Table of Contents
Basics of tropical plant care Because of how they naturally grow, these plants appreciate bright indirect light indoors or partial shade outside. Natural light will do, but grow lights can also supplement their needs. As long as the temperature is comfortable for you, it should be sufficient for a tropical plant.
How often do you water a tropical plant?
Succulents—that happily went a month without water while semi-dormant in the winter thanks to shorter days with less light—might need to be watered every week come summer. While tropical plants might need water twice a week, compared to every 1–2 weeks in winter.
What do tropical plants need to survive?
Growing tropical plants isn’t a mystery. Just like us humans, plants need a few basic elements to survive. Air, light, water, a bit of food and a period “bath” are all it takes to be successful!Feb 18, 2012.
Do tropical plants need a lot of sun?
Tropical plants make excellent houseplants because many of them can easily adapt to growing indoors. Many of these plants come from tropical forests where they live under the shade of large trees. That means they don’t need a lot of light, which is perfect since most of us don’t have a lot of sun in our homes anyway.
What do tropical plants need?
The cultivation of tropical houseplants requires warmer temperatures and more warm humid conditions than other plants. Most plants that live in tropical rainforests thrive where temperatures never fall below 60°F (16°C)nor above 90°F (32°C). Many grow best in shady or semi-shady locations, out of the direct sun.
How do you keep tropical plants alive indoors?
When it rains, snows, or gets too cold, bring your plants inside. When it’s warm during the growing season, feed them a balanced fertilizer regularly and repot them with well-draining soil if necessary. When you bring them home, tropical houseplants usually communicate their needs.
How much sun do indoor tropical plants need?
Most individuals will be happy if given roughly 12 to 14 hours of light in a day. Keep in mind that not every species will want this. Some tropical plants will prefer to be placed in a window that gets lower levels of light.
How do you take care of tropical plants outside?
Outdoor containers need regular monitoring and frequent, thorough watering to prevent tropical meltdowns. Water your outdoor tropicals so that soil stays moist, but not soggy. Never let them completely dry out. If drying soil pulls away from the sides of your pot, press it gently back into place.
How long do tropical plants last?
On average, indoor house plants last 2-5 years. After that, plants stop thriving and it’s best to invest in another plant.
How do you revive a tropical plant?
Try these six steps to revive your plant. Repot your plant. Use a high-quality indoor plant potting mix to revitalise your plant, and choose a pot that’s wider than the last one. Trim your plant. If there’s damage to the roots, trim back the leaves. Move your plant. Water your plant. Feed your plant. Wipe your plant.
What kind of pots do tropical plants like?
Plastic and glazed ceramic pots are excellent for tropical plants, which typically like their soil to stay moist. These pots hold in moisture, which allows you to go longer in between waterings.
What’s the best fertilizer for tropical plants?
Organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion and worm castings, are as good for feeding tropical plants as chemical fertilizers. Avoid overfertilizing your tropical plants because too many nutrients are worse for them than insufficient nutrients.
What is the best fertilizer for indoor tropical plants?
Green, leafy tropical indoor plants need a higher nitrogen ratio. Or a balanced indoor plant fertilizer is ideal such as 5-5-3 or 5-5-5. One of the most common all-purpose liquid plant foods is a 20-20-20 fertilizer.
How do you water a tropical plant?
Poke a finger into the soil and stop when you feel moisture. Water your plant when you poke the soil and it’s dry up to your first knuckle. Go by weight. Water weighs a lot, and your dry container will be a whole lot lighter than a well-watered one.
Why are my tropical plants turning brown?
If your plant isn’t getting enough light, its leaves will start to turn brown. Tropical plants, especially, need more humidity than a home is likely to give them. This usually causes the leaves to brown just at the tips. Try misting your plant with water or setting the pot in a dish of small stones and water.
Why my indoor plants are dying?
Plants die because of improper watering techniques. Overwatering: Overwatering is one of the leading causes of death for houseplants. When you water constantly, the plant doesn’t have the chance to absorb water through the leaves. This can easily lead to root rot, mold, yellowing leaves, bacteria or bugs.
How do I make sure my house plants get enough light?
A south-facing window provides the best light for sun-loving indoor plants. If you don’t have a south-facing window, a window with a western exposure is the next best option. If your plant can tolerate direct light, place the plant on the windowsill or as close to the window as possible.
How do you keep indoor plants alive without sunlight?
LED lights are the safest and most easily adapted to grow plants without sunlight. They give off very little heat, and if you desire to change the color of light emitted, they are far easier to change than fluorescent or HPS lights.
When should I bring my tropical plants inside?
You will need to bring your plants indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 45 degrees (F). Most tropical plants will suffer damage at temperatures below 40 degrees, a few even below 50 degrees. Inspect plants for insects and diseases, and treat as appropriate before bringing plants back inside.
What kind of soil is best for tropical plants?
Though tropicals are a diverse group of plants, they generally prefer a loose, acidic, well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter. Common tropical plants, like cannas and bananas, will grow in any good soil, but this mix will help them attain optimal growth.
