The What, Why, and How of Tropical House Plants
September 10th, 2008
What Exactly Is a Tropical House Plant?
First of all, is it supposed to be houseplant ( one word ) or house plant ( two words )? I just googled *house plant*, and it asked me “Did you mean: houseplant”. So Google wants to make it one word. However I looked in my old Webster’s Dictionary, and houseplant is not even there. I guess that makes it optional.
A houseplant is a plant that is grown indoors, in your home or office. Most often it is used for decoration, but it also helps to purify the air, since plants take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen.
Tropical houseplants are those that are native to the tropical regions of the world. In such a climate they thrive year-round, and grow to much larger sizes than they would reach in your house. Since I live in the tropics, I can vouch for the fact that my outdoor gardening consists largely of cutting back the foliage, so that it doesn’t take over.
The term “tropical houseplant” is somewhat redundant, since most house plants are originally from the tropics, and consequently have a better chance of surviving in the warm interior of a home or office.
Why Would I Want to Grow Tropical Houseplants?
My personal reason? What makes it all worthwhile is the sense of satisfaction when the cutting I get from a friend finally turns into a beautiful plant. It takes skill and a lot of luck to deal with the unique problems of each individual plant. And sometimes, I fail. But, more often than not, I end up with a plant that I am proud to exhibit.
How Do I Take Care of Tropical Houseplants?
Each variety of plant has its own requirements. In nature, a plant will thrive in a location that has what it needs. But when we put the plant in a pot, and bring it into our house, we have to make sure that we simulate its natural setting as much as possible.
To survive, tropical houseplants need light, warmth, and moisture in varying amounts. To thrive, we must also consider such factors as nutrients, size and type of pot, and pest control.
Future posts to this blog will go into more detail about the what, where, and how of growing tropicals indoors.
Note: The pictures above were taken of the Professor’s garden, and show the rampant growth of tropical plants in their native environment. In future posts, I will show pictures of some of my houseplants.
May your thumb always be green
…The Professor, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Related Links
- Indoor Gardening Houseplants - Indoor gardening houseplants are almost as varied as the plants that grow outdoors. Horticulturists say “almost”, because some species of nature’s flora are not suited to be indoor gardening houseplants. Some are too big, …
- House Plants Create Lively Homes - What are the characteristics that make house plants such a great addition to the house? Plants and pots both are available in many sizes. You can have tall, small and large or wide plants or pots that are colorful, clear, or decorative. …
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September 13th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Great info Professor. I have one very large “tropical” houseplant, the rubber tree you saw in the picture over at my blog. I’ve already brought it in, maybe a little too soon, but I spoil it because it’s very special to me.
I keep many other houseplants through the winter months, each requiring more or less attention. Sometimes I want to be rid of them all, except for the Ficus.
September 14th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Hello, Professor. I saw that you commented on my comment on TC’s site. You are lucky that those fire ants don’t bother you much. If I don’t wash my skin and put lavender essential oil on the bites immediately, I end up with welts that itch and then burn, persisting for several days and sometimes weeks. Great information on house-plants. I just bought a bromeliad, and I’m hoping my daughter will remember to water and feed it until I get back. Can you grow those outside in zone 10?
February 24th, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Thanks for the information. my dad has always had houseplants.
March 1st, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Thats right. I a tropical house plant needs to be at a place that has plenty of sunlight andwarmth. Watering often is also a good thing.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I have tried to grow leafy palm trees inside, but after a while they get a sticky substance on them and eventually die. I have had good luck with Christmas Cactus. I don’t have great luck always, but I keep trying!
April 14th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
House plants are great, thanks for the great pic’s and info!
May 13th, 2009 at 10:59 am
i love having tropical houseplants, it really helps me relax and pretending i’m in the tropics is a great way to start that up. i think that everyone should do this, it might decrease stress levels across the board.
July 15th, 2009 at 10:44 am
I love growing tropical house plants! I completely agree, there’s just something there that gives pride when it flourishes
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:35 am
Tropical plant’s doesn’t need a lot of watering, the more sunlight the better. Btw, thanks for sharing.
September 4th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Great blog!!
If you like, come back and visit mine: http://albumdeestampillas.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Pablo from Argentina
September 4th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Hi Pablo -
I realize your post is blatant self-promotion - maybe even comment spam - but I really like your website, even though I don’t speak Spanish! I used to collect stamps back in the ’40s.
—
Professor
October 4th, 2009 at 9:43 am
Thanks for the interesting post. My mom loves houseplants and still has a lot to this day. I need to take time out and grow some myself. I look forward to reading more from you in the future.