5 Exotic House Plants to Add a Taste of the Tropics to Your Home
Bring a taste of the tropics to your home by incorporating exotic house plants. Orchids, ferns and palm trees are excellent exotic houseplants since they enjoy moderate humidity and warm temperatures which is typical of indoor settings.
The tropical foliage, also referred to as hole-leaf gianta, gives any interior an exotic feel. Bird of paradise flowers with distinctive, slender blue or orange blooms are another exotic alternative.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa or Swiss Cheese Plant is an exotic houseplant with large leaves. It adds an exotic look to your home. It is a climber and can be trained to cling to moss-covered poles inside to mimic the trees found in its native habitat in Central and Mexico America. However, it also performs well in pots and is kept hanging over the edge of a table or any other surface.
It is easy to grow, and it has a distinctive appearance. It needs bright, indirect sun and well-draining ground. It's also tolerant of low humidity levels however, it will be most effective with higher ones.
This plant is named for the splits and holes it shows on its leaves. These are referred to as fenestrations, and they develop as the plant grows. It belongs to the Araceae plant family, which includes Pothos, Philodendrons and ZZ plants, among many others.
As with other aroids Monstera is quite tolerant in its growth and can be cultivated as an indoor or outdoor plant. It can also be cultivated in shade that is dappled, which is typical of its forest understory habitat.
The flowers of the plant appear like an ear of ear corn. It produces a delicious fruit which is described as a mixture of banana and pineapple. tall house plants is possible to eat the fruits raw or cooked. It is important to note that the fruit of this plant may cause laxative effects which is why moderation is important.
This tropical plant is able to tolerate cold temperatures, which makes it an exceptional. Many other aroids turn to mush in very cold temperatures, but Monsteras can withstand cold temperatures and flourish.
Like most aroids, Monstera needs to be watered in a controlled manner and only when the top inch of soil is dry. When you water, be sure to let the excess flow out through the drainage hole located in the bottom of the pot. Additionally, like many tropical house plants, Monstera requires a balanced liquid fertilizer. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of a balanced 20-20-20 liquid plant food into one gallon of water and use it to feed your plant every few weeks throughout the growing season.
Begonia
Begonias add a splash of color and interest to window boxes, flower pots and garden beds. They are simple to grow tropical treasures. There are begonias available in vibrant designs and colors that fit your style, whether you choose either a single or double-flowered variety. In contrast to other exotic house plants begonias flower continuously throughout the season, and require little or no maintenance beyond twice-a-month watering.
More than 2,000 species of plants belong to the genus Begonia with most having colorful leaves and flowers. The majority of them are native to the tropics, however some species can be grown in cooler climates.
Tuberous begonias like the'Non-Stop' variety, which is popular, are a good choice for shady areas and containers for the outdoors. These frost-sensitive plants grow from round, firm or oval tubers that have either an upright growth style (for planters and flower boxes) or cascading tendencies (for hanging baskets). To thrive they require bright light with a little shade. However, they may not flower in very shade or in areas that receive hot, direct sunlight. Wax begonias are more intolerant of full sun, but they can quickly burn in hot weather.
The majority of begonias don't require deadheading, however they could benefit from spring and fall pruning to encourage new growth. They also thrive in loose, rich soil. This could be a mix of organic material, or a light, loamy mixture with a slow-release fertilizer.
If you wish to grow begonias in a shallow tray place the tubers with the hollow side about 6 to 8 inches apart, in a moist potting solution. Place the tray in a space that is dark and keep the mix moist but not too wet. After about 4 weeks they should start to sprout. When they're about an inch tall, you can move them to a brightly lit area. Make sure there is good house plants of frost before planting outside. You can also start begonias by seeding them, or by planting wax begonia transplants. They are available in greenhouses and garden centers.
low maintenance house plants are also known as tail flowers and flowers with flamingos provide a tropical feel to rooms that are brightly lit. It's easy to care for and modern cultivars provide flowers year-round. Originally an epiphyte plant that is found on the surface of other plants, or in the air, anthuriums are durable and long-lasting houseplants.
The "flower" of the anthurium is actually a spathe. The protective sheath conceals a tiny flower inside. The flowers are available in pink, orange-red or white and last for a few weeks. The colorful anthurium is popular as a hostess's gift, and it's also often used in wedding bouquets on Hawaiian and Pacific Islands.
Anthurium belongs to the large family of Araceae which includes over 1,000 species of flowering plant. Some are well-known, such as the orchid, hibiscus and poinsettia. Others are not as well-known, such as the arum tree and tulip tree.
While it's possible to grow anthuriums from seeds it could take up to four years before you notice any blooms. To speed up the process you can propagate anthuriums by cutting them off of mature plants. Look for an established anthurium that has roots that have been compacted and is ready to be divided. Make use of a dry, clean knife to cut off a small portion of the plant. Be careful not to damage the roots.
Anthuriums can be transferred into a pot by using vermiculite that has been moistened. Place the cuttings in a place that is exposed to bright indirect light and remains at 70F. If needed mist the soil and the plant often and run a humidity device close to it. Apply regular fertilizer to the anthurium, though don't apply too much as it can burn the roots.
Repot anthuriums every few years or whenever the root ball becomes too big for the container. Choose a pot 20% larger than the anthurium's current one to avoid shock.
Spray diluted soap on the leaves of your anthurium, then wipe them with a damp cloth. This allows the plant to breathe and restores its lovely sheen. Spider mites can cause anthuriums to suffer, but a pesticide can help to stop this.
Coconut Palm
Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is a tropical plant extensively grown all over the world for its edible fruit. It is among the most important and widely spread agricultural plants in the tropics and is believed to have originated in Indo-Malaya. The trunk's wood is used for building bridges and huts, while the fiber from the husks and shells is used to create mats, ropes, doormats, and brooms. The coconut itself is a drupe and not a real nut.
It is recommended to propagate this plant using seed, which are ready to be planted when they emit an audible sloshing sound upon shaking. The seeds are then laid on their sides with three eyes slightly tilted upwards and then dug into the soil to about half the thickness of the hard shell. Germination takes a while however it can be accelerated by high temperatures and humidity and after six months, the shoots and roots are ready for transplantation.
The plant thrives in warmer climates and is not afraid of frost, but it should not be exposed to extremely cold temperatures because the plant can suffer damage. It needs plenty of sunlight as well as a protected location and a well-drained sandy soil. Regular watering is required, but the soil should not be flooded. Fertilizing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is equally important.
The palm produces fragrant flower stalks in spring. Female and male coconuts sprout from these stalks. The flowers are protandrous, and male flowers bloom before the females. The winds pollinate the flowers. After about 4-6 years, the tree will begin producing fruit.
For indoor cultivation, it's best to grow this exotic houseplant in a pot that has a rich, well-drained soil. It is a fan of sun however, it will tolerate light that is low. Repot the plant when it grows in a pot larger than its roots. Make sure to water it thoroughly and feed the plant regularly with an liquid fertilizer. Coconut palms are generally pest-free. However, they can be affected by the deadly yellowing. This disease is incurable and often causes the plant dying.