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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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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