General Guide In Taking Care Of Indoor Tropical Plants



by Twila Edwards


Many common houseplants come from regions near the equator that have tropical climates. The conditions in such areas can vary, but they tend to be humid and warm. The plants that are native to these areas grow best in an environment similar to where they came from, so an understanding of this is essential for anyone wanting to grow great tropical plants. Here are a few tips about growing tropicals indoors.

Tropicals are usually from climates with wet and dry seasons. The wet season correlates with the growing season, the time when new blooms and foliage grows most rapidly. No matter where a houseplant is being grown, it should receive more water during the more humid part of the year in order to mimic a 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.

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.

In the tropics, rain regularly rinses off the leaves of a plant. This keeps pests away and prevents dirt or dust build-up that can choke a plant and keep it from getting enough sunlight. Tropicals being kept as houseplants need to be wiped clean from time to time. A damp cloth is ideal, and some mild soap can also be used for killing many pests that might be invisible to the naked eye.

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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