Did you ever wonder where the pastime of cultivating tropical plants came from?
The tropical craze actually came from the Victorian Era.
To the Victorians, it was a great pastime.
Today, we are seeing this long forgotten pastime revived.
With many North American gardeners pushing the horticulture envelopes of temperate enviroments, you see more and more tropical plants in what used to be a “typical” garden setting of annuals, perennials, and native wildflowers.
Why Grow Tropical Plants?
To the Victorians, tropical plants were a fashionable way to establish social prominence and status.
Some plants offered the bonus of food and other plants, such as scented geraniums, which were a favorite for growing indoors on windowsills, offered fragrance.
Other plants were simply conversation pieces because they were so rare others had not seen them.
Today the movement to grow tropicals is less of a status symbol and more of a way to convey the mystery of a tropical enviroment in our own backyard.
Learning to grow tropicals can be quite a rewarding experience.
Growing Tropical Plants Present Challenges
Transforming our enviroment to fit them can be another challenge all together.
Is it really worth all the extra effort to go from “typical” garden flowers that easily thrive in our enviroment to growing plants that require being brought indoors every winter and learning about their needs?
For me, that was the thrill of growing tropicals.
The reward was hearing people say ‘what is that, and where do I get one?’
Being a bit excentric myself, growing these oddities seems quite common.
Easy Tropical Plants For Beginners
So, you may ask, where should I begin?
Bananas have wonderfully exotic foliage, and are quite easy to grow.
Another favorite tropical of mine, but one which requires a bit more work is the “Angel Trumpets,” or as they are otherwise known, Datura and Brugmansia.
For fragrance and huge flowers, don’t miss out on growing Brugmansia.
Datura grows quite large in one season and will flower from seed the first year.
Another favorite tropical plant of mine that is fairly easy to grow is the Bird-Of-Paradise.
I have also found Orange Trees to be quite undemanding and easy to grow.
Tropical Plants That Are A Challenge For Beginners To Grow
Of course, there are those tropical plants that for some reason just don’t survive for me.
For example, Passiflora is almost impossible for me to grow as a beginner, and Theobroma cacao also known as the chocolate tree.
My Heliconia plants are alive, but they just don’t seem to grow much.
As for growing Pineapples, well, I’m on plant # 3 and it doesn’t look real good.
Some Tropical Plants Just Take More Care Than Others
I guess some plants just require less work than others, and for those that require constant attention and exact enviroments to flourish, well, those aren’t for me, but they may be for you.
I have so many plants that taking the time to nuture those that require more time and attention just isn’t possible.
Now, don’t let this scare you off.
As I said, many plants require almost no effort and will give you excellent results.
I know you will find growing tropical plants to be quite rewarding.
An Update On Those Difficult Tropical Plants
I'm not a quitter and the plants mentioned above that once were nearly impossible for me to grow, later on, became some of my favorite plants.
They did take more time to learn how to grow because I had to learn what their needs were.
To do this, I found out where the plant grew, then I figured out what the growing conditions were where the plant was native to.
Once I figured that out, growing those plants successfully was easy.
The key was understanding how much water the plant received in its native environment as well as what the normal temperature range was.
For example, Theobroma cacao grows in the Rainforest - and in nature it thrives in a flood - drain - flood - drain environment thus this is a plant that needs to get plenty of water, then dry out.
To accomplish this, I fill the saucer under this plant with water and let it sit.
Once the water is gone, I allow the soil to dry and pull slightly away from the edge of the pot, then I fill the saucer with water again.
Doing this has allowed me to bring my Theobroma cacao trees into bloom in pots here in Indiana.
I've had Passiflora that have grown like crazy all over the inside of my greenhouse, bloomed and set fruit.
I've harvested my own pineapples and citrus.
I'm still trying to coax Heliconia and the Bird Of Paradise into bloom here, but the plants at least grow for me instead of just dying off.
So - if you really want to grow a plant - you know what to do now to help you be more successful!
This is the same thing the Victorians did back in the day.
Houseplants
Mastering South-Facing Window Plants: Expert Tips for Your Lush Oasis
Discover the secrets of success with South-Facing Window Plants in our comprehensive guide. Transform your space into a green haven.
Transform Your Cozy Corner with these Perfect Plants for Small Spaces
Discover the beauty of compact gardening with our guide on choosing and caring for plants for small spaces.
The Complete Guide to Philodendron Pink Princess Care
Introducing the Philodendron Pink Princess
Allow me to introduce you to the crown jewel of my botanical collection – the enchanting Philodendron Pink Princess.
This recent addition is nothing short of a horticultural masterpiece, captivating the senses with its breathtaking display of colors.
Imagine deep, luxurious burgundy leaves, each adorned with bold splashes of vivacious pink.
The contrast is nothing short of a visual symphony, a natural work of art that commands attention.
As I gazed upon it for the first time, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer beauty and grace that this plant exudes.
If you've never had the pleasure of setting your eyes on a Philodendron Pink Princess, consider yourself in for a treat beyond compare.
It's more than a plant; it's a showstopper, a conversation piece, and a living testament to the wonders of the natural world.
This captivating botanical gem promises to be a source of endless fascination and admiration in any space it graces.
Spider Plant Light Requirements: A Key to Growth
Explore Spider Plant light requirements for thriving indoor growth. Learn key tips for optimal lighting conditions and vibrant greenery.
How to Grow Spider Plants
Discover how to grow spider plants with expert tips on light, watering, soil, and more for thriving plants!
Rustic Interior Decorating Idea With Tropical Plants
Metal cages or even old bird cages filled with plants are a great way to add a rustic touch to your interior decor.
Plumeria: The Lei Flower Is A Fragrant, Easy To Grow Houseplant
Learn how to care for your Plumeria in ground and in containers. Because of the winter dormancy period it is ideal for summer containers.
Indoor Flowering Tropical Plants
There are a number of indoor flowering tropical plants that are easy to care for and bloom all winter long under the right conditions.
How To Grow Boswellia sacra
Boswellia sacra is the plant frankincense tears comes from. Learn how to grow the Boswellia sacra plant and what the various uses for it are.
6 Easy Tips On How To Care For Plants
Proper plant maintenance is essential if you want to learn how to grow healthy plants. Check out these six tips on how to care for plants.
Beneficial Indoor Gardening Plants You Need To Know
Learn about indoor gardening beneficial plants that are edible, help heal minor cuts or burns or those that help remove impurities from the indoor air.
How To Choose The Right House Plants For Indoor Gardening
Choosing the right plants for an indoor gardening environment is important for success. Many indoor gardening house plants are easy to care for.
How To Care For Holiday Plants
Have you ever wondered how to care for holiday plants such as the Poinsettia or the Christmas Cactus? If so, then check out this holiday plant care guide
Understanding and Treating Plant Blight: The In-depth Guide
Master treating plant blight with expert tips. Learn to protect your garden from this common threat. Essential insights inside.
Fall Tropical Plant Care: Transitioning Your Tropical Treasures in Autumn
Discover the secrets of successful Fall Tropical Plant Care. Learn how to transition your exotic plants for a thriving winter indoors.
Eucalyptus Growing Indoors: Tips and Troubleshooting Guide
Discover the art of eucalyptus growing indoors for year-round beauty and fragrant cut foliage in your flower arrangements.
When to use Fluval Stratum for Houseplants
Discover the perfect timing to use Fluval Stratum for houseplants and unlock vibrant growth in your indoor oasis. Learn more here.
How To Grow Bay Leaves Indoors
Discover the secrets of successful gardening with our guide on how to grow bay leaves indoors. Cultivate your own aromatic herb garden!
Tips For Making A Moth Orchid Last From Costa Farms
Successful orchid care is pretty easy once you understand the seven basic steps the plant needs to thrive in your home environment.
Meet The Exotic Pitcher Plants - Sarraceniaceae, Nepenthaceae And Cephalotaceae
Learn about the exotic pitcher plants known as Sarraceniaceae, Nepenthaceae And Cephalotaceae including how to propagate them.
How To Grow Marimo Moss Balls
Learn how to grow Marimo Moss Balls and how to care for a moss ball to keep it happy. A Luffy ball is a very low maintenance plant.
Tropical Gardening: The Irresistible Allure & Addictive Power
Unveil the Addictive Allure of Tropical Gardening – From Starter Plants to Care Tips. Dive into #TropicalGardening!
Variegated And Other Interesting Plants: Elevate Your Space with Nature's Painted Wonders
Explore the world of variegated and unique plants, adding vibrant beauty and intrigue to your indoor oasis.
Tropical Plants For Medium To High Light
Check out these awesome tropcial plants for medium to high light that make wonderful, easy to care for houseplants.
How To Grow Tropical Plants
Growing tropical plants - also known as houseplants - indoors is fun and enjoyable plus many of them clean the indoor of pollutants.
It is easy to grow exotic looking plants that produce tropical fruit and colorful flowers in a pot in your living room or office.
Many of these plants are easy to start from seed and I share with you five plants that I recommend for indoor growing.
I also share with you why growing your own tropical fruit saves money.
In this video you will learn:
How to bring tropical plants indoors at the end of summer
How to grow tropical plants indoors
How to protect and overwinter tropical plants outdoors in cold climates
How to propagate tropical plants
How to water tropcial plants
How to grow topical plants in a greenhouse