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Best Tropical Plants You Can Grow Indoors

Since tropical plants have adapted to warmer climates, growing them as outdoor plants is hard, especially if you live in areas with cold falls and winters.

On the other hand, these tropical plants can be quickly grown indoors. Wondering which tropical plant to get?

Stay tuned and find out.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tropical plants can be quickly grown indoors, even in cold climates, as they are adapted to warmer environments.

  • Some of the best indoor tropical plants include Schefflera (Umbrella plant), ferns, Ficus Benjamina, Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia), Peace Lily, Kentia Palm, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Cordyline, Philodendron, Pothos, Monstera Deliciosa, Orchids, Rubber Tree,

  • Snake Plants, Aglaonema, Aloe Vera, and Areca Palms.

  • These plants add a lush, tropical feel to indoor spaces and can tolerate various indoor conditions like low light, dry air, and occasional neglect.

  • Some plants like philodendrons, pothos, and snake plants are particularly well-suited for cold climates as they can thrive in heated indoor environments.

  • While some plants were previously believed to purify indoor air, this claim is not scientifically proven.

Best Indoor Tropical Plants

Schefflera (Umbrella plant)

umbrella plant indoors as rare tropical plant

Schefflera belongs to Araliaceae and counts around 600 species.

The two are tropical indoor plants – Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola.

The first is the umbrella plant, and the latter is the dwarf.

Both species prefer moist soil and need monthly fertilizing during the growing season.

When it comes to light, it should be bright but indirect since the plant is super sensitive to high-intensity sun rays.

It will need frequent watering and misting during summer and must be kept away from the draft.

These are flowering plants, but in indoor conditions, they rarely develop flowers.

Ferns

ferns

Ferns are breathtaking indoor plants. They have voluminous foliage yet seem quite delicate and elegant. The Boston fern has become a favorite choice among plant enthusiasts due to its immense popularity as an indoor plant.

Its exquisite foliage possesses the power to serve as a captivating centerpiece for entrances or even as a splendid addition to your garden.

The nine species are common indoor plants; the care is the same, whichever species you choose.

Ferns love the potting mix, which is rich with drainage material and frequent watering.

Make a habit of checking the soil daily so it doesn’t dry.

You will also have to mist ferns occasionally, especially during summer. If you own a humidifier, then misting won’t be necessary if the machine is near them.

Ensure your fern stays away from direct sun rays – ferns love shaded areas with medium indirect light, so windows facing the south are a great spot.

Ficus Benjamina

Ficus Benjamina

You’ve probably heard of Ficus – the weeping fig- a famous houseplant and one of the most popular office plants.

Ficus Benjamina can be found in Asia and Australia in nature, and if you ever visit Bangkok, you will see it everywhere since this is their official tree.

The plant will adapt to any conditions, as long as they aren’t extreme – too high temperature and too low can severely damage the plant.

Also, watch for pests – aphids and mites are most common.

It may reward you with small white flowers if you meet all of its requirements.

Dumb Cane ( Dieffenbachia )

 

dumb cane plant

Dumb cane has stunning tropical foliage – the leaves are big, with yellow, white, and green colors.

It is pretty popular as an indoor plant, but many often forget it is an exotic, tropical species.

This plant has several varieties, so if you mix a few different ones, you will feel like you have brought a tropical forest to your living room.

Like other exotic house plants, it prefers shade, warm temperatures, and relatively high humidity. You will also have to fertilize the plant occasionally to boost its development.

Peace Lily

Peace Lily

If the foliage of Cana Lily is too big for your taste, go for Spathiphyllum or simply Peace Lily.

This plant is drastically more minor yet has voluminous foliage and stunning flowers, which will bloom almost during the growing season.

Also, peace lily care is more accessible than care for Canna Lily.

The one thing this plant can’t stand is direct light. Total sun exposure can damage their leaves or turn them yellow. Since it will need significant indirect light, keep it near windows facing west and east, and do not forget to throw a curtain over them.

Peace lilies are excellent tropical houseplants that can tolerate low light settings in the home.

Furthermore, the room’s temperature should never go below 40 degrees F.

Kentia Palm

kentia palm

The list of indoor tropical plants has to contain at least one palm.

Kentia Palm or Paradise palm can be found on South Pacific islands and reach a height of 10 feet.

You will recognize the palm by its vividly green, arching, and thin leaves.

This is a low-maintenance plant that will tolerate almost any lighting conditions. It will grow slower in the shade, which is excellent for indoor conditions since nobody has enough space to fit a 10-foot plant.

Also, it can tolerate drafts, which is very unusual for a tropical plant.

Keep the soil moist and make sure it is well-drained at all times.

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Madagascar Dragon Tree

Madagascar Dragon Tree

As you can probably conclude, this tree grows in Madagascar. It can be found across Mauritius as well.

In nature, the Madagascar Tree is quite tall – the maximum height it can reach is 20 feet, but as a houseplant, it probably won’t grow above 6 feet.

The leaves of the Madagascar Dragon tree are dark green with purple edges. They are thin and have the shape of a sword.

Caring for the Dragon tree is easy – it won’t require much attention to look beautiful.

It needs indirect sunlight and a growing mix that drains well. Since the plant tolerates drought, let the soil dry before watering.

Cordyline

Cordyline

If you want a houseplant that will grab everyone’s attention upon entering the room, then you should grow Cordyline.

This rare tropical plant is from Hawaii and can be recognized by colorful leaves that resemble spikes. They are often vividly red, purple, or yellow.

Cordyline is called a Ti tree, and it is a bit more demanding. You will have to keep the room warm, monitor the pH of the soil, and add extra drainage material to the potting soil.

Also, it could require frequent fertilizing.

Philodendron

philodendron indoor plants

Philodendrons are low-maintenance and can adapt well to medium to low light conditions, and their trailing vines add a lush, tropical feel to any indoor space. Even in a cold region, philodendrons are a great option, as they can thrive in the warmth of indoor environments. 

Philodendrons can survive missed waterings if you water them when their soil is arid.

Pothos

potted pothos indoors near a glass window

Pothos plants are incredibly resilient and forgiving, making them perfect for beginners or those with a busy lifestyle.

Pothos thrive in various light conditions and can tolerate the dry air of heated indoor spaces, making them ideal for indoor warm and cold climates.

Monstera Deliciosa

potted monstera deliciosa indoors

The iconic monstera deliciosa, with its distinctive split leaves, adds a stunning tropical touch to any room.

They are relatively easy to care for and can bring a lush, green vibe to indoor spaces during cold weather months.

Invest in a humidifier for a more humid environment to aid the healthy growth of your deliciosa.

Orchids

flowering potted orchid indoors

Orchids bring a touch of elegance and exotic beauty to indoor spaces.

In warm and cold climates alike, they can thrive indoors, providing vibrant colors and unique shapes to brighten up the long winter months or cool off your indoor spaces during warm seasons due to the elegance of their flowers and bold foliage.

Rubber Tree

indoor rubber tree plant

Rubber trees are known for their ability to adapt to indoor environments and large, glossy leaves that create a tropical feel.

They can tolerate the dry air of heated homes, making them an excellent choice for adding greenery during cold seasons.

Snake Plants

potted snake plants indoors

Snake plants are almost indestructible, making them an excellent choice for those new to indoor gardening or who tend to forget water plants. They thrive in various light conditions and are incredibly forgiving. 

Snake plants are an excellent addition to the bedroom for their striking appearance and because they can thrive in low-light conditions. It’s a common belief that they release oxygen at night, providing you with clean air while you sleep.

This claim is not scientifically proven.

However, their ability to tolerate neglect and adapt to various environments makes them a low-maintenance choice for the bedroom, where they can add a touch of greenery without requiring excessive care.

Aglaonema

aglaonema

With their vibrant patterned leaves, Aglaonemas add a pop of color and tropical flair to any indoor space, even during cold and dull seasons.

They are easy to care for and can tolerate the dry air of heated homes, making them an excellent choice for adding liveliness to your homes.

Aloe Vera

potted aloe vera indoors

Aloe vera plants bring a touch of the tropics indoors and offer medicinal benefits.

Their succulent leaves are low-maintenance and can tolerate some neglect, making them a practical choice for busy households.

Areca Palms

small areca palm indoors

Palm trees, especially areca palms, are a true tropical gem, with their feathery fronds creating a lush, resort-like atmosphere indoors.

They are relatively easy to care for and can help improve the airflow in the home due to the oxygen it releases. 

Areca palms are also a great way to decorate your living room, replacing those dull furniture with its lovely foliage.

Whether you want to buy, sell or simply reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!