Popular House Plants For a Tropical Touch
If you're looking to give their home a tropical look, consider the heartleaf philodendron. These colorful leaves are easy to care for and tolerate low light.
The spiky calathea, also known as the peacock plant has beautiful leaves. Calatheas, as with many other popular houseplants, are easy to grow however they require light that is filtered and soil that drains well.
Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm, Beaucarnea recurvata is a stunning plant that is easy to maintain. It has become one of most sought-after house plants in recent times. This species, which looks like an palm but is actually a succulent. It thrives in dry conditions. Its swollen trunk holds liquid, which means it can last for months without watering. This makes it an ideal plant for those who live in cold climates or who have a busy schedule. It is also called an elephant-foot palm or bottle-palm.
Ponytail palms thrive in warm indoor environments and can withstand cold temperatures. In the summer they favor bright spots with indirect sunlight for warmth and to avoid scorching the leaves. They can adapt to full sun exposure but only in warmer climates. They can also grow outdoors as an ornamental landscape in frost-free areas. When grown indoors, they can reach up to 6 inches or more in diameter and can be propagated from offsets that develop at the trunk's base.
The ponytail palms require a small amount of water, and they thrive in the same soil that drains quickly as cacti. A clay pot is suggested to help with this as it wicks moisture away from the roots. If your ponytail palm becomes root-bound, you can pot it into an container that is only a couple of inches wider than its trunk. Then slowly transfer it to the new container over a couple of weeks to avoid shock. Fertilize once or twice per season using the cactus' liquid fertilizer at half strength.
Schefflera
The genus Schefflera, also called the Umbrella Plant or Queensland Umbrella Tree is comprised of a variety of household plants that have leaflets that look like umbrellas. The more common varieties, like Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola, have elongated leaves with four to six leaflets that droop gracefully from a central stem, giving the plant its infamous name. Areca catechu has similar leaves, however smaller ones, which are typically variegated in cream or yellow. Both types of plants are not just beautiful but also serve as natural air fresheners and deodorizers.
This tropical plant is a relatively easy-care home plant and thrives with moderately high humidity. It can withstand moderately warm temperatures, but will not tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations or drafts. It is prone to numerous diseases, such as leaf spots caused by fungus and bacteria. To avoid problems like this ensure that you keep the soil moist, but not overwatering it, and then apply a potting mix based on peat moss. If you have to water your plant at the beginning of the season, wait until the soil's top inch is dry before re-watering.
It is possible to feed your plant more frequently when it exhibits indicators of nutrient deficiencies, such as pale or withered leaves, or brown tips. You can do this by adding liquid fertilizer to the water, or by using slow-release pellets. Regularly pruning your schefflera will encourage new growth and leaves.
Areca Palm
Palms are common in tropical climates. They are beautiful house plants because their green fronds remain vibrant throughout the year and blend nicely with all interiors. They can be planted in pots to bring natural beauty to a space or used as a grand centerpiece. They can also be used to create drama in an entranceway or a corner.
In their natural habitat the areca palm thrives in a tropical rainforest climate. It is naturally adapted to high humidity and warm temperatures. However they are prone to cold and could burn its leaves when exposed to sudden bursts of freezing air. It is crucial to keep your palms out from cold windows, heating and air cooling units.
Areca palms should be exposed to plenty of sunlight. They will not take light that is dim or moderate So make sure they are in a space that receives plenty of direct sunlight.
Areca palms need constant irrigation however they should never be overwatered. Overwatering can cause fungal and rot-related diseases. The soil should be fairly damp, but not soaked and allowed to dry out between every watering. If the soil isn't a rich, loamy mix You can improve it by adding some builder's sand or peat moss to create a richer and well-draining mix.
Chinese Money Plant
The Pilea peperomioides can also be called the Chinese money plant, coin plant, or pancake plant. It's an annual flowering plant of the nettle genus that's cultivated for its round, UFO shaped leaves. It's a houseplant that is easy to grow.
This houseplant grows best under moderate light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight as this can burn its gorgeous leaves and lead to other problems. Set it in a window that gets lots of indirect light.
To stop the Chinese money plant from becoming lopsided, turn its pot by about a quarter every week or so. This ensures that all leaves get equal amounts of sun. You can also fertilize your plants every month with an appropriate liquid food that is reduced to half strength.
The Chinese money plant can tolerate quite low levels of humidity. If you observe that its leaf edges are starting to get crisper it's a sign that it's time to up the humidity.
low maintenance house plants is a favorite in Feng Shui where it is believed to boost prosperity and wealth. It's also a great plant to keep around the office since it has been proven to increase worker productivity and reduce stress. It's also safe for pets and children. Give it a go! You can find this plant at local garden centers and nurseries, as well as in the majority of large-box home improvement stores and supermarkets with a garden 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 recognized for their air purifying properties. They can be difficult to take care of, however due to their ever-growing requirements and high humidity needs.
Majesty palms, just like other indoor plants, require medium well-drained soil that is evenly moistened. Water these plants regularly, but not overly. The plant will benefit from regular fertilization and also.
When watering a majesty palm be sure to pour the water over the entire surface of soil. Avoid watering a plant directly at the base crown, as this may cause rot and damage to new fronds.
Majesty palms do best in a pot 2-3 inches larger than the root ball. The plant will also appreciate an area with a good drainage as it's susceptible to root rot. Drain rocks can be added to the bottom of the container to increase drainage. Repot a Majesty Plant every two years or when the roots are growing out from the drainage hole at the bottom of your pot.
Majesty palms are susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. It's important to regularly spray the plant with a gentle soap and water solution in order to stop these pests from coming into your home. Majesty palms are also prone to low humidity. It is essential to keep them in an area with a good air circulation.
Peperomia
The Peperomia is a great houseplant for beginners because it does not require much watering. It is a tropical species that comes from the rain forest and is suited to moderate humidity and warm climates. It thrives in humid places like terrariums, brightly lit bathrooms, as well as misted areas within the home. It can be positioned outdoors in the summer, but be sure to bring it back inside before temperatures decrease.
Lindsay Pangborn from the gardening Bloomscape website Bloomscape recommends that you only water when the top 2 inches of soil appear dry to the surface. She also recommends using a chopstick for aerating the soil prior to watering to ensure that it is able to reach all areas of the roots. Aeration can prevent the onset of rot and promotes more extensive root growth. Peperomias aren't in a hurry when it comes to feeding and can be fertilized biweekly with a general-purpose fertilizer designed for houseplants.
The leaves of peperomias have been identified by a distinct texture. They can be smooth, crinkled or even with ridges or grooves. They can also be variegated or spotted. Some of them also have patterns that resemble the appearance of a watermelon rind or ripples of emerald. You can remove them by wiping them with a damp cloth. This is especially crucial for species with grooves and ripples. If you notice swelling on the leaves of peperomia plants, this could be a sign of a problem. You should treat the plant with insecticidal detergent.