While a family vacation to the tropics may not be in the cards this year, why not create your own tropical “staycation” at home? An island music playlist, a tropical beverage, and some island-inspired recipes (or take-out!)… And, of course, plants! It’s the plants that will really make the ambiance special - and they’ll keep it going long after the music has faded away.
Tropical indoor plants can turn an empty corner or shelf, into a beautiful oasis that feels calming and welcoming, just like a mini-vacation! Tropical plants not only make dramatic statements, they also give the feeling of having nature indoors, especially when outdoor space is limited.
So, add a little piece of the tropics to your home with a few of our favorite tropical plants and let their beauty whisk you away to a relaxing tropical “staycation” any time you need one!
Neanthe
Bella Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Envision a bare corner transformed into lush green space to promote relaxation with a lovely Neanthe Bella Palm. The wide fronds fan out to give an instant feel of vacation vibes to any room, swaying gently in the tropical breeze.
Also known as Parlor Palm, this lovely slow growing, petite houseplant is ideal for smaller spaces and thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It’s best to allow the top 2 inches of the soil dry out before thoroughly watering.
Chinese Evergreen
Aglaonema CVS.
The Chinese Evergreen is the houseplant for any style of home, with many leaf variations and colors to choose from. Some varieties have bright pink variegation while others have silvery patterns, and the broad leaves add a tropical vibe.
This houseplant is great for dressing up low to medium light areas and prefers regular watering to stay evenly moist but not soaking wet.
Lipstick Plant
Aeschyanthus spp.
Ever wonder how plants are given their common names? This tropical plant is called the Lipstick Plant because its interesting flowers resemble small tubes of lipstick! With over 150 species, there is a wide range of flower colors and leaf variegation. The natural trailing habit is perfect for displaying in a macrame hanger from the ceiling or on a shelf.
As a subtropical plant, the Lipstick Plant is happiest in bright indirect light and warm temperatures between 70-85 degrees. Prefers not to dry out completely so its best to wait until the top 1 inch of the soil dries out before thoroughly watering.
Bird of Paradise
Strelitzia reginae
Bird of Paradise are known for their the beautiful orange-crane like flowers and although they don’t often bloom indoors, their majestic foliage and graceful stems are more than enough to add a rich, tropical flair to your space. It’s normal for the leaves to split over time, since this is how they withstand high winds in the tropics.
Water and humidity are important to keep the Bird of Paradise happy with consistent watering to keep the soil moist and regular misting to increase humidity. Thrives in a space with bright indirect light.
Rubber Tree
Ficus elastica
In recent years, the ever popular Fiddle Leaf Fig has been given all the attention but we would like to feature a different tree in the Ficus family: the Rubber Tree! With large, deep green leaves (or variegation depending upon the variety), this houseplant will mature over time to become a lovely tree and a permanent part of your tropical “staycation” decor.
Since Rubber Trees don’t like waterlogged soil, it’s best for the pot or container to have drainage holes and to dry out between watering. Rubber Trees appreciate bright indirect light.
Birds Nest Fern
Asplenium nidus
Add the feeling of the rainforest to your home with ferns! The bright apple-green wavy and crinkly leaves of the Bird Nest Fern are a fun and playful addition to your indoor jungle. The center rosette of this fern is fuzzy and looks like a birds nest, hence the name.
This ferns enjoys warmth and moisture to grow their best, preferring temperatures between 68-80 degrees with medium to bright indirect light, and humidity. Increasing humidity by frequent misting or using a pebble tray with a shallow layer of water will reward you with a thriving, happy fern.
Umbrella Tree
Schefflera actinophylla
No tropical staycation is complete without the beautiful, tropical Umbrella Tree! Native to Australia and New Guinea, this tree can grow up to 50 feet tall, but don’t worry, the Umbrella Tree won’t grow that tall indoors and can be easily pruned if outgrowing your space. This is the perfect addition for a jungle vibe to any home and fill an empty corner or living space.
Umbrella Trees are particular about light and watering care, thriving in medium to bright indirect light. Take care to avoid direct sunlight as the leaves can be sensitive. This plant also isn’t fond of wet feet and it’s best to allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Ti Plant
Cordyline fruticosa
What better way to add a bold and dramatic tropical style to your home that with the Ti Plant! Also known as Cordyline or Good Luck Plant, with a little care you will be rewarded with colorful foliage all year long.
To keep the vibrant variegation, place the Ti Plant into a brightly lit area. In low light, the leaves will become more green than pink. It’s best to wait until the top 2 inches of the soil is dry before thoroughly watering.
