HOW TO CARE FOR: TROPICALS

FIND CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC PLANTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE ↓

HOW TO CARE FOR: TROPICALS

LIGHT

Place your tropical plant where it can receive bright, but not too much direct sunlight. Most tropical plants do not want to be in contact with direct sun-rays for long periods of time. West or east facing windows are typically preferable.

South facing windows can also be great if your plant is placed a few feet away or sheer curtains are used to defuse the harsh sun rays.

If these conditions cannot be achieved with natural light, introducing artificial light (a grow light) is recommended.

WATER

In general, allow the potting mix to dry out slightly between watering in order to prevent root rot. Once the top 2-3 inches of potting mix is dry, water thoroughly. Allow the water to soak in until the potting mix is saturated.

Bottom watering (placing the plant in a dish of water and allowing its soil to soak up water through the bottom drainage hole) is an excellent method to water any tropical. Dry potting media often prevents water absorption when top watering. This phenomena is referred to as "hydrophobic soil."

Watering frequency should be reduced during winter months when slower growth or dormancy occurs. Additionally, sunlight is not as intense, and the potting mix may take longer to completely dry out.

POTTING MIX

Use a potting mix that is well draining, but will hold moisture for a small period of time. Many (but not all) tropical plants do not like to dry out completely in between watering.

When repotting tropical plants, selecting a planter with drainage (a hole in the bottom for excess water to escape) will make watering much simpler and will help your plant thrive.

You can find our house-blending tropical potting mix here.

PET SAFETY

Many tropical plants are considered toxic to pets! Caution is advised.

VISIT THE LINK BELOW FOR A DETAILED LIST OF TOXIC PLANTS.

SANSEVIERIA (SNAKE PLANT)

SANSEVIERIA (SNAKE PLANT)

Snake plants are known for being low-maintenance house plants! Although they are tropical, you may not care for them the same way you'd care for other tropicals; like a Monstera for instance.

Light Requirements for your Snake Plant:

Snake plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they are highly adaptable and can tolerate low light conditions. However, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If your snake plant is placed in lower light, it may grow more slowly, but it will still thrive with proper care.

Water Requirements for Snake Plants:

When it comes to watering, snake plants prefer to be on the drier side. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Typically, watering every 2-4 weeks is sufficient, but this can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down. When watering, we suggest to fully saturate the soil until the pot feels heavy and there is water draining out the bottom of the pot.

Soil Requirements for Snake Plants:

For soil, use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one that is formulated for succulents or cacti. This type of soil helps prevent root rot, which snake plants are susceptible to if overwatered. When repotting, choose a pot with drainage holes to further aid in proper water drainage and avoid waterlogging the roots.

*tolerating low-light simply means that this plant will survive in less than ideal conditions and may show some growth, but will not thrive.

ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA (ZZ PLANT)

ZAMIOCULCAS ZAMIIFOLIA (ZZ PLANT)

ZZ Plants; like snake plants; are known for being very low-maintenance house plants! Although they are tropical, you may not care for them the same way you'd care for other tropicals; like a Monstera for instance.

Light Requirements for your ZZ Plant:

ZZ plants thrive in bright, indirect light, but they are extremely adaptable and can tolerate low light conditions, making them ideal for various indoor settings. However, avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch. While they can survive in lower light, providing moderate to bright light will encourage more robust growth.

Water Requirements for ZZ Plants:

Watering a ZZ plant is easy, as they are drought-tolerant and prefer to be kept on the dry side. Water the plant thoroughly, but only when the soil has dried out completely. This usually means watering every 2-4 weeks, depending on the environment. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down, preventing the risk of overwatering and root rot. Allowing them to fully dry out is your key to success.

Soil Requirements for ZZ Plants:

When it comes to soil, ZZ plants prefer a well-draining potting mix, similar to those used for succulents. This helps prevent water from accumulating in the soil, which can lead to root rot. A pot with drainage holes is essential to allow excess water to escape, further ensuring the plant's roots remain healthy and dry.

*tolerating low-light simply means that this plant will survive in less than ideal conditions and may show some growth, but will not thrive.

CALATHEA

CALATHEA

Calathea are growing in popularity and although they are tropical plants, they require a little extra care than most!

Calathea prefer; like most tropicals; bright but not direct sunlight. Their leaves are quite thin and delicate making them prone to burning in harsh light. We recommend avoiding any direct sunlight. An east or west facing window is great.

These plants thrive with more water and humidity than your typical house plant. Keep your calathea's substrate fairly moist; allowing the top inch or so to dry out before watering again. Using regular tap water may cause crispy, dead edges on your calathea's leaves. We suggest using water that is free of salts and chlorine. For best results, water with distilled water or simply allow water to sit out overnight to allow salts and chlorine to evaporate.

FICUS VARIETIES

FICUS VARIETIES

Ficus are notorious for being tough plants to care for; specifically Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig). Ficus grow in tropical climates so trying to recreate that in your home for your plant is important to keep in mind.

Ficus like a lot of bright, but not too much direct light. They can take a few hours of direct light in morning; a southern or eastern facing window is preferred.

Maintaining a consistent watering schedule for ficus is very important. Water your plant when the top 2"-3" of your potting mix is dry; these plants like to maintain a small amount of moisture but do not want to stay super wet. Water thoroughly till the water drains out the bottom of your pot.

It is normal for your plant to drop a few leaves when bringing it home. Plants need to acclimate to their new environment and lighting. The plants you bring home from a plant shop or green house are used to near-to-perfect lighting so they grow accordingly.