Introduction
Many tropical house plants such Birds of Paradise and Palms are actually exotic rainforest plants. With a multitude of beautiful varieties for sale, there is no reason why you can't create your own tropical paradise at home. Before you buy a tropical plant; you need to decide on a few factors. Where do you intend to keep it -indoors or outdoors? What size plant would work best for your space, small or large? Do you prefer flowering plants? Since some tropical plants can be poisonous, they should be kept out of reach of both kids and pets when selecting a spot for them. On this page you will find a list of some common tropical house plants along with interesting information, facts, and tips on owning these type of plants.Click here for a great selection of Amazon.com books about tropical house plants.
Tropical House Plant General Facts
- Because many tropical house plants originally grew in the shady canopy layer of the rainforest, they usually do quite well in indoor settings far from the suns direct rays.
- In addition to being beautiful decorations, tropical houseplants can have very beneficial effects. Studies have found that tropical plant owners can benefit from reduced stress, reduced harmful toxins in the home, and increased humidity. Increased humidity in the winter means less cracked and dry skin.
- House plants absorb carbon dioxide and increase the amount of oxygen in the air.
- One particular tropical plant, the Rubber Tree plant, is known for reducing the amount of carbon monoxide, trichloroethylene and especially the amount of formaldehyde in the air.
- Many tropical plants have adapted to the wet climate of the rainforest by producing leaves with a waxy or slick coating that helps the excess water to roll off of them.
How to Care for Tropical House Plants
- Although tropical house plants come from wet climates, it is fairly easy and common to overwater them, causing the leaves to wilt and the roots to die.
- Overwatering these types of plants is usually the result of watering them too often, not the result of watering them too much at once.
- Because tropical plants are used to the extreme humidity of the rainforest, it is best to try and increase the humidity level where you keep them. Positioning plants in clusters, using a spray bottle, and turning on a humidifier will all help.
- Tropical house plants do best in temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12.8 Celsius); however they should never be placed near or above a heating vent.
- Lack of water can cause the leaves of a tropical plant to wilt and is unhealthy for the plant.
- Tropical house plants should not be watered so much that they accumulate a pool of water in the outside container.
- An often overlooked but simple tip for maximizing the health of a tropical house plant is to dust the leaves and stems occasionally with a damp cloth. This will help the plant to breathe better.
List of Common Tropical House Plants
- Cordyline
- Amazon Elephants Ear
- Bird of Paradise
- Anthurium
- Palms
- Bromeliads
- Philodendron
- Dumb Cane
- Ficus
- Peace Lily
- Orchid
- Schefflera