5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can give a an exotic and relaxing feel to your home. They are often easy to maintain providing the proper conditions.
They can be distinguished by the appearance of a warm, bright spot, and high levels of humidity. The most popular kinds of tropical houseplants are:
Dragon plant is an exotic foliage plant that is easy to grow indoors. It's a great air purifier and is tolerant of low light.
Alocasia Zebrina
The exotic zebra-striped stems as well as the huge elephant-ear-shaped leaves of this plant make it an outstanding choice among tropical house plants. It thrives in brightly lit, warm rooms with high humidity. However tall houseplants can burn the leaves' waxy twigs. big house plants to put it close to a south-facing window or in a location that gets filtered light through the sheer curtain.
Like all tropical plants, alocasia zebrina thrives in warm temperatures and has moderate to rapid growth. The soil it grows in must be moist, but not soaking wet. It needs to be fed an appropriate liquid fertiliser each month during the growth phase. This tropical plant goes into dormancy in winter.
It also thrives in an atmosphere that is humid and that is why bathrooms or kitchen are ideal. You can create this atmosphere by misting it regularly or placing it in a pebble tray partly filled with water. It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11.
This plant is susceptible to frost and requires a warm environment that is between 64-77 degF. Keep it away from drafts and cold windows.
If you notice the leaves of alocasia Zebrina turning yellow or becoming crispy, it could need more moisture. You can boost the humidity of the air by putting an air humidifier near the plant or moving the plant into a humid area such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Alocasia zebrina likes to be rootbound in its pots therefore, don't plant it too quickly. If it has to be repotted, use a well-draining soil mix and a pot one bigger than the one currently.
The alocasia plant is prone to water rot if it's roots sit in water for too long. It is essential to remove excess water and observe the weight before refilling. You can place a saucer underneath the planter or the planter in the sink to collect any drips. It's best to let the top two inches of soil to dry out before re-watering. This will also help conserve water during the winter.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is an interesting tropical green houseplant with a unique foliage. It is characterized by a central rib and curving 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 zone 5 through 9. It is most commonly known as a houseplant tropical, because it thrives indoors and doesn't require frost protection. It's easy to grow and requires minimal care.
To take care of the plant, water it slowly and thoroughly when it is required to be watered. This will allow the soil to absorb water without becoming sloppy. Add a general-purpose fertiliser each season, once or twice to the soil when the plant is in poor condition. This will promote healthy growth and flowering. A pre-bloom feed is particularly important because the plant will be putting its effort into preparing for opening flowers.
While the plant is relatively low maintenance, it will need some regular pruning to keep it tidy and neat. It does best in a pot that is filled with nutrient-rich, well draining soil. It is tolerant of moderate humidity, but shouldn't be exposed to extreme cold or heat. The plant can be cut back in the spring to stimulate new growth and improve flowering.
The philodendron "Sunrise" is another great choice for tropical houseplants. It has bright yellow flowers that look like sunflowers. house plants names has large, dark green leaves that look like a Rhododendron. It is a breeze to take care of and can make a great focal point in your house.
Then, there's the classic moth orchid that is easy to take care of. The plant is frequently used in hotels and restaurants, as it has very long-lasting flowers and comes in a range of shades. Keep the plants clear of the elements and let them get plenty of sunlight to maintain their appearance.
Another option for tropical houseplants is the arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum). This semi-tropical plants grows in the rainforests in Brazil, Ecuador Mexico and Bolivia. It can also be found in the wild in zones 6-9. It is a climber, but it also works well as a houseplant. Its segmented and pinnately branched frosts can be used as a decorative element in the form of a Victorian conservatory or contemporary living space.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a durable houseplant that is easy to care for. The glossy green leaves are flecked with gold. They are more arrow-shaped and thicker than the philodendrons. This is the reason why they are often confused. But a quick look at the underside will show the distinction. Philodendrons have a silky texture, while golden pothos have a leathery texture.
The plants can withstand light that is dim to bright which resembles the dappled light that they receive in their native tropical French Polynesia forests. 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 a flexible indoor plant, and an ideal option for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants can be propagated easily. Cut a 4-6-inch piece of a mature vine with at least two leaves. Be sure to include a node, which is a bump on the stem from which roots will grow from and then place it in your growing medium of choice. Moss, perlite, leca and sphagnum are good options. If you intend to plant the cutting directly into soil, use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to aid in the growth of roots. The cutting should begin to grow roots in a week or two. When the roots are established, move it into a larger container of potting soil that is fresh.
Pothos is not fertilized during its winter dormancy. However, it thrives when fed every month during the spring growing period. Pothos are not prone to many problems, but it's important to check the plant on a regular basis for insects and diseases. Beware of aphids which are insects that are light green and leave an unctuous trail of sap, and spider mites, which resemble spots of brown or yellow on the leaves. Spraying water with pyrethrum or insecticidal detergent, will effectively control these insects.
Be cautious to keep the plant away from pets and children since it is toxic to cats, dogs and rabbits. The poisons can cause vomiting, swollen tongues, and difficulty breathing. It is advised to seek medical attention immediately when your pet is poisoned by this plant. Adults may also experience a rash from touching the plant's sap, but this is usually not serious. The skin is cleaned and using antihistamine cream can help.
Rainbow Croton
With colorful foliage that resembles rainbows, the tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) makes an eye-catching houseplant. It thrives indoors under bright light however, it can also be grown outdoors in mild temperatures. It's easy to grow from cuttings, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
These boldly marked houseplants look great in dining and living rooms. The leaves of the croton plant are the appearance of a mix of yellow, green and red hues, with striking veining. Some croton varieties such as 'Petra' and 'Florida Select', are round, while others, such as 'Mammy' and Gold Dust,' have twisted, multi-hued leaves.
Like other tropical houseplants crotons need lots of bright sunlight to remain vibrant. However, they don't enjoy extreme humidity or heat which can cause leaves to dull or fade in color. To avoid this, place croton plant away from radiators and air conditioners. Instead, choose an area that has plenty of windows to let sunlight to shine through.
The croton plant should be watered frequently enough to keep its 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 fall and winter.
It is a good idea to clean the leaves of a croton plant using a damp cloth every now and then to remove dust and to help avoid pests like mealybugs scales, spider mites and thrips. If not treated, these pests can stunt leaf growth and eventually cause croton plants to die.
Although Croton plants are generally safe for children and pets, the leaves can be toxic when consumed in large quantities. This is why you should place the croton plant in a place that is out of reach of curious children or animals. If you have children that are young, it might be best to wait until they're older before introducing the croton plant to your home.