Introduction
Houseplants are, by definition, easier to care for than are most other plants. Tropical houseplants are appealing to many people because of the exotic touch that they can bring to your living space. Tropical houseplants are also useful in purifying the air. With all of these wonderful benefits of having a tropical houseplant, isn’t it worth the effort to do your best to keep your tropical houseplants healthy?
Most people think so. But it could be difficult to start the process of finding the right tropical plant for you, let alone knowing exactly what the plant needs once you get it home. Below you will find some easy steps that anyone can follow in order to keep their tropical houseplants healthy.
Step #1 – Start by choosing the right plant
If you do not have the right tropical houseplant to begin with, it will be much more difficult for you to keep it healthy. You must first get an idea of what kind of light your plant will have. Look at spots around your home or office where you think you would put a plant. Most tropical houseplants will want diffused light as opposed to direct sunlight. Knowing what kind of light you have will give you enough information to go to the nursery and decide on a specific plant that will coordinate with your ability to water and care for it. Good nursery employees are trained to be able to help you find the best plant for you; all you have to do is ask. Don’t forget to pick up some other essential supplies at the time that you purchase your tropical houseplant. Clay pots, fertilizer, a watering can, and some water run-off trays are some general supplemental supplies to keep in mind.
Step #2 – Give your plant the right start
If you have purchased your plant pre-potted, all you need to do is place your plant where you had planned to. If you need to pot your plant, make sure that you do so according to the suggestions given to you by the nursery or by the instruction tag that may have come with the plant. This instruction tag will also give you information regarding the amount of water your plants will need. In general, you should keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Drainage is important for plants. Plants that do not have the ability to drain excess water are at risk for developing root rot which can lead to the death of your plant.
Step #3 – Potential problems to look out for
Many tropical houseplant owners have experienced the negative effects that unwanted pests can have on their plants. The most popular houseplant pest that could kill your plant if left un-detected is the spider mite. Spider mites can be avoided with a simple misting of the leaves of your plant on a regular basis. Spider mites like dry places and will not stick around if you keep your plant moist from leaf to root. The leaves of your tropical houseplant can tell you a lot about the health of the overall plant. Leaves will wilt, turn brown or yellow, fall off, etc. as signs that the plant is not receiving the care it needs to survive.
Looking for more resources?
Every plant is different and therefore specific care instructions will differ. Here you have read about a general approach to keeping your tropical houseplants healthy. If you need specific information you should call or visit your nursery. If you are unable to get your problem resolved through the nursery, there are plenty of credible websites where you can search for free plant information on the Internet. The Better Homes and Garden’s website and Home and Garden Television’s website are just two examples of resources that you can trust.