Tropical Plants

How to Care for Tropical Plants

Most tropical plants prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and humidity. Water these plants when the ground dries out and over the leaves if you are in a dry climate to add humidity. For tropical indoor plants mist the leaves daily or every other day to add humidity. Feed your plants at least once yearly in spring with a slow release fertilizer.

How to Grow Tropical Plants In Cold Climates

Tropical Plants can be grown in cold climates during the warmer months as annuals or patio plants. If planted in a pot, they can be moved inside during the winter months. They can also be grown in sunrooms or by a sunny window indoors as house plants.

How to Overwinter Tropical Plants

You can keep cold sensitive plants alive in winter by moving them inside or in a protected area depending on their cold tolerance. Some Palm trees are kept alive in cooler growing zones by wrapping the trunk with a blanket or burlap. Smaller palms can be covered with frost cloth. Some even go so far as to wrap the plants with heat producing lights over the cloth. Plant leaves can be sprayed with an anti-dessicant for added protection. These tactics probably won’t help much if you are more than 1 growing zone outside of the recommended growing zone and even then a harsh winter may still cause you to lose your plant. Moving these tender plants inside is the best option.

How to Grow Tropical Plants Indoors

These plants can be grown indoors in a sunny spot or with plant lights. Water your plant when the soil dries. Water thoroughly and allow the water to drain. Do not let the roots sit in water. This can lead to root rot. You can put rocks in the saucer to keep the roots out of the water while adding humidity to the air. Most tropical plants like humidity. This is especially important in winter when our homes are particularly dry. You can also mist your plant or add a humidifier.

When Should I Move Tropical Plants Indoors?

Mandevilla Vines should be moved indoors when temperatures are around 50 degrees. Prune your vine back by at least ⅓ and place it in a sunny spot for best results. Move citrus plants inside when temperatures are hitting 40 degrees. Plants that are recommended for growing zones 8 to 10 can tolerate temperatures around 40 degrees, while plants only recommended for growing zones 9, 10, and 11 should be moved inside before temperatures dip much below 50 degrees. For additional zone choices, be sure to browse our online garden center.