Tropical Plants
Tropical Plants
Tropical plants bring the lush, vibrant energy of rainforests into your home. With their dramatic foliage and sometimes colorful flowers, these plants create a bold statement in any space.
About Tropical Plants
Native to rainforests and tropical regions around the world, these plants have adapted to grow in warm, humid environments with filtered light. In their natural habitats, many tropical plants grow beneath the forest canopy, receiving dappled sunlight and consistent moisture.
As houseplants, tropicals generally prefer:
- Light: Bright, indirect light (avoid direct sun which can scorch their leaves)
- Humidity: Higher humidity levels than average homes provide (40-60% or higher)
- Temperature: Warm conditions, typically 65-85°F (18-29°C), with no cold drafts
- Watering: Consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Soil: Well-draining but moisture-retentive potting mix
While some tropical plants can be more demanding in their care requirements, their stunning foliage and dramatic presence make them worth the extra attention.
Tropical Plants Collection
African Violet
Saintpaulia ionantha
Air Plants
Tillandsia spp.
Anthurium
Anthurium andraeanum
Areca Palm
Dypsis lutescens
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia nicolai
Calathea
Calathea spp.
Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema spp.
Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides
Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Dracaena
Dracaena spp.
Elephant Ear
Alocasia spp.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
Kentia Palm
Howea forsteriana
Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa
Nerve Plant
Fittonia albivenis
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
Peperomia
Peperomia spp.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Polka Dot Plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Prayer Plant
Maranta leuconeura
Purple Shamrock
Oxalis triangularis
Rattlesnake Plant
Calathea lancifolia
Rex Begonia
Begonia rex-cultorum
Rubber Plant
Ficus elastica
Sensitive Plant
Mimosa pudica
Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Stromanthe Triostar
Stromanthe sanguinea 'Triostar'
Umbrella Tree
Schefflera spp.
Watermelon Peperomia
Peperomia argyreia
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Tropical Plant Care Tips
Humidity Boosting
Most tropical plants appreciate higher humidity than typical homes provide. Consider these methods to increase humidity:
- Group plants together to create a microclimate
- Use a humidifier near your plants
- Place plants on pebble trays filled with water (ensuring the pot doesn't sit in water)
- Mist plants occasionally (though this provides only temporary humidity)
Cleaning Leaves
Tropical plants often have large leaves that collect dust, which can block light absorption and reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize:
- Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks
- For plants with many small leaves, a gentle shower can help remove dust
- Avoid using leaf shine products, which can clog the plant's pores
Winter Care
Tropical plants may need special attention during winter months:
- Keep plants away from cold drafts, heaters, and radiators
- Reduce watering frequency as growth slows
- Hold off on fertilizing until spring
- Increase humidity to counteract dry winter air
- Ensure plants still receive adequate light during shorter days