Tips For Growing Tropical Plants Houston Residents Need To Know

By Olivia Cross


Native to warmer, sunnier climates tropical plants are lush, colorful, and possess an exotic appeal. Most can safely be grown inside even in the coldest places as long as they receive the necessary care. Before starting to grow tropical plants Houston TX growers should make sure they know what is needed to keep these plants thriving.

A plant must be potted correctly so its growth will not be hindered, and it can drain effectively when watered. Any type of pot can be used, but it needs to have holes and the size should be proportionate to the type of plant. Mesh should be laid over the holes, followed by one or two inches of gravel. The best potting soil for tropical varieties combines one part of each sand, peat, and vermiculite or perlite. Dense root systems should be thinned out before potting the plant.

Since they are naturally accustomed to growing in parts of the world which are hot year-round, tropical plants require plenty of sunlight each day, which is generally anywhere from 8 to 16 hours. Some only need partial sun and will be fine if they are placed in west or east facing windows, but those which need full sun should ideally be positioned towards the south. If there is not enough light, fluorescent lighting can be helpful.

Plants differ in terms of how much water they require according to their size, species, and pot size, as well as the type of soil they are growing in, and the relative humidity and temperature in their environment. There are many varieties which only need a weekly watering. Once the soil feels dry, watering is normally indicated, and its important to ensure that all soil is equally saturated.

Cold temperatures can be lethal to tropical plants, so it's imperative to make sure they are kept indoors where they should be comfortable at the regular room temperatures which range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The should not be placed near the drying heat of hot air vents, nor near any door or window that lets in a cold draft.

Adding a fertilizer can be both beneficial to growth and harmful so it is necessary to exercise caution if one chooses to use it. If directions for preparation are closely adhered to, it can maximize growth and the density of foliage. One must only use a blend indicated for tropicals that consists primarily of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, supplemented with manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc.

Pruning is not always needed by most tropical species, but sometimes it has to be done if they are showing signs of illness. The most common issue with some tropicals is dying stems and falling leaves, which can indicate that the foliage is simply too large for the root system. Once this is thinned out, the roots can adequately nourish the foliage.

With some plant species there is the possibility that they will produce fruit. As long as it receives enough sunlight, and it is potted in a large enough pot, many of these plants will provide their grower with a most likely small, but pleasing crop of tasty edibles. Some fruit trees will also require the presence of another tree if they are to bear fruit. If growing fruit is one's goal, it's necessary to find out what conditions are required and ensure that they are met.




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