HOW TO CARE FOR: TROPICALS
FIND CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIFIC PLANTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE ↓
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)
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. Snake plants prefer bright but not direct light BUT they can *tolerate low-light as well. This makes them a great option for a lot of indoor spaces that don't necessarily have great light.
Watering your snake plant is fairly simple. Water thoroughly until water begins to drain out the bottom of your pot and allow your potting mix to fully dry out before watering again. In ideal conditions, you will need to water every 3-4 weeks. Sansevieria are semi-succulent plants which means they are able to store a lot of water in their leaves. This also means that they are very prone to root rot. Allowing them to fully dry out is your key to success.
Because Snake Plants require a fast-draining potting mix, we recommend using our Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix.
*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)
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. ZZ's prefer bright but not direct light BUT they can *tolerate low-light as well. This makes them a great option for a lot of indoor spaces that don't necessarily have great light.
Watering your ZZ Plant is fairly simple. Water thoroughly until water begins to drain out the bottom of your pot and allow your potting mix to fully dry out before watering again. In ideal conditions, you will need to water every 3-4 weeks. These plants are semi-succulent, which means they are able to store a lot of water in their roots and leaves. This also means that they are very prone to root rot. Allowing them to fully dry out is your key to success.
Because ZZ Plants require a fast-draining potting mix, we recommend using our Cacti and Succulent Potting Mix.
*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 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 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.
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