Tropical House Plants

We love decorating our interiors with house plants. They purify the air and add a touch of nature to our homes and offices.

But in order for any plants to thrive indoors we need to recreate, as much as possible, the growing conditions of their native habitat.

Considering that tropical house plants grow under enormous tree canopies in tropical and subtropical regions, it's easy to see why they adapt so well to our indoor environments.

Limited natural light and warm indoor temperatures make them feel right at home.

Common Tropical Plants

Among the most popular tropical house plants are the orchids. There are over 20,000 varieties in nature, with phalaenopsis, cymbidium and dendrobium being the most common house plants.

They require bright light but no direct sunlight, and offer an array of flower styles and colors. Bromeliads also prefer bright light, but no direct sunlight.

Choose from many varieties with striking leaf shape and color. Their sculptural spikes of tall flowers create a unique ornamental plant.

Dieffenbachia prefers bright light but is tolerant of poor lighting conditions. If it receives more than 2 hours of sunlight daily the leaves will turn yellow.

Leaves in shades from chartreuse through variegated deep green and white provide focal points in a collection of green house plants.

Bird of Paradise is a vibrant flowering tropical whose flower resembles a bird in flight. Its large, leathery leaves add elegance to any houseplant collection.

Care and Maintenance

To simulate their native environment, keep indoor temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees for healthy growth. Add humidity by placing plants on trays of pebbles.

Add water to the tray or allow runoff from the pots to evaporate from the tray. Running a fountain or misting daily also adds humidity.

Using a damp cloth, periodically wipe both sides of the leaves to remove dust. Since tropical plants grow fairly quickly, be sure to fertilize them according to individual needs.

As with all house plants, inspect them periodically for signs of pests. Isolate any plant that shows signs of infestation and treat it accordingly.

Tropical house plants adapt to a variety of soil types. They grow quickly with little care if provided with the proper conditions.

As house plants they offer a wide variety of color, shape and texture, along with unique and spectacular foliage and flowers. They are a welcome addition to our interior living and working spaces.