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.
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.
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.
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.
Tropicals do not like soil that is as dense as normal potting soil. A better mixture can be purchased, or sand can be added to regular soil. Fertilizer added to soil will provide nutrients for a plant, but the soil will require flushing sometimes to keep salt from accumulating. Pest-free soil is also extremely important.
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.
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.
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.
Tropicals do not like soil that is as dense as normal potting soil. A better mixture can be purchased, or sand can be added to regular soil. Fertilizer added to soil will provide nutrients for a plant, but the soil will require flushing sometimes to keep salt from accumulating. Pest-free soil is also extremely important.
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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