A Touch of the Tropics: Inviting the Islands Inside

Whether a luxury getaway is high on your bucket list or you simply want to upgrade your surroundings, adding a few tropical plants to your home can make all the difference. Lush greenery easily livens up your living space in more ways than one.

Beauty alone sets tropical plants apart. The combination of rich green leaves coupled with vibrant flowers is breathtaking. But tropicals are also known for their effective air-purifying properties. Plants native to tropical rainforests have an innate knack for removing airborne contaminants commonly found in homes, including formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethane, xylene, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia. Pollutants like these are often included in household products, like floor wax, printer ink, paint, furniture wax, detergent, and window cleaners. That they’re found throughout the home is not a surprise, but that you can do something about them so effortlessly, all while adding a little something special to the ambiance, is noteworthy.

Another bonus: tropical plants are notoriously easy to maintain. Their very nature dictates that they favor humidity, sunshine, and heat. You’ll also find some that prefer a little less sunlight, making it simple to find a spot in any home for a wide range of varieties. Here are a few tropical plants to try adding to your home.

Triostar Stromanthe - Medio on Plantshed.com

Triostar Stromanthe

You won’t be blamed for stopping in your tracks and merely soaking up the beauty of the wondrous Triostar Stromanthe. This tropical beauty, native to Brazilian rainforests, is the type of plant anyone can appreciate, even without a green thumb. That’s good news if you love the idea of incorporating a touch of the tropics into your home décor but aren’t sure if you can successfully nurture it. This plant is not only striking but easy to maintain. It thrives in humid spaces, so you can put it in the bathroom without fear of it wilting. All you need to do is water it when the soil dries out.

Neanthe Bella Palm - Medio on Plantshed.com

Neanthe Bella Palm

The Neanthe Bella Palm hails from rainforests in Guatemala and the south of Mexico. Like most tropical plants, it tolerates low-light conditions well, so you don’t have to worry if you lack bright space. A little indirect lighting doesn’t hurt, though — it will encourage speedier growth. Slightly moist soil is best, but allow it to dry out between watering to ensure that root rot doesn’t develop.

Easy care notwithstanding, the greatest attribute about this particular plant is its size! If you love the look of palms but aren’t ready to raise a full-size tree, consider this your new best mate. It grows no larger than a few feet at most, adding just enough robust personality to your space without occupying too much room.

Croton Petra - Medio on Plantshed.com

Croton Petra

The beautiful colors alone make the Croton Petra worthy of a place in the home. From crisp yellows to rich greens to vivid burgundies, the foliage depicts a melodious palette of warm and engaging shades that instantly brighten up any space. Just like its fellow tropical plants, this attractive accent requires minimal care. At a bare minimum, it demands indirect lighting to ensure its vibrant colors remain bright and true. Avoid direct exposure, as that could scorch the leaves. Naturally, it loves warmer spaces, so steer clear of air conditioners and windows as a general rule of thumb.

Hanging Nephthytis on Plantshed.com

Nephthytis

No room for a surface or floor plant? Try a hanging one, instead. Nephthytis brims with personality, adding soft green color to a kitchen or dining area. The plant, native to the tropics of South and Central America, is a relatively slow-growing vine that benefits from less exposure to light and greater humidity levels. If you’re a cook, that’s good news — the steam in the air will only benefit your greenery as you prepare your meals. Notable for its arrow-shaped foliage, this plant calls for weekly watering to maintain its innate beauty.

Stress-reducing, productivity-boosting, and air-purifying, tropical plants invite greater peace and serenity to your home. Their no-fuss requirements make them ideal for any homeowners who want to easily upgrade their space.