Low Maintenance Tropical Plants

Tropical plants are a simple way to take your home from drab to fab! Exotic house plants may seem daunting at first glance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tropical plants are more low maintenance than you think! (At least the ones we will cover in this article are). Typically, plants will only require you to check on them about once a week, making sure they are being sufficiently watered and getting enough sunlight. With their basic needs being met, your tropical plants will thrive and grow into large show stopping focal points of your home.

Houseplants that are vibrant and full of color can make your space look expensive without actually being expensive. Live plants will literally liven up any space, especially plants with a little pizazz. Tropical plants have a variety of color, leaf shape, and growing habits. The five plants we cover today are all exotic, but very low maintenance! From the variegated umbrella tree reaching heights of six to eight feet to the climbing squamiferum with large fenestrated leaves.

1. Umbrella Tree

The umbrella tree (schefflera) comes in a multitude of varieties with varying variegation. The variegated leaves add an extra splash of color to your space and give the tree a more expensive feel. They are sure to fill out any space as they reach a height of about 6 feet and can spread out to about 3 feet wide. The Schefflera is a quick growing and low maintenance plant. You will find this plant naturally occurring in the forests of Taiwan, Australia, New Guinea, and Java.

Care:
Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out
Light: Bright, indirect light

2. ‘Kiwi’ Dragon Tree

The kiwi tree adds a lush brightness to any space with its striped green and ivory color. The dragon tree is drought tolerant, making it an ideal plant for those who might forget to water regularly. With proper care these trees can grow up to six and a half feet indoors. They are sure to fill out any space they occupy. This is the most low maintenance of the plants on this list given its tolerance of drought. They do require bright, indirect light, so do make sure they are within 3-4 feet of a window.

Care:
Water: Water when soil has completely dried out
Light: Bright, indirect light

3. Monstera Deliciosa

Native to the tropics of the Americas, the monstera deliciosa is a fan favorite and probably the most well known houseplant. Most notably known for its fenestrations (split leaves). Their massive fenestrated leaves are sure to elevate your room. Monsteras are vining plants and prefer to climb, often growing up trees in nature. They thrive when given something to climb such as a moss pole or a trellis. With proper care the monstera deliciosa will grow over 6 feet in height and spread over 4 feet wide.

Care:
Water: Water when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out
Light: Bright, indirect light

4. Philodendron Squamiferum

The squamiferum philodendron’s bold, unique leaves make it stand out from other houseplants. This exotic tropical plant is a show stopper that even the most novice plant lovers can keep alive. They prefer to climb, so providing this philodendron with a moss pole or a trellis will yield the best results. It’s a pretty forgiving plant for those who might forget to water every once in a while.

Care:
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Let the top few inches of soil dry out. Don’t let it sit in water.

5. Triangle Ficus

Considered one of the easiest ficuses to care for indoors, the triangle ficus is sure to brighten up any living space with its waxy variegated leaves. A rare plant that is sure to pique the interest of any avid plant collector. The triangle ficus is considered a tree and can grow up to a height of six feet. Their unique shaped leaves make this a must have for anyone wanting to elevate their space. This ficus does hate drastic changes in temperature, so it is recommended to keep it away from drafty spots like close to a vent or an exterior door.

Care:
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Water: Let the top layer of soil dry out.

Tropical plants contain such beauty and a relatively small amount of attention. With proper care these plants will fill out any space with their vibrant and unique shaped leaves. Go out and elevate your space today with one or five tropical plants!

By: Mark Johnson, Marky’s Plant Co.