Jungle Paradise: Tropical Plants You Can Grow at Home
Bring nature into you home with beautiful tropical plants that will both improve air quality and add color to your indoor spaces. Although tropical plants thrive in warm and humid climates, not all have the same requirements. They can survive in different environments if particular conditions are taken into consideration. Here’s a list of tropical plants to liven up your home.
Begonia: Fun in Variety
With many varieties, begonias are an excellent addition to add color to any indoor environment. Use a potting mix that contains organic components but no garden soil. Water regularly and keep under bright light. Remember to shield the plant from midday sun.
Anthurium: Long-Lasting Bloom
Anthuriums can bloom any time of the year, and the bloom can survive for long periods of time if the plant is well taken care of. Of the four varieties of anthuriums, the A. scherzerianum and A. andreanum are most common for indoor growing. Keep under bright, indirect light in the warmest area of you garden, keep moist and fertilize once per month.
Chinese Evergreen: Durable in Low Light
One of the easiest plants to grow indoors, the Chinese evergreen is ideal for any space. They can survive in low or indirect light and require moderate watering. Use a combination of potting soil, perlite, and sand to plant. These beautiful plants prefer to be placed in a warm area.
Schefflera: The Umbrella
Although this large plant won’t bloom indoors, the schefflera is ideal to place in corners. Its long, hanging leaves have lent themselves to the schefflera being commonly referred to as the umbrella plant. It requires indirect light, warmth and ample humidity. Water weekly and fertilize twice per week during growing season. Move it outside and put it under shade during the summer.
Ficus: A Little High-Maintenance
Usually a landscape tree, the ficus is a great addition to indoor spaces due to its abundant foliage. This is a demanding plant that survives very well in a pot, but quickly outgrows it. It is prone to infestations and reacts negatively to being moved. Never expose it to cold drafts. Trim regularly and replant once per year to slow down its growth.
Palms: Not All Created Equally
Of all the varieties of palms, not all are conditioned for every climate. The parlor and Kentia palms can survive in colder temperatures, but most varieties require warmth. Palms are great decorative plants, but careful consideration must be given to size because they can quickly outgrow the space where they are placed. A palm can never be top-trimmed or it will die. Make sure to repot infrequently to slow down growth. They should be planted in sandy soil, drained well, and kept under partial shade.
Philodendron: Beautiful Potted or Hanging
There are two types of philodendrons: the climbing type, best as hanging or trailing plants; and the self-heading types, good for growing in pots. P. Scandens is the variety most likely to survive indoors. The philodendron is popular for its variety of beautiful leaves. They are fast growers and must be repotted as needed. Keep moist and under dappled, bright light.
Gardenia: Beautiful Scent
With their scented flowers and shiny foliage, Gardenias are ideal for bay windows and sunrooms. They require light pruning, lots of humidity and abundant light. Avoid temperatures bellow the mid-40s to keep this plant healthy. Gardenias attract whitefly, so check the plant regularly to avoid infestation.
