Adding tropical plants to your home can bring a vibrant touch, whether you live in cold or hot climate. While some tropical houseplants are renowned for their stunning flowers, others are adored for their large, uniquely patterned, or variegated leaves. Growing tropical plants may not be as challenging as they seem, although some may require a bit of extra care to ensure they are content with the humidity, light, and moisture levels.
#1. Aglaonema
Known as the Chinese evergreen, aglaonema boasts stunning, variegated leaves that add an air of elegance to any space. This tropical beauty thrives in low to moderate light, making it suitable for various indoor environments.
It is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for adding a touch of the tropics to your home, even if you’re not a seasoned plant enthusiast.
#2. Haworthia
The charming Haworthia, also known as the zebra plant, features thick, pointed leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Native to South Africa, it thrives in bright, indirect light.
It looks great on a sunny windowsill or end table because it only grows to be 6 to 8 inches tall. When watering, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and you’ll be rewarded with a resilient and visually appealing succulent.
#3. Bird’s Nest Fern
Embrace the tropical elegance of the bird’s nest fern, known for its gracefully arching fronds that resemble a nest. This fern thrives in indirect light and consistently moist soil.
Plus, you should keep the humidity high and let the fern dry out halfway between waterings to keep it healthy with lush greenery that adds a touch of rainforest allure to your home.
#4. Bird Of Paradise
The bird of paradise, with its large, banana-like leaves and striking orange and blue flowers, is a true tropical showstopper. Native to South Africa, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Even though they hardly ever bloom indoors, bird of paradise plants still have striking long, strappy leaves that make a bold statement in any corner you place it.
#5. Jade Plant
While the jade plant may be more commonly associated with arid landscapes, its resilience and unique beauty make it a charming addition to your collection of tropical plants.
Give your jade plant filtered, bright light. Water them about every two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings because their thick leaves serve as water reservoirs.
#6. Rubber Tree
Rubber plant is one of the most sought-after tropical plants that can adapt to various indoor environments. It features glossy dark green or variegated leaves and a strong upright form.
A rubber tree can grow quite large and leggy, so you may want to prune it to maintain its shape and size. You can prune the branches and leaves with sharp and clean scissors or shears. Make the cuts just above a leaf node or a branch junction.
#7. Lucky Bamboo
While not a true bamboo, lucky bamboo is a popular tropical plant known for its slender, upright stems and symbolic significance. It thrives in low to moderate light and can be grown in water or well-draining soil.
Keep the water consistently moist, and your Lucky Bamboo will bring good fortune and a touch of asian-inspired elegance to your home.
#8. Snake Plant
The snake plant, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a hardy tropical plant that thrives in various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Native to West Africa, it’s known for its upright leaves with distinctive green and yellow patterns.
When the soil’s top few inches become dry, you can give them a drink. In case of doubt, wait a few days and test the soil with your finger again, as snake plants are not tolerant of excessive watering.
#9. Aloe Vera
With its spiky leaves filled with healing gel, aloe vera is not just a tropical beauty but also a useful plant with medicinal properties.
Aloe vera prefers bright light, and in the summer you can take it outside if you’d like. The plant has been shown to help heal minor burns. Simply snap off an outer leaf and apply the gel-like substance to help the burn heal.
#10. Dracaena
The Dracaena family includes a variety of tropical plants, each with its own unique charm. From the tall and dramatic Dracaena Marginata to the compact and bushy Dracaena Compacta, these plants thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
These tropical plants can add character and style to your living space, while offering the diverse foliage and air-purifying qualities.
#11. Parlor Palm
The parlor palm, also known as neanthe bella palm, is a classic tropical plant that brings a touch of the tropics to any room. With its feathery, arching fronds, it thrives in low to moderate light and consistently moist soil.
Not to mention, with its long stems and feathery fronds, this is one of the easiest varieties to grow. So give it a try, and your parlor palm will transport you to a lush, green paradise.
#12. Golden Pothos
The golden pothos, with its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, is a tropical plant that is both elegant and resilient. It is native to the Solomon Islands and thrives in low to moderate light.
This vining plant is among the easiest tropicals to grow and looks fantastic on a bookshelf, end table, or nightstand, gracing your space with its trailing beauty.
#13. Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant, or Monstera Deliciosa, is an iconic houseplant known for its large, perforated leaves that resemble Swiss cheese. Its hometown is in the rainforests of Central America, so give it bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
A Swiss cheese plant likes to be moist but not soggy, so water it when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Do not overwater, as this can cause root rot.
#14. Money Tree
The money tree is said to bring good fortune! Whether you believe it or not, this charming little tree is native to Central and South America. It is frequently sold as a bonsai tree or with a centrally braided stem.
It requires bright light, but to prevent it from leaning toward the light, turn the pot once a week. You should only water when the soil appears dry to the touch.
#15. Philodendron
There are climbing and self-heading (non-climbing) philodendron varieties for indoor use. Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum are two attractive varieties to seek out.
The majority of philodendrons prefer bright to moderate light and should only be watered when the soil appears dry on top.
#16. Bromeliad
Of all the tropical plants, bromeliads are arguably the easiest to grow. Compared to many of their lush-leaved counterparts, these tropical epiphytes, or air plants, are far more tolerant and easily adapted to growing in pots.
They are available in a wide range of colors, such as red, green, purple, orange, and yellow, as well as various combinations of patterns and textures.
#17. African Violet
With the correct growing conditions, these favorites bloom all year long. They are native to east Africa and dislike direct sunlight because they are shaded by trees.
African violets should be kept a foot or so away from bright windows. Water from the top or the bottom (submerge the pot in water and let it absorb moisture for half an hour).
#18. Amazonian Elephant’s Ear
Amazonian elephant’s ear is a common but unique houseplant with large, arrow-shaped green leaves that are ribbed with silver.
Compared to most Alocasia species, they are far easier to grow indoors and produce gorgeous foliage displays during certain seasons. They do need regular feeding and prefer potting soil that drains quickly and richly.
#19. Anthurium
Known for its unique, heart-shaped flowers and glossy foliage, the anthurium is a tropical plant that adds a touch of romance to any space. There are many different cultivars of anthuriums that are very rewarding to grow even though they are difficult plants.
Make sure the roots are not overly wet after planting them in rich, loose potting soil, and your anthurium will reward you with long-lasting blooms.
#20. Cordyline
Cordy line has striking foliage plants that come in a variety of leaf colors, ranging from yellow and white to red, purple, and green. The plant can add a striking accent if given the right attention.
Cordyline requires weekly feedings, rich, well-drained, premium potting mix with a pH of 6 to 6.5, and a warm, draft-free location. Except in the winter, you should keep it moist all the time.
#21. Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is often considered as a true tropical foliage plant because it is so common as houseplants. Grow this well-liked plant with its large green and white leaves by using a 20-20-20 mix fertilizer and a fast-draining potting mix.
Plus, it would help if you place it somewhere warm (above 60 degrees Fahrenheit) and free of drafts. Water once a week, and use less water during the winter.
#22. Ficus
Although ficus plants are a bit fussy, a well-grown ficus is almost the ideal houseplant. It dislikes being moved and shed their leaves in cold, drafty environments. They also need enough warmth, light, and humidity.
Throughout the growing season, water the plant frequently, letting the soil dry out in between applications. If give it the right care, you might find tiny white or yellow blossoms, though they are uncommon.
Tropical plants are the ultimate catalysts for fun in your plant collection and your home or garden. Regardless of the season, if you provide proper care to gorgeous species like bromeliads, philodendrons, or any variety of monstera, they will thrive and become plants that you can proudly admire. So if there is any plant that is your pick, leave a comment and tell us how it uplifts your decor and your moods.
