There are times when “special” plants catch our eye, those that make us think of exotic plants. These can be kept indoors as their natural habitat can better resemble the conditions we give them. We are talking about indoor tropical plants.
Have you ever thought of having one? Not sure what would be best if you are a beginner or if you have certain conditions or others? Don’t worry, we’re making a list of those who may be home and need some specials.
monstera
In this case you have several options: adansonii, obliqua, deliciosa… All of them are very similar in terms of care and also in terms of price. The only one that would escape these is the Monstera obliqua which, because it is very rare, its price is quite high (the original, sometimes an adansonii can be found in stores that sell it as obliqua).
Regarding care, it will especially need a lot of indirect light, water often, especially to keep the soil moist and a constant temperature between 18 and 27ºC, it can tolerate even more, only this will slow its growth.
Areca
Another indoor tropical plant that you can have and add an exotic touch to your home is the areca palm, also known as the bamboo palm. It is oxygenating because it absorbs toxins from the environment and gives you cleaner air.
Regarding its maintenance, you should know that it likes to be in partial shade and that it needs a very loose substrate so that it does not compact. It should be watered every two or three days in spring and summer, and every fortnight in winter.
weeping ficus
Ficus are plants that have been with us for many years. And you might not think of it as exotic anymore. But the truth is that you have species that are not yet well known, such as the so-called weeping ficus or braided ficus.
This plant is actually a small tree with a twisted trunk. It has greenish leaves that fall downwards and therefore look a bit like a weeping willow.
It likes to be in a warm climate and needs weekly waterings (several if it’s summer, just one if it’s winter).
Alocasia Polly
Alocasias are often considered complicated plants to maintain. But the truth is that it is not like that, quite the contrary. You just need to understand your plant well so that you can treat it as it deserves. and, thus, that he gives you these atypical leaves that he has, which are the most striking of them.
Among the many that exist, we have chosen the Alocasia polly, a bulbous plant whose most characteristic will be its dark green leaves with a lime green vein that runs through the entire leaf. Actually, these will look like plastic, but if you touch them you will be surprised.
With a bit of luck, they could reach a meter high and up to two wide.
And your treatments? Well, to start with, they need little light. You should be aware that the earth is always wet and there is high ambient humidity (60% and more).
Paradise Bird
Surely you know this plant. And maybe you thought you could only have it on the outside, but the truth is It is one of the indoor tropical plants that fits perfectly indoors.
What should you do? Well, to start, place it in a place where there is a lot of light (a few hours direct, the rest indirect). Avoid drafts, especially cold ones, as it does not tolerate them well. Indeed, its ideal temperature is between 12 and 25ºC.
Finally, watering. It is not a plant that requires a lot of water, but if you keep the soil moist (if it is loose and well nourished) it will thank you with a greater chance of flowering, which is just what is worth seeing because its flowers are the most beautiful there is.
persian shield
Have you ever heard it? It’s Strobilanthes dyerianus, a purple plant. It is native to the jungles of Myanmar and needs a lot of humidity and heat, in addition to the fact that the ground is always moist.
The most beautiful thing about this plant is undoubtedly its foliage, since as the leaves grow we find different shades until reaching purple. If you add to that these are quite large, about 20 centimeters, and which produces a lot, you will have a plant that attracts attention by itself. And also, with luck, it will bloom, and the flower will have bluish tones.
aglaonema
Aglaonema plants come from China and are considered evergreens. They are characterized by a need for little light but a lot of watering and a constant temperature of 20 degrees.
But The best thing about these indoor tropical plants is their foliage, as it has plastic-like leaves, harder than normal, and in a variety of colors, even mixes or combinations that make one stand out. Indeed, these leaves can measure more than 30 centimeters long (and 10 wide).
bat flower
Also known as the Devil’s Flower, Tacca chantriedri is not a typical house plant. But there is no doubt that it is one of the most original indoor tropical plants you can have.
It is so named because its flower resembles a bat. And if you find it and you like it (because the plant gives black flowers), know that it needs a lot of humidity and watering. You will need to place it in a warm place with some lighting.
Of course, there is a problem, and that is that it can smell bad enough to attract insects. Be careful with this if you are one of those with a more developed sense of smell.
embarrassing mimosa
To finish, We also want to recommend this exotic plant. It has the particularity that, if you touch the leaves, they close to prevent you from damaging them (although we advise against doing this because it is easily stressed and you can end up making it sick).
The mimosa is a plant that needs little watering, but a lot of humidity and indirect light. When sold as a small plant, what many do is place it inside domes to control humidity and thus make the space look like its natural habitat.
As you see, there are many indoor tropical plants you could have at home. Maybe you already have some. Do you recommend more?