Starting an indoor Tropical Plant Collection

Starting an indoor Tropical Plant Collection

Do you want to add some greenery to your home to brighten it up? What about starting a houseplant collection? Houseplants not only add life and color to your home, but they also provide numerous health benefits such as air purification and stress reduction.

In Ontario, starting an indoor tropical plant collection can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are four pointers to keep in mind as you begin your collection:

1) Choose the right plants for your light levels
There are a few good apps that have light meters in them (ie. planta, lux light meter)

Low Light Houseplants:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Dracaena Marginata (Dracaena marginata)
Philodendron (Philodendron)
Medium Light Houseplants:
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Calathea (Calathea)
Fittonia (Fittonia)
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Peperomia (Peperomia)
Tradescantia (Tradescantia)
High Light Houseplants:
Cactus (Cactaceae)
Succulents (Succulent)
Ficus Tree (Ficus benjamina)
Yucca (Yucca)
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)
Schefflera (Schefflera)
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)

Inspo:

2) Consider humidity levels: Many tropical plants require higher humidity levels than are typical in most Ontario homes. You can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near your plants to help create a more humid environment. You can also group your plants together to create a humid microclimate.

3) Keep an eye on the temperature: While tropical plants prefer warmer temperatures, extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided. Keep your plants away from drafty windows and doors, and keep them away from heating vents or radiators.

4) Choose the right soil and container: Tropical plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. You can use a potting mix designed specifically for tropical plants, we sell some here at Rice Road. It is also critical to select a pot with adequate drainage to avoid water accumulating in the soil and causing root rot.

You can help ensure that your indoor tropical plant collection thrives in the Ontario climate by following these four tips!