Many very common houseplants are originally natives of tropical locations, which are near the equator. The conditions within these regions tend to be warm and humid, but there is some variation. Houseplants that are native to these areas will thrive if they are cared for by someone with an understanding of where they come from and how that affects their growth. These are some tips about how to grow indoor tropical plants.
Most tropicals are native to locations that have both wet and dry seasons. The wet season is the growing season, when new foliage and sometimes blooms will sprout. In any location, a houseplant will generally need more water during the more humid half of the year, whether this is winter or summer. This mimics the wet season.
Watering too much is the most common way to kill a houseplant, however. A tropical needs to be planted in a pot with enough drainage to let excess water flow out. It should generally be watered only when two inches at the top of the soil is dry, although different tropicals have different needs when it comes to water. Finding out about a specific species is important. No plant should be allowed to sit in soil that is constantly moist, however, because this will rot the roots.
In addition, different species will need different amounts of light. As a general rule, a plant should receive at least five hours of light per day. This should usually not be direct sunlight, as this will be too hot for most leaves. Some species will prefer direct sunlight, however, and still others will like extremely low light.
All tropicals are accustomed to higher humidity than is found in most homes and other buildings. Humidity of 40-80% is generally good, although they can tolerate lower levels during the dry season. A humidifier can be used to elevate the humidity in a room where tropicals are growing. Another way is to occasionally mist the leaves of a plant with water.
Tropicals do not like soil that is as dense as normal potting soil. A better mixture can be purchased, or sand can be added to regular soil. Fertilizer added to soil will provide nutrients for a plant, but the soil will require flushing sometimes to keep salt from accumulating. Pest-free soil is also extremely important.
A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.
Tropical plants can be successfully grown indoors. The trick is to understand where this type of plant comes from and the conditions under which it grows best. Replicating these conditions leads to a healthy, vibrant plant.
Most tropicals are native to locations that have both wet and dry seasons. The wet season is the growing season, when new foliage and sometimes blooms will sprout. In any location, a houseplant will generally need more water during the more humid half of the year, whether this is winter or summer. This mimics the wet season.
Watering too much is the most common way to kill a houseplant, however. A tropical needs to be planted in a pot with enough drainage to let excess water flow out. It should generally be watered only when two inches at the top of the soil is dry, although different tropicals have different needs when it comes to water. Finding out about a specific species is important. No plant should be allowed to sit in soil that is constantly moist, however, because this will rot the roots.
In addition, different species will need different amounts of light. As a general rule, a plant should receive at least five hours of light per day. This should usually not be direct sunlight, as this will be too hot for most leaves. Some species will prefer direct sunlight, however, and still others will like extremely low light.
All tropicals are accustomed to higher humidity than is found in most homes and other buildings. Humidity of 40-80% is generally good, although they can tolerate lower levels during the dry season. A humidifier can be used to elevate the humidity in a room where tropicals are growing. Another way is to occasionally mist the leaves of a plant with water.
Tropicals do not like soil that is as dense as normal potting soil. A better mixture can be purchased, or sand can be added to regular soil. Fertilizer added to soil will provide nutrients for a plant, but the soil will require flushing sometimes to keep salt from accumulating. Pest-free soil is also extremely important.
A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.
Tropical plants can be successfully grown indoors. The trick is to understand where this type of plant comes from and the conditions under which it grows best. Replicating these conditions leads to a healthy, vibrant plant.
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