A potting mix that contains peat moss and perlite is necessary to care for tropical plants. Bright indirect lighting should be provided for 12-14 hours. Tropical plants should be watered once per week. Aim for a 60% humidity. Use a liquid fertilizer to fertilize bi-weekly in spring or summer.
TROPICAL PLANTS BASICS
Although your house might not be as humid and warm as a rainforest, that doesn’t mean you can’t count the plants in it.
You can recreate their natural environment in your own home without having to turn it into a sauna.
This section will help you ensure that your tropical plants meet their essential needs.
SOIL
A well-draining mix of ingredients like perlite, peat moss and vermiculite is necessary for tropical plants.
The soil in a jungle or rainforest is rich in organic matter.
It is also quite loose, which allows the water to drain to the roots of the plant.
This is something you should keep in mind when choosing the right potting mix to grow your tropical plants.
These floras will appreciate indoor potting soil made from a mix of perlite, peat moss and vermiculite.
This allows soil to absorb water efficiently and quickly. It also tends to dry out quickly.
We recommend keeping the soil slightly acidic if you can.
Drainage is the most important component of soil. Avoid choosing soils that are dense and heavy like clay.
LIGHT
The tropical plants can thrive on 12 to 14 hours of sunlight per day. Indirect light is usually required by tropical plants.
The light source for tropical plants is constantly changing in their natural environment.
You’ve probably seen photos of dense rainforests and noticed how they seem to grow in a way that is almost impossible for humans to see.
Because they all require light and everyone wants it, this is why there are so many of them. Even indoors, tropical plants thrive on plenty of sunlight.
The light should be bright but not direct. These leaves are large and thick but can be scorched if they are not in the right conditions.
WATERING
Once the top 2 inches of soil has dried out, water tropical plants once per week. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. You must allow water to drain.
For tropical plants, the rule of thumb is that they will survive with more water than they need.
This could lead to a slippery slope. They do want their soil to be evenly saturated.
Don’t let your flora sit in water.
This could lead to root rot and wilting of leaves.
TEMPERATURE
Temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) are ideal for tropical plants.
The tropical environment is known for being warm all year.
If there is a sudden temperature change, most owners will have to bring their plants in the evening.
When the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), these plants can become damaged. It is a good idea to keep your plants inside.
People from subtropical and tropical regions tend to be happier when they are inside the house.
Ideal houses are those that maintain temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius).
Some species can even handle temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celsius).
Temperature requirements are simple: Keep your home warm, and don’t open any windows that could allow in drafts.
HUMIDITY
The humidity level of tropical plants is 60% or more.
Most plants don’t need to be humidified, particularly if they are in the right place.
This extra moisture is essential for tropical species to maintain their vibrant leaves and flowers.
The humidity levels in most homes range from 40 to 60 percent.
This is too low to support a tropical indoor plant. Aim for a humidity of at least sixty percent.
Any higher than eighty percent can cause damage to roots or leaves. How can you supply these levels without making your home a sauna?
FERTILIZER
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to fertilize tropical plants bi-weekly in spring or summer.
You should definitely invest in high-quality fertilizer if you desire to have a tropical plant that is lush and beautiful.
Flashy flowers like Hibiscus can be very taxing for an individual.
Phosphorous is a key ingredient in tropical plants.
It’s also a good idea to add iron magnesium.
Balanced fertilizers should only be applied once every two weeks in spring and summer.
