14 Best Indoor Tropical Plants

In warm climates, this striking plant has gorgeous flowers that resemble tropical birds. Although bird of paradise plants never flower when grown indoors, these plants have long, narrow leaves that are a big impact. Give them bright light, and water only when the pot is halfway dry. Since these are usually sold in large pots and aren’t really tabletop plants, you can’t stick your finger in the soil. But usually, it needs to be watered every 10 days to two weeks.

Shop from Paradise Plants

This easy-to-care-for succulent looks like a small tree with shiny, round or oval leaves. Originally from South Africa, it was one of the oldest houseplants introduced to Europe. Give the jade plant bright filtered light. Its thick leaves act as water reservoirs, so water it every two weeks or so.

Shop jade plants

These hardy houseplants are a longtime favorite with glossy dark green or variegated leaves and a sturdy upright shape. Native to the forests of India and Malaysia, the rubber tree can rise 6 to 10 feet indoors. Give it bright light, keep it away from drafts, and water it when the soil is dry.

Shop rubber trees

This wonderful plant you almost can not kill. Native to tropical Africa, the lucky bamboo plant is actually a piece of Dracaena SandrianaFoliage plant. The lower leaves have been stripped so they resemble bamboo (it’s actually from the asparagus family). It will tolerate low or medium light. If planting in soil, keep it slightly moist. If displayed in a vase of water, change the water weekly so that the roots are covered.

Shop Lucky Bamboo Plants

If you are not the most attentive plant parent, this is the best option for you. Snake plants thrive primarily on neglect and can last for several weeks without water. Native to Africa, there are many different varieties available now. Give it a bright light, although it will tolerate lower light levels. Water when the top few centimeters of the soil are dry. Snake plants do not tolerate over-watering, so if in doubt, wait a few days and stick your finger in the soil again.

Shop Snake Plants

This plant was probably native to the Arabian Peninsula, but is now grown all over the world. Aloe vera loves bright light, and you can take it outdoors in the summer months, if you wish (but acclimate gradually to full sun so it doesn’t burn). Water only when the pot feels dry, about every two to three weeks. The plant is useful because it has been studied to treat minor burns; Pick up an outer sheet and apply a gel-like substance to aid healing.

Shop aloe vera plants

The sturdy upright shape of this plant native to South and Central America makes a statement, so it’s a great ground plant. The two most common types are Dracaena FragranceThe plant is called corn and Dracaena MarginataIt is called the dragon tree. They both like moderate to bright light and constant light moisture.

Shop dracaena plants

Palm trees definitely give off a feel of the tropics with their bold leaves and texture. This is one of the easiest to grow species with long stems and feathery fronds. They will tolerate low light levels, but keep them slightly moist.

SHOP PARLOR PALMS

Quite possibly the easiest tropical plant to grow (besides snake plant), this vine plant looks great on a bookshelf, end table, or nightstand. Originally from the Solomon Islands, northeastern Australia, potho will tolerate dim light but grow faster in bright, indirect light. It may also lose its variegated color in low light conditions. Let the soil dry out between waterings because it will not tolerate being wet.

Shop pothos plants

There are many different species of Monstera with this common name, but the one you’ll see most often is delicious monsters. It grows in the tropics of North and South America. Give it bright, indirect light, and wait to water until the top few centimeters of soil have dried.

Shop Swiss cheese plants

Legend says that the money tree brings good luck! Whether you believe it or not, this beautiful little tree, often sold with a braided central trunk or as a bonsai tree, is native to Central and South America. It needs bright light, but rotate the pot weekly so it doesn’t start to lean toward the light. Water the soil when it feels dry to the touch.

Shopping money trees

There are many different types of philodendron plants, and they are easy-care plants that are generally long-lived. Includes two handsome species to look for Philodendron bipenatividum And Philodendron Silume. Most philodendron plants like moderate to bright light and are watered only when the top of the soil feels dry.

Shop philodendron plants

These strange-looking plants are native to many different tropical regions of the world, and they need lots of bright light. The most common types of bromeliads have vertical water-retaining cups, called jars, so they can store rainwater in their natural habitats. Add a few tablespoons of water to the cup, near the base of the plant, and fill it occasionally.

Shop bromeliads

This old-fashioned favorite thrives year-round under the right growing conditions. Originally from East Africa, they grow under a forest canopy so they do not like direct sunlight. Keep African violets about a foot from a lighted window. Water from the bottom (place the pot in the water and let it absorb moisture for 30 minutes), or from the top. But keep the water away from the hazy leaves so they don’t rot.

Shop African Violet