Popular House Plants For a Tropical Touch
For those who want to give their home a tropical look, consider the heartleaf philodendron. These vibrant leaves are easy to maintain and can withstand low light.
Calatheas, also known as peacock plants, display beautiful patterns on their leaves. Similar to other house plants, calatheas can be easy to grow, but need an adequate amount of light and a well-drained soil.
Ponytail Palm
A beautiful plant that is easy to maintain, the ponytail palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata) has become one of the most sought-after home plants in recent years. This species, which appears like a palm, is actually a succulent. It grows well in dry conditions. The swollen trunk of the plant stores liquid, and it can last for months without watering. This makes it a great plant for those who live in cold climates or those with busy schedules. It is also referred to as a bottle palm or elephant foot palm.
Ponytail palms are tolerant of cool temperatures and thrive in warm indoor climates. In the summer they favor bright spots with indirect sun for warmth and to avoid scorching the leaves. They can adapt to full sun exposure but only in warmer climates. They can also be found outdoors as an ornamental landscape in frost-free areas. When grown indoors, they can reach up to six inches or more in diameter. They can be propagated from offsets that grow at the trunk's base.
Ponytail palms require a small amount of water and thrive in the same quick-draining soil as succulents and cacti. A clay pot is suggested to aid in this process because it helps to wick water away from the roots. If your ponytail palm is root-bound, put it into an container that is only a couple of inches wider than its trunk. To avoid shock, slowly move it to the new container slowly. Fertilize your cactus plants once or twice a year by using a liquid cactus fertilizer at half strength.
Schefflera
Schefflera is a genus that includes a variety of house plants that are popular and have leaves that resemble umbrellas. Schefflera actinophylla Schefflera Arboricola and a few other typical varieties produce elongated four- to six-leaflet leaves that gracefully droop from the central stem. This is what gives them their name. Areca catechu produces similar leaves, but smaller ones that are usually variegated in yellow or cream. Both kinds of plants are not just beautiful but also serve as natural air fresheners as well as deodorizers.
This tropical plant is an easy-care home plant and thrives with moderately high humidity. It can tolerate a moderately warm temperature, but it will not withstand sudden temperature changes or drafts. It is susceptible to many diseases, such as bacterial and fungus leaf spots. To avoid these problems make sure you keep the soil moist, not overwatering it, and make use of a potting mix that is based on peat moss. If you have to water your plant make sure that the soil's top inch is dry before re-watering.
If your plant shows signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as the appearance of pale, wrinkled leaves or brown tips, you may need to feed it more often. This can be done by adding liquid fertilizer to your water, or using slow-release pellets. Regularly pruning your schefflera will encourage new growth and leaves.
Areca Palm
Palms are a common sight in tropical climates. They are beautiful house plant s due to their green fronds which stay fresh year-round and gel well with most interiors. They can be planted as a centerpiece, or in a pot for natural elegance. They can also be utilized to enhance an entranceway or a corner.
In their natural habitat the areca palm thrives in a tropical rainforest. It naturally adapts to high humidity and warm temperatures. The areca is abrasive and can burn when exposed to sudden blasts of freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is important to keep indoor palms of areca away from drafty windows, heat sources and air conditioners.
It is essential that areca palms get plenty of light. They will not take low or moderate lighting So make sure they are in an area with plenty of direct sunlight.
Areca palms require constant irrigation However, they should not be overwatered. Overwatering can cause rot and fungus-related diseases. The soil should be damp, but not soaked and should be allowed to dry out between each watering. If your soil isn't dense and loamy, you can amend it by adding a little builder's gravel or peat moss bark. This will create a more dense, draining mixture.
Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides, also known as the pancake plant, Chinese money plant or coin plant, is a flowering perennial belonging to the nettle family. It's cultivated primarily because of its unique, round, UFO-shaped leaves. It's a houseplant that is easy to grow.
This houseplant thrives in light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this will burn its gorgeous leaves. Place it near a large window that is exposed to lots of indirect light.
Rotate the pot of the Chinese money plant by approximately one quarter every couple of weeks. This ensures that all the leaves get equal amounts of sunlight. You can also fertilize your plants each month with a balanced liquid food diluted to half strength.
The Chinese money plant is tolerant of low humidity levels. If you notice the leaf edges starting to crisp it's a sign you should increase the humidity.
This plant is a popular favorite in Feng Shui which is believed to boost wealth and prosperity. It's also a great one to keep in the office, as it has been proven to boost worker productivity and reduce stress. It's also non-toxic to pets and children. So go ahead and share your greenery with family and friends! You can find this plant at local garden centers and nurseries and in the majority of big-box home improvement stores as well as supermarkets that have a gardening section.
Majesty Palm
Majestic palms, also known as Ravenea Rivularis have long frosts that are a stunning addition to any home. These tropical plants are also recognized for their air purifying properties. They aren't easy to take care of, however due to their ever-growing demands and the need for high humidity.
Majesty palms, like most indoor plants, require well-drained soil that is evenly moistened. Water these plants regularly, but not overly. The plant will benefit from regular fertilizing, as well.
When watering a palm with majesty, ensure that you apply the water to the entire surface of the soil. Avoid watering a plant directly at the base crown as this can cause rot and damage the new fronds.
Majesty palms thrive in pots that are 2-3 inches larger than the root ball. The plant will also appreciate an area with a good drainage, as it's prone to root rot. Put some drain rocks in the bottom of your pot to improve the drainage. Repot a Majesty palm every other year or when the roots extend out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot.
Majesty palms can be vulnerable to aphids and scale bugs as well as spider mites. It is essential to regularly spray the plant with a gentle soap and water solution to prevent these pests. Majesty palms can also be sensitive to low humidity, making it important to keep them in a place with adequate air circulation.
Peperomia
Peperomia is a wonderful houseplant for those who are new to gardening, as it doesn't require much watering. It is a tropical species from the rain forest, and prefers moderate humidity and warm climates. It thrives in humid places like terrariums or brightly lit bathrooms, as well as misted areas inside the home. It is possible to leave it outside during summer, but it is best to bring it inside before temperatures drop.
Lindsay Pangborn, an expert on the gardening website Bloomscape, recommends watering only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. She also suggests using chopsticks to aerate the soil prior to watering so that it can reach all areas of the roots. The aeration prevents rot and encourages deep root growth. Peperomias aren't in a hurry when it comes to feeding and can be fertilized twice a week with a general-purpose fertilizer designed for houseplants.
The leaves of peperomias are distinguished by a distinct texture. They can be smooth, crinkled, or with grooves or ridges. They can also be variegated or spotted. Some of them also have an appearance that is reminiscent of the appearance of a watermelon rind or emerald ripples. You can clean them by wiping with a damp cloth. This is particularly important for species that have ripples and grooves. If you notice swollen areas on the leaves of peperomia plants, this could be a sign of an issue. It is recommended to treat the plant with insecticidal detergent.