Bring Paradise Home: 20 Tropical Living Room Ideas for Every Budget
DIY Tropical! Project Ideas For Your Outdoor Tropical Retreat!
With the majority of people spending most of their time indoors, working away without taking any real time off, it’s no wonder they often daydream of being on a remote tropical island somewhere in Fiji, Thailand, or Mauritius. This is because being surrounded by gorgeous tropical vegetation, brightly colored flowers, sparkling white sand, crystal clear waters and soothing ocean sounds leads us to peace, calmness, and tranquility.
If you are yearning to visit exotic destinations such as these to relax and bring joy to the mind but cannot travel due to time and budget constraints, you can bring a bit of that wonderful ambiance into your home simply by using indoor tropical plants to create a serene retreat.
Not only do these plants bring tropical beauty to your living space, they also improve your mental and physical health. However, with so many available options, choosing the right plant for your space might be challenging. That’s why we have created this quick guide for growing and caring for tropical house plants. We will help you to choose the ideal plants, whether you are a seasoned gardener with a green thumb or just a beginner.
Transform Your Home into a Serene Tropical Retreat
In this article, you will find tips on how to grow and care for tropical plants such as Monstera Deliciosa, Sansevieria, Bird of Paradise, Kentia palm, and others. We will explore basic care requirements (light, space, humidity, temperature) and provide you with simple yet effective styling ideas. Using the advice presented here, you will be able to enjoy a beautiful and healthy indoor tropical paradise in your home.
Major Benefits of Growing Indoor Plants
Indoor plants not only add charm and beauty to your living space but they are also beneficial to your health and wellbeing. Although caring for potted plants does not offer as many physical benefits as outdoor gardening, there are still a number of benefits to growing indoor tropical plants. Having plants as part of soothing indoor tropical escape can provide the following:
- Therapeutic benefits - boost mood and self-esteem while reducing stress, anxiety, and fatigue
- Improve wellbeing - increased productivity and satisfaction due to the benefits of relaxation
- Support cognition - focus and concentration are improved
- Improve air quality – absorbs toxic substances and carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate - due to the benefits of relaxation
- Adds life and privacy to your personal space
- Beautifies the space as a part of creating a tropical escape at home
8 Must-Have Indoor Tropical Plants
Take a look at our collection of low-maintenance tropical home plants to create a striking stress-free tropical oasis at your home. We have included care requirements in addition to tips about where to place them in your home. Read on to find out more about tropical living room décor or creating a relaxing getaway space in any room of your home.
1. Monstera Deliciosa
Image credit: Homes & Gardens
Also referred to as the "Swiss cheese plant", or split-leaf philodendron, Monstera Deliciosa is one of the most popular indoor tropical plants. This must-have robust tropical plant has big heart-shaped glossy leaves with characteristic splits. It's a big plant that can reach heights between 7 to 10 ft tall indoors and up to 70 ft outdoors, if grown in the right climate.
Care requirements: Low-maintenance climbing tropical plant with aerial roots. These roots have to be trained to wrap around support poles.
Watering: Water regularly. Once the top 2 to 4 inches of soil is dry, it’s time to water. Occasionally mist the plant or use a humidifier to create ideal growing conditions.
Soil & fertilization: Prefers slightly damp acidic and neutral soil. Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks during growing season.
Light: Keep in dappled shade or bright light. Avoid direct sunlight.
Where to place: Monstera thrives in humid conditions. It will do well in bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms where it has room to grow.
Styling: With its oversized and bold varigated leaves, Monstera looks stunning in rooms, particularly when a more minimalist look is used. Opt for a beige, white, and cream color palette and pair with some rattan furniture for a unique look.
2. Rubber plant (Ficus Elastica)
Image credit: Domino
Commonly referred to as a rubber plant, Ficus Elastica is a magnificent tropical plant with spectacular glossy leaves and powerful air purifying properties.
Care requirements: Low-maintenance. Ideal plant for beginners.
Watering: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry. Occasionally mist the plant or use a humidifier to create ideal growing conditions.
Soil & fertilization: Use a fast draining soil and fertilize every two weeks, from spring to autumn.
Light: 6 – 8 hours of indirect light. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
Where to place: Find a spot that has plenty of indirect light. With its dramatic, large leaves, rubber plants can make a fantastic focal point at any space, including the corridor or hallway. They are great for bedrooms and home office due to their air purifying characteristics.
Styling: Rubber plants add a textural element to any room. They are awesome when paired with wood furnishings, light and airy fabrics, and bold colors. When using a minimalist décor style, they can be a statement piece in a room.
NOTE: Keep away from pets as rubber plants are toxic when ingested.
3. Snake plant (Sansevieria)
Image credit: Pinterest
Sansevieria (Dracaena trifasciata) is the dramatic plant on the left in this picture. (The plant on the right is a fiddle leaf fig and is discussed in our next plant choice.) Sansevieria has striking sword-like leaves which provide strong lines in décor. Commonly known as "snake plant" or "mother-in-law’s tongue", it’s a perfect tropical house plant even if you don’t have a lot of experience in gardening. There are many species of this stunning succulent that come in various form, color, height and leaf shape. Here’s how to care for it:
Care requirements: Snake plant is a forgiving plant, great for beginner gardeners.
Watering: Water when its dry. Watch not to overwater.
Soil & fertilization: It thrives well in all-purpose cactus soil or in soil with perlite.
Light: Indirect light or low light areas.
Where to place: Add interest to any room by introducing a snake plant. Sansevieria is perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, breakfast nooks, and home offices. It does best where there is adequate airflow and minimal fluctuations in temperature.
Styling: This plant is easy to use in both minimalist and richly decorated settings. Its distinctive, slender leaves can easily be used in any decorating style, from traditional to modern. Some examples include arranging Sansevieria in pots on floating shelves or creating a striking wall display by framing plants on a shelf with empty picture frames. Combining these plants with authentic artwork, such as these gorgeous wooden kava bowls on a coffee or console table, brings true natural qualities to a room. This type of design brings a touch of any coastal lifestyle from around the world straight to your home.
NOTE: Keep away from children and pets. This plant is mildly to moderately toxic if consumed.
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
Image credit: Fast Growing Trees
Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a gorgeous plant, plain and simple. It's not the easiest houseplant to grow but isn't the hardest either. Its large, leathery leaves and tree-like structure are definitely worth the effort. They love bright indirect light and if cared for properly, they will become a statement piece in any room. It can grow to well over 10 feet tall.
Care requirements:
Periodically dust the leaves with a damp cloth. This helps the leaves to receive as much light as possible. Shape the plant as it grows by trimming it because it can get wide and quite big.
Watering: Keep the soil moderately moist but don't overwater. It will drop leaves if it receives too much water. During winter months, you can water a little less often.
Soil & fertilization: Use a good quality soil that drains well. A peat-based soil or a 50/50 mix of potting and cactus soil works well. Repot as the plant grows. It can be grown large and bushy or it can be trained to grow as a small tree if you provide the main stem with supporting rod or pole. Use a high-nitrogen plant food once a month according to the manufacturer's directions.
Light: Morning light is the best as it is less intense than afternoon light. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. Periodically rotate it so it grows as straight and as tall as possible.
Where to place: Place your fiddle leaf fig near a bright window, preferably one with an airy curtain that will filter the light. Ensure adequate airflow and minimal fluctuations in temperature.
Styling: This plant is also easy to use in both minimalist and richly decorated settings. It is big, tall and adds incredible dimension to a room. When grown as a tree, it will need to be in large and heavy pot to support its size and weight. Remove leaves with browning edges and spots. If these do appear, ease up on the watering to see if it improves.
NOTE: Keep away from children and pets. This plant is toxic if ingested.
5. Kentia Palm
Image credit: Melanie Jade Design
Also known as a Forster Sentry palm or thatch palm, this beautiful, elegant tree originates from a small island near Australia. It grows exceptionally well indoors because it tolerates low light conditions and container growth.
Care requirements: To help it reach its maximum size, increase humidity indoors by either misting or using a humidifier.
Watering: Let soil dry between watering.
Soil & fertilization: Well-draining soil; fertilize lightly in spring and summer
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Where to place: Place in a bright spot indoors, away from any type of draft, doors, heaters or air conditioners. In general, it is best to put your Kentia palm near a window with a sheer curtain, where traffic is low and there is enough space for it to grow in an uninterrupted manner.
Styling: Since Kentia palms are very versatile, you can easily incorporate them into any preferred decorating style. With its slender leaves, it adds sophistication and tropical elegance to any space. Placing it in a stone planter or one made of another natural material really allows it become a complete statement piece in bright corners or near windows.
6. Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)
Image credit: Plant Studio
This stunning tropical plant has long, textured leaves and gorgeous flowers that show off striking combination of vibrant orange, yellow and blue. To encourage flowering, optimal care is required. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Care requirements: Moderate level of maintenance. Generally pest-free, not hard to grow.
Watering: Regular watering; let dry between watering.
Soil & fertilization: Well-draining soil with perlite, sand, or peat. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks during growing season.
Light: Full sun or bright indirect light.
Where to place: Place your Bird of Paradise in a spot away from drafts as they can damage leaves. Ideally, place it near a south or west-facing window. It looks amazing in living rooms and kitchens as long as it has plenty of space to grow. Depending on the size of the space, they can grow to be very large.
Styling: The wonderful tropical flower of this lush plant is an iconic feature in tropical design. Placing it in a simple white pot or zinc planter allows for a more contemporary look. For a more classic or tropical interior, choose wicker baskets or clay pots.
NOTE: Keep away from children and pets. This plant is toxic.
7. Anthurium
Image credit: Easyplant
Anthuriums are known for their beautiful, striking glossy red petals, which are actually leaves. This perennial plant, also known as a “flamingo plant”, has a slow to moderate growth rate and its “flowers” typically last from 6 to 8 weeks.
Care requirements: Anthuriums are simple and easy to care for. As a species native to the tropics, they prefer high humidity. Raise humidity by misting, using humidifiers, or making DIY pebble trays.
Watering: Keep slightly moist at all times. Bear in mind that roots are vulnerable to rot, so avoid letting it sit in water.
Soil & fertilization: Coarse and well-draining soil (similar to orchids). Feed weekly during growing season.
Light: Ideally, 6 hours of indirect light. Susceptible to sunburn, keep away from direct sunlight.
Where to place: Place in warm, bright areas, away from direct sunlight. Use it as a tabletop plant, ideally next to an authentic handicraft from the tropics, such as these Fijian handcrafted wooden turtles. You can also place Anthurium on a side table or group it together with other greenery.
Styling: When considering where or how to style your Anthurium, keep in mind the following designer ideas: whenever possible, arrange plants in odd numbers (ideally in threes), group different width and height plants together, and go with differently shaped leaves. Since Anthurium is colorful on its own, it is best to place it in a simple pot. For more character and a more eclectic look, choose planters with textures and patterns.
Note: Keep away from children and pets. This plant is toxic.
8. Bromeliad
Image credit: Pinterest – Blog das Flores
Native to various tropical regions of the world, bromeliads requires plenty of bright light to grow successfully. Their pointed shape of their foliage goes well with other plants which have round or flat leaves. Its leaves form a “cup” which holds rain water in their natural habitat.
Care requirements: Bromeliads are simple to maintain and can make long lasting house plants. They can survive for years even in less than ideal conditions. Most types of bromeliads (including pineapples!) produce offshoots after flowering. These make them easy to propagate.
Watering: Once every week or two.
Soil & fertilization: Some bromeliads require orchid bark with humus and perlite. Others such as pineapples can grow in a good quality potting soil. Fertilize monthly.
Light: 12 to 16 hours of bright, diffused light for optimal growth.
Where to place: Choose a spot near a window but away from direct sunlight. Try placing a bromeliad in a bathroom as the conditions in the bathroom mimic the tropical rainforest environment (steamy and humid). Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you can always decorate your entrance with this tropical plant. Wherever you choose to place it, it will definitely bring color, life, and visual interest to the space.
Styling: This gorgeous jungle plant can be styled in so many different ways. In you are a fan of vintage interior design, you can place a bromeliad in a bright tropically colored ceramic bowl. Or place a few in an eye-catching tall planter to create a visual focal point in your living room, home office, or dining room. They pair very well with decorative accents too. You can read more about great tropical accents and then create your own look by adding wonderful tropical plants to complete the look you want!
Tropical Home Plant Needs
Major factors to consider when selecting indoor tropical house plants include:
- Lighting – Light is one of the most important factors that ensure successful plant growth. However, not all plants require the same amount of light to grow. Some tropical foliage thrives in low or medium light while others flourish in brighter light.
- Temperature & humidity - Different plants have different temperature and humidity requirements which is why it is important to research the specifics your plant will need. For instance, most tropical plants prefer temperatures over 70 °F during the day and humidity levels from 70% to 80%. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, mist them regularly, or incorporate pebble trays.
- Watering – If watering recommendations are not provided when you purchase a plant, do some quick research online. Just as correct lighting levels are crucial, so is soil moisture content. Always check the soil moisture to avoid overwatering.
- Space – Make sure your plant has enough space to thrive, especially when fully grown.
- Soil & fertilizers – Choose a well-draining, enriched, moisture-holding soil mix. Fertilize only after the plant has fully acclimated to your home, this can take about 30 days after you have brought it home.
- Pet-friendliness - If potentially toxic plants are an issue, choose pet-friendly tropicals that are safe for your furry friends.
Acclimating Tropical Plants To Your Home Environment
Before arriving at your home, your newly bought indoor plant is typically transported on a truck from a garden center in a sunny location (Florida or California) to your local nursery shop. All of these changes in environment cause stress for the plant which will need some time to acclimate to its new home.
The adjustment typically lasts for a few weeks. During this time, it is common for the plant to lose some of its older leaves.
There are several things you can do to ease the transition and to help your tropical plants acclimate faster to your home:
- Place in bright light sunlight for a few weeks before transitioning them fully indoors
- Fully saturate the pot
- Add appropriate fertilizers to improve root system and plant’s strength
- Keep the plant in its original nursery pot for couple of weeks before considering repotting
Tips For Repotting Tropical House Plants
Repotting ensures your plant has plenty of room to grow and thrive. Common signs that indicate your plant may need repotting include roots growing out of pot’s drainage holes, tipping over easily because it has become top-heavy, soil that dries out very fast after watering, and a thin or less dense appearance due to excessive leaf drop.
Here are a few tips on how to properly repot your tropical houseplant:
- Select the perfect container - Choose a pot with drainage holes one to two sizes larger than the current one. Bear in mind that plants in certain ceramic and terracotta pots may need more water because these pots are more porous.
- Prep the plant – Turn the current pot sideways or upside down and gently tap the sides to loosen the soil. Carefully untangle the roots and trim damaged ones to promote new root growth.
- Transplant the plant - Layer the bottom of new pot with fresh soil to act as a base for the root development. Place the plant in the new pot and begin filling with fresh soil, carefully incorporating soil into the roots. Lightly tamp down the soil to remove air pockets as these can promote root rot. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil further.
- Aftercare – Keep the plant in a moderately shaded area for a few days until the plant acclimates and then gradually return it to its original place.
Grooming & Pruning Tropical Plants
Indoor tropical plants require a little maintenance to look their best. Caring for your exotic foliage should include the following practices:
- Remove yellow leaves – Yellow leaves should be removed to promote the growth of new ones. Natural leaf shedding should not to be confused with discoloration due to overwatering or because of diseases or pests.
- Trim damaged leaves – Trimming damaged leaves to remove tears and brown edges improves the health and appearance of the plant.
- Clean the leaves – Dust with a feather duster or clean with a soft, moist cloth or paper towel. This allows leaves to collect as much light and humidity as possible.
- Prune taller stems – Pruning is an important part of plant care. It is also a process than can be used to train plants. When you remove weak growth by trimming taller stems, many plants will form new growth just below the cut. This will force the plant to "bush out" with new growth, making it more round and full. Trimming from the side of the plant or from lower branches will force new growth at the top of plant, increasing its height. Make sure to always use sharp, sterilized shears to prevent spreading diseases from other plants. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring, before the growing season starts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I water tropical house plants?
There is a simple and effective method to determine whether you need to water - test the dryness by poking your finger into the soil. If the first 2 to 4 inches are dry, it’s time to water the plant. It is also a good idea to occasionally water your tropical plants until the water pours through the drainage holes. We recommend this for the tropical plants that might be vulnerable to salts and minerals from tap water. By letting the water pour out through the holes you will flush out leftover salts and prevent build up in the soil.
2. How should I care for tropical indoor plants?
The secret to having happy tropical plants is to provide conditions similar to their natural habitat. To keep your orchids, spider plants, philodendrons, and other indoor tropical plants thriving, try to replicate humidity, temperature, and lighting levels as much as you can. Keep them away from air vents, drafts, and anything else that has a drying or damaging effect. Mist between waterings and do not overwater them.
For more information on care, it is best to consult with the garden center or nursery where you acquired your plants or use online information from trusted sources.
3. How often should I repot tropical houseplants?
When to repot depends on the growth rate of your plant. Some plants simply grow more slowly while others can outgrow their pots quite quickly. Repotting provides additional space for the roots to grow which in turn allows the plant to continue to grow. If you see signs such as leaves dropping more often, the plant looking thin and not as full as it used to, roots growing out of the drainage holes, or soil that dries out very fast after watering, it is time to repot.
Share The Inspiration!
Do you know another tropical plant enthusiast who has been thinking about turning a small corner or complete room into a tropical retreat but who could use a few suggestions and guidance along the way? Share this post with them! This kind of information is meant to be shared so others can be inspired and have options to consider!
