Native to warmer, sunnier climates tropical plants are lush, colorful, and possess an exotic appeal. Most can safely be grown inside even in the coldest places as long as they receive the necessary care. Before starting to grow tropical plants Houston TX growers should make sure they know what is needed to keep these plants thriving.
The first step in starting a new plant out right is to pot it properly in a way that will not prevent growth or sufficient drainage. The material the pot is made from doesn't really matter, but should be an appropriate size for the plant and have holes in the bottom. Before adding the plant, its roots should be trimmed slightly, and a layer of mesh topped with one or two inches of gravel should be put in the pot. The best soil mixture for tropicals contains a blend of one part of each peat, sand, perlite or vermiculite.
Since they are naturally accustomed to growing in parts of the world which are hot year-round, tropical plants require plenty of sunlight each day, which is generally anywhere from 8 to 16 hours. Some only need partial sun and will be fine if they are placed in west or east facing windows, but those which need full sun should ideally be positioned towards the south. If there is not enough light, fluorescent lighting can be helpful.
The amount of water a plant needs depends on several factors such as its type, size, pot size, soil type, temperature, and humidity. Many only need watering once per week. If the soil feels dry to the touch, this usually indicates that it is time to water the plant. Water should be poured evenly around in such a way that all the soil is saturated.
Cold temperatures can be lethal to tropical plants, so it's imperative to make sure they are kept indoors where they should be comfortable at the regular room temperatures which range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The should not be placed near the drying heat of hot air vents, nor near any door or window that lets in a cold draft.
The right fertilizer can do wonders for the growth of a plant, resulting in a lush, green foliage and optimal development. However if the wrong type is used or it is administered incorrectly it can kill it. A balanced blend of essential potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, with added magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese is recommended, provided directions for preparation and use are followed carefully.
Pruning is not always needed by most tropical species, but sometimes it has to be done if they are showing signs of illness. The most common issue with some tropicals is dying stems and falling leaves, which can indicate that the foliage is simply too large for the root system. Once this is thinned out, the roots can adequately nourish the foliage.
Some varieties of tropical plants, mostly trees, have the ability to produce fruit. If this is to happen it will be necessary for the grower to make certain that all conditions are adequately met to encourage fruit-bearing. This usually means sufficient sunlight, a large enough pot, and with some species, another tree must be present.
The first step in starting a new plant out right is to pot it properly in a way that will not prevent growth or sufficient drainage. The material the pot is made from doesn't really matter, but should be an appropriate size for the plant and have holes in the bottom. Before adding the plant, its roots should be trimmed slightly, and a layer of mesh topped with one or two inches of gravel should be put in the pot. The best soil mixture for tropicals contains a blend of one part of each peat, sand, perlite or vermiculite.
Since they are naturally accustomed to growing in parts of the world which are hot year-round, tropical plants require plenty of sunlight each day, which is generally anywhere from 8 to 16 hours. Some only need partial sun and will be fine if they are placed in west or east facing windows, but those which need full sun should ideally be positioned towards the south. If there is not enough light, fluorescent lighting can be helpful.
The amount of water a plant needs depends on several factors such as its type, size, pot size, soil type, temperature, and humidity. Many only need watering once per week. If the soil feels dry to the touch, this usually indicates that it is time to water the plant. Water should be poured evenly around in such a way that all the soil is saturated.
Cold temperatures can be lethal to tropical plants, so it's imperative to make sure they are kept indoors where they should be comfortable at the regular room temperatures which range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The should not be placed near the drying heat of hot air vents, nor near any door or window that lets in a cold draft.
The right fertilizer can do wonders for the growth of a plant, resulting in a lush, green foliage and optimal development. However if the wrong type is used or it is administered incorrectly it can kill it. A balanced blend of essential potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus, with added magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese is recommended, provided directions for preparation and use are followed carefully.
Pruning is not always needed by most tropical species, but sometimes it has to be done if they are showing signs of illness. The most common issue with some tropicals is dying stems and falling leaves, which can indicate that the foliage is simply too large for the root system. Once this is thinned out, the roots can adequately nourish the foliage.
Some varieties of tropical plants, mostly trees, have the ability to produce fruit. If this is to happen it will be necessary for the grower to make certain that all conditions are adequately met to encourage fruit-bearing. This usually means sufficient sunlight, a large enough pot, and with some species, another tree must be present.
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