3 Top Tips When Searching For Your New Indoor Tropical Houseplant

For this week’s “From the Potting Shed” blog post we’ll be diving into some helpful tips for anyone with or looking to add some tropical plants to their homes. Don’t worry, we won’t throw a bunch of words at you and not include a few pictures.
You might even find yourself learning something new by the end of all this. Let’s jump in!

A tropical region full of lush tropical plants. Some of these have even been on sale here at TZS:)

Before we get into it, let’s explain what a tropical plant is. 

Typically a tropical plant is any plant found in climates with high heat, humidity, and absolutely no frost days. 

This might explain why that monstera of yours can’t seem to get it together during the colder months, right? 

Tropical plants flourish in environments that resemble the tropics. 

Make them feel closer to the equator and you’ve unlocked a door you won’t wanna close. 
These plants come in foliage varieties (philodendron, croton, and more commonly pothos) and flowering varieties (hibiscus, orchids, and peace lillies). 

Whenever you visit your local plant shop one of the selling points of some of these plants is that they are easy to care for, hardy, and don’t require much attention. 

Though these points remain true, they don’t tell the whole story. For example, you’re a cold natured person. 

The A/C is always blasted, winter is your favorite season and the slightest rise in temperatures ruin your (me included) whole mood. 

That same thought process should be given to your plants. If they like it warm and humid, they should be placed in spots where humidity is high and the temperature is closer to 18 degrees celsius. Somewhere close to 65 degrees fahrenheit.  It’s also key to note that placing these plants in direct sunlight is never a good idea as leaves tend to burn quickly and damage the plant.
The shadier the better. (Since many tropical plants grow near the sea they can also withstand higher than normal levels of salt). 

Think you're ready to for your next tropical plant? Remember these tips and you'll watch your plants thrive and live happy lives.

1. Keep the soil moist at all times. Overwatering is detrimental, but these guys prefer to have a little moisture at all times.

2. Mist them every now and again. Keep a spray bottle handy and mist the air around them. 

3. Talk to them. Let them know how good they look and that you're proud of them. Treat them like members of your family.