Bringing a tropical plant indoors is like inviting a guest from another country to live with us. It is not enough to put it in a pretty pot and water it from time to time: if we want it to thrive, we must recreate the conditions of their natural habitat as best as possible.
That means thinking about light, humidity, temperature, substrate and even air circulation. In her reflections on Instagram, Sofía Ferreira (@potitplantas) remembers something essential: «indoor plants do not exist.» What we call that are, for the most part, tropical species that, thanks to their characteristics, can survive and thrive within a home.
We must reproduce the natural environments of plants
To be successful in caring for «indoor» tropical plants it is essential understand where they come from and what conditions they need to feel comfortable. This involves stopping to think about basic aspects of the spaces we want to occupy with plants. A humid environment with good diffused light is not the same as a dry room with small windows.
Each tropical plant brings with it a climatic history, which generally corresponds to warm forests, soils rich in organic matter, frequent rains and partial shade. When moving them to a living room or bedroom, the key is to replicate, to the extent possible, those traits.
Before buying a plant, evaluate the space
A common mistake is to fall in love with a plant in the nursery without stopping to think about where it will be placed next. To avoid frustrations, Sofía recommends observe in detail the conditions of the place where the plant will live:
- Lightning: Is there direct sunlight coming in, is there constant shadow, or is soft light predominating?
- Ventilation: Is it a closed space without drafts or does it have windows that open frequently?
- Humidity: Is it a dry environment, typical of houses with heating, or rather humid, such as kitchens or bathrooms?
With this information in mind, it is easier choose a tropical plant that can really adapt and not end up weakening after a few weeks.
Small adjustments needed at home
To receive a tropical plant at home, it is not necessary to turn it into a jungle, but you do small adjustments so that the transition is less abrupt.
For example, many species appreciate being in areas with bright light, but not direct, as they would be under the tree canopies in their natural environment. The gardener and popularizer Felipe Castro talks about grouping indoor plants so that they grow better taking into account that «they are actually understory plants.» We can achieve a similar environment by putting curtains in the nearest window.
It is also useful to increase the ambient humidity by spraying, containers with water nearby or humidifiers, to reproduce the humid air of the jungles. By the way, a little humidity will be good for our respiratory tract, because it hydrates the mucous membranes and reduces the risk of catching a cold.
Even The type of pot and substrate chosen influencessince they must allow good drainage but maintain a certain constant freshness in the soil.
By creating these conditions, we not only ensure that the plants survive, but also that they grow vigorously, with healthier leaves and intense colors.
Learn to observe the signs of your plants
Another important point is observation. Plants send clear signals when something is wrong. Take a close look at your plants every day to detect symptoms in time.
The leaves may turn yellow due to lack of light. Dry tips and brown leaves in general can reveal both excess moisture in the soil and lack of water. Weak stems may indicate lack of nutrients.
Observe your plants and take the necessary measurements. It is not just about decorating a corner, but about establishing a more attentive relationship with the living beings that we bring inside the house.
Buy with conscience
Sofía emphasizes that when purchasing a tropical plant it is advisable to go to the nursery with a clear idea of what the characteristics of our space are at home. This will allow us to ask questions safely and receive a more appropriate recommendation. Thus, we avoid taking a species that will never be able to thrive in the conditions of our home. In short, choosing well from the beginning is as important as taking care of it after.