Many of the most common houseplants are actually native to tropical climates, which are located near the equator. Conditions in these regions are generally warm and humid, but they can vary. Plants from these areas that have become houseplants will grow best under the care of someone who understands how their native climates affect their growth. Here are some tips about how to successfully grow tropical plants indoors.
The native climate of most tropicals has a wet season and a dry season. The growing season, when a plant sprouts new foliage and blooms, correlates with the wet season. Houseplants need more water during the humid part of the year, no matter where they are growing, to mimic the wet season.
The most common problem people have when caring for houseplants is over-watering. If soil is not allowed to become dry between waterings, the roots of a plant will rot. Different kinds of tropicals may need watering differently, so it is important to find out the needs of a specific species. The pot in which a plant is growing should have plenty of drainage. A plant can generally be watered safely when the top two inches of soil is dry.
Light requirements for tropicals can also vary. Most require bright light for at least five hours out of the day, but direct sunlight is usually not preferable. Indirect light, away from a window and any draft, is usually ideal. Some species might want direct sun, though, and others will like extremely low light better.
One thing that all tropicals have in common is that they prefer humid air. During the wet season, humidity levels between 40% and 80% are best. It can be lower during the dry season, but not too dry. A humidifier placed in a room that has a tropical plant helps to keep moisture in the air. The leaves of a plant can also be misted occasionally with a spray bottle.
The soil in which tropicals are planted should be of a lower density than most potting soils. Mixing in some sand can help, or pre-mixed nursery soils can be purchased. Using some fertilizer helps the plant to receive the nutrients it needs, but the soil will need flushing out sometimes to prevent salt build-up. It is also important to make sure that soil is pest-free.
Because rain naturally rinses the leaves of tropicals living outdoors, most pests and any dirt build-up is regularly cleaned off. Dust or dirt prevents leaves from getting the air they need, and it can also keep them from absorbing enough light. Tropicals growing indoors should occasionally be wiped off with a wet cloth. Mild soap can also help keep pests away.
It is definitely possible to grow beautiful tropical plants indoors. The best way is to learn about where the plant comes from and its favored climate. If these favorable conditions are replicated, the plant will be vibrant and healthy.
The native climate of most tropicals has a wet season and a dry season. The growing season, when a plant sprouts new foliage and blooms, correlates with the wet season. Houseplants need more water during the humid part of the year, no matter where they are growing, to mimic the wet season.
The most common problem people have when caring for houseplants is over-watering. If soil is not allowed to become dry between waterings, the roots of a plant will rot. Different kinds of tropicals may need watering differently, so it is important to find out the needs of a specific species. The pot in which a plant is growing should have plenty of drainage. A plant can generally be watered safely when the top two inches of soil is dry.
Light requirements for tropicals can also vary. Most require bright light for at least five hours out of the day, but direct sunlight is usually not preferable. Indirect light, away from a window and any draft, is usually ideal. Some species might want direct sun, though, and others will like extremely low light better.
One thing that all tropicals have in common is that they prefer humid air. During the wet season, humidity levels between 40% and 80% are best. It can be lower during the dry season, but not too dry. A humidifier placed in a room that has a tropical plant helps to keep moisture in the air. The leaves of a plant can also be misted occasionally with a spray bottle.
The soil in which tropicals are planted should be of a lower density than most potting soils. Mixing in some sand can help, or pre-mixed nursery soils can be purchased. Using some fertilizer helps the plant to receive the nutrients it needs, but the soil will need flushing out sometimes to prevent salt build-up. It is also important to make sure that soil is pest-free.
Because rain naturally rinses the leaves of tropicals living outdoors, most pests and any dirt build-up is regularly cleaned off. Dust or dirt prevents leaves from getting the air they need, and it can also keep them from absorbing enough light. Tropicals growing indoors should occasionally be wiped off with a wet cloth. Mild soap can also help keep pests away.
It is definitely possible to grow beautiful tropical plants indoors. The best way is to learn about where the plant comes from and its favored climate. If these favorable conditions are replicated, the plant will be vibrant and healthy.
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