. Include a node on the stem which is a bump on which roots will grow and put it in the medium you prefer to grow. tall house plants , perlite, leca, and sphagnum are all good options. If you are planting the cutting directly in soil, you can use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to assist it in taking roots. Within around a week the cutting will begin to grow roots. Once the roots have established, you can transplant it into a larger pot with fresh potting soil.
Pothos is not fertilized during its winter dormancy, however it thrives when fed every month during the spring growing period. Pothos is not susceptible to any issues, but it's important to check for pests and diseases frequently. Watch out for aphids, which are light green bugs that leave the plant with a sticky trail of sap, and spider mites, which look like yellow or brown spots on the leaves. They can be controlled with a spray of water mixed with pyrethrum or insecticidal soap.
Be cautious to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children because it is toxic to cats, dogs and even rabbits. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and breathing problems. If your pet is poisoned by the plant, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Adults may also develop a rash after touching the plant's sap, but it is usually not serious. Rinsing the skin and using antihistamine cream can help.
Rainbow Croton
With vibrant foliage that resembles an array of rainbows, the tropical house plant croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a striking houseplant. It thrives indoors under bright light but can also be planted outdoors in moderate temperatures. tall house plants is simple for both novices and experienced gardeners to grow.
These boldly-marked houseplants look great in dining and living rooms. The leaves of croton plants have combinations of green, yellow and red, purple and orange hues with striking veining and edging. Some croton varieties, such as "Petra" and "Florida Select', are round, while others, like 'Mammy' and 'Gold Dust', have multi-hued, twisted leaves.
Like other tropical houseplants Crotons require plenty of sunlight to remain vibrant. However, they don't like intense heat or humidity which can cause leaves to dull or fade in color. To prevent this from happening, croton plants should be placed away from radiators or air conditioners, and placed in a space with plenty of windows to let in natural sunlight.
It is important to water the croton plant in sufficient amounts to keep it moist. However, let the top few inches dry between waterings. It's also important to fertilize a croton plant in the spring and summer, when it is actively growing and less often during fall and winter.
It is a good idea to wipe down the leaves of a croton plant with a damp cloth frequently to remove dust and also to prevent pests like mealybugs scales, spider mites and thrips. These pests can stunt the growth of the leaves and ultimately cause the croton plant to die if not dealt with.
Although croton plants are generally safe for children and pets but the leaves can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. You should place the croton plant in a location away from the reach of curious pets or children. If you have children who are young, it may be best to wait until they develop before introducing a Croton Plant to your home.