In the wild, every plant lives outdoors

Houseplants are those we enjoy which also will endure less-than-ideal conditions in homes and other buildings people use

When we can, we will show you a picture (bottom of this article) of both the indoor and outdoor look of plants that can be adapted for indoor living. Such plants are shade tolerant (grow in low light in the wild) and are specially 'shade grown' by nurseries who offer indoor plants. Being shade grown means the nursery will grow the plants outdoors here in Florida, but use a shade cloth overhead, blocking 50-70% of the sun's power

Many times plants are first grown in full sun or partial shade then, after some months,  moved to be under under shade cloth. Nurseries do this to promote maximum growth then 'convert' plants to shade grown specimens in the last few months before sale

Full blooded 'true tropicals' are plants that typically can not stand any cold weather whatsoever. For example, the Red Sealing Wax Palm is perfectly happy in full sun, but throws a fit if the temperature drops below about 55 degrees. Such true tropicals may or may not be used as houseplants

Caution:

You will see palms such as the areca sold as houseplants, but they do poorly indoors because they demand humidity. Majesty palm is another example of what is sold as an indoor plant that can be difficult indoors but stabilizes after initial decline

Some plants such as bromeliads may or may not bloom indoors. Indoor conditions vary from home to home so those providing conditions close to sub-tropical you also enjoy blooms, better leaf size and color, larger growth, etc.

Houseplants all want the same conditions:

1. Bright light but not necessarily any direct sun. Morning sun is always acceptable if it's not a hot exposure. Bright light for 8 hours a day (or more)
2. Humidity, 70 percent or more would be very nice
3. Warmth, over 75 degrees at all times. No sudden cold or drafts
4. Pure water, rain water being by far the best. If possible, create a rain collection system so you will always have some on hand for your plants. A large bucket to collect rain off the roof is fine
5. Good soil. This would be a 'pro mix' or a 'nursery mix' that has peat moss, wood chips, perlite, charcoal etc then add about 30-40% coarse sand. Tropical plants DO NOT want (heavy) 'top soil'
6. Fast and easy drainage. Water should pour through your soil and out the bottom very easily.  Trays, saucers, at the bottom of indoor pots = murder, if trays hold water
7. Good food. See our article
8. Clean leaves. More information here
9. Pest free. See our article
10. Some need/want misting, many do not

If you approximate these conditions in your home, you will have successful houseplants of almost any variety

If you have less accommodating conditions, you can still grow many houseplants. You'll just need to be happy with the tougher plant types. Master Gardener will always classify houseplants we offer for sale so you know if your home can be hospitable to any variety you wish to grow

Money Tree and article, Pachira aquatica

Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra elatior

Chamaedorea elegans, 'Parlor Palm'

White bird-of-paradise, outdoors

Pathos vine, outdoors

Corn Plant, Dracaena fragrans & bloom

Bromeliads doing well indoors, #1 #2 #3

Fig tree, outdoors

You may be interested in receiving great tropical plants mail order from Master Gardener. We ship from spring thru fall depending on the weather up north. If you want to be on our e-mailing list to be notified of plants, please click here for details of our special plants. Thank you