Want to bring the tropics indoors this winter? Tropical plants are loved for many reasons, but mostly because they create that little piece of paradise right at home! There's just something about lush green foliage and colorful flowers that add a breath of fresh air to any living space.
Are you a plant enthusiast looking to add a few new tropical plants to your collection, or just starting and want to know which tropical plants thrive indoors? Follow along to find the top five tropical plants you can grow inside and learn how to properly care for them.
Best Tropical Plants That Thrive Indoors
1. Pothos
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Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also referred to as devil's ivy is one of the most popular tropical plants to grow indoors. They are adored for their marbled leaves and long vines that cascade downwards, growing up to 40 feet long.
Pothos originate from tropical islands in the South Pacific area and have many varieties. The most popular ones include golden pothos, marble queen, and jade pothos.
This tropical plant is easy to grow and can withstand a variety of growing environments. The optimal growing temperature for pothos plants is between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These tropical beauties are resistant to most diseases and grow best in medium sunlight but can handle low light as well.
Pro Tip: Easily propagate pothos so you can have double the plants!
2. Orchids
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Orchids are beautiful tropical plants to add to your indoor collection. With colorful flowers that range from bright pink to orange hues, orchids give any space a little feel of the tropics! Native to the regions of Asia and South America, orchids thrive indoors in the right environment.
They require lots of light to grow properly and produce flowers -- about 5 to 6 hours. If given the correct amount of light, they produce breathtaking blooms that can last for weeks. However, you don't want to give the plant direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves. You should always pay attention to the leaves on your orchid plant to determine if it is getting enough sunlight. If the leaves appear dark green, it indicates that the plant is not receiving enough light. Whereas yellow or red leaves mean it is getting too much light.
Orchids need lots of airflow and ventilation, especially around their roots. So, you will need to plant orchids in a container like terracotta which is porous and allows for more airflow than other containers. Make sure to use a potting mix specifically for orchid care.
The ideal temperatures for growing orchids range from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Lucky Bamboo
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Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is one of those tropical plants you absolutely must have! Not only is it known for providing luck to your living space, but it is also very low-maintenance. This easy-to-care-for plant is native to Southeast Asia, where it is believed to bring good fortune, health, and love.
Lucky bamboo grows best indoors in low-light conditions, and you should keep it away from direct sunlight. One pro tip is to collect and use rainwater to water your lucky bamboo plant over tap water. Tap water typically contains high amounts of fluoride, which can build up and cause damage to the plant in the long term.
4. Bird of Paradise
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Another tropical plant that thrives indoors is a bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae). With colorful blue and orange flowers that resemble a bird, this plant will add a tropical touch to any room. One important thing to note is that bird of paradise plants can get quite large, reaching up to five feet tall, so make sure you have optimal space in your home to grow them.
Bird of paradise like full sun, but will tolerate partial sun as well. The best temperature to grow a bird of paradise indoors is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, the plant prefers a more humid environment and does not tolerate the cold for a long time, so keep it away from any drafts or air conditioners.
5. ZZ Plant
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ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) have quickly earned the reputation of being simple growers, making them the perfect addition for any plant lover. ZZ plants are known for being adaptable to their growing environment, so they're pretty fool-proof when it comes to watering and light. This plant can handle some shade when growing indoors but grows best when given at least six hours of sunlight per day. ZZ plants should not be in direct sunlight, as this will cause damage to the plant and discolored leaves.
One important thing to remember with ZZ plants is you do not want to overwater them! ZZ plants store water in their roots and can go for long periods without water. You must always allow the soil to dry out fully before watering again.
Bring The Tropics Home
Expand your collection with these tropical plants that make a great addition to any home and space. It's easy to bring tropical vibes indoors this winter and transform your space with these five houseplants!
Which one is your favorite tropical plant? Leave a comment down below.