Tropical houseplants

Brighten up your (living) room with a tropical plant

Want to brighten up your room with a real eye-catcher? Then tropical houseplants are the perfect choice for you. Every tropical houseplant has a look of its own and brings a touch of the tropics to any space. With Green Bubble's extensive range, you don't need to book an expensive flight to enjoy those tropical vibes.

Where tropical houseplants come from

Tropical houseplants come from the rainforests around the equator, spread across South America, South-East Asia and Africa. Plants play a crucial role in these rich ecosystems. The Monstera, for instance, offers shelter to animals with its impressive leaves. These plants aren't just lovely to look at, they also have an important ecological job to do in their natural habitat.

The best spot for tropical houseplants

Tropical plants are used to plenty of light, but they rarely get direct sunlight because of the dense canopy in their natural surroundings. That's why they usually do well somewhere with lots of bright indirect light or partial shade. Watch out for signs that the spot isn't right: if the leaves darken and no new ones appear, the plant is probably standing too dark. If the leaves turn pale and the markings fade, it may be getting too much light.

It's also important to keep tropical plants away from radiators, as these create dry air that doesn't do the plant any good.

Watering tropical houseplants

How much water tropical houseplants need varies, but they all come from humid places. In spring and summer most tropical plants need water weekly, or even two to three times a week. In autumn and winter you'll water less often. Keep the potting soil slightly moist at all times, but avoid standing water in the bottom of the pot, which can cause root rot.

How often you need to water depends on the room temperature, the light levels, the spot the plant is in, and the size of the plant and its pot. Check the soil regularly and adjust your watering to how moist the potting soil is.

Misting tropical houseplants

In their natural surroundings, tropical plants enjoy high humidity. Our indoor climates are often much drier, so a weekly misting helps the plant to thrive. Mist the leaves and stem with a plant sprayer to raise the humidity, remove dust and keep pests at bay.

Flowering tropical houseplants

As well as their impressive leaves, some tropical plants can flower too. The Strelitzia Reginae is a good example: once it's more than 4 to 5 years old and has the right conditions, it can produce spectacular flowers. Not every Strelitzia comes into bloom, though. If the flowers don't add to the look of the plant, it can be better to remove them so the plant saves its energy.

Repotting a tropical houseplant

Repotting matters for the growth and development of your tropical plant. Repot every two years, preferably in spring, so any damaged roots can recover properly. Choose a pot that's 20% larger in diameter than the previous one, and use a waterproof inner liner in tall pots to prevent root rot from standing water.

Toxic tropical houseplants

Many tropical houseplants are mildly toxic. Touching the plant or coming into contact with its sap can cause skin irritation. Avoid eating the leaves or any other part of the plant as well.

Buying a tropical houseplant at Green Bubble

Looking for a beautiful, healthy tropical houseplant? At Green Bubble you'll find a wide range of top-quality tropical plants. We work directly with growers to safeguard the freshness and quality of our plants. Order easily through our webshop and have your plant delivered to your door free of charge. For convenience and quality, choose Green Bubble for your tropical houseplants!