5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can add a relaxing and exotic atmosphere to your home. They are generally easy to maintain as long as you provide the right conditions.
These include an attractive, warm spot and high humidity levels. Some of the most common kinds of tropical houseplants are:
Dragon plant is an tropical foliage plant that's easy to grow indoors. It is a great air purifier and can tolerate low light.
Alocasia Zebrina
This plant is unique in the world of tropical houseplants due to its exotic zebra-striped leaves and enormous elephant ear-shaped stems. It thrives in brightly lit, warm spaces with high humidity. However direct sunlight can burn the waxy leaves. So put it in a window facing south or in a location where light is filtered through a sheer curtain.
Alocasia zebrina can grow moderately to quickly and thrives in warm temperatures. Its soil needs to be dry, but not too wet. It needs to be fed a balanced liquid fertilizer each month as it grows. This tropical plant goes into dormancy in winter.
It also likes a humid atmosphere and that is why bathrooms or kitchen is ideal. You can create this environment by misting it often or placing it in a pebble tray partly filled with water. It can even be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11.
This plant is susceptible to frost, so it requires a warm climate that is between 64-77 degF. Keep it clear of windows with frost and drafts.
If you notice that alocasia Zebrina's foliage begins to change color, becoming crisp or yellow It may require more moisture. You can increase the amount of humidity in the air by placing an humidifier near the plant or moving the plant into a humid area like the bathroom or kitchen.
Alocasia zebrina prefers being rootbound in its small pot, so don't repot it too fast. If it needs to be repotted, use a soil mix that is well-drained and a pot that is one larger than the current one.
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 be aware of the weight of the pot and empty the excess water prior to refilling. It's a good idea place a saucer underneath the planter to catch drips, or place the plant in a sink for watering. It is best to allow the top two inches to dry out before watering. This will also help conserve water during the winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is a fascinating tropical houseplant that has unusual 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 planted outdoors in USDA zones 5 to 9. It is referred to as a houseplant tropical, because it thrives in indoors, and doesn't require protection from frost. It is easy to maintain and grows quickly.
To maintain the plant, water it slowly and deeply when it needs to be hydrated. This allows the soil to absorb the moisture without becoming soggy. Add a general-purpose fertiliser at least once a year to the soil when the plant is in poor condition. This will help promote healthy growth and blooming. potted house plants -bloom feed is particularly important because the plant will be putting all its effort into preparing for opening blooms.
good house plants needs regular pruning to keep it tidy. It thrives in a pot filled with nutrient-rich, well draining soil. It is tolerant of medium humidity, but should not be exposed excessive heat or cold. The plant can be cut back in spring to encourage new growth and increase flowering.
The philodendron "Sunrise" is another great choice for tropical houseplants. It is a bright yellow flowers that look like sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves which resemble those of a rhododendron. It is a breeze to take care of and can be a centerpiece in your home.
Finally, there's the classic moth orchid, which is also very easy to care for. It is commonly frequently used in restaurants and hotels because it has long-lasting flowers and comes in many shades. Keep the plants clear of cold drafts and provide them with plenty of sunlight to maintain their appearance.
Another good choice for tropical houseplants is the arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum). This semi-tropical plant grows in the rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador Mexico and Bolivia. It is also found in the wild growing in zones 6-9. This plant is a climber, but it also does well as an indoor plant. The fronds that are segmented, pinnately-branched give it an exotic look and can be used to add a touch of elegance to a Victorian conservatory or a contemporary living room.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a durable houseplant that is easy to maintain. The leaves are glossy green and splattered with gold variegation. They are thicker and arrow-shaped than philodendrons, which is why the two are often confused. But a quick look at the underside of the pothos will reveal the distinction. Philodendrons have a silky texture, whereas golden pothos have a leathery feel.
The plants can withstand 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 grow up to a foot or more 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 easy to propagate. Simply cut off an area of 4-6 inches from a mature vine with 2 or more leaves. Be sure to include a node which is a bump on the stem, where roots will develop and then place it in the growing medium of preference. Perlite, moss, leca and sphagnum are suitable options. If you're planting the cutting directly in soil then use a small Houseplant Propagation Promoter to aid in taking root. The cutting will begin to grow roots in one or two weeks. Once the roots have established, you can transplant the cutting into a larger container with fresh potting soil.
Although you shouldn't fertilize pothos in the winter dormant period, the plant does best when fed every month during the spring growing season. Pothos aren't prone to many issues, but it's important to check the plant on a regular basis for any signs of disease or insects. Aphids are light-green bugs that leave behind a sticky sap trail. Spider mites appear as yellow or dark brown spots on leaves. These pests can be easily eliminated by spraying water mixed with pyrethrum or insecticidal soap.
Keep the plant away for pets and children since it is a source of compounds that are harmful to cats, rabbits, and dogs. The poisons can cause vomiting and swelling of lips or tongues. If your pet ingests the plant, it's recommended to seek medical treatment immediately. Adults can also experience a rash after touching the plant's sap, however, this isn't usually serious. Antihistamine cream and washing the affected area can ease.
Rainbow Croton
With vibrant foliage that resembles rainbows, the tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) makes an eye-catching houseplant. It is a great indoor plant that thrives under bright light but can also be grown outside in moderate temperatures. It's easy to cultivate from cuttings, therefore it's a good option for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
These striking houseplants look great in living rooms and dining rooms. The leaves of croton plants have combinations of green, yellow, red, purple, and orange shades, with striking veining and the edging. Some croton varieties such as 'Petra' and 'Florida Select', are round, whereas others, such as 'Mammy' or 'Gold Dust', have twisted, multi-hued leaves.
Crotons, as with other tropical houseplants require bright sunlight to stay vibrant. They do not like extreme humidity or heat as it can cause the leaves' color to fade or turn dull. To prevent this from happening, keep the Croton plants away from radiators and air conditioners. Instead, select an area that has plenty of windows to let sunlight to shine through.
Water a croton plant often enough to keep the soil evenly moist, but don't let the top few inches of soil dry out between waterings. It is also important to fertilize a croton plant in the spring and summer when it is growing vigorously however, it is less frequent during winter and fall.
Clean good house plants of your croton plants using a damp rag to get rid of dust and keep away insects like mealybugs and mites. If left untreated, these pests can stunt leaf growth and eventually cause croton plants to die.
Although the croton plant is generally safe for pets and children but the leaves can be toxic when eaten in large amounts. To avoid this, you should put the plant in a spot that is safe from the reach of curious children or animals. If you have kids who are young, it may be best to wait until they develop before introducing a Croton Plant to your home.