Joe's Fun Tropical Picks
Joe Gadbois, October 10, 2024
Hey houseplant lovers! If you’re like me, it’s probably easier for you to pick tropical plant favourites from a crowd as opposed to trying to decide on an overall favourite. Every time a new shipment of plants comes in, my favourites change! I thought I’d share some of my top picks from what’s in-store right now, why I love them, and provide some care tips. I hope you enjoy! These are all safe for cats and dogs unless otherwise noted, according to the ASPCA toxic plant database.
Asplenium nidus - Bird's Nest Fern
I must confess I’m not a fern fan, but I do love the bird’s nest types. The spiral rosette of strap-shaped fronds is unlike your average fern and it’s very interesting to look at. Even the plain-Jane type has wavy edges, but there are varieties with especially curly margins and other variants as well. They are more forgiving in terms of drying out and low humidity compared to other ferns, but they still appreciate consistent moisture and should not be placed near heat registers or other sources of dry air. Bright, indirect light is the preference, so place near a sunny window.
Beaucarnea recurvata - Pony Tail Palm
Not really a palm at all, this is technically a succulent as its “trunk” is really a caudex, an adaptation that allows the plant to store water. It comes from an arid habitat, and therefore is very tolerant of dry conditions. An incredibly cool-looking plant, with hard yet graceful foliage emerging from a rough caudex that looks like an elephant’s foot. It’s also easy to grow and forgiving, as long as you have a sunny window to place it in. Keep it dry in winter, but during the spring and summer water thoroughly and allow it to dry out completely between watering.
Calathea orbifolia
This has always been my favourite species of Calathea. I tend to fall for either really small or really big plants, and this falls into the latter category. The rounded, silver-streaked leaves become enormous as the plant ages. The trick with Calathea is to not let the soil dry out and to provide a good amount of humidity. They don’t need a ton of light, so a bathroom can be a good spot if it has a window (they do need SOME light, just not direct sunlight). If the humidity is too low, the leaves will likely develop brown margins (also caused by dry soil) and they will be more susceptible to spider mite infestations. Try a humidifier if the bathroom or kitchen is not an option.
Cordyline 'Chocolate Queen' - Ti Plant
Cordyline (pronounced kor-DILL-in-ee) are Dracaena relatives with some of the most colourful foliage in the tropical realm. The most recognizable varieties have hot-pink leaves, but this one is a little different and a little more subtle. I love the chocolate purple and cream-streaked leaves at any time of year, but they go especially well with fall décor. The spiral arrangement of the foliage is very pleasing to the eye. It will grow into a shrubby plant about 3 feet in height with time. Like Dracaena, these guys like consistently moist, but not wet, soil. Brown leaf margins will develop if the plants dry out too much, and this can also occur because of excessively low humidity. Bright light with at least a few hours of direct sun is needed for the best colouration. Note, this is NOT a pet-safe plant.
Cycas revoluta - Sago Palm
This plant belongs to an ancient family known as the cycads, which existed on this earth during the age of the dinosaurs. Many cycads are now extinct or endangered, but this one persists in cultivation. If you own this plant, it’s almost like owning a living fossil! The hard, bristly leaves remind one of Jurassic Park, arching from a spiny trunk. It’s a very slow-growing small tree that after several decades might reach a few feet in height. Bright, indirect light is best with no exposure to hot afternoon sun. Allow it to almost completely dry out between waterings. NOT pet friendly.
Dieffenbachia 'Crocodile'
I LOVE Dieffenbachia! These are some of the most colourful houseplants. ‘Crocodile’ is a very cool newer one with truly reptilian leaves. Over time, it will grow into a shrubby plant several feet tall (I have seen old plants of other varieties 6 feet or more in height). These are considered easy to grow, but the one issue in our climate is they don’t like dry air. On varieties with a lot of white variegation or thinner leaves, it’s common to see brown edges when the air is too dry. This one has a thicker leaf that should be more resistant to low humidity. Allow the soil to dry a third of the way down between watering. It tolerates low light, but Dieffenbachia are NOT pet friendly.
Dischidia pectinoides - Trailing Ant Plant
One of the most bizarre plants I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying something! This Hoya relative is an epiphyte (grows on trees) with trailing stems clothed in fleshy leaves. Some of the leaves develop into a hollow inflated balloon shape, and in the wild, these are colonized by ants. The plant provides the ants with shelter, and the ants provide nutrition for the plant via their excrement. But don’t worry, this is simply a fun fact you can tell your friends – the plant neither requires nor will attract ants in your home! It also produces small fuchsia pink flowers. This moisture and humidity lover is great in terrariums in bright, indirect light. Sphagnum moss and coconut husk are the best potting media. NOT a pet friendly choice.
Stapelia - Starfish Flower
This gnarly succulent goes by a few different common names, the least flattering of which is “carrion flower” in reference to the smell of the flowers, which are designed to attract flies for pollination. You will probably only detect the fragrance if you stick your nose in a flower (I enjoy shoving the blooms into my co-workers’ faces), but the otherworldly colours and textures of the flowers are mesmerizing. Out of bloom, the plants look dangerous but are actually soft and harmless. The trick with these is to grow them in sharply drained soil and water regularly but allow them to dry out in-between. They should be in a sunny position with a few hours of direct sun, but best facing east out of direct afternoon sun.