Care of Tropical Plants
Most tropical plants are grown as either indoor or outdoor potted plants as they cannot tolerate cold weather. Tropicals are only grown as bedding plants in tropical and subtropical areas where winter cold isn't an issue. Most houseplants come from tropical areas since these plants are likely to remain green year-round. With proper care, the plants remain attractive, as healthy plants are less prone to disease problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Plant tropical plants in containers filled with a quality potting soil that remains moist without compacting or becoming soggy. Use containers that have drainage holes in the bottom so excess moisture doesn't collect in the soil.
-
2
Locate plants in an area that receives the amount of light specified for the specific tropical variety. Place plants that require shade and part-shade in an area that receives no more than two to four hours of direct sunlight. Plants requiring full sun must receive more than four hours of direct light.
-
-
3
Set pots of tropicals in a location away from heat and air vents indoors and out of the wind outside. Tropicals require high humidity and drying air can damage the plants. Group several pots together to help raise the humidity around the foliage.
-
4
Feel the soil at least once a week and always feel the soil before watering. Water only when the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. Water at the top of the pot until moisture begins draining from the bottom drainage holes. Empty the collected water from the drip tray under the pot after watering. Outdoor pots may require more frequent irrigation.
-
5
Fertilize tropical plants with a soluble houseplant fertilizer formulated for flowering or foliage plants, depending on the tropical. Apply the fertilizer monthly in spring and summer, or when the plant is actively growing, at the rate recommended on the fertilizer package.
-
6
Repot the tropical when the pot is filled with roots, usually once every one to two years depending on the plant. Transplant the tropical plant into a container one size larger than the old pot.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you place your tropical plants outside in the summer months, move them back indoors before the first frost in fall.
Always familiarize yourself with the care instructions on the plant label when you bring home a new tropical. Some plants have specific care requirements that must be followed to keep the plant healthy.
