Since tropical plants have adapted to warmer climates, growing them as outdoor plants is hard, especially if you live in areas with cold falls and winters. On the other hand, these tropical plants can be easily grown indoors. Wondering which tropical plant to get?
Top 10 Tropical Plants you can grow indoors
1. Schefflera (Umbrella plant)
Schefflera belongs to Araliaceae and counts around 600 species.
The two of them are tropical indoor plants – Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola.
The first one is known as the umbrella plant and the latter is the dwarf umbrella plant.
Both of the species prefer moist soil and need monthly fertilizing during the growing season.
When it comes to light, it should be bright, but indirect, since the plant is super sensitive to high-intensity sun rays.
During summer, it will need frequent watering as well as misting, and keep it away from the draft.
These are flowering plants, but in indoor conditions, they rarely develop flowers.
2. Ferns
Ferns are breathtaking indoor plants. They have voluminous foliage, yet seem quite delicate and elegant. The Boston fern has become a favorite choice among plant enthusiasts due to its immense popularity as an indoor plant. Its exquisite foliage possesses the power to serve as a captivating centerpiece for entrances, or even as a splendid addition to your garden.
The nine species are common indoor plants and whichever species you choose, the care is the same.
Ferns love the potting mix that is rich with drainage material, and frequent watering.
Make a habit of checking the soil daily, so it doesn’t dry.
You will also have to mist ferns from time to time, especially during summer. If you own a humidifier, then misting won’t be necessary if the machine is near them.
Make sure your fern stays away from direct sun rays – ferns love shaded areas where they get medium indirect light, so windows facing the south are a great spot.
3. Ficus Benjamina
You’ve probably heard of Ficus – the weeping fig, it is a famous houseplant, but also one of the most popular office plants.
Ficus Benjamina can be found in Asia and Australia in nature, and if you ever visit Bangkok, you will see it everywhere, since this is their official tree.
The plant will adapt to any conditions, as long as they aren’t extreme – too high temperature as well as too low can severely damage the plant.
Also, keep an eye out for pests – aphids and mites are most common.
If you meet all of its requirements, it may reward you with small white flowers.
4. Dumb Cane ( Dieffenbachia )
Dumb cane has stunning tropical foliage – the leaves are big, with yellow, white, and green colors on them.
It is quite popular as an indoor plant, but many often forget that it is an exotic, tropical species.
There are several varieties of this plant, so if you mix a few different ones, you will feel like you have brought a tropical forest to your living room.
When it comes to requirements, like other exotic house plants it prefers shade, warm temperatures, and relatively high humidity. You will also have to fertilize the plant from time to time, to boost its development.
5. Canna Lily
If you want to add some color to a dark and gloomy room, just add Canna Lily. This plant has large, oval-shaped leaves, similar to the leaves of banana trees, and even more beautiful red and yellow flowers.
So, what should you do to help the Canna Lily blossom?
Firstly, make sure that the soil contains some drainage material, and that the pot has drainage holes. Also, get a fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphate.
Medium indirect light is recommended, and keep the temperature of the room constant and between 70 and 80 degrees F.
6. Peace Lily
If the foliage of Cana Lily is too big for your taste, then go for Spathiphyllum or simply Peace Lily.
This plant is drastically smaller, yet has voluminous foliage and stunning flowers as well which will bloom almost during the entire growing season.
Also, peace lily care is easier compared to Canna Lily.
The one thing this plant can’t stand is direct light Full sun exposure can damage their leaves or turn them yellow. Since it will need a great amount of indirect light, keep it near windows facing west and east, and do not forget to throw a curtain over them. Peace lilies are excellent tropical houseplants that can tolerate low light settings in the home.
Furthermore, the temperature of the room should never go below 40 degrees F.
7. Kentia Palm
The list of indoor tropical plants has to contain at least one palm.
Kentia Palm or Paradise palm can be found on South Pacific islands and it can reach a height of 10 feet.
You will recognize the palm by its vividly green, arching, and thin leaves.
This is a low-maintenance plant that will tolerate almost any lighting conditions. In the shade, it will grow slower, which is great for indoor conditions, since probably nobody has enough space to fit a 10-foot plant.
Also, it can tolerate drafts as well, which is very unusual for a tropical plant.
Keep the soil moist and make sure it is well-drained at all times.
8. Madagascar Dragon Tree
As you can probably conclude, this tree grows in Madagascar. It can be found across Mauritius as well.
In nature, the Madagascar Tree is quite tall – the maximum height it can reach is 20 feet, but as a houseplant, it probably won’t grow above 6 feet.
The leaves of the Madagascar Dragon tree are dark green with purple edges. They are thin and have the shape of a sword.
Caring for the Dragon tree is super easy – it won’t require a lot of attention to look beautiful.
It needs indirect sunlight and a growing mix that drains well. Since the plant tolerates drought, let the soil dry before watering.
Check our Madagascar Dragon Tree Plant Care article to know more about this tropical beauty.
9. Cordyline
If you want a houseplant that will grab everyone’s attention upon entering the room, then you should grow Cordyline.
This rare tropical plant is from Hawaii and can be recognized by colorful leaves that resemble spikes. They are often vividly red, purple, or yellow.
Cordyline is called Ti tree and it is a bit more demanding plant – you will have to keep the room warm, monitor the pH of the soil, and add extra drainage material to the potting soil.
Also, it could require frequent fertilizing.
10. Caladium
Last but not least is Caladium, which is also called Angel Wings. Why? Because of its unique and beautiful foliage.
The leaves of this rare tropical perennial plant are almost see-through – they are bright green, almost white, with darker edges and pinkish spots.
Because the leaves are quite sensitive, make sure that they are protected from intense sun rays during the day. The plant should stay in the shaded area and receive only indirect light.
Also, the humidity should be high, so you might have to get a humidifier or frequently mist the plant.
