Tropical houseplants are easy to take care of and maintain. This article lists some popular varieties of tropical houseplants and their care tips.

Houseplants add to the beauty and comfort levels of any house or office. They purify the air and provide a cooling effect to the surrounding. Many of the decorative plants that we have grown to beautify our interiors are tropical houseplants. They are native to the tropical and subtropical climatic conditions, and grow under the canopies of large trees. It is mainly because of this reason that these plants can adapt well even when they are maintained in warm temperatures indoors.

Varieties

You can find a plethora of beautiful tropical plants, and choosing some varieties for your home can be quite a confusing task. A simple way is to select those that complement your interiors. Some of the common ones that are excellent for home or office plantation are:

• Bird of Paradise - Vibrantly-colored flowers resembling a flying bird, the bird of paradise is a preferred houseplant. The large green, leathery leaves also add to the elegance of the bird-shaped flowers.
• Bromeliads - In their native habitats, bromeliads are found growing in the branches of tall trees. They have thin, thick, needle-shaped, or broad foliage, and are seen in green, golden, red, and maroon colors. Bromeliads are described as the most diverse tropical plant.
• Dumb Canes - Adaptive to moderate light and humid atmosphere, dumb canes are well-known for their large, attractive, oval-shaped leaves. The center of the leaf blades is lighter in color, while the borders are dark green.
• Orchids - With more than 22,000 identified species, orchids belong to the largest flowering group. Of these types, cattleya, dendrobium, phalaenopsis, and oncidium are best grown as houseplants.
• Xanthosoma - Xanthosoma has more than 40 species, which can be identified from the spade shaped foliage and distinctive whitish-colored venation. Some species of xanthosoma grow to more than 6 feet and spread to around 1-2 feet.

Care Tips

These tropical plants can adapt in a wide range of soil types and growing conditions. But, they require sufficient light and water. Here are some useful tips for care and maintenance:

• Light - These plants require lots of sunlight for survival. While growing indoors, place them in an area that receives diffused sunlight, and make sure you install an artificial light system.
• Water - The second primary requirement is high humidity. Do not forget to place plastic trays below the pots to avoid drainage problems. As per the directions of the retailer, plan the watering time and frequency for the specific plant.
• Temperature - A warm temperature is a must for healthy tropical plants. Thus, some varieties may not tolerate frequent air conditioning. The best way is to ask the retailer and select plants that will adapt to your home's conditions.
• Nutrients - Most tropical plants are fast-growing, and consequently, they need optimum nutrients to support their development.
• Pest Control - Pest infestation weakens the plants, and at times kills them. To prevent pests, keep a keen eye on them and spend a few minutes inspecting your plants each time you irrigate them.
• Other Tips - You should plant them in appropriately sized pots, and clean the leaves on a regular basis. To clean the foliage, you can dampen a cloth and wipe both sides of the leaves gently.

In order to maintain luxuriant plants, the trick is to provide correct growth conditions which match the natural habitat of the plants. As long as light, temperature, and water is available in adequate amounts, your houseplants will grow to the fullest and embellish your interiors with a natural touch.