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.
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.
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.
A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.
It is not very difficult to grow tropical plants indoors, as long as you know what you are doing. The key is to understand the climate to which these plants are native. Any plant will thrive when provided with the proper conditions.
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.
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.
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.
A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.
It is not very difficult to grow tropical plants indoors, as long as you know what you are doing. The key is to understand the climate to which these plants are native. Any plant will thrive when provided with the proper conditions.
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