Tropical foliage plants thrive in their native habitat of tropical climates. Because of their exotic appearance and colorful foliage, people desire them for indoor growing and to add beauty to the landscape. Nearly all of the plants sold as houseplants are tropical in origin.

Description

• Shade and humidity lovers describe most tropical plants. All of them need some natural light. Retailers often mark the plants according to the prescribed light requirements. Water requirements vary by species. Most will benefit from allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Advantages

• Tropical plants used indoors act as a filter for the air, giving off oxygen and using up CO2. They have shapely foliage--some even sculptural--and wonderful color, and the joy of watching them grow will warm the heart of any gardener.

Benefits

• Grow these colorful plants outside when your weather turns tropical. They are particularly suited for mixing in pots. They will have to come inside for winter if you intend to keep them alive.

Types

• Tropicals come in many forms: trailing plants, climbers, upright, arching and rosette-shaped, small leafed, large leafed, varigated, foliage only and blooming.

Requirements

• Many tropicals cannot withstand temperatures below 50 degrees F. Most need high humidity and benefit from misting. When moving indoor tropicals outside for the summer, it is crucial to acclimatize the plant by gradually increasing the light level.

Species to Consider

• A few of the cultivars that thrive indoors and out are dracaena, dieffenbachia, ferns, crotons, pothos, banana plant, palms and sticky yucca.