Information About Growing Tropical Plants Houston Growers Should Know
Tropical plants are species which normally grow in parts of the world which have warm weather and abundant sunshine year-round. Many of these lush plants with their rich foliage and colorful blooms can be successfully grown indoors provided they are given the proper care. When growing tropical plants Houston green thumbs need to follow these guidelines to keep them healthy.
The first step in starting a new plant out right is to pot it properly in a way that will not prevent growth or sufficient drainage. The material the pot is made from doesn't really matter, but should be an appropriate size for the plant and have holes in the bottom. Before adding the plant, its roots should be trimmed slightly, and a layer of mesh topped with one or two inches of gravel should be put in the pot. The best soil mixture for tropicals contains a blend of one part of each peat, sand, perlite or vermiculite.
The amount of sunlight required varies between 8 and 16 hours each day and depends on the particular species. Most need full sun, and are best placed in a window facing south. Varieties which can fare well with part-sun can usually be put in west or east facing windows. Fluorescent lighting can also help meet this requirement in rooms with not enough light.
The amount of water a plant needs depends on several factors such as its type, size, pot size, soil type, temperature, and humidity. Many only need watering once per week. If the soil feels dry to the touch, this usually indicates that it is time to water the plant. Water should be poured evenly around in such a way that all the soil is saturated.
Maintaining a suitable temperature is also very important for tropical varieties. An indoor temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is generally acceptable, and most homes are typically in this range. Plants should be placed out of the way of any drafts, and not too close to heating vents, which will dry out their soil.
Fertilizers must be used with caution, as too much or the wrong type can kill a tropical plant. A suitable fertilizer can help boost the plant's growth and increase its foliage. A blend of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, with added zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and magnesium is recommended, and it's essential to carefully follow the instructions for preparation and use indicated on the package.
It is not often necessary to prune these plants, however in some cases it is needed if they are to grow properly. If leaves start falling off, and stems are dying, this can be a sign that the plant's root structure is disproportionately small for its foliage. Cutting back the foliage will help return the plant to health.
Some varieties of tropical plants, mostly trees, have the ability to produce fruit. If this is to happen it will be necessary for the grower to make certain that all conditions are adequately met to encourage fruit-bearing. This usually means sufficient sunlight, a large enough pot, and with some species, another tree must be present.
The first step in starting a new plant out right is to pot it properly in a way that will not prevent growth or sufficient drainage. The material the pot is made from doesn't really matter, but should be an appropriate size for the plant and have holes in the bottom. Before adding the plant, its roots should be trimmed slightly, and a layer of mesh topped with one or two inches of gravel should be put in the pot. The best soil mixture for tropicals contains a blend of one part of each peat, sand, perlite or vermiculite.
The amount of sunlight required varies between 8 and 16 hours each day and depends on the particular species. Most need full sun, and are best placed in a window facing south. Varieties which can fare well with part-sun can usually be put in west or east facing windows. Fluorescent lighting can also help meet this requirement in rooms with not enough light.
The amount of water a plant needs depends on several factors such as its type, size, pot size, soil type, temperature, and humidity. Many only need watering once per week. If the soil feels dry to the touch, this usually indicates that it is time to water the plant. Water should be poured evenly around in such a way that all the soil is saturated.
Maintaining a suitable temperature is also very important for tropical varieties. An indoor temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is generally acceptable, and most homes are typically in this range. Plants should be placed out of the way of any drafts, and not too close to heating vents, which will dry out their soil.
Fertilizers must be used with caution, as too much or the wrong type can kill a tropical plant. A suitable fertilizer can help boost the plant's growth and increase its foliage. A blend of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, with added zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and magnesium is recommended, and it's essential to carefully follow the instructions for preparation and use indicated on the package.
It is not often necessary to prune these plants, however in some cases it is needed if they are to grow properly. If leaves start falling off, and stems are dying, this can be a sign that the plant's root structure is disproportionately small for its foliage. Cutting back the foliage will help return the plant to health.
Some varieties of tropical plants, mostly trees, have the ability to produce fruit. If this is to happen it will be necessary for the grower to make certain that all conditions are adequately met to encourage fruit-bearing. This usually means sufficient sunlight, a large enough pot, and with some species, another tree must be present.
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