Best Household Tropical Plants to Grow - Top 10 Picks

Best Household Tropical Plants to Grow - Top 10 Picks

According to Zion Market Research, the global indoor plants market is worth about Twenty Million USD. That's how much people love household tropical plants.

These lush, green plants are highly valuable due to their striking colors. Even I was surprised at the start, but some tropical plants can even purify the air.

In this article, we have brought up a list of ten tropical plants for home. We'll explain them individually and give you all the necessary information you need about them. Since all these plants are surprisingly easy to grow, you just need to select the one you like.

different tropical plants

Let's start this article without any delay.

Part 1. 10 Common Household Tropical Plants

All these plants are excellent for growing indoors. However, we’ve organized them according to their popularity. We’ll also provide benefits, common varieties, and specific warnings for each plant.

So sit tight and look at these fantastic tropical plants.

1.Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

The top household tropical plant in our list is Monstera Deliciosa. It's also called the Swiss Cheese Plant and it truly lives up to this name.

You can clearly see large leaves with unique splits and holes as they mature. It just looks like some "Swiss cheese." Monstera Deliciosa are climbers in their natural habitat. If you give them proper support, they can grow quite large.

monstera deliciosa plant in a pot

Benefits

  • Air-purifying qualities, specifically removing formaldehyde.
  • Easy Maintenance.
  • High Aesthetic Value.

Common Varieties

  • Monstera Deliciosa Borsigiana: This is smaller than normal and has quicker growth.
  • Monstera Deliciosa Variegata: This one produces outstanding white variegation around the leaves.
  • Monstera Deliciosa Albo Variegata: A less common white variegation in this variety.

Warning

Keep out of reach of pets.

2.Pothos Golden (Devil's Ivy)

The next plant on our list is Pothos. This household tropical plant has many varieties, but the most common is Pothos Golden. It's called golden because of the yellowish markings on the leaves. 

Pothos have heart-shaped leaves and act like climbers. You can place them on hanging baskets or train them to trail on the ground. 

many pothos golden plants in pots

Benefits

  • Popular Ornamental Plant.
  • Tolerate Neglect in Care.
  • Perfect for Hanging Baskets or Shelves.

Common Varieties of Pothos

  • Golden Pothos: It has green leaves marbled with gold.   
  • Pothos Marble Queen: This plant has white and cream variegation.   
  • Neon Pothos: This plant has bright yellow-green leaves.
  • Pearls and Jade Pothos: It has smaller leaves with white & gray variegation.

Warning

Irritate if ingested by pets or children.

Very susceptible to Spider Mites & Scale Insects.

3.Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

The third position goes to Sansevieria which is commonly known as Snake Plant.

The upright sword-like leaves of this plant contain different patterns. Moreover, these plants come in different sizes. Some of them are small enough to decorate desks. While other can reach several feets tall.

Another interesting thing is that Snake Plants store water in their leave. If you are a forgetful owner or travel frequently, they are perfect for you.

sansevieria plants with sword-like leaves

Benefits

  • Purifying indoor air.
  • Pet-friendly nature.
  • Easy propagation with Leaf Cutting.

Common Varieties

  • Laurentii: A classic beauty flaunting green leaves edged in vibrant yellow.
  • Hahnii: This dwarf variety forms charming rosettes, perfect for small spaces.
  • Cylindrica: Bold and dramatic, with spear-like, cylindrical leaves.
  • Moonshine: Ethereal silvery-green leaves edged in dark green, like a moonlit night.

Warning

They are especially susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

Sharp leaf tips can harm children.

4.ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Zamioculcas zamiifolia are indoor tropical plants that are especially known for low maintenance. Even if you put them in a jar with some water, they'll grow normally. This happens because of the thick rhizomes of ZZ plants which store water.

As far as the looks are concerned, the ZZ plant has upright stems with dark green leaves. These leaves grow in an attractive and symmetric manner.

zamioculcas zamiifolia plant in a small glass jar

Benefits

  • Extremely drought-tolerant.
  • Grows well in low-light rooms.
  • Air purifying capabilities.

Common Varieties

  • Standard ZZ Plant: It’s the most common variety with deep green leaves.   
  • Raven ZZ: These plants have dark purple-black foliage.   
  • Variegated ZZ: This variety has leaves with streaks of cream or yellow.

Warning

Sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals. It's best to wear gloves when handling.

    5.Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

      Chlorophytum comosum is also known as the spider plant.

      The plant gets its name from the baby plants that look like little spiders hanging from a web. These "spiderettes" dangle from the mother plant on long stems.

      The leaves of spider plants are long and narrow with a solid green color. Sometimes, you can see white or yellow stripes down the middle.

      chlorophytum comosum indoors

      Benefits

      • Resilient to many indoor conditions.
      • Non-toxic to cats and dogs.
      • They are especially known for cleaning the air.
      • They also look beautiful in hanging baskets or on shelves.

      Common Varieties

      • Spider Plant Variegatum: This type has green leaves with white edges.
      • Spider Plant Vittatum: This one has green leaves with a white stripe in the middle.
      • Spider Plant Bonnie: This variety has curly leaves with a cream stripe in the middle.

      Warning

      Spider plants can cause an upset stomach if ingested.

        6.Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

          What do you understand with the word, Peace Lily? Sounds beautiful, right?

          Spathiphyllum is adorned with beautiful white "flowers.” However, they are not real flowers. They are actually specialized leaves called spathes

          Peace Lily behaves like a person. It can actually “faint” to tell you it needs water! When the leaves start to droop dramatically, it's a clear sign that it's thirsty. What's more, when you give it some water, it perks up right away. 

          peace lily plant for indoor decoration

          Benefits

          • Very efficient air purifiers.
          • Increase humidity in dry indoor environments.
          • They have striking white blooms.

          Common Varieties

          • Piccolino Peace Lily: This compact variety is perfect for small spaces.
          • Jetty Peace Lily: This one produces multiple blooms on each stem.
          • Allison Peace Lily: It’s known for larger and more rounded spathes.

          Warning

          If the sap comes into contact with the skin, it can cause mild irritation. Pollen from the flowers can also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

            7.Anthurium

            These plants come in different beautiful colors. Red is the most classic one. However, you can find them in shades of pink, orange, purple, white, and even green!

            Another interesting thing is that these colorful spathes are not flowers. The true flowers are tiny and located on the spadix.

            Anthuriums are epiphytes and grow on other plants for support.

            beautiful anthurium red

            Benefits

            • Obvious aesthetic appeal.
            • Effective air purifiers. 
            • Easily propagated with Stem cutting.

            Common Varieties

            • Anthurium Red: It’s a red flowering plant with dark green leaves.
            • Anthurium White: This one has elegant white flowers with glossy green leaves.
            • Anthurium Green Lady: This variety is known for its lush green leaves.
            • Anthurium Hookeri Variegata: It’s a unique variety with variegated leaves.

            Warning

            Keep them out of the reach of children and pets. The sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

              8.Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

                Are you looking for an outdoor household tropical plant? If yes, then Asplenium nidus is perfect for you.

                This unique plant grows as undivided fronds that rise from a central rosette. These fronds are bright green with wavy edges. It gives the look of a nest. That's why people call it, “Bird's Nest Fern.” This nest-like shape helps them to collect falling leaves and debris.

                Another fascinating thing about this Bird's Nest Fern is its reproduction method. Unlike flowering plants, ferns reproduce through spores. If you look closely at the underside of a mature frond, you'll see rows of brown lines. These are called sori and contain a lot of spores.

                Bird's nest fern growing in a garden

                Benefits

                • Unique beauty.
                • Requires minimal attention.
                • Increase humidity in your home.

                Common Varieties

                • Crispy Wave Fern: This one has uniquely crinkled fronds.
                • Osaka Fern: This variety has ruffled edges on its fronds.
                • Staghorn Fern: This variety has antler-like fronds with epiphytic growth patterns.

                Warning

                Its propagation through spores is very slow.

                  9. Philodendron

                    Now comes Philodendrons, a group of plants with more than a hundred species. Some have heart-shaped leaves, while others have deeply loped leaves. You can find them in shades of green, red, pink, orange, and black!

                    This is something even more enjoyable. Philodendrons can cling to trees or trails along the forest floor in their natural habitat. If you use them as indoor tropical plants, there are many things you can try. You can grow them in hanging baskets, let them climb a moss pole, or even train them to grow horizontally along a shelf. Interesting, right?

                    As Philodendrons mature, they develop different leaf shapes and sizes. It's a phenomenon called "Leaf Morphing."

                    philodendron plant in a beautiful pot

                    Benefits

                    • Air-purifying qualities.
                    • Can adapt to different environments.
                    • There are many different varieties.
                    • Unique “Leaf Morphing” feature.

                    Common Varieties

                    • Philodendron Heartleaf: This one is a classic variety with heart-shaped leaves.
                    • Philodendron Brazil:  It’s a variegated form of the Heartleaf Philodendron with yellow & green stripes.
                    • Philodendron Pink Princess:  This variety is prized for stunning dark green leaves and pink variegation.

                    Warning

                    If ingested, they can irritate the mouth and digestive system.

                    They are very susceptible to Aphids and fungus gnats.

                      10. Alocasia (Elephant Ear)

                        Alocasia plants are also called Elephant Ear plants. Now, what do you understand from this?

                        It's simple! They have oversized leaves, which are not only large but also have unique veining patterns. Some varieties have arrowhead-shaped or even shield-like leaves.

                        Alocasia have a fascinating ability called "guttation." When the soil is moist, they release excess water through tiny pores on their leaves. It looks like the plant is "sweating" or "crying." But don't worry, this is perfectly normal and a sign that your Alocasia is well-hydrated.

                        alocasia plant with big leaves

                        Benefits

                        • Improve air quality. 
                        • Pet-friendly plants.
                        • It can go dormant during periods of drought and re-emerge when conditions are favorable.

                        Common Varieties

                        • Alocasia Frydek: This one has striking dark green leaves and white veins that resemble arrowheads.
                        • Alocasia Bambino: It’s a compact plant with narrow & elongated leaves.
                        • Alocasia Jacklyn: It’s a unique variety with intricate patterns.
                        • Alocasia Polly: This one has scalloped edges and contrasting white veins.

                        Warning

                        Propagation is difficult with the Rhizome division method.

                        That's it! Which one do you like out of these ten household tropical plants? I think all of them have great value.

                        No matter which plant you choose, you must care for it for indoor growing. Let's see how to care for our green friends.

                        Part 2. Bonus Tip - Caring for Indoor Tropical Plants

                        If a plant grows in a specific area, that means the ambiance of that area is feasible for it to thrive in.

                        Since tropical plants grow under the hot climatic conditions we need to recreate similar atmospheres in our house air. Here are some necessary tips.

                        • Provide Enough Sunlight
                          • Most tropical plants thrive in indirect light. Keep them near a window. However, they hate direct sunlight that may burn the leaves. If your house does not receive many sun rays, use grow light.

                            • Make Watering Schedule
                            • Make a watering schedule so that the top inch of soil dries out before watering again. Overwatering is a common culprit for destroying houseplants. And remember, different plants have different water needs. It's always best to research your plant's specific requirements.

                              Maintain Humid Environment 

                                    Tropical rainforests are humid environments, and indoor plants grow best in moisture. To increase humidity, mist your plants regularly, group them together, or use a humidifier.

                                    • Feed Fertilizers Regularly
                                      • Like humans, plants require nutrients to thrive. Feed during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Always follow the direction on the fertilizer package or label and do not fertilize too much.

                                        • Control Temperature
                                          • Tropical flowers like warm temperatures. Typically, they should be held between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep from air conditioning vents.

                                            Before we end our article, look at some FAQs about household tropical plants.

                                            Part 3. Frequently Asked Questions

                                            How should I water my tropical plants?

                                            If your plant seems to feel dry one inch deep from the soil surface, water it. Be sure to flood the soil up to drainage out of the bottom of the pot and let the soil dry a bit before watering again.

                                            What kind of light do tropical plants need?

                                            Tropical plants mainly grow in rainforests. They can’t have direct sunlight in these conditions.

                                            Similarly, you need to give indirect light to indoor tropical plants. You can also make your own decisions after looking at their condition. If they get too much sunlight, you find scorched leaves in the plants. If the light is low, the leaves become pale.

                                            What's the right temperature for my tropical plants?

                                            Most household tropical plants prefer room temperature. They grow best in the 65-80°F range or 18-27°C range, so ensure that you don't place them too close to drafty windows, especially not next to the radiators.

                                            What causes yellow leaves on a tropical plant?

                                            If a house plant begins to turn yellow, it means that it has some problems. The soil should not be left too dry. If the soil is too wet or dry, change your watering pattern. When the soil looks okay, it might be due to a lack of fertilization. Take note if pests are eating your plants.

                                            How often do I need to repot my tropical plant?

                                            It depends! Different tropical plants have different growth speeds. But generally, when the roots of your plants fill the pot, you need to repot it.

                                            Look for roots growing out of the drainage holes. Your plant may also show slow growth or dry out quickly after watering. If you see these signs, repot your plant into a slightly larger container.

                                            Conclusion

                                            Many people use household tropical plants as indoor decorations. They also purify the air in their houses.

                                            We’ve shown you ten different tropical plants for your home. If you like any of these, visit MyGreenscape right now. You can order your indoor plants in different sizes and varieties. 

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