5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can make your home feel exotic and relaxing. If you give them the right conditions, they are generally easy to maintain.
These include a bright spot with a high humidity. Some of the most sought-after kinds of tropical houseplants are:
The dragon plant is an easy-to-grow tropical foliage plant. It's an excellent 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 stand out among tropical house plants. It thrives in a warm brightly lit space with a high humidity level, but it is sensitive to direct sunlight that can burn its waxy leaves. It should be placed near a window that faces south or in an area where light is filtered through a sheer drape.
Alocasia zebrina is able to grow moderately quickly and thrives in warm temperatures. Its soil should be moist at all times but not soggy. As it grows, it requires regular feedings with an appropriate liquid fertilizer. This tropical plant goes into dormancy in winter.
It also enjoys an atmosphere that is humid, which is why bathrooms or kitchen is ideal. You can create this atmosphere by misting it frequently or placing it in a pebble tray filled with water. It is also possible to grow it outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11.
This plant is susceptible to frost It requires a warm and humid environment of 64-77degF. Keep it clear of windows with frost and drafts.
If you notice that alocasia Zebrina's leaves begin to change color, becoming crisp or yellow it could be in need of more moisture. You can boost the humidity of the air by putting a humidifier near the plant or moving it into the area with a natural humidity such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Alocasia prefers to stay in its pots that are small and rootbound, therefore do not repotte too soon. If you must repotted it, choose soil mix that drains well and a pot that is a size larger.
The alocasia plant is prone to water decay if its roots are left in water for too long. It is crucial to eliminate excess water and observe the weight before refilling. It's a good idea place a saucer beneath the planter to catch drips, or place the plant in a sink for watering. It's best to let the two inches of soil on top to dry before re-watering. This will also help it conserve water during winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant has an unusual green tropical foliage. It is characterized by a central stripe and curled brown, red or violet stripes on the leaves that make them appear like wing. This plant is native to South America and can be planted outdoors in USDA zones 5 through 9. It is best known as a tropical houseplant because it thrives in indoors, and doesn't require frost protection. It is easy to maintain and is able to grow quickly.
To maintain the plant, water it slowly and thoroughly when it is required to be hydrated. This allows the soil to absorb the moisture without becoming soggy. If the plant is in poor soil and needs to be fertilized, adding a general-purpose product once or twice during the season can help to promote healthy growth and blooming. Pre-bloom feedings are especially important because the plant is focused on preparing to release its blooms.
The plant requires some regular pruning to keep it in a compact. It is best in a pot that is filled with fertile, well-drained soil. It tolerates medium humidity but shouldn't be exposed extreme heat or cold. The plant can be cut back in the spring to encourage new growth and increase flowering.
Another alternative for tropical houseplants is the philodendron 'Sunrise' that has bright yellow flowers that look very similar to sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves which resemble those of a Rhododendron. It is very simple to take care of and can serve as a centerpiece in your home.
The moth orchid is another easy-to-care-for plant. It is commonly frequently used in restaurants and hotels because it has long-lasting flowers and comes in a variety of shades. Keep the plants away from drafts and give them plenty of light to keep their appearance.
Another good choice 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 is growing in the wild in zones 6-9. This plant is a climber, but it also does well as an indoor plant. Its segmented, pinnately-branched fronds provide an exotic touch and can be used to embellish the interior of a Victorian conservatory or modern living room.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a durable houseplant that is easy to maintain. The leaves are glossy green and covered with gold-colored variegation. They are more robust than philodendron leaves, and are arrow-shaped that's why they're often mistaken for each other--but a quick glance at the underside of the leaves will identify the distinction: philodendron leaves have smooth textures while golden pothos leaves have a slick texture.
The plants can tolerate low to bright indirect light, similar to the light they receive in their native tropical French Polynesia forest. If the conditions are right, the plant can grow at least a foot in length, with each leaf growing on its own stem. This makes it an excellent indoor plant, and also a popular choice for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants are extremely simple to propagate. Trim a 4-6-inch section of a mature plant that has at least two leaves. Make sure to include a node, which is a bump on the stem where roots will develop, and place it in your growing medium of preference. Perlite, sphagnum and moss and leca are suitable alternatives. If you intend to plant the cutting directly in soil, you can use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to help it take roots. Within around a week the cutting should begin to establish roots. When the roots are established then you can plant the cutting into a larger container with a fresh potting soil.
While you should not fertilize pothos during the dormant winter season it is best when fed regularly during the spring growing season. Pothos are not susceptible to many issues, but it's important to check the plant on a regular basis for signs of insects and diseases. Be aware of aphids which are insects that are light green and leave an unctuous trail of sap and spider mites which resemble brown or yellow spots on the leaves. These pests are easily controlled by spraying water mixed with pyrethrum or insecticidal soap.
Be careful to keep the plant from pets and children since it is toxic to cats, dogs and even rabbits. The poisons can cause vomiting, swelling of tongues, and breathing difficulties. If your pet is poisoned by the plant, it's recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Adults can also get a rash after touching the plant's sap, but it's usually not serious. The skin is cleaned and using antihistamine cream can help.
Rainbow Croton
The tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum) is a beautiful houseplant with vibrant foliage that appears like an array of rainbows. It thrives indoors in bright light, but can also be grown outdoors at moderate temperatures. This plant is easy to grow from cuttings so it's a good choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
These boldly marked plants are a popular pick for tropical houseplants, and they are especially striking in dining rooms and living rooms. The leaves of the croton plant have a combination of yellow, green and red hues, with striking veining. Certain croton plants, such as Petra and Florida Select', have round leaves, whereas others, like 'Mammy, and Gold Dust', have multi-colored twisting leaves.
Crotons, as with other tropical houseplants require bright sunlight to stay vibrant. good house plants do not like extreme humidity or heat because it can cause the leaves' color to fade or dull. To avoid this, place Croton plants away from radiators and air conditioners. Instead, choose an area with plenty of windows that let in sunlight to shine through.
Water a croton plant often enough to keep the soil evenly moist, but let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings. It's also important to fertilize a croton in the spring and summer, when it is growing vigorously, but less frequently during winter and fall.
It's a good idea wipe down the leaves of a croton plant with a damp cloth every now and then to remove any dust and to help avoid pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, scales, and thrips. These pests can impede the growth of the leaves and ultimately cause the plant to die if not dealt with.
Although Croton plants are generally safe for pets and children, the leaves can be poisonous when consumed in large quantities. It is recommended to place the croton in a place that is safe from the eyes of curious children or animals. If you have children who are young it might be better to wait until they develop before introducing an invasive Croton Plant to your home.