5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can give a an exotic and relaxing look to your home. They are usually easy to take care of as long as you provide the right conditions.
These include a bright spot with high humidity. Some of the most sought-after kinds of tropical houseplants are:
The dragon plant is a simple to grow tropical foliage plant. It's an excellent air purifier that is tolerant of low lighting.
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 brightly lit, warm and comfortable rooms with high humidity. However direct sunlight can burn the leaves' waxy coating. So place it close to a south-facing window or in a location that receives light through the sheer curtain.
Like many 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 needs regular feedings with a balanced liquid fertilizer. The tropical plant is dormant in winter.
It also likes a humid atmosphere and that is why bathrooms and kitchen is ideal. This can be accomplished by misting the plant often or placing it in a tray with pebbles partially filled with water. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Because this plant is a frost-tender and requires a warm environment that stays between 64 and 77 degrees. Keep it away from windows that are frosty and drafts.
If you notice that alocasia Zebrina's leaves begin to turn yellow or crisp it could be in need of more moisture. You can increase the humidity in the air by placing an air humidifier near the plant or transferring it to a room that is naturally humid such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Alocasia prefers to remain in its pots that are small and is rootbound, so do not repot too soon. If you do need to repotted it, make sure you use soil mix that drains well and a pot that is one size bigger.
If the roots of this alocasia are left in water too long, they may succumb to water rot. This is why it's essential to keep an eye on the weight of its pot and remove any excess water prior to refilling. It's a good idea to place a saucer beneath the planter to catch drips or place the plant in a sink when watering. It is recommended to let the top two inches dry before you water. This will also help conserve water during winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant has an unusual green tropical foliage. It has a central rib as well as curved red, brown or purple stripes on its leaves that make them look like wings. This plant is native to South America and can be established outdoors in USDA zones 5 through 9. However, it's best known as a tropical houseplant, because it thrives indoors and does not need any protection from frost. It's easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
It is important to water the plant slowly and thoroughly whenever it requires watering. This will allow the soil to absorb moisture without becoming too wet. If the plant is in poor soil and needs to be fertilized, adding a general-purpose product every once or twice throughout 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 some regular pruning in order to keep it compact. It is best in a pot containing nutrient-rich, well draining soil. It can tolerate moderate humidity, but should not be exposed extreme cold or heat. In spring, you can cut back the plant to encourage new growth and to encourage flowering.
The Philodendron "Sunrise" is another excellent choice for tropical houseplants. It has bright yellow flowers that appear like sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves that resemble those of Rhododendron. It is a breeze to maintain and can make a great focal point in your home.
The moth orchid is another easy-to-care-for plant. This plant is often employed in hotels and restaurants because it has long-lasting flowers and comes in a variety of colors. Keep the plants clear of drafts and give them plenty of light to keep their appearance.
Another option for tropical houseplants is the arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum). This semi-tropical plant is found in the rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Bolivia and is growing in the wild in zones 6-9. While it is an excellent climber in the garden however, it can be used as houseplants. Its segmented, pinnately-branched fronds give it an exotic touch and can be used to add a touch of elegance to a Victorian conservatory or modern living room.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a durable houseplant that is easy to care for. The glossy green leaves are sprinkled with gold. They are thicker and arrow-shaped than philodendrons, which is the reason why they are often confused. But a quick look at the underside will reveal the difference. Philodendrons have a silky texture, whereas golden pothos 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. In the right conditions, the plant can grow a foot or more in length with each leaf growing on its own stem. This makes it a flexible indoor plant and an ideal option for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants can be propagated very easily. Trim a 4-6-inch section of a mature vine with at least two leaves attached. Include a node on the stem that is a bump on which roots will develop, and place in your chosen growing medium. Perlite, moss, leca, and sphagnum are all good options. If you're planting the cutting directly into soil make use of a tiny Houseplant Propagation Promoter to help it take root. The cutting will begin to develop roots within one or two weeks. Once the roots have established, you can transplant them to a larger pot of fresh potting soil.
Pothos is not fertilized during winter dormancy. However, it thrives when fed once a month during the spring growth period. Pothos are not susceptible to many problems but it is important to inspect the plant on a regular basis for any signs of disease or insects. Aphids are light-green bugs that leave an untidy sap trail. Spider mites look like yellow or dark brown spots on leaves. These pests can be easily eliminated with a spray of water mixed with pyrethrum or insecticidal soap.
Keep the plant away for pets and children since it contains chemicals that are toxic to rabbits, cats, and dogs. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and difficulty breathing. If your pet is poisoned by the plant, it's best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Adults can also experience a rash from touching the plant's sap, but it's not usually serious. Antihistamine cream and rinsing the affected area can help.
Rainbow Croton
The tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum) is a stunning houseplant that has vibrant foliage that looks like the appearance of a rainbow. tall house plants is a great indoor plant that thrives under bright light, but can also be grown outdoors in mild temperatures. This plant is simple for both novices and experienced gardeners to cultivate.
These boldly-marked house plants look stunning in living rooms and dining rooms. The leaves of croton plant varieties feature combinations of green, yellow, red, purple, and orange, with striking veining and edges. Certain varieties of croton like Petra and 'Florida Select', are round, while others, such as 'Mammy' or 'Gold Dust,' have multi-hued, twisted leaves.
As with other tropical houseplants Crotons require plenty of bright sunlight to stay vibrant. They are not fond of extreme humidity or heat because it can cause the leaves' colors to fade or become dull. To prevent this from happening, Croton plants should be kept away from radiators or air conditioners and placed in an area with lots of windows that provide natural sunlight.
The croton plant should be watered regularly to keep it evenly moist. However, let the top few inches dry out between waterings. It's also important to fertilize a croton in the spring and summer when it is in full growth however, it is less frequent during fall and winter.
Clean the leaves of your croton plant using a damp rag to remove dust and prevent pests like mealybugs and spider mites. If not treated, these pests can stunt the growth of leaves and eventually cause the croton plant to die.
The leaves of croton plants could be toxic in large quantities however, they are generally safe for pets and children. This is why you should put the plant in a location that is safe from the reach of curious kids or animals. If you have children who are young it might be better to wait for them to grow up before adding the Croton plant to your home.