5 Laws That Will Help Those In Exotic House Plants Industry
5 Exotic House Plants to Add a Taste of the Tropics to Your Home
Bring the flavor of the tropics into your home with these exotic house plants. Orchids and ferns as well as palm trees are excellent exotic houseplants since they enjoy warm temperatures and moderate humidity which is typical of indoor environments.
The tropical foliage of the monstera deliciosa, called hole leaf monstera, gives an exotic touch to any interior. Another exotic option is the bird of paradise flower with its slim, distinctive blue or orange flowers.
Monstera
Monstera Deliciciosa or Swiss Cheese Plant is an exotic houseplant with large leaves. It adds a tropical feel to your home. It is a climber and can be trained to cling to moss-covered poles inside to mimic the trees found in its native habitat of Mexico and Central America. It can also be cultivated in a pot or hung over the edge of any table or surface.
Apart from its distinctive appearance This tropical plant is also easy to cultivate. It needs direct, bright sunlight and well-draining ground. It is also tolerant of low levels of humidity however, it will be most effective with higher ones.
This plant is named for the splits and holes it shows on its leaves. These are called fenestrations and they grow as the plant grows. It is part of the Araceae family, along with Pothos, Philodendrons, ZZ plants, and a variety of other popular household foliage plants.
As with other aroids Monstera is fairly forgiving in its development and can be grown as an outdoor or indoor plant. It can be grown in dappled shades, which is characteristic of its forest understory habitat.
The flowers of the plant appear like an ear of corn. It produces a delicious fruit, which has been described as a mixture of banana and pineapple. You can eat raw or cooked. It is important to note that the fruits of this plant may cause laxative effects and therefore moderation is essential.
One of the things that distinguishes this tropical plant from other species of plants is its ability to withstand cold temperatures. Many other aroids turn to mush in very cold temperatures, but Monsteras can still grow and thrive.
Monstera, like most aroids require a moderate amount of water. Only water when the top inch or so of the soil is dry. When you water, be sure to let the excess drain out through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Like many tropical houseplants, Monstera also requires a balanced liquid fertiliser. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of a balanced 20-20-20 liquid plant food in a gallon of water and use it to feed your plant every few weeks throughout the growing season.
Begonia
Begonias provide a splash of color and interest to window boxes, flower pots and garden beds. They are easy to grow tropical treasures. You can find begonias in bright designs and colors that fit your style, whether you choose either a single or double-flowered variety. In contrast to other exotic house plants begonias flower continuously throughout the growing season, and require minimal attention beyond a couple of times a month watering.
The genus begonia is comprised of more than 2 000 species of plants, the majority with vibrant leaves and flowers. The majority of them are native to the tropics, however some species can be grown in cooler climates.
Tuberous begonias like the popular 'Non-Stop' series are a good option for shaded spots and outdoor containers. These frost-sensitive plants develop from round, solid or oval tubers that have either an upright or slender growth habit (for containers for plants and flower boxes) or cascading tendencies (for hanging baskets). They need bright light and partial shade to grow well. They are not able to bloom in areas with direct, hot sunlight or in areas of dense shade. Wax begonias can tolerate full sun but will quickly burn in hot weather.
Most begonias self-clean and do not require deadheading. However, they may benefit from pruning in the spring and fall to encourage fresh growth. They also thrive when planted in a rich, loose soil. This can be a mixture of organic material, or a light, loamy mix with slow-release fertilizer.
If you'd like propagation of begonias, you can plant tubers with the hollow side facing upwards, 6 to 8 inches apart in a shallow tray containing moist potting mix. Place the tray in a room with a low amount of light. Keep the mix moist but not soggy. After about four weeks, they should start to sprout. When they reach an inch high they can be moved to a brightly lit place. Make sure there is no chance of frost before planting outdoors. You can also start begonias by seeding them or by planting wax begonia transplants. They can be bought at garden centers and greenhouses.
Anthurium
Anthurium, also referred to as the tail flower and flamingo flowers, adds an exotic tropical accent to any brightly lit space. It's easy to care for and modern cultivars provide flowers year-round. Anthuriums, epiphytes originally that grow on the surface of plants, or in the air too are durable and hardy house plants.
The "flower" of the anthurium actually is a spathe. This protective sheath covers an extremely tiny flower inside. The flowers last for a few weeks and come in colors such as orange-red, pink, or white. house plants online is popular for wedding bouquets and hostess gifts in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.
Anthurium belongs to the large genus Araceae which contains over 1,000 species of flowering plants. Some are very familiar such as the orchid, hibiscus and poinsettia. Some are less well-known, such as the arum tree and tulip tree.
Anthuriums can be planted from seeds, but it could take up to 4 years before you see any flowers. You can achieve faster results by cutting anthuriums off of mature plants. Look for a well-established anthurium with compacted roots that appear ready to be divided. Use a clean, dry knife to cut off a portion of the plant, but be cautious not to damage the roots.
Anthuriums can be transplanted into pots using vermiculite that is slightly moistened. Place the cuttings in a place that receives direct sunlight and is at 70F. If you need to mist the soil and the plant often and run a humidity machine close to it. Apply regular fertilizer to the anthurium but don't apply it too much since it burns the roots.
Repot anthuriums every two years or whenever the root ball is too large for the pot. Choose a pot 20 percent bigger than the anthurium's current one to avoid shock.
Spray diluted soap onto the leaves of your anthurium and wipe them dry with a damp cloth. This allows the plant to breathe and restores its pretty sheen. Anthuriums can be afflicted by spider mites. However, the use of a preventative pesticide will keep these tiny invaders at distance.
Coconut Palm
Coconut palm (Cocos Nucifera) grows in tropical climates all over the world. It is cultivated to produce edible fruit. It is one of the most important and widely distributed agricultural plants of the tropics and it is believed to have its origins in Indo-Malaya. The wood from the trunk is used to build bridges and huts, while the fibre from the husks and shells is used to create mats, ropes and doormats, and brooms. The coconut itself is a drupe, not a real nut.
When the seeds produce an audible sloshing sound when shaken, they are ready to be planted. The seeds should be laid on their sides, with the eyes slightly up, and planted in the soil for about half the thickness of the hardshell. Germination can take a long time, but can be enhanced by high temperatures and humidities. After six months the shoots and roots are ready for transplantation.
The plant thrives in warm climates and is tolerant of frost, but it should not be exposed to extremely cold temperatures as the plant may be damaged. It needs plenty of sun and a protected area with a sandy soil that drains well. Regular watering is essential but the soil must not be flooded. Fertilizing is also important, using a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content.
In spring the palms produce fragrant flowers that smell sweet on a few branched stalks which are male and female coconuts. The flowers are aprotandrous and male flowers generally open before the females do. The flowers are pollinated by the wind. After about 4-6 years, the tree will begin bearing fruit.
For indoor cultivation, it's best to grow this exotic houseplant in a pot that has a rich, well-drained soil. It prefers a sunny spot however, it will tolerate light that is low. As it grows, you can repot the plant using a pot which is larger than its root ball. It is vital to water thoroughly and feed the plant on a regular basis with liquid fertilizer. The Coconut Palm is generally pest-free however, it could be affected by a disease referred to as lethal yellowing, which there is no cure and that can kill the plant.