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General Guide In Taking Care Of Tropical Plants Indoor

Many very common houseplants are originally natives of tropical locations, which are near the equator. The conditions within these regions tend to be warm and humid, but there is some variation. Houseplants that are native to these areas will thrive if they are cared for by someone with an understanding of where they come from and how that affects their growth. These are some tips about how to grow indoor tropical plants.

Tropicals are usually from climates with wet and dry seasons. The wet season correlates with the growing season, the time when new blooms and foliage grows most rapidly. No matter where a houseplant is being grown, it should receive more water during the more humid part of the year in order to mimic a wet season.

Watering too much is the most common way to kill a houseplant, however. A tropical needs to be planted in a pot with enough drainage to let excess water flow out. It should generally be watered only when two inches at the top of the soil is dry, although different tropicals have different needs when it comes to water. Finding out about a specific species is important. No plant should be allowed to sit in soil that is constantly moist, however, because this will rot the roots.

As with water, different tropicals also require different amounts and types of light. Most need at least five hours of bright light every day, but it should not be direct sunlight. Direct sunlight is too hot for the leaves of most tropicals. Still, it is important to find out the specific needs of a particular species, because some do like direct sun, and others prefer very low light.

All tropicals are accustomed to higher humidity than is found in most homes and other buildings. Humidity of 40-80% is generally good, although they can tolerate lower levels during the dry season. A humidifier can be used to elevate the humidity in a room where tropicals are growing. Another way is to occasionally mist the leaves of a plant with water.

Tropicals grow better in soil that is less dense than regular potting soil. It can help to mix in some sand, but nursery soils with the right mixture can also be purchased. It is good to use a small amount of fertilizer from time to time, but the soil should be flushed once in a while to prevent salts from building up. Soil should also be kept free of pests.

A plant growing outdoors in the tropics is frequently washed clean with rain. The rain water rinses off any pests, and it also keeps dust and dirt from building up. Dust keeps the leaves from being able to breathe and can even prevent them from getting enough sunlight. The leaves of tropicals should be wiped off with a damp cloth from time to time to keep them healthy. Using a very mild soap can help kill unseen pests.

It is not very difficult to grow tropical plants indoors, as long as you know what you are doing. The key is to understand the climate to which these plants are native. Any plant will thrive when provided with the proper conditions.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

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