A Trip Back In Time What People Said About Exotic House Plants 20 Years Ago
5 Exotic House Plants to Add a Taste of the Tropics to Your Home
Bring a taste of the tropics in your home by incorporating these exotic house plants. Orchids are great exotic houseplants as they thrive in warm temperatures and moderate humidity, which is the norm of most indoor environments.
The tropical foliage of the monstera deliciosa, called hole leaf monstera, gives an exotic touch to any room. Bird of paradise flowers with their distinctive, slender blue or orange blooms are another exotic option.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciciosa or Swiss Cheese Plant is a unique houseplant with large leaves. It gives a tropical feel to your home. It is a climber that can be trained to cling to the poles covered in moss to mimic the trees that are native to its habitat of Mexico and Central America. It can also be grown in a pot, or hung on the edge of a table or surface.
This tropical plant is easy-to-grow and has a distinctive appearance. Just make sure it has direct, bright sunlight and well-draining soil. It's also tolerant of low levels of humidity but will do best when humidity levels are higher.
This plant is named after the holes and splits that it shows on its leaves. They are referred to as fenestrations and they are visible as the plant grows. It is part of the Araceae family, which includes Pothos, Philodendrons, ZZ plants, and a myriad of other common household foliage plants.
Monstera, like other aroids is a plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is also able to be planted in shade that is dappled, which is typical of its forest understory habitat.
The flowers of this plant resemble an ear of corn and produce an incredibly delicious fruit that has been described as a mix of pineapple and banana. It is possible to eat them raw or cooked. The fruit of this plant can have the ability to lax which is why it is essential to eat it in moderately.
One thing that differentiates this tropical plant from other species of plants is its ability to tolerate cold temperatures. Aroids in general will turn to mush in very cold temperatures, but Monsteras can still grow and flourish.
Monstera, like most aroids requires a little watering. Only water when the top inch or so of soil is completely dry. Be sure to let any excess water drain from the drainage hole located at the bottom of the pot after you water. Also, like most tropical house plants, Monstera requires a balanced liquid fertilizer. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of a balanced 20-20-20 liquid plant food into one gallon of water, and use it to feed your plant every few weeks during the growing season.
Begonia
Begonias are easy-to-grow tropical treasures that add a splash of color to window boxes as well as flower pots and garden beds. There are begonias available in bright colors and shapes that suit your design, whether you opt for single or double-flowered varieties. Begonias are an excellent alternative to other exotic houseplants due to the fact that they bloom all the time during the growing season. They require no special care, besides watering twice a month.
The genus Begonia is made up of more than 2 000 species of plants, the majority with vibrant leaves and flowers. Most are native to the tropical regions, but some can grow in cooler climates.
Tuberous begonias such as the popular "Non-Stop" series are ideal for shady spots and outdoor containers. These frost-sensitive plants grow from round, firm or oval tubers, with either an upright or slender growth habit (for containers for plants and flower boxes) or cascading characteristics (for hanging baskets). To thrive they require bright sunlight with partial shade. However, they may not flower in very dense shade or in areas that receive direct sunlight that is hot and intense. Wax begonias can withstand full sun, but will quickly burn in hot temperatures.
The majority of begonias don't require deadheading, but they may benefit from autumn and spring pruning to encourage new growth. They also do best when planted in loose, fertile soil, such as a mix with some organic material or a light loamy mixture with slow-release fertilizer.
If you are planning to grow begonias in a shallow tray place the tubers with the hollow sides between 6 and 8 inches apart, in a moist potting mixture. Keep the mix moist but not soggy, and put the tray in a dark area. The seeds should start to grow in about 4 weeks, and can then be moved to a place with a bright light source when they're around 1 inch tall. Make sure there is no risk of frost before planting outside. Alternately, you can plant begonias from seed or by planting begonias in wax. These can be purchased in greenhouses and garden centers.
Anthurium
Anthuriums also referred to as tail flowers or the flamingo flower provide a tropical feel to brightly lit rooms. It's easy-to-care for and blooms all year round. Anthuriums, which were originally epiphytes that grow on the surface of plants or in the air as well, are long-lasting and hardy house plants.
The "flower" of the anthurium is actually an actual spathe. The protective sheath protects an extremely tiny flower inside. The flowers last a few weeks and come in colors such as orange-red, pink, or white. The vibrant anthurium flower is popular for hostess gifts and wedding bouquets in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
Anthurium is a species of the genus Araceae that includes more than 1,000 flowering plants. Certain species are well-known like the orchid, hibiscus and poinsettia. Others are less well-known such as the arum tree and tulip tree.
While it's possible to grow anthuriums by seeds, it can take up to four years before you can see any blooms. You can get quicker results by cutting anthuriums from mature plants. Look for a well-established anthurium with roots that are compacted and ready to be divided. Use a clean, dry knife to cut off a portion of the plant, but be careful not to harm the roots.
Anthuriums can be transferred into a pot using vermiculite that is slightly moistened. Place the cutting in a spot that is at 70F and is exposed to direct, bright light. Mist the soil and plant frequently, and then run an humidifier around it to increase the humidity as needed. Don't over-fertilize the anthurium because it can cause the roots to be burned.
Repot anthuriums at least every two years or if the root ball is too big for the container. Select a pot that is 20 percent larger than the anthurium's present one to avoid shock.
If your anthurium's leaves lose their shiny luster spray a small amount of diluted natural soap onto the leaves and wipe them with a damp cloth. house plants that clean the air lets the plant breathe and restore a gorgeous shine. Anthuriums can suffer from spider mites. to suffer however a pesticide can prevent this.
Coconut Palm
Coconut palm (Cocos Nucifera) is found in tropical climates all over the world. It is cultivated for its edible fruit. It is among the most important and widely used agricultural plants in the tropics and probably originated somewhere in Indo-Malaya. The wood from the trunk can be used to build huts and bridges. The fibres that are formed from shells or husks are used to create ropes. The coconut itself is a drupe and not an actual nuts.
If the seeds make an audible sloshing sound when shaken, they are ready to be planted. The seeds are then laid on their sides with the three eyes slightly tilted upwards and then buried in soil until about half of the thickness of the hard shell. Germination takes a while however it can be accelerated by high temperatures and humidity and after 6 months the shoots and roots are ready for transplantation.
The plant is ideally designed for warm climates. It can withstand frost, but should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing, as it could be damaged. It requires plenty of sunshine and a protected area with sandy soil that drains well. types of house plants watering is necessary however, it must be kept moist, but not drained of water. Fertilizing with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer equally important.
In the spring, this palm produces fragrant flowers that smell sweet on a few branched stalks which grow male and female coconuts. The flowers are protandrous, and male flowers generally open earlier than females open. The flowers are pollinated by the wind. After 4-6 years, the tree will start bearing fruit.
Indoors it is recommended to grow the exotic houseplant in pots that are large and have drainage and rich soil. popular house plants is a fan of sun but will take low light. As it develops, repot the plant with a container that is larger than the root ball. Water it thoroughly and feed the plant regularly with a liquid fertilizer. The Coconut Palm is generally pest-free however it is affected by a disease referred to as lethal yellowing, for which there is no cure, and which can cause death to the plant.