5 Tropical Plants You Can Grow Indoors
Summer Never Ends With These Plants
The end of summer is quickly approaching, but that doesn't mean you can't be on island time, all the time. These bright and vibrant tropical plants will bring summer straight to your home and make you forget the concrete part of your jungle. While certain tropical plants are more fussy than others, it is possible to have them around even without the extra expenses of a humidifier or cranking the heat all year to fool your plant into thinking you live in a tropical environment. Read on to learn our top 5 tropical plants that can grow indoors and brighten up your space!
When discussing tropical plants, the Bird of Paradise is always one of the first to come to mind. With its large, airy, and dramatic leaves in your home, you'll get a taste of summer no matter the season! The Bird of Paradise is a bright, exotic, and vibrant plant native to South Africa that blooms large blue, white, and orange flowers when grown in its native climate. It boasts regal foliage that has made it an absolute favorite among plant parents who want to liven up their space. To our delight, The Bird of Paradise is suprisingly easy to grow indoors! It is a rapidly growing indoor plant that thrives in bright light with some direct sun. It should be kept moist, fertilized, and pot-bound to keep it happy. You can mist them to increase humidity levels and clean the leaves often to help with its photosynthesis. These large-leafed plants need a little extra help in the cleanliness dept.
Warning: The Bird of Paradise is toxic to cats and dogs!
Shop the Bird of Paradise here.
2. Cat Palm
Give your indoor island a gorgeous upgrade by adding a tropical Cat Palm to your collection. Native to the jungles of Southeastern Mexico, the Cat Palm is a bushy, slow-growing plant that can reach between 4 and 6 feet tall with the right care. The Cat Palm’s broad, feathery fronds will turn your space into an urban jungle (no matter where in the country you live). For those braving the upcoming winter, the Cat Palm will bring a tropical feel to your home that instantly warms up any room. When you consider it's unique, breezy look with the fact that it's low maintenance, bringing this tropical plant home is a no-brainer!
The Cat Palm is non-toxic for the whole family!
Shop the Cat Palm here.
The Bamboo Palm is another tropical favorite that can grow indoors and tolerate lower lighting conditions much better than its warmer-weather relatives. These palms add a pop of color to any space you put it in, making it the perfect fit for a neglected corner in your home. The bamboo palm, also known as the Chamaedorea palm, is named this because of their resemblance to actual bamboo, but be sure not to confuse this with the real thing. This palm is hardy, not very fussy, and rocks dense foliage and lush fronds of different shades of green. It can even reach up to 8 feet in height in the right conditions. Most of us assume palms need a lot of sun, but the bamboo is an exception to the rule! They prefer to thrive in the shadier areas, in a spot with indirect filtered light. When you invest in palms, you can ditch the humidifier and the air purifier! The lush foliage creates a more humid environment for neighboring plants and also filters the air that passes through the fronds. Add two to create a little jungle-themed symmetry!
The Bamboo Palm is one of NASA's Clean Air varieties, and is nontoxic to dogs, cats, and humans!
Shop the Bamboo Palm here.
4. Dracaena Janet Craig
Native to the tropical areas of Africa, the Dracaena Janet Craig flaunts deep green glossy foliage and brings a dramatic and tropical vibe into your home. Not only is this plant visually attractive, it is tough and adapatable too. Like other forms of the 'Cornstalk' Dracaena, this specific cultivar will grow in indirect light inside, as well as part sun and shade outdoors. In comparison to some of our more popular houseplant choices – cough, fiddle leaf fig, cough – this plant is much less susceptible to leaf drop or damping off. It can tolerate a lot, but don't let it sit in soggy soil!
Warning: Dracaena 'Janet Craig' is toxic to cats and dogs!
Shop the Janet Craig here.
5. Philodendron
Last but not least, we have one more tropical favorite that we know you'll love! The Philodendron is a great choice for your indoor tropical plant collection because of its versatility. There are many variations of both climbing and non-climbing Philodendrons available for purchase, but you can always rely on the strikingly deep green foliage and easy care requirements! Water and mist your Philodendrons frequently in the growing season (Summer and Spring), and reduce the plant's water intake in the winter, when they're dormant. Summer doesn't have to end so soon because the Philodendron will bring an air of brightness to your space!
Warning: Philodendrons are toxic to cats and dogs!
Shop our Philodendrons here.