Bring the Outdoors Inside: Choosing Houseplants Based on Climate
The outside is beautiful, but it's what's on the inside that really matters! That's why we recommend bringing some of the outdoors inside by choosing houseplants based on your climate. If you're having a hard time picking the right plant to take home, check out this guide to find your perfect houseplant based on their needs and your own!
Alocasia
Alocasia is a tropical plant, which means it prefers warm temperatures. You may have trouble growing this plant indoors if you live in an area that gets cold or freezes at night. Keeping them indoors during the winter or all year long is ideal.
If you are buying your alocasia as a bulb or tuber it's best to start with a pot that measures about 2 inches across and 4 inches deep. Fill it with potting soil or peat moss and about 1 part perlite. Water carefully and keep it damp until it roots and puts out a new shoot. Once it starts growing well—and gets a couple of leaves—you can transplant them outdoors. If you plan to keep it indoors, you can plant it in a larger pot with a chunky soil mix.
Alocasias prefer higher humidity but can generally grow in any climate they are acclimated to. They prefer to be more on the moist side, not drying out more than 50% between waterings. They are susceptible to root rot if they continuously dry out, or are constantly wet. However, as long as you still have a healthy tuber, you can always reroot it and have a healthy plant once again!
Philodendron
A popular indoor plant, philodendron is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. The name philodendron translates from Greek to "lover of leaves." This is because its flowers have been thought to resemble those of its namesake.
Philodendrons can be found growing naturally in many parts of the world, including South America and Africa. It's often grown as an ornamental tree outdoors in warm climates. They can also be grown indoors if you want to bring their beauty inside! There are over 400 different varieties of philodendron in different sizes, shapes, and colors. This means it's almost impossible not to find one you like!
These plants even thrive during dry seasons because they store water inside their leaves for later use. This means they can handle drying out between waterings! However, a plant should never completely dry out because it can easily cause root rot.
Anthurium
Anthurium is a tropical plant that grows in the same family as Philodendron and Dracaena. It’s also known as “fan palm,” which makes sense—it has feathery leaves and produces large, fanlike flowers.
Anthurium plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, but prefer warm temperatures and humid environments. They do well when planted close together. Anthuriums will also spread over time by producing off-shoots from the main stem.
The common flamingo lilly anthurium is suitable for beginners because of its easy care requirements. Light fertilization is required unless you want your plant to grow quickly. They don't require much water or light compared with other tropical houseplants; no more than watering them regularly!
More uncommon varieties, like crystallinum or magnificum, require a bit more care. Extra humidity, water, and fertilizers should be given to these anthuriums to ensure a healthy, thriving plant.
Hoya
Hoya is a tropical plant that can grow in most types of conditions, including indoors. It's also easy to care for. Simply water and fed with fertilizer regularly for optimal growth. Most hoyas will tell you when they need to be watered with their leaves. They will seem limp, or easily bendable when slightly squeezed, rather than firm. If you're interested in starting this plant as an amateur gardener, then Hoya might be right up your alley!
If you want them to really take off some extra measures can be taken. Hoya grows the fastest when they have a lot of humidity as well as a pole or trellis to allow their vines to climb.
Monstera
Monstera is a tropical plant, and it's a good choice for a warmer climate. In fact, you should consider growing this plant outdoors if you live in Florida or Hawaii! If you live somewhere that gets colder winters, they can be brought indoors or kept inside year-round.
Monstera plants grow best in warm temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). They also prefer to receive between 12-18 hours of sunlight per day. During the winter months, you can supplement the short hours of sunlight with grow lights. The watering needs for monstera are similar to other houseplants. Just let it dry out 50%-70% before giving it another drink.
Syngonium
Syngoniums are easy to grow and care for, making them a great choice for beginners. They’re also a good choice if you have an indoor space that isn’t well-suited to other types of plants.
In sunny areas, syngoniums can be grown outdoors in pots and watered regularly. Keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible to avoid burning the leaves. Syngoniums prefer filtered light over bright midday sun! If you are growing them indoors, try placing them near windows where there is indirect or filtered light. This keeps the plant from getting too hot or burnt from direct sun.
Syngoniums like to dry out between waterings, but not too much! If you let them get too dry they will let you know quickly by killing off a few lower leaves.
Humidity
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. Plants need it, but so do you! Humidity levels in your home should be between 40% and 60% for optimum plant growth. Some plants may thrive in ranges closer to 70% and 80% but it isn't needed for a happy plant.
Humidity will also affect the watering needs of your plants. If the humidity is higher your plants will not dry out as quickly as if the air was drier. This is why it's important to check your plant's soil to see how dry it is before watering it.
Choose plants that are native to your area
Choosing plants that are native to your area is a great way to ensure they’ll thrive in their new home. If you live in a cold climate, opt for hardy varieties of plants like ferns and palms. These types of plants can survive harsh outdoor conditions but may require extra attention during winter months. If you live in an area with mild winters, consider choosing tropical or subtropical houseplants. These varieties include bromeliads or spider plants and require little maintenance.
You should also consider your personal plant care habits when choosing which plant to take home. For instance, if you are more of a relaxed caretaker and water less frequently, find a plant that does well drying out. This can include plants like a philodendron or cactus. If you tend to pay extra attention to houseplants and water often, try a plant that needs a lot of water. An alocasia or African violet may be the right plant for you.
Conclusion
Now that you know the most common houseplants, it’s time to choose a few and add them to your home. Be sure to take into consideration the climate where you live and the water needs of each plant. Make sure to take the plants watering and humidity needs into consideration. You may also want to consider your own watering habits to ensure you can properly care for your new plant baby.
