If you dream of a life in the tropics surrounded by lush plants, search no further! You can create your own indoor paradise surrounded by your favorite plants that are easy to take care of, so don't be daunted.

Keep reading to learn about two common tropical houseplants and how to care for them with the right amount of light, water, and love.

Spider Plant

Spider plant in a blue and white ceramic pot,the shade

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The spider plant is the first of the two plants, a perennial that belongs to the asparagus family. They come in different patterns and colors; some have variegated white and yellow colors running vertically down the middle of the leave and others have fewer less contrasting colors with a more solid, vibrant green tinge.

Spider plants are low-maintenance and pet-friendly, making them ideal houseplants. Plus, many tout them as air purifiers and stress relievers. What's not to love?

Sun or Shade?

Spider plant

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These beauties will grow nicely outdoors all year round if you live in zones 9 to 11. They are also hardy indoor plants that prefer three to four hours of indirect sunlight. You will know if your plant is getting too much sun if you see the tips of the leaves turning brown and not much new foliage growing.

If this occurs, use a pair of scissors to snip off the edge of the leaf at an angle to allow for fresh regrowth.

Watering Your Plant

Houseplant watering. Plant caring. Chlorophytum pouring indoors.
Image credit: Simplylesia via Shutterstock

Image credits: Simplylesia via Shutterstock

Another reason why discolored leaves might appear is because of the water source used. When using tap water, be mindful of the amount of fluoride in it. High amounts of fluoride lead to a low pH balance, and spider plants don't like that - they prefer a neutral pH level. An online search can quickly uncover your water's fluoride content. If necessary, boil your water, let it cool in the fridge, and then water the soil as needed.

How much do you need to water these plants? A good rule of thumb is to touch the surface of the soil and dig around a bit with your index finger. If the soil is light and flaky, it's time to water. One to two times a week is usually sufficient.

Spider plants thrive off environmental moisture, so frequently using a misting bottle on the leaves will make your plant say, "Thank you." Your plant babies will often bloom during the summer and produce baby spider plants with small white flowers on the tips. These small blooms are easy to propagate.

Choose a small spider plant with a few leaves on it, gently cut off the yellow stem from the main plant and place the baby in a dish of water. As the roots grow, transfer the plant into potting soil and lightly water. Finally, if you've chosen to grow spider plants outside, bring them in when it gets cold.

Yucca Cane Plant

Yucca palm in a straw pot

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The yucca cane (Yucca gigantea) is one of the most common varieties of yucca. Like the spider plant, the tall-standing yucca is also an evergreen member of the asparagus family.

They are very tropical in nature and extraordinary in their splendor. Native to many hot, arid parts of southern North America, these plants need quite a bit of light to flourish.

Sun Requirements

Beautiful green indoor Yucca aloifolia and Ficus flower with Zamioculcas , home decorative plants on the background of a white wall

Image credits: pundapanda via Shutterstock

Yucca cane can tolerate drought and thrive in zones 9 to 10, but that doesn't mean you need to live in those zones for these plants to grow. You can grow your yucca inside. If you do, place it closest to a direct light source; they are hardy plants that require full sun but can tolerate a little bit of partial shade.

Remember to Water

A woman sprays water on a potted plant yucca from a plastic bottle in the living room

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As for watering, wait until the soil is dry before you water. Once you water your yucca, make sure you let it drain well. Be careful that you do not overwater the soil, or the leaves will turn yellow, and the tips will go brown. You also run the risk of root rot from overwatering.

Because yucca leaves are waxy, you may need to wipe off excess dusty residue and gently wipe clean. Lightly mist with a water bottle, as you would most tropical plants.

Yucca typically blooms during the summer and doesn't like the cold, so when the temperature dips, bring yours inside into a more sheltered environment.

Note: Unlike spider plants, yucca plants are toxic to cats and dogs and not safe for humans when you eat them raw.

Easy Breezy!

There are many common tropical household plants to choose from but these two options are a great pick. When you decide which ones to cultivate make sure your decision is based on your needs, lifestyle, and the required plant care. Most importantly, find the aesthetic you desire to complement the space you call home.

Will you be buying either of these stunning tropical plants for your home? Leave your tips and tricks in the comments! Until then, happy gardening!