5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can add a relaxing and exotic look to your home. If you provide them the proper conditions, they are generally easy to maintain.
They can be bright spots with high humidity. Some of the most sought-after types of tropical houseplants are:
The dragon plant is a very 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 giant elephant-ear-shaped leaves of this plant make it stand out among tropical house plants. It thrives in brightly lit, warm spaces with high humidity. However direct sunlight can cause burns to the leaves' waxy coating. It's best to place it close to a south-facing window or in a location that gets filtered light through the sheer curtain.
Like most tropical plants, alocasia zebrina thrives in warm temperatures and can grow moderately to quickly growth. The soil should remain moist throughout the year but not too wet. It should be fed an appropriate liquid fertiliser each month during the growth phase. This tropical plant becomes dormant during the winter.
It also enjoys an atmosphere that is humid, which is why bathrooms and kitchen is the ideal place. It can be created by misting it frequently or placing it in a pebble tray filled with water. It can be grown outside in USDA zones 10 or 11.
This plant is susceptible to frost, so it requires a warm environment that is between 64-77 degF. Keep it from cold windows and drafts.
If you notice that alocasia Zebrina's foliage begins to become crisp or yellow it could be in need of more moisture. You can increase the humidity of the air by putting an humidifier close to the plant or moving it to an area that is naturally humid such as kitchen or bathroom.
Alocasia zebrina prefers to be rootbound in its small pot, so don't repot it too quickly. If you have to repotted it, choose a soil mix that drains well, and a pot that is one size larger.
If the roots of this alocasia left in the water for too long, they may become rotted by water. It is important to drain excess water and observe the weight prior to refilling. It's a good idea put a saucer under the planter to catch drips, or place the plant in a sink for watering. It is best to let the top two inches dry before you water. This will also help conserve water in the winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is a fascinating green tropical houseplant with unusual foliage. It has a central rib and the curved brown, red, or purple stripes on its leaves, which make them appear like wings. This plant is native from South America, and can be grown outside in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. However, it's best known as a tropical houseplant, since it thrives indoors and doesn't require protection against frost. It's easy to cultivate and requires little maintenance.
It is important to water the plant gently and thoroughly every time it needs watering. This allows the soil absorb the moisture, but not become soggy. If the plant is in poor soil, adding a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the season will help promote healthy growth and blooming. Pre-bloom feedings are crucial because the plant is focused on preparing for the opening of its blooms.
While the plant is low maintenance, it does require regular pruning to keep it compact and neat. It also does best when placed in a pot that has a 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 excellent choice for tropical houseplants. It is a bright yellow flowers which look like sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves, that resemble those of Rhododendron. It is very simple to maintain and can serve as a centerpiece in your home.
Then, there's the moth orchid of old, which is also very easy to maintain. This plant is often employed in hotels and restaurants because of its long-lasting blooms and comes in a range of shades. To keep your plants looking nice, make sure they get plenty of sunlight and stay away from drafts.
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 can be found growing in the wild in zones 6-9. Although this plant is an excellent climber in the garden, it does very well as an indoor plant. Its segmented, pinnately-branched fronds give it an exotic look and can be used to decorate the interior of 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 more robust than philodendron leaves and arrow-shaped and are often mistaken for each other--but a quick glance at the underside of the leaves will identify the distinction: philodendron leaves have smooth texture, while golden pothos leaves have a leathery one.
The plants can tolerate low to bright indirect light, similar to the light they receive in their native tropical French Polynesia forest. If low maintenance house plants are right the plant can reach a foot or more in length, with each leaf growing on its own stem. This makes it a flexible indoor plant that is an extremely popular option for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants are extremely easy to propagate. Simply cut off an area of 4-6 inches from an established vine with two or more leaves. Include an elongated stem that is a bump where roots will develop and then place it in the medium you prefer to grow. Perlite, sphagnum and moss and leca are good alternatives. If you are planting the cutting directly in soil, you can use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to help it take roots. The cutting will begin to develop roots within one or two weeks. Once the roots have established, you can transplant it into a larger container with fresh potting soil.
Although you shouldn't fertilize pothos during its winter dormant phase The plant is most successful when fed regularly during the spring growing season. Pothos is not susceptible to numerous problems, but it's still important to check for bugs and diseases regularly. Be aware of aphids which are light green bugs that leave an unctuous trail of sap and spider mites which look like yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Spraying water with pyrethrum, or an insecticidal soap, will effectively control these insects.
Be cautious to keep the plant from pets and children as it is toxic to dogs, cats and rabbits. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and breathing problems. It is best to seek immediate medical attention when your pet is poisoned by the plant. Adults can also suffer from a rash when touching the plant's sap, but it is usually not serious. The skin is cleaned and using antihistamine creams can help.
Rainbow Croton
The tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum) is a stunning houseplant that has vibrant foliage that appears like an array of rainbows. It thrives indoors in bright sunlight however, it can also be grown outdoors in mild temperatures. This plant is easy to cultivate from cuttings, therefore it's a good option for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.
These plants with bold markings are a popular choice for tropical houseplants, and they are especially attractive in dining rooms and living rooms. The leaves of the croton plant are a combination of yellow, green and red hues with bold veining. Some croton varieties such as "Petra" and "Florida Select,' are round, whereas others, like 'Mammy' and 'Gold Dust' have twisted, multi-hued leaves.
Crotons, like other tropical houseplants, require bright sunlight to remain vibrant. They do not like extreme humidity or heat because they can cause the leaves' colors to fade or dull. To avoid this, put the croton plant away from radiators and air conditioners. Instead, choose an area with plenty of windows to let natural sunlight.
The croton plant should be watered regularly to keep it evenly moist. But allow the top few inches dry out between waterings. It is also essential to fertilize a croton in the spring and summer months when it is growing vigorously however, it is less frequent during winter and fall.
Regularly wipe the leaves of your croton plant with a damp rag to remove dust and prevent pests like mealybugs and spider mites. If not treated they can impede the growth of leaves and eventually cause the croton plant to die.
The leaves of croton plant can be poisonous in large quantities, despite the fact that they are generally safe for children and pets. It is best to put a croton in an area away from the reach of curious children or animals. Also, if you have children who are young it is best to wait until they are older before adding a croton plant to your home.