How Do You Explain Tropical House Plants To A 5-Year-Old
5 Easy-To-Care-For Tropical House Plants
Tropical house plants can give a an exotic and relaxing look to your home. As long as you give them the proper conditions, they're generally easy to care for.
These include a bright spot with high humidity. The most well-known types of tropical houseplants are:
The dragon plant is a very easy to grow tropical foliage plant. It's a great air purifier and can withstand low light.
Alocasia Zebrina
This plant is unique among tropical houseplants because of its unique zebra-striped leaves and huge elephant-shaped stems. It thrives in a warm brightly lit space with a high humidity level, but it's sensitive to direct sunlight that could cause burning of its waxy leaves. Place it near a window facing south or in an area where light is filtered through the sheer drape.
Like most tropical plants, alocasia zebrina thrives in warm temperatures and has moderate to rapid growth. Its soil should remain moist throughout the year, but never soggy. It should be fed an appropriate liquid fertiliser each month during the growth phase. The tropical plant goes dormant during the winter.
It also enjoys a humid environment, which is why it's an ideal candidate for the kitchen or bathroom. You can create this environment by misting it regularly or placing it in a pebble tray filled with water. It is also possible to grow it outside in USDA zones 10 and 11.
Since this plant is frost-tender and requires a warm, humid environment that remains between 64 and 77 degF. Keep it from cold windows and drafts.
If you notice the leaves of alocasia Zebrina turning yellow or crisping up it may require more moisture. You can boost the humidity of the air by putting an air humidifier near the plant or moving it to an area that is naturally humid, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Alocasia prefers to stay in its pots that are small and is rootbound, so do not repot too soon. If it needs to be repotted, use a well-draining soil mix and a pot one larger than the one you have now.
This alocasia plant is susceptible to water rot if it's roots sit in water for too long. It is important to drain excess water and monitor the weight prior to refilling. It's a good idea to place a saucer beneath the planter to catch drips, or place the plant in a sink when watering. It is best to let the top two inches dry out before watering. This will also aid in conserving water in the winter months.
Butterfly Plant
Butterfly plant is a fascinating green tropical houseplant with unusual foliage. It is characterized by a central stripe and curled brown, red or violet stripes on the leaves that make them appear like wings. This plant is native to South America and can be planted outdoors in USDA zones 5 to 9. However, it is most commonly referred to as a tropical houseplant, because it is a great indoor plant and doesn't require protection against frost. It is easy to care for and is able to grow quickly.
Water the plant slowly and deeply whenever it requires watering. This will allow the soil to absorb the moisture without becoming too wet. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer once or twice a season to the soil if the plant is in poor condition. This will encourage healthy growth and flowering. A pre-bloom feeding is especially crucial, as the plant will be putting its effort into preparing for opening blooms.
The plant requires regular pruning in order to keep it in a compact. It is also best placed in a pot that has the right nutrients, well-draining soil. It can tolerate moderate humidity however, it should not be exposed excessive heat or cold. The plant can be cut back in the spring to stimulate new growth and increase flowering.
Another great alternative for tropical houseplants is the philodendron called 'Sunrise' which has bright yellow flowers that look very like sunflowers. It also has large dark green leaves which resemble those of a Rhododendron. It is easy to maintain and can serve as a focal point for your home.
The moth orchid is another simple-to-care-for plant. The plant is frequently employed in hotels and restaurants because it has long-lasting blooms and is available in a range of colors. To keep your plants looking nice ensure they get plenty of sunlight and stay clear of drafts.
The Arrowhead plant (Syngoniumpodophyllum) is another great option for tropical houseplants. This semi-tropical plant grows in the rainforests of Brazil, Ecuador Mexico and Bolivia. It can also be found in the wild growing in zones 6-9. The plant is a climber, however it can also be used as an indoor plant. Its segmented and pinnately branched leaves can be used as a decorative element in the design of a Victorian conservatory, or a contemporary living space.
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is an easy-to-care for houseplant. The leaves are glossy green and covered with gold variegation. They are thicker and arrow-shaped than the philodendrons, and that is why the two are often confused. However, a quick glance at the underside will show the difference. Philodendrons have a silky texture, while golden pothos have a leathery texture.
The plants can withstand low to bright indirect sunlight, which mimics the dappled light that they receive in their native tropical French Polynesia forests. The plant can grow to the height of a foot and more and each leaf grows from its own stem. This makes it a great indoor plant, and also a popular choice for hanging baskets.
Pothos plants are very easy to propagate. Trim a 4-6-inch section of a mature vine with at least two leaves attached. Make sure to include a node which is an area on the stem, where roots will develop and then place it in your growing medium of your choice. Moss, perlite, leca, and sphagnum are all good options. If you intend to plant the cutting directly in soil, you can use Houseplant Propagation Promoter to assist it in taking roots. The cutting should start to grow roots in one or two weeks. Once the roots have grown then you can plant the cutting into a larger container with a fresh potting soil.
house plants online is not fertilized during its winter dormancy, but it thrives when fed every month during the spring growing period. Pothos is not susceptible to many issues, but it's important to check for bugs and diseases regularly. Aphids are insects that are light-green and leave behind a sticky sap trail. Spider mites resemble dark brown or yellow spots on leaves. Spraying water with pyrethrum or an insecticidal detergent, can easily get rid of these insects.
Make sure the plant is kept away from children and pets as it contains chemicals that can be harmful to rabbits, cats, and dogs. The poisons can cause vomiting and swelling of tongues or lips. If your pet is poisoned by the plant, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. Adults can also develop a rash after touching the sap of the plant but it's usually not serious. The skin is cleaned and using antihistamine cream can ease the itch.
Rainbow Croton
With its vibrant foliage that looks like an array of rainbows, the tropical house plant Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a striking houseplant. It grows well indoors with bright light but can also be grown outside in mild temperatures. This plant is simple for both experienced and novice gardeners to cultivate.
These striking houseplants look great in dining and living rooms. The leaves of croton plants have mixtures of yellow, green as well as red, purple and orange, with strong veining and the edging. Certain varieties of croton like "Petra" and "Florida Select,' are round, while others, like 'Mammy' or 'Gold Dust', have multi-hued, twisted leaves.
Crotons, as with other tropical houseplants, require bright sunlight to remain vibrant. They are not a fan of extreme humidity or heat because they can cause leaves' colors to fade or turn dull. To avoid this, put the Croton plants away form air conditioners and radiators. Instead, select an area that has plenty of windows that let in natural sunlight.
The croton plant should be watered regularly to keep it well-watered. However allow the top few inches dry between waterings. Fertilize a croton in the spring and summer when it's in full bloom. However, it's less frequent in winter and autumn.
It's a good idea clean the leaves of a croton tree with a damp cloth frequently to remove any dust and to help avoid pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, scales, and thrips. If not dealt with, these pests can stunt the growth of leaves and eventually cause the croton plant to die.
Although the croton plant is generally safe for children and pets but the leaves can be toxic when eaten in large amounts. You should place the croton plant in a location away from the reach of curious children or animals. If you have children who are young, it may be best to wait for them to develop before introducing a Croton Plant to your home.