Many very common houseplants are originally natives of tropical locations, which are near the equator. The conditions within these regions tend to be warm and humid, but there is some variation. Houseplants that are native to these areas will thrive if they are cared for by someone with an understanding of where they come from and how that affects their growth. These are some tips about how to grow indoor tropical plants.
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.
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.
As with water, different tropicals also require different amounts and types of light. Most need at least five hours of bright light every day, but it should not be direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is too hot for the leaves of most tropicals. Still, it is important to find out the specific needs of a particular species, because some do like direct sun, and others prefer very low light.
Humidity levels can make or break tropicals, because their native climate is generally more humid than the air found in most homes or other buildings. A humidity level between 40% and 80% will usually be okay. Even lower levels can be tolerated during the dry part of the year. People often use humidifiers to increase the humidity levels near tropical houseplants. Another technique is to use a spray bottle to mist the leaves of the plant every now and then.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As with water, different tropicals also require different amounts and types of light. Most need at least five hours of bright light every day, but it should not be direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is too hot for the leaves of most tropicals. Still, it is important to find out the specific needs of a particular species, because some do like direct sun, and others prefer very low light.
Humidity levels can make or break tropicals, because their native climate is generally more humid than the air found in most homes or other buildings. A humidity level between 40% and 80% will usually be okay. Even lower levels can be tolerated during the dry part of the year. People often use humidifiers to increase the humidity levels near tropical houseplants. Another technique is to use a spray bottle to mist the leaves of the plant every now and then.
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.
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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