Lying between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, the area in the middle of the globe, known simply as “The Tropics” is a beautiful part of the earth. And the plants that grow there are among some of the most spectacular. But if you’re yearning for a touch of the tropics, there’s no need to book a flight. You can create your own tropical oasis right in your own home. Grow tropical plants indoors right at home! It’s a great way to add some color and life to your living space. And, with a little know-how, it’s not as difficult as you might think.
When choosing tropical plants for your home, it’s important to select varieties that will thrive in indoor conditions. Many tropical houseplants are native to rainforests, where they receive filtered sunlight and high humidity. To recreate these conditions in your home, place your plants near a bright window, and mist them regularly with water. You may also want to invest in a humidifier to raise the overall humidity level in your room.
But which tropical plants do well indoors? There are many that can thrive in your home! But the easiest to care for and nurture are listed below. These tropical indoor plants don’t require a ton of attention, and they are suitable for even novice indoor gardeners. So, give them a try in your home, and let us know which indoor tropical plants you chose to grow!
Peace Lily
While Peace Lilies are not for homes with small children or pets (the plants are toxic if eaten), they can be a beautiful addition to many homes. They are easy to maintain, and their gorgeous, white or yellow flower blooms last for months in the right conditions.
Peace Lily plants grow under the canopy in their native lands, so they don’t need a lot of light. A medium amount of indirect light will do just fine. Keep your peace lily in an area that doesn’t get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and make sure the soil is moist. Misting your plant will make it happy too!
Anthurium
Anthurium, related to the peace lily, is a popular indoor tropical plant, for its bright, beautiful flowers that stick around for weeks. While the anthurium is probably the most challenging plant on this list of tropical plants you can grow indoors, it really isn’t difficult to care for.
Make sure your anthurium is potted in loose, rich soil that will allow for good drainage. If the roots are sitting in water, your plant will not survive. At the same time, the soil should stay moist at all times, just not soaked. As for light, anthuriums do well with bright, indirect sunlight. Somewhere close to a window with filtered light should be perfect.
Ginger
Did you know there are over 1,300 species of ginger plant? Within that mix, you’ll find a wide variety of colors and flower types, each with its own unique attributes. One popular form of ginger to grow indoors is the Yellow Spiral Ginger. This plant produces heavenly scented yellow spiral flowers that burst all summer long.
While there are some differences from one type of ginger plant to another, this tropical indoor plant will need regular fertilizer, regardless of the species. You’ll also want to place this plant in filtered or indirect light. They are not fond of bright sunlight.
Orchids
Not just tropical, varieties of orchids can be found all over the world within and outside the Tropics. But the varieties that are most popular are from the tropics. So, chances are good that if you buy an orchid plant, you’re buying a tropical plant. In any case, it’s easy to see why orchids are so loved. They produce bright, beautiful flowers, and they smell amazing.
Orchids are often noted as good bathroom plants, because they like a warm, humid environment. They don’t do well in dry air, direct sunlight, or direct heat. So, keep your orchid plants away from vents and out of direct bright light, and you’ll be in good shape. Most orchids need very little watering, unless the soil is dry below the first ½ inch. Also, consider using pebble trays, and don’t worry if you begin to see roots coming through the top of your soil. That is normal for orchids.
Cordyline
Cordyline is a tropical plant known for its bright, bold leaves that come in a range of colors. With proper care, Cordylines make a great addition to any indoor garden. Also known as the Ti Plant, this colorful plant is much like other tropical plants, in its care needs.
Keep your cordyline plants in a warm location with indirect light, and make sure the soil is consistently moist, except in the winter. Well-draining, rich potting mix with a pH between 6 and 6.5 is ideal, and weekly fertilizer helps keep cordylines growing strong. Also, it has been shown that these plants don’t do well with fluoridated water, so using distilled water is recommended.
Do you grow tropical plants indoors?
What other varieties have you found that do well? Share with the community on our social media channels!
