They're great for beginners as well.
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One of the best parts of summer is getting to spend time in the great outdoors, surrounded by beautiful greenery. It's understandable why anyone would want that feeling to stick around, even as we move into the cooler months once more. While people in the southern parts of the country get to experience lush plant life year-round, those who live in areas that experience all four seasons don't get the same spoils. However, if you decide to invest in some tropical houseplants, then you can keep this feeling going, no matter the season.
Following the correct care tips can lead to thriving tropical houseplants. Beauties like the peperomia, philodendrons, or any monstera variety will flourish as tropical houseplants you can proudly admire. Focus on replicating their native homes as much as possible with indirect sunlight and ample humidity. You can even group plants to help raise the humidity level for the whole collection.
Most of these plant varieties originate from warm-weather locales like South and Central America or the South Pacific. We’ve gathered 20 of the best tropical houseplants to transform your indoor space into an oasis, complete with every essential care tip you need to know.
Additional copy by Medgina Saint-Elien.
Yes, you can grow your own pineapple plant! This tropical plant adds a lush, green touch to any space, whether indoors or outside. Pineapple plants thrive in humid and warm environments, making them perfect for greenhouses. However, they can still do well indoors. Just note that the fruit grown indoors might not be as sweet and tasty as those grown outdoors.
Maintenance difficulty: Hard
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Average height: Three to four feet
Native region: Brazil
Light: Full sun
Similar in style and color to the fan-favorite bird of paradise plant, the parrot heliconia is a tropical perennial with blooms that last for weeks without a particular blooming season. Their flowers produce an abundance of nectar, and the fleshy, blue fruits they grow add to their beauty. They require regular watering, but only after the humus-rich soil partially dries up. They also create stunning floral arrangements.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Average height: Three to six feet
Native region: Brazil, Colombia, Guyana
Light: Full sun to part shade
Related Story: The USDA Hardiness Zones Can Help You Choose the Best Plants for Your Garden
This hardy tropical houseplant is evergreen and produces long, fan-shaped leaves that bring warm energy inside. The dwarf palmetto produces creamy white flowers that are very fragrant, which look striking against their long, blue-green leaves. They thrive in moist, fertile soil but will still tolerate drought conditions, and they're known for providing lush texture to yards.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 50+ years
Average height: Four to six feet
Native region: Southeastern United States
Light: Full sun to part shade
The polka dot plant is a nontoxic, tropical evergreen flowering shrub that is relatively easy to grow both indoors and out. It's a very striking option due to its spotted, oval-shaped leaves with contrasting red, pink, or white against the green. The flowers are tubular and pale lilac, making them appear less striking compared to the foliage. This tropical houseplant loves well-draining, fertile soil, and you can enjoy watching it grow from a well-lit windowsill or a partially shady spot in your garden bed.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Average height: One to three feet
Native region: Madagascar
Light: Bright and indirect
The coleus is a visually striking tropical plant you may want to add to your garden or windowsill for a bit of drama. It's a bushy ornamental plant that comes in a variety of colors and patterns, though each one is just as bright and colorful as the next. Though it does produce flowers, the small, tubular blooms are generally not the main attraction. They can thrive in well-draining soil indoors and out, and they're very easy to propagate.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: One growing season (this plant is an annual)
Average height: One to three feet
Native region: Tropical regions of Asia and Africa
Light: Bright and indirect
Related Story: How to Propagate Plants in Water to Expand Your Indoor Garden
Caladium, otherwise known as angel wings, is a tropical plant with heart-shaped leaves and visually stunning colors on the foliage. No matter where these striking plants are situated, they're sure to draw attention thanks to the contrasting colors of the veins and the main part of the leaves. Note that these leafy plants are toxic if ingested, but they're so easy to grow and so beautiful to admire. As long as you keep them in rich, well-draining soil, you should be able to grow these without problem.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 5+ years
Average height: 12 to 30 inches
Native region: South America
Light: Partial to full shade
Bring on the drama with a leafy fig tree. Weeping figs are named for their slender, leaning branches and dark green downcast leaves. They're popular houseplants because they can live for more than 20 years. Native to Asia and Australia, this elegant tree grows quickly and will require repotting. Do note that this tropical houseplant is toxic to humans and animals (specifically the sap) and can irritate the skin.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 20+ years
Average height: Three to six feet
Native region: Indonesia, Australia, India, Asia
Light: Bright, filtered
You can cross aloe vera off your grocery list when it's flourishing on your living room side table. With more than 500 varieties of the plant, aloe vera is a crowd favorite dating back to Queen Cleopatra's time for its clear gel's healing properties. Place your plant in an area where it will receive tons of sunlight, and be sure not to overwater it.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Average height: One to two feet
Native region: Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, Africa
Light: Bright, indirect
Related Story: The Essential Guide to Aloe Vera Plant Care
Kentia palm plants are usually pricey since they're not easy to propagate, but we think the slow but steady growth is worth the investment. This tropical plant can grow to be up to 12 feet tall indoors and even larger outside! The good news? This spiky plant doesn't require a lot of care—it's fine in low light and with low water.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 15+ years
Average height: 12 feet (indoors)
Native region: Lord Howe Island, Australia
Light: Partial, low light
This colorful, palm-like plant has green and pink coloring (the hue can be as dark as burgundy) running along the leaves. It's the splash of color your home is looking for! Since the plant grows upward, it can add depth to your space, too. Cordylines require high humidity levels and distilled water for it to thrive.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Average height: Two to four feet
Native region: New Zealand, Indochina, Australia
Light: Bright to medium-bright, indirect
This tropical houseplant loves to be drenched in sunlight. They're inexpensive (perfect for gift-giving), easy to grow, and lovely to look at since the plant features white flowers that stand out against the glossy green leaves. It's essentially the prettiest air purifier you can have in your space!
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Average height: One to four feet
Native region: Central America, Asia
Light: Low light, partial
Related Story: How to Care for Peace Lily Plants
The three main features of the philodendron genus are large leaves, a rich green shade, and a glossy finish. In other words, this low-maintenance beauty is the perfect decorative accent for your home if you're looking for a way to spruce up your walls or windows, particularly since it can grow upright, trail, or climb. How often to water a philodendron depends on how much light the plant receives, but the average is every one to two weeks.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 20 years on average
Average height: One to 20 feet
Native region: South America
Light: Partial
From dark green to punchy coral, a Chinese evergreen plant is a beauty with personality. They thrive indoors and outdoors, taking their time to grow into a sight so lovely your neighbors will insist you share all your plant care tips. In addition to looking gorgeous, these plants are super easy to care for. The color is the key to determining how much light your plant needs.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 40+ years
Average height: One to three feet
Native region: Asia
Light: Full, partial
Dumb cane is native to South America and the Caribbean, and it grows best in high humidity and dappled shade. If the strange name of this tropical houseplant gives you pause, it's important to also know that it's highly toxic as well, so households with pets and small children should choose something else.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Average height: Three to five feet
Native region: South America, Caribbean
Light: Partial
Related Story: 10 Nontoxic Plants That Are Safe for Cats
Under the same family of philodendrons, monsteras (also known as Swiss cheese plants) have heart-shaped leaves that split along the perimeter. This easygoing gem is a must-have whether it's freshly potted or three years old. A monstera has to be watered regularly and requires a pot with multiple drainage holes.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 30+ years
Average height: Three to 15 feet
Native region: Central America
Light: Dappled, partial
If your thumb isn't the greenest, here's another easy-to-grow tropical plant that's tolerant of various growing environments. Umbrella plant leaves are oval and droop down in the shape of—you guessed it—an umbrella. The plant requires indirect light, humidity, warmth, and well-draining potting soil.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 20+ years
Average height: Eight to 10 feet
Native region: Taiwan
Light: Bright, indirect
With a name inspired by a bird taking flight, the bird of paradise is a stunning tropical houseplant. Its long, spiked leaves add eye-catching color and texture. Just plant it in an area sheltered from the wind; a strong gust can break off those beautiful leaves. If you have pets, know that it's considered toxic and should be planted out of reach.
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 100+ years in the wild
Average height: Three to six feet
Native region: South Africa
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Related Story: How to Grow Stunning Bird-of-Paradise Plants That Bloom Year After Year
The rippled fronds on this fern give it a playful crownlike shape you'll love watching grow. It thrives in high humidity, as most tropical plants do. Keep a bird's nest fern away from direct sunlight—it can burn those bright green leaves to a crisp!
Maintenance difficulty: Medium
Lifespan: 5-10 years
Average height: Three to five feet
Native region: Australia, Asia, Africa
Light: Bright, indirect
Jade plants, also known as money plants (but not to be confused with money trees), are the best way to thank your favorite host. If you're someone who has watched your plants wither away due to a lack of water, the jade plant doesn't require constant watering. It can live up to 70 years! Place it near a window and watch this budding succulent work its magic.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 50+ years
Average height: Three to six feet
Native region: Africa
Light: Bright, full sun
Snake plants are an incredibly popular tropical plant. The wavy green leaves are streaked with yellow or cream like a snake, hence the name. This plant steals the show no matter where you put it. It's a great beginner plant since it's highly tolerant of various growing conditions and has a varying watering schedule depending on the season.
Maintenance difficulty: Easy
Lifespan: 10 years on average
Average height: Six inches to 12 feet
Native region: West Africa
Light: Bright, partial light
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