13 Popular Tropical Houseplants
Houseplants bring a touch of nature into our homes, and tropical plants are among the best choices for indoor spaces. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, like out homes. There is a vast array of tropical plants that can brighten any room. Here’s a look at some popular and beautiful tropical houseplants that you can add to your indoor space.
1. Tradescantia (Pale Puma)
Tradescantia, a large plant family, is known for its easy care and striking appearance. The Pale Puma is a hybrid between the Purple Heart and the Cobweb Tradescantia. Its fuzzy, silver leaves and deep purple undersides are mesmerizing, especially in bright light, where the colors intensify. This plant thrives in indirect bright light, but can adapt to low-light conditions, though it will turn a paler shade. The Pale Puma is also forgiving, making it perfect for beginners, and requires minimal watering—only when the soil is dry.
2. Golden Turtle Vine (Tradescantia)
Another gem from the Tradescantia family, the Golden Turtle Vine is a fast-growing plant that loves the shade. Its bright gold leaves become even more vibrant in low-light environments, and it can be a great addition to any corner of the house. This plant enjoys consistent watering but should not sit in waterlogged soil. It’s also incredibly easy to propagate, making it a wonderful gift plant for friends and family.
3. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are beloved for their brilliant colors and unique structure. The red bract of the Bromeliad is actually not the flower but a colorful protective leaf, with the true flowers emerging from the bract in a delicate yellow form. To care for a Bromeliad, water it directly into the central "cup" formed by the leaves. This keeps the soil from becoming too wet, and the water in the leaves is enough to water the plant. A bromeliad flower will bloom for weeks, providing long-lasting beauty indoors.
4. Button Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Ferns, in general, are excellent tropical plants for the home. The Button Fern, with its lush, delicate fronds, is particularly easy to care for in indoor conditions. It thrives in humid environments, so it pairs well with other plants. If humidity is low in your home, you can keep it near other plants to increase moisture in the air, promoting healthier growth.
5. Devil’s Backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides)
For those who prefer plants that thrive in drier conditions, succulents are a great choice. The Devil’s Backbone, known for its crooked stems, is a standout succulent. It thrives in bright sunlight and can be grown both indoors and outdoors in the warmer months. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that can grow quite large, and it’s also quite easy to propagate by cutting and rooting the stems.
6. Aloe (White Fox Miniature Aloe)
Aloes are iconic succulents, and the White Fox Miniature Aloe is no exception. This hybrid features gray and white variegated leaves that are both striking and hardy. Aloes are perfect for people who have a bit of a "black thumb" as they require very little care—just the occasional watering when the soil dries out. When grown indoors, aloes may even bloom in winter, rewarding you with unique, attractive flowers.
7. Ruellia Makoyana (Monkey Flower)
This lesser-known plant is a winter bloomer that produces beautiful purple flowers in the colder months when many other plants are dormant. Known as the "Monkey Flower" or "Trailing Velvet Vine," it adds color to any space during the chilly winter months. This plant’s variegated green and silver foliage is just as attractive as its flowers, making it a great ground cover or hanging plant indoors.
8. Beefsteak Begonia
For those who love begonias, the Beefsteak Begonia is a timeless classic. Its deep green leaves, red backs, and vibrant blooms make it a standout houseplant. It’s easy to propagate and makes a wonderful pass-along plant, passed down from generations. This begonia prefers bright, indirect light and requires only occasional watering—just ensure the soil dries out a bit between waterings.
9. Eyelash Begonia
Begonias come in many different varieties, and the Eyelash Begonia is a particularly stunning option. Known for its soft, "eyelash-like" fringe along the leaf edges, this plant is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. It thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn't require a lot of fuss when it comes to soil or watering, as long as the soil is allowed to dry out a bit before being watered again.
10. Sophie Cecile Begonia
The Sophie Cecile Begonia is a cane-type begonia known for its tall, bamboo-like stems and large, striking leaves. It can grow to a height of 3-5 feet and prefers bright, indirect light. Like other begonias, it thrives with regular watering, but its soil should be allowed to dry out a bit between waterings.
11. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is one of the most forgiving houseplants out there. It’s easy to care for and provides beautiful white blooms during the warmer months. Peace Lilies thrive in moist conditions, making them a good option for those who tend to water their plants frequently. The Peace Lily's beautiful foliage and constant blooms make it a popular choice.
12. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Crotons are known for their vibrant foliage, which comes in an array of colors, including orange, yellow, and red. There are over 850 cultivated varieties, each with its own distinct pattern and color. Crotons prefer bright, direct sunlight and are excellent for patios during the summer months. They can tolerate full, direct sun outdoors if they are gradually introduced to full sun.
13. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its tall stature and large, fiddle-shaped leaves. It requires plenty of light but should not be moved frequently, as it can be sensitive to changes in location. If given a consistent spot with bright, indirect sunlight, it will thrive and grow into a striking centerpiece plant.
Conclusion
Tropical plants can add life, color, and texture to any indoor space. Whether you're drawn to the bright colors of the Bromeliad or the lush greenery of the Button Fern, there’s a tropical plant that can suit every home and lifestyle. The key to success with tropical houseplants is understanding their individual needs when it comes to light, humidity, and watering. With a little care and attention, these beautiful plants can thrive indoors and transform your living space into a lush, tropical oasis.
Related Videos:
Repotting Grocery Store Orchids
Interesting Houseplant Options
Caring for Bromeliads: A Beginner’s Guide
Propagating Ferns from Spores
Building a Self-Watering Houseplant Pot
Houseplant Potting Soils
Repotting Houseplants
Related Resources:
Tips on caring for tropical houseplants
Moving Indoor Plants Outside for the Summer
1. Tradescantia (Pale Puma)
Tradescantia, a large plant family, is known for its easy care and striking appearance. The Pale Puma is a hybrid between the Purple Heart and the Cobweb Tradescantia. Its fuzzy, silver leaves and deep purple undersides are mesmerizing, especially in bright light, where the colors intensify. This plant thrives in indirect bright light, but can adapt to low-light conditions, though it will turn a paler shade. The Pale Puma is also forgiving, making it perfect for beginners, and requires minimal watering—only when the soil is dry.
2. Golden Turtle Vine (Tradescantia)
Another gem from the Tradescantia family, the Golden Turtle Vine is a fast-growing plant that loves the shade. Its bright gold leaves become even more vibrant in low-light environments, and it can be a great addition to any corner of the house. This plant enjoys consistent watering but should not sit in waterlogged soil. It’s also incredibly easy to propagate, making it a wonderful gift plant for friends and family.
3. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are beloved for their brilliant colors and unique structure. The red bract of the Bromeliad is actually not the flower but a colorful protective leaf, with the true flowers emerging from the bract in a delicate yellow form. To care for a Bromeliad, water it directly into the central "cup" formed by the leaves. This keeps the soil from becoming too wet, and the water in the leaves is enough to water the plant. A bromeliad flower will bloom for weeks, providing long-lasting beauty indoors.
4. Button Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
Ferns, in general, are excellent tropical plants for the home. The Button Fern, with its lush, delicate fronds, is particularly easy to care for in indoor conditions. It thrives in humid environments, so it pairs well with other plants. If humidity is low in your home, you can keep it near other plants to increase moisture in the air, promoting healthier growth.
5. Devil’s Backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides)
For those who prefer plants that thrive in drier conditions, succulents are a great choice. The Devil’s Backbone, known for its crooked stems, is a standout succulent. It thrives in bright sunlight and can be grown both indoors and outdoors in the warmer months. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that can grow quite large, and it’s also quite easy to propagate by cutting and rooting the stems.
6. Aloe (White Fox Miniature Aloe)
Aloes are iconic succulents, and the White Fox Miniature Aloe is no exception. This hybrid features gray and white variegated leaves that are both striking and hardy. Aloes are perfect for people who have a bit of a "black thumb" as they require very little care—just the occasional watering when the soil dries out. When grown indoors, aloes may even bloom in winter, rewarding you with unique, attractive flowers.
7. Ruellia Makoyana (Monkey Flower)
This lesser-known plant is a winter bloomer that produces beautiful purple flowers in the colder months when many other plants are dormant. Known as the "Monkey Flower" or "Trailing Velvet Vine," it adds color to any space during the chilly winter months. This plant’s variegated green and silver foliage is just as attractive as its flowers, making it a great ground cover or hanging plant indoors.
8. Beefsteak Begonia
For those who love begonias, the Beefsteak Begonia is a timeless classic. Its deep green leaves, red backs, and vibrant blooms make it a standout houseplant. It’s easy to propagate and makes a wonderful pass-along plant, passed down from generations. This begonia prefers bright, indirect light and requires only occasional watering—just ensure the soil dries out a bit between waterings.
9. Eyelash Begonia
Begonias come in many different varieties, and the Eyelash Begonia is a particularly stunning option. Known for its soft, "eyelash-like" fringe along the leaf edges, this plant is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. It thrives in bright, indirect light and doesn't require a lot of fuss when it comes to soil or watering, as long as the soil is allowed to dry out a bit before being watered again.
10. Sophie Cecile Begonia
The Sophie Cecile Begonia is a cane-type begonia known for its tall, bamboo-like stems and large, striking leaves. It can grow to a height of 3-5 feet and prefers bright, indirect light. Like other begonias, it thrives with regular watering, but its soil should be allowed to dry out a bit between waterings.
11. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is one of the most forgiving houseplants out there. It’s easy to care for and provides beautiful white blooms during the warmer months. Peace Lilies thrive in moist conditions, making them a good option for those who tend to water their plants frequently. The Peace Lily's beautiful foliage and constant blooms make it a popular choice.
12. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Crotons are known for their vibrant foliage, which comes in an array of colors, including orange, yellow, and red. There are over 850 cultivated varieties, each with its own distinct pattern and color. Crotons prefer bright, direct sunlight and are excellent for patios during the summer months. They can tolerate full, direct sun outdoors if they are gradually introduced to full sun.
13. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its tall stature and large, fiddle-shaped leaves. It requires plenty of light but should not be moved frequently, as it can be sensitive to changes in location. If given a consistent spot with bright, indirect sunlight, it will thrive and grow into a striking centerpiece plant.
Conclusion
Tropical plants can add life, color, and texture to any indoor space. Whether you're drawn to the bright colors of the Bromeliad or the lush greenery of the Button Fern, there’s a tropical plant that can suit every home and lifestyle. The key to success with tropical houseplants is understanding their individual needs when it comes to light, humidity, and watering. With a little care and attention, these beautiful plants can thrive indoors and transform your living space into a lush, tropical oasis.
Related Videos:
Repotting Grocery Store Orchids
Interesting Houseplant Options
Caring for Bromeliads: A Beginner’s Guide
Propagating Ferns from Spores
Building a Self-Watering Houseplant Pot
Houseplant Potting Soils
Repotting Houseplants
Related Resources:
Tips on caring for tropical houseplants
Moving Indoor Plants Outside for the Summer