What is a Tropical Climate
Some gardeners may not be familiar with the characteristics of a tropical climate and so here is a description of what to expect. A tropical climate generates hot temperatures and are classified into categories with a variety of weather conditions. Temperatures vary and are usually above 21 degrees Celsius. The Caribbean and Florida USA experience similar weather patterns of hot and dry periods whereas other countries like in South America in some areas experience a rainforest climate with hot conditions and lots of rain. Africa has experiences of tropical monsoon which is some dry periods with minimal rainfall to tropical savanna with wet and dry conditions.
Caring for Tropical Plants
If you have decided to choose a tropical plant to take care of, it will require some knowledge or history of the previous environment in order to understanding what conditions these plants have been able to withstand and what is a suitable adjustment for their new environment. Sometimes, they may have already been cared for in a greenhouse environment before making their place in your home, so it is also another adjustment for the plant to be in and to flourish.
The following are important for the tropical plants to survive:
- Sunlight
- Soil
- Humidity
- Water
- Food
- Location
- Proper care
Sunlight
As the rays of the sun gets filtered to the earth this is what is necessary for the plant to convert into food necessary for growth. As most tropical plants are accustomed to the light, they will need sufficient sunlight. Although some plants prefer indirect sunlight for the most part at least six hours of sunlight is acceptable. If you have the plant indoors close to a window you may need to adjust the location to produce filtered light otherwise your window will act as a magnifying glass and produce so much heat that it will burn the leaves and you should be able to tell if this is happening by the colour of the leaves.
You can also, if possible, located them to a deck or balcony for a time period and return them to your desired location. The other option if this isn’t possible is to use a grow light which will assist with the lack of sunlight.
Soil
Tropical soil will vary depending on its location but usually consist of clay, sand, gravel and decayed organic matter that have existed for a long period of time. Due to the hot climate these organic materials decompose much faster and therefore does not allow the nutrients to remain in the soil especially during downpours of rainfall and therefore the soil is considered not the healthiest. Some areas have soil which are good for growth and others have soil which are considered very poor in nutrients.
You can create your own tropical mix by adding nutrients like peatmoss, sand, and others but I think it’s much easier and more time consuming to purchase a bag formulated for tropical plants already prepared for you. The blend should be porous which allows for proper drainage and aeriation for the root growth and there is a good chance it will already contain a slow released fertilizer so you will not need to be adding this to the plant. Your concern will be replacing the plant and the soil when the plant has outgrown its container.
Humidity
Hot and humid are words to describe living in a tropical climate for the most part where there are no winters. Temperatures varying between 18 degrees Celsius to 27.5 degrees. Adjust your plants to a similar humidity will help with the plant growth. Your Bathroom is a place which there is enough humidity provided that there is adequate sunshine. Using a humidifier can help and adequate watering is effective. I have seen a friend used a cool mist humidifier to help in creating a lush indoor garden where her tropical plants are flourishing.
Discover which plants enjoy humidity and group them accordingly. Creating your own container with rocks and placing the plant on the rocks with a little water can help to increase the humidity in your home.
Water
An essential nutrient for survival of all living things. Water allows for the nutrients to be delivered to the plant providing hydration and transportation of this nutrient to every cell of the plant. You may remember your earlier years in school with an experiment to see how effective water is to the plant where ink was placed in the water, and you were able to see how the water traveled to all parts of the plant including the leaves.
It is essential that you water the plants as part of the plant care. You can test the soil by placing your finger in the soil and if it’s too dry then water it. You also may want to add water at a special time and see how frequently the plant requires it. The key is to be consistent.
Food
Just as you require food to maintain a healthy body so do plants. The basic sunshine and water will not be sufficient for the plant to continue its survival because over a period of time some nutrients from the soil will become depleted so as the human body requires vitamins and minerals so does the plant structure and this is where a good fertilizer will come into play. Fertilizers are important for the development of strong roots and aids in helping the soil nutrients.
Although plant can be self-sufficient in generating food for themselves by the process called photosynthesis which is the process by which a plant uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make its food and you will see this in the green pigment of the leaves. It is important to fertilize when there are signs that the plant has become unhealthy.
You may choose to make your own by using natural products from eggshells, compose or organic materials or used coffee grounds. Or purchase a store bought one. Food and proper nutrients are important for plant care.
Location
Placing your plant in the right location is key to their survival. Always consider before purchasing if the location you have in mind will work well for the plant. If the room or backyard has enough sunlight or too much can be an issue. Study your plant’s history and what is best suitable for it.
Adjustments can be made in using grow-lights or using blinds and curtains to act as filtered light if necessary. A plant that is surviving well is a happy plant.
Proper Care
Pruning and removing dead branches and leaves is important. It allows for the plant to rejuvenate by sending out new shoots and the overall health of the plant is better. While pruning now would be a good time to check for any bugs or infestation of insects that may want to find a new home. If this is your case, isolate the plant and give it a good shower with a hose and that will remove any critters from taking over the plant.
If this doesn’t work, use a mild soap solution, and keep the plant isolated for a while to see if it is safe to return the plant to its location. You should also clean this location with soap as well to prevent any insects from returning.
Tropical plants tend to outgrow their containers and will need repotting. Keeping them in a container that is not sufficient for its roots to grow is not healthy and you will end up with the leaves turning a different colour or the plant will not survive.
You will notice that during the winter months the plant may have slowed down in growth. If this is happening, you will not need to fertilize as frequently as before. Making sure the humidity is consistent in your home. Adjust according to your environment and your plant requirements for the season.
Keeping your tropical plant health indoors is not an easy task. It’s a trial and error for most people. The plant is adjusting to its new environment and many of these plants have travelled far away to be in your home. This adjustment can sometimes take longer than you expect. You may lose a few leaves and wonder what is going on. Be patient and allow the plant to adjust. One of the best ways in getting some helpful tips is to ask the gardener at the time of purchase. This will assist you in caring for this exotic plant.
It is possible that you may have to make some adjustment like moving the plant to a different location or in direct sunlight for a few hours. Some may require just filtered light.
Your own research should give you some clues on how to care for this plant. Also remember that not all tropical plants are from the same regions. Each will have its own environment to adjust to.
You are the best person to observe what is going on with your plant. In an ideal situation it would be great if we all lived in zones where these plants could be planted in our garden outdoors all year round and their survival rate will be a high percentage. This is not possible for many of us and the best we can do is keep them indoors and try to create a tropical oasis as best as we can. If you have been successful at growing tropical plants in your home, there is a good chance that you are doing everything right that most of us need to learn.
Don’t just confine your plants to indoors all the time. Summers are great seasons to place them on deck and patios and also to enhance your garden space. They can be blended in with the other plants in containers to give the garden the best of two worlds. Crotons add a variety of colours and are found in many varieties with variegated leaves. Tropical hibiscuses are beautiful in colours of red, yellows, orange and some have a blend of colours to highlight any garden space. Invest in a bougainvillea plant which can be found in many colours from red, white, and orange and purple. These flowers add beauty as the flowers come in clusters which cascade on the branches. A beautiful contrast to add to any garden.
Deck
Make use of your deck and add some tropical touch by including palm trees for privacy. By placing them in strategic positions you will be able to create privacy. The palm trees create a visual of a tropical setting. Add some solar lights and create an ambiance to create a relaxed space to enjoy with family and friends.
Gazebo
Use your pothos plant as a hanging plant for your space. Create some privacy by allowing the plants to hang and cascade over the planter in this way it allows you to obtain a bit of privacy from your neighbours. Climbing roses are also a great addition to add creating style and class and adding some colours. Adding hanging baskets are also will compliment any space.
Front Entrance
Create an exciting collection of tropical plants at the entrance to your home. A welcoming addition. By choosing a variety of other plants to accompany them it will become vibrant and lush as an entry and inviting addition. Experiment with different colours to see what compliments your space.
I am confident that after you have tried a few tropical plants and have become accustomed to the challenges you once faced. The end results will be learning from these plants as they grow to become a better gardener to take care of them.