Tropical plants are species native to warm, tropical climates, and they bring a touch of the exotic wherever they grow. Known for their vibrant flowers and lush, bold foliage, these plants instantly brighten a space and create a lively, tropical atmosphere. In Canada, tropical plants are especially popular in homes and offices for their striking visual appeal, their ability to enhance indoor air quality, and the sense of calm and well-being they naturally promote.
Here at the Niagara College Teaching Greenhouse, we grow a wide variety of tropical plants. The ten tropical species we most commonly have in stock are the following:
Golden Pothos, Epipremnum aureum
Description: Fast-growing vining plant that is highly adaptable to a wide range of conditions. It Makes an excellent houseplant for beginner gardeners due to its easy care and forgiving nature.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Allow the top 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly and let excess drain away. Avoid keeping the soil consistently wet, as pothos is prone to root rot.
Artillary Plant, Pilea microphylla
Description: It’s easily recognized by its numerous pairs of small, fleshy green leaves, which give the plant a soft, almost fern-like appearance.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again
Spider Plant, Chlorophytum comosum
Description: Very easy to grow and propagate, this plant is remarkably tolerant of neglect and can thrive in almost any growing condition.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again
Purple Heart, Tradescantia pallida
Description: As a houseplant, it is often grown in hanging baskets in bright light, allowing its long stems to trail beautifully.
Light Requirements: Full sun / Partial sun
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again
Inchplant, Tradescantia zebrina
Description: A vigorous, easy-to-grow houseplant with a trailing growth habit. Many varieties feature striking striped leaves, and all produce delicate, three-petaled blooms. For the best effect, allow the vines to hang freely or trail along a shelf.
Light Requirements: Medium light
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.
Heartleaf Philondendron, Philodendron hederaceum
Description: It is an evergreen climbing plant that can reach 3–6 m (10–20 ft) in length, featuring glossy, heart-shaped leaves up to 30 cm (12 in) long and, on mature plants, occasional white spathes.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.
Rex Begonia,
Begonia rex-cultorum
Description: Famous for its bold, variegated leaves displaying bright greens, reds, silvers, and even purples, rex begonia develops at a moderate pace and usually matures to 8–12 inches in height within a few years.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.
Peperomia
Description: With over 1,500 species—including favourites like watermelon peperomia and the baby rubber plant—Peperomias come in a wide range of forms. Most have thick, fleshy leaves that add to their drought tolerance, and all are low-maintenance.
Light Requirements: Full / partial sun
Water Requirements: Water regularly but ensure that the top two inches of soil is dry to the touch before watering again.
Poka Dot Begonia, Begonia Maculata
Description: This cane-like Brazilian plant stands out with olive-green leaves, burgundy undersides, and dramatic spotting. It produces clusters of white flowers and grows vigorously when its needs are met.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water every 7–10 days, ensuring the soil is at least halfway dry before the next watering.
Snake Plant, Dracaena trifasciata
Description: A popular, low-maintenance houseplant known for its bold, sword-like leaves and excellent air-purifying qualities.
Light Requirements: Bright indirect light
Water Requirements: Water every 7–10 days, ensuring the soil is at least halfway dry before the next watering.