Notes

12 Companies Leading The Way In Tropical House Plants
5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants

Tropical house plants can give a an exotic and tranquil look to your home. If you provide them the right conditions, they are usually easy to maintain.

These include a bright, warm spot and high humidity levels. Some of the most commonly used kinds of tropical houseplants include:

The dragon plant is a very easy to grow tropical foliage plant. It is an excellent air purifier that can tolerate low lighting.

Alocasia Zebrina

The exotic zebra-striped stems as well as the huge elephant-ear-shaped leaves of this plant make it a standout 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. Therefore, put it near a south-facing window or in a place that gets filtered light through the sheer curtain.

Like all tropical plants, alocasia zebrina thrives in warm temperatures and has moderate to fast growth. The soil should be moist at all times however, it should not be too wet. As it grows, it needs a monthly feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This tropical plant becomes dormant during the winter.

It also enjoys humidity which is why it's an ideal candidate for the kitchen or bathroom. This can be accomplished by misting the plant regularly or by placing it in a tray of pebbles, which are filled with water. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 or 11.

Because this plant is a frost-tender and requires an environment that is warm and stays between 64 and 77 degF. Keep it away from windows that are frosty and drafts.

If you notice that alocasia zebrina's leaves start to turn yellow or crisp it could be in need of more moisture. You can increase the amount of humidity in the air by putting an humidifier near the plant or by moving it into a humid area, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Alocasia prefers to remain in its pot that is small and rootbound, so don't repot too quickly. If you do need to repotted it, make sure you use a soil mix that drains well and a pot that is one size bigger.

If the roots of this alocasia plant are left in water too long, they could succumb to water rot. It is important to drain excess water and check the weight before refilling. You can place a saucer underneath the planter or in the sink to stop drips from getting into the planter. It is best to allow the top two inches to dry before watering. This will also help conserve water during the winter.

Butterfly Plant

Butterfly plant is a unique green tropical foliage. It has a central rib and the curved brown, red, or purple stripes on the leaves that make them look like wings. This plant is native from South America, and can be grown outside in USDA zones 5 through 9. However, it's most popular as a tropical houseplant because it thrives indoors and does not need any frost protection. It's easy to grow and requires little care.


The plant should be watered gently and thoroughly every time it needs watering. This allows the soil to absorb the moisture without becoming too wet. Add a general-purpose fertilizer every once or twice a season to the soil if the plant is in poor health. This will encourage healthy growth and blooming. Pre-bloom feedings are particularly important because the plant is focused on preparing to open its blooms.

The plant requires some regular pruning in order to keep it tidy. It also does best when planted in pots with an abundant supply of nutrients and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of moderate humidity but should not be exposed excessive heat or cold. The plant can be cut back in the spring to encourage new growth and improve flowering.

Another great alternative for tropical houseplants is the philodendron 'Sunrise', with bright yellow flowers that look like sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves which look like those of a rhododendron. It is simple to maintain and can serve as a focal point in your home.

The moth orchid is another easy-to-care-for plant. This plant is frequently used in restaurants and hotels because it has long-lasting flowers and comes in a variety of colors. To keep your plants looking great ensure that they receive plenty of light and stay away from drafts.

Another great 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 can be found growing in the wild in zones 6-9. While it is an excellent climber in the garden it is also very effective as an indoor plant. Its segmented, pinnately-branched fronds add a touch of exoticism and can be used to embellish the interior of a Victorian conservatory or a contemporary living room.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos is a durable houseplant that is easy to take care of. The shiny green leaves are sprinkled with gold. They are thicker than philodendron leaves and have an arrow shape, which is why they're often mistaken for each other--but just a glance at the underside of the leaves will reveal 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 the conditions are right the plant can reach a foot or more in length, with each leaf growing on its own stem. This makes it a great indoor plant, and a favorite for hanging baskets.

Pothos plants are extremely easy to propagate. Cut off 4-6 inches of a mature vine that has at least two leaves. Include an elongated stem that is a bump from which roots will develop and then place it in your chosen growing medium. Perlite, sphagnum and moss, and leca are all suitable options. If you are planting the cutting directly into soil, use a little Houseplant Propagation Promoter to aid in taking root. Within about a week, the cutting should begin to develop roots. Once the roots are established, you can transplant them to a larger container of fresh potting soil.

Pothos is not fertilized during its winter dormancy, but it thrives when fed once a month during the spring growing period. Pothos is not prone any problems, but it's essential to look for bugs and diseases regularly. Aphids are insects that are light-green and leave behind a sticky sap trail. Spider mites appear as spots of dark brown or yellow on leaves. These pests can be easily eliminated with a spray of water mixed with pyrethrum or insecticidal soap.

Be sure to keep the plant from pets and children since it contains compounds toxic to dogs, cats and even rabbits. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and difficulty breathing. If your pet has ingested the plant, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Adults may also experience a rash after touching the sap of the plant, but this is usually not serious. The skin is cleaned and using antihistamine cream can ease the itch.

Rainbow Croton

The tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum Variegatum) is a stunning houseplant with colorful foliage that resembles an array of rainbows. It thrives indoors in bright light but can also be planted outdoors in moderate temperatures. It is simple to grow from cuttings, so it's a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.

These striking house plants look stunning in dining and living rooms. The leaves of croton plant varieties feature the combination of yellow, green, red, purple, and orange hues with strong veining and the edging. Some croton varieties, such as "Petra" and "Florida Select', are round while others, such as 'Mammy' or 'Gold Dust,' have twisted, multi-hued leaves.

Crotons, just like other tropical houseplants require bright sunlight to remain vibrant. However, they do not like intense heat or humidity which can cause leaves to become dull or fade in shade. To prevent this from happening, keep the Croton plants away form air conditioners and radiators. Instead, choose an area with plenty of windows to allow sunlight to shine through.

Water the croton plant enough to keep it well-watered. But allow the top few inches dry out between waterings. It is also important to fertilize a croton in the spring and summer months when it is growing vigorously and less often during winter and fall.

It's a good idea to clean the leaves of a croton plant with a damp cloth every now and then to remove dust and also to prevent insects like mealybugs, scales, spider mites and thrips. These pests can impede the growth of the leaves and eventually cause the plant to die if not dealt with.

The leaves of croton plant can be poisonous in large quantities however, they are generally safe for children and pets. To avoid this, you should place the croton plant in a place that is out of reach of curious children or animals. If you have kids who are young, it may be best to wait for them to mature before adding the Croton plant to your home.

Homepage: https://houseplantalley.com/