There are a variety of tropical plants that do well when exposed to full sun, meaning they require 6 or more hours of direct sunlight each day. Some of the most popular and easy to care for sun-loving tropical plants include hibiscus, bougainvillea, canna lilies, Mexican sunflowers, banana trees, lantana, alocasia, crinum lilies, elephant ears, banana trees, bird of paradise, ti plants, crotons, coleus, and heliconia.
Many of these plants will thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and require regular fertilizer to promote healthy growth and encourage flowering. Many of these plants are also frost-sensitive, so keep them protected during cold winters.
With regular care and maintenance, these sun-loving tropical plants will provide color and interest to any garden or outdoor space.
How much sun should tropical plants get?
Tropical plants typically need long periods of bright, indirect sunlight. If a tropical plant is in a pot, you can estimate how much direct light it is receiving by how warm and dry the soil gets. Generally speaking, tropical plants grown outdoors need around 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light each day.
If you are growing tropical plants indoors, you should place the plants near an east- or south-facing window and ensure they receive at least 8-12 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. When you choose a spot for a tropical plant indoors, be careful not to place the plant too close to a window that may overheat it, as the sun coming into the window can be much stronger and hotter than natural outdoor conditions.
With enough indirect light, your tropical plants will grow strong and healthy.
Where should tropical plants be placed?
Tropical plants should be placed in an area where they can receive bright but indirect sunlight. These plants thrive in humid, warm environments, so you should try to recreate those as best as possible.
Place them near a window, ideally one that faces east, rather than directly in the sunshine. During the summer, you should move them to a spot with a bit less light, as too much sun can dry out the plants rather quickly.
Make sure to keep your tropical plants away from heat ducts and air conditioning vents, as this can have a drying effect. When watering your tropical plants, make sure that the soil is evenly moist but not overly saturated.
If the soil is too dry, your plants won’t be able to absorb enough moisture, and too much water can actually drown them.
Can tropical plants be outside?
Yes, tropical plants can certainly be placed outside in a garden or other outdoor area. However, when doing so, it is important to understand the needs of each plant and how it will respond to changing weather and environmental conditions.
Many tropical plants require warm, sunny, and humid environments to thrive, so during colder months, the plants may experience shock and stress if suddenly placed outdoors without being gradually accustomed to the lower temperatures and drier air.
Before placing tropical plants outside, it is important to research the particular plants and use protective measures, like providing enough moisture, protection from strong winds and direct sunlight, and finding a suitable area with protection from frost.
With proper care and consideration, tropical plants can be grown outdoors and add lush accent pieces, color, and texture to the garden.
How do you take care of a tropical plant?
Taking care of a tropical plant is not difficult, but it does require some attention, dedication and patience for the best results. Here are a few tips to help keep your tropical plant healthy and thriving:
1. Provide adequate sunlight. Tropical plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and flourish, so make sure to place them in a spot that will get a lot of bright, direct sunlight.
2. Ensure proper drainage. Tropical plants require well-draining soil and should never stand in soggy or damp soil. Check your container’s drainage holes regularly to make sure they’re open and allowing enough water to pass through.
3. Use quality soil. It’s important to use nutrient-rich soil when planting tropical plants. Look for soils that contain plenty of organic matter, such as compost, coconut fiber and earthworms—these will help promote healthy root development.
4. Water regularly. Tropical plants need to be watered regularly. Check the soil often to make sure there’s enough moisture. Don’t let the soil dry out completely, as it may damage the roots of your plant.
5. Feed your tropical plants. Fertilize your tropical plants every two months during their growing season with a balanced fertilizer. This will help them stay healthy and will result in more robust growth.
With the proper care, a tropical plant can provide you and your home with beauty and life for many years.
Are tropical plants indoor or outdoor?
The answer to whether tropical plants are typically indoor or outdoor depends on the specific plant. Generally, tropical plants are suited to warm, humid climates, so they are typically grown outdoors in climates that provide these conditions.
However, there are some types of tropical plants that can also thrive indoors in temperatures that stay between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a well-lit space. Examples of indoor tropical plants include philodendrons, birds of paradise, and spider plants.
For outdoor tropical plants, common varieties include hibiscus, bougainvillea, and orchids.
Is it OK to leave indoor plants outside?
No, it is generally not advised to leave indoor plants outside, as they are not typically equipped to tolerate the elements or other conditions found in a natural outdoor environment. Indoor plants are typically grown in a more controlled environment, with specific temperatures, levels of sunlight, and humidity that can be managed.
Outdoor conditions, particularly in climates with extreme temperatures in either direction (hot or cold), will put too much strain on the plants and can cause them to suffer from pests, diseases, and other negative effects that indoor plants are not typically equipped to handle.
Can an indoor plant be planted outside?
Yes, an indoor plant can be planted outside. However, it’s important to take into consideration the species of plant you want to plant outside, where you’ll be planting it, and the climate in your area.
Different plants have different requirements for light, soil, water, and temperature, so you’ll need to do your research to make sure the plant can thrive in the environment you have selected for it.
Even if the plant is acclimated to the indoor environment, it will still need some time to adjust to the outdoor environment, so it’s important to slowly transition it from the indoors to the outdoors.
This can include introducing the plant in partial shade and warmer temperatures initially, then slowly transitioning it to full sun and more harsh temperatures. Additionally, make sure the soil has been amended with organic matter to help the plant easily absorb nutrients.
Do tropical plants like full sun?
Yes, most tropical plants do like full sun, but some need more protection or filtered light. These include tropicals like bromeliads, calatheas, and certain ferns. It’s important to consider the natural habitat of each plant species when deciding whether to place them in full sun.
Those originating in open sandy soils or in rainforest canopies typically need more shade than those that are used to harsh, full-sun conditions. It’s also important to keep in mind the climate in which you live — if the sun is very intense for much of the year, it’s best to give a particular tropical plant some shade.
When in doubt, consult the specific requirements for the particular species you are trying to grow.
How do you know if you are overwatering your plants?
The most obvious sign is wilting leaves and stems that are not getting enough air. The leaves and stems can also be yellowing, limp, and/or discolored. Other signs include a musty smell coming from the soil, soggy or compacted soil caused by too much water, and rotting stems or leaves.
You can also look for water standing on the surface of the soil or on the leaves, which could be an indication that the plants are getting too much water. Finally, if you notice that the plants are not thriving and growing as expected, it could be a sign of overwatering, as too much water can drown the plant and cause roots to rot.
Can you over water tropical plants?
Yes, you can absolutely over water tropical plants. Plants typically absorb water through the roots, so if there is an excess of water, this can lead to the plant’s roots not getting enough oxygen. If the roots don’t get enough oxygen they can become waterlogged, which can eventually lead to root rot.
Root rot can then cause the plant to become yellow, limp and eventually die. Furthermore, overwatering can increase humidity and decrease air circulation, which can encourage the growth of mildew and other diseases to your tropical plants.
In general, it’s best to stick to a regular, consistent watering schedule and focus on providing enough water to keep the soil damp but not soggy. When it comes to watering tropical plants, observe the signs that your plants give off and be sure to use your intuition.
Over time, you will learn what your plants need.
Why are the leaves on my tropical plant turning brown?
There could be a few different reasons why the leaves on your tropical plant are turning brown. Environmental factors such as too little light, too much light, too much fertilizer, or too dry/wet of a soil can all contribute to the leaves of a tropical plant turning brown.
Additionally, if your plant is not receiving the right balance of macros (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) then this too can cause the leaves to turn brown. Furthermore, if the plant isn’t receiving proper nutrients such as iron or magnesium it may also result in the leaves turning brown.
It is important to assess your plant’s environment and care to understand the cause of the leaves turning brown. In order to remedy the issue, simply adjust water, light, and/or fertilizer accordingly.