10 Facts About Tropical House Plants That Make You Feel Instantly An Optimistic Mood

5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants

Tropical house plants can give a an exotic and tranquil feel to your home. They are usually easy to care for as long as you provide the proper conditions.

These include the appearance of a warm, bright area and high levels of humidity. The most popular kinds of tropical houseplants include:

Dragon plant is an tropical foliage plant that's easy to grow indoors. It's an excellent air purifier and can withstand low lighting.

Alocasia Zebrina

This plant is unique among tropical houseplants because of its exotic zebra-striped leaves and enormous elephant ear-shaped stems. It thrives in an energizing, brightly lit room with a high humidity level, but it is sensitive to direct sunlight which can burn its waxy leaves. It should be placed near a window that faces south or in an area in which light is filtered through a sheer drape.

Alocasia zebrina can grow moderately to quickly and thrives in warm temperatures. Its soil needs to be dry, but not too wet. As it grows, it needs a monthly feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This tropical plant goes dormant 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 filled with water. It is also possible to grow it outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11.

Since this plant is extremely frosty it requires an environment that is warm and stays between 64 and 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 could be in need of more moisture. You can boost the humidity of the air by placing a humidifier near the plant or moving it to a naturally humid room, such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Alocasia prefers staying in its pot that is small and rootbound, so do not repotte too soon. If you must repotted it, use soil mix that drains well and a pot that is a size larger.

If the roots of this alocasia are left in the water for too long, they can become rotted by water. It is important to drain excess water and check the weight prior to refilling. You can put a saucer underneath the planter or in the sink to collect any drips. It is recommended to allow the two inches of soil on top to dry before watering again. This will also help conserve water during the winter months.

Butterfly Plant

Butterfly plant has an unusual green tropical foliage. It is characterized by a central rib and the curved brown, red, or purple stripes on its leaves, making them appear like wings. The plant is native to South America and can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. However, it's most popular as a tropical houseplant, because it is a great indoor plant and doesn't require protection from frost. It is easy to care for and it grows rapidly.

To care for the plant, you should water it slowly and thoroughly whenever it needs to be hydrated. This allows the soil absorb the moisture, without becoming wet. Add a general-purpose fertilizer every once or twice a season to the soil if it is in poor condition. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Pre-bloom feedings are crucial because the plant is focusing its energy on preparing for the opening of its blooms.

Although the plant is low-maintenance, it does need some regular pruning to keep it compact and tidy. It does best in a pot filled with nutrients-rich, well-drained soil. It tolerates medium humidity but shouldn't be exposed extreme heat or cold. In spring you can trim the plant to encourage new growth and flowering.

The philodendron "Sunrise" is another great choice for tropical houseplants. It has bright yellow flowers which look like sunflowers. It also has large, dark green leaves that look like the shape of a Rhododendron. It is easy to maintain and can be used as a focal point of your home.

The moth orchid is another easy-to-care-for plant. This plant is often used in hotels and restaurants because of its long-lasting flowers and comes in a variety of shades. To keep your plants looking great, make sure they get plenty of sunlight and stay clear of drafts.

The arrowhead plant (Syngoniumpodophyllum) is another great option for tropical houseplants. 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. This plant is a climber, however it also does well as a houseplant. The fronds are segmented and pinnately-branched. add an exotic look and can be used to add a touch of elegance to the interior of a Victorian conservatory or modern living room.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos is a long-lasting houseplant that is easy to maintain. The leaves are glossy green and covered with gold-colored variegation. They are more robust than philodendron leaves and arrow-shaped that's why they're often mistaken for one another. However, an inspection of the underside of the leaves will reveal the distinction: philodendron leaves have a smooth texture while golden pothos leaves have a leathery texture.

The plants are tolerant of indirect sunlight that is low to bright that mimics the dappled light they get in their native tropical French Polynesia forests. The plant can reach an elevation of 1 foot or more with each leaf growing from its own stem. This makes it a flexible indoor plant, and a popular choice for hanging baskets.

Pothos plants can be propagated easily. Cut off 4-6 inches of a mature vine that has at least two leaves. Make sure to include a node, which is a bump on the stem where roots will develop, and place it in your growing medium of choice. Moss, perlite, leca and sphagnum are suitable options. If you intend to plant the cutting directly into soil, you can use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to help it take roots. The cutting will begin to grow roots within a week or two. Once the roots are established, transplant it into a larger container of potting soil that is fresh.

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 numerous problems, but it's still important to check for insects and diseases regularly. Beware of aphids which are small 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 detergent, can effectively control these pests.

Be sure to keep the plant from pets and children since it is toxic to dogs, cats and even rabbits. The poisons can cause vomiting, swelling of tongues or lips. It is advised to seek medical attention immediately when your pet is poisoned by the plant. Adults can also get a rash after touching the sap of the plant but it's usually not serious. Rinsing the skin and using antihistamine creams can help.

Rainbow Croton

With colorful foliage that resembles an array of rainbows, the tropical house plant croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a stunning houseplant. It thrives indoors in bright light however, it can also be grown outdoors in moderate temperatures. It's easy to grow from cuttings, therefore it's a good option for both experienced and novice gardeners alike.

These boldly-marked house plants look stunning in dining and living rooms. The leaves of the croton plant have an array of yellow, green and red hues with bold veining. Some croton varieties like  Petra and 'Florida Select' are round, whereas others, such as 'Mammy' or 'Gold Dust,' have twisted, multi-hued leaves.

Like other tropical houseplants Crotons require plenty of sunlight to remain vibrant. They are not fond of extreme humidity or heat because they can cause the leaves' colors to fade or become dull. To avoid this, place croton plant away from radiators and air conditioners. Instead, choose an area with plenty of windows that let in sunlight to shine through.

The croton plant should be watered frequently enough to keep its soil evenly moist, but do not let the top two inches of soil dry between waterings. Fertilize  best houseplants  in the spring and summer, when it's in full bloom. However, it's less frequent in winter and fall.

It's a good idea clean the leaves of a croton plant using a damp cloth regularly to remove dust and to help avoid pests such as mealybugs, scales, spider mites and thrips. If left untreated, these pests can stunt leaf growth and eventually cause croton plants to die.

Although croton plants are generally safe for pets and children but the leaves can be poisonous when eaten in large amounts. It is best to put the croton in a place that is safe from the eyes of curious pets or children. If you have kids who are young, it may be best to wait until they mature before adding the Croton plant to your home.