The Amazon rainforest is a lush jungle of all different varieties of plant life. This amazing and delicate eco-system is part of the reason people talk about "saving the rainforest" and are concerned with too much of it being cut down. Any gardener or plant-lover is sure to find a plant originating from the Amazon to fall in love with and perhaps cultivate in her own garden.

Orchids

To date, over 28,000 species of orchids have been discovered, and more continue to be discovered, causing this plant to be one of the most bio-diverse in the Amazon. Orchids appear to be very delicate, as if a breeze could knock them over, but they're actually very tough little plants. These plants can often be found in the upper canopy of the rainforest, where it's difficult for most plants to survive due to the heat. Orchids can normally be watered once per week. If growing indoors, place them in a bright south-facing window free from drafts. Orchids take five to seven years to mature from seeds to flowering, so they require a lot of patience unless you want to buy an adult plant.

Arum Lilies

From the leafy-green jungle to cubicles in the corporate jungle, arum lilies find a way to get by. According to junglephotos.com, "Arums belong in the plant family Araceae, better known as the lily family. These plants are monocotyledons--therefore more closely related to orchids and grasses than to other plants." These plants are very common in the Amazon and thrive nearly everywhere: in the soil, on trees, where it's cool and damp and where it's warm and dry. A number of species of Arum are cultivated as house plants and office plants. Nearly any type of soil or lighting conditions work well for this plant. They grow well in pots, are common in offices and are a great little starter plant.

Palms

Palm trees are a true tropical plant found in the Amazon that cannot handle frost. These trees are also found commonly in California and Florida, especially along the coast. There are over 900 species of palms. Many native people make extensive use of palms in their day-to-day lives. Many species have edible fruits. Parts of these trees are used often in building materials. If you love palms, but don't live in a more tropical locale, you can grow palms successfully indoors. You'll need a very large pot, because the root systems of a palm tree expand very quickly as they grow. Soil should be very nutrient-rich. Palms require a lot of sunlight and should be turned every few days so all parts of the plant can receive the maximum amount of sun.