A tropical plant is any plant that grows naturally in an environment similar to the Tropics, an area of the earth encircling the equator. Tropical plants are available in both flowering and foliage varieties. These plants are lively, have lovely colours and textures, and may provide a splash of colour to your yard. Introducing a few tropical plants to your garden can create a quiet, exotic atmosphere that attracts birds, bees and butterflies.
See also: How to grow and care for water plants at home?
List of 7 tropical plantsÂ
Jasmine
Botanical name: Jasminum officinale
Growth condition: A pleasant winter, a warm summer, moderate rainfall and bright days.
Care tips: Keep jasmine neat by snipping away from the plant growth stems and pruning soon after they bloom to give the vines time to flourish before the following season.
Toxicity: Toxic alkaloids can be found in all sections of the plant. Children and cats have allegedly died after eating only one blossom.
These lovely white tropical blossoms are often overlooked. They may grow all year in warm settings since they do not require particular maintenance.Â
Areca palm
Botanical name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Growth condition: Thrive best in the indirect sun but will tolerate a little shade.
Care tips: Areca palms prefer damp but not soggy soil most of the time
Toxicity: all humans and animals find it non-toxic
These palms have smooth, occasionally golden trunks that seem like bunches of bamboo. Their fronds are small and dense such as bamboo leaves. They are frequently utilized as a privacy screen when cultivated outside. These palms can also be cultivated as houseplants. They grow slowly to moderately and are best planted in the spring.
Radiator plants
Botanical name: Peperomia
Growth conditions: Bright, indirect light is ideal for their growth.Â
Care tips: In the summer, they need equally wet soil at a temperature between 18°C and 26°C.
Toxicity: Neither people nor pets are affected by them.
Unlike fan palms, broadleaf lady palms were introduced by Chinese farmers and are not found in the wild. Because they purge air contaminants, they make great indoor houseplants. The four main compounds they process are ammonia, xylene, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide. They are perfect for novice gardeners since they are also easy to maintain.
Devil’s ivy
Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum
Growth conditions: This plant does well in any temperature range of 10°C to 24°C.
Care tips: Water the soil once the top two inches get dry. This plant can withstand droughts.
Toxicity: Crushed devil’s ivy contains insoluble calcium oxalates minute needle-like crystals. This results in severe pain, oedema, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It is referred to as a money plant in many parts of the Indian subcontinent. It barely ever blossoms without synthetic hormones.
Syngonium
Botanical name: Syngonium podophyllumÂ
Growth conditions: Medium to brilliant indirect light is needed for this plant.
Care tips: This plant needs very little water and only a little soil moisture.
Toxicity: If consumed, all of this plant’s contents might be harmful and result in oral discomfort.
All syngoniums are low-maintenance plants as long as you remember to water them. They are low-light tolerant houseplants that may thrive in almost any place in your home. Their leaves come in various colours and patterns, so pick the one that best matches your personality.
Orchids
Botanical name: Orchidaceae
Growth condition: This plant requires 18℃ to 29℃ temperature and 70-80% humidity for growth. A shade net house with a rain shelter is also needed.
Care tips: It needs to be watered every 7 to 10 days.
Toxicity: This plant is not toxic for humans or pets.
The exotic allure of orchids never grows old. There are so many varieties to pick from that are elegant and detailed without being ostentatious. Orchids are exciting and eye-catching low-maintenance houseplants in various vibrant and exotic colours.
Tropical plants: How to grow them?
Many tropical plants flourish in rainforests beneath the shade of big trees. With a few modifications, they can thrive in our houses. Most require filtered light, draft protection and frequent watering. This book will teach you how to cultivate tropical plants.
Light
The majority of plants like bright, indirect light. Some plants will require more care than others, which is part of the fun of caring for houseplants.Â
Soil and water
Most indoor plants require soil structure that retains moisture and drains properly, allowing plant roots access to air and water. To help plants develop and thrive, look for potting mixes that incorporate slow-release fertiliser. An airy potting soil gives the framework for roots to stretch. This texture allows roots to get air and water.
Fertiliser
Give the indoor tropical plants as much feeding as possible during the spring and summer. Do not fertilise your tropical plant in winter if it does not require this practice unless the plant is growing. However, organic plant fertilizer is favourable for tropical plants as many of them are sensitive to chemical fertilisers, and they burn easily.
Tropical plants: Care tips
- Keep checking on the soil; this is how the plant will alert you on its need for water.
- Many common tropical house plants live very well in homes with non-humid air. Nevertheless, different plants are affected by varying degrees of humidity depending on the species.
- The light needs of tropical plants vary: While others do well under bright light, some need less light.
- However, when it comes to growing tropical plants inside, most of them will do well in ordinary potting soil.
Tropical plants: Benefits and uses
More than just the beauty and uniqueness, tropical plants offer additional advantages. Natural air filters cleanse surrounding pollutants from the air. In addition, they can improve indoor air quality, making them useful in homes and other businesses.
Furthermore, research has shown that tropical plants can improve mental health through reduced stress and anxiety. It has been shown that people’s moods can be improved even without direct interaction with plants. Tropical plants are aesthetic, helpful and have health benefits.
Tropical plants: Common pests and diseases
Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora aerial blights in tropical, as well as soft rot bacterial diseases and certain fungal rots like those of Myrothecium and Fusarium, tend to be more virulent during the summer or hot periods.
FAQs
What exactly is a tropical plant?
The term Tropical Plant refers to any plant that naturally thrives in a climate similar to the Tropics, an area of the earth near the equator.
Are tropical plants healthy?
Tropical plants are the key to adding colour to your garden or yard.
How do you grow tropical plants?
Check the soil around your plant regularly to ensure it is not too dry. Water is required throughout the spring and summer.
Do tropical plants require sunlight?
Most tropical indoor plants prefer indirect, intense sunshine.
What is the ideal habitat for tropical plants?
Many thrive in gloomy or semi-shady environments, away from direct sunlight.
How do you clean the leaves of tropical plants?
A moderate water spray is one of the finest methods to clean many tropical houseplants.
What is the lowest temperature that tropical plants can tolerate?
Tropical plants demand a temperature of at least 10-15℃
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