The Spruce / Alonda Baird

Tropical house plants bring exotic flowers and foliage to yourindoor plant collection.

If light exposure is insufficient, it’s possible for you to supplement with anindoor grow light.

If youre ready for a tropical transformation, add one of these popular tropical house plants.

an orchid plant on a side table

The Spruce / Alonda Baird

Tip

The tropical plants in this list can be grown indoors in any climate.

Many can also be overwintered indoors in cooler climates and brought outdoors in the summer.

Water when first inch or so of soil becomes dry.

dumb cane plant

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Orchids

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Orchids are one of the most varied plant groups.

Instead, provide a warm, humid environment.

Allow to dry between waterings.

an orchid

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

Bromeliads

Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae) are probably the easiesttropical plants to grow.

They can be grown in fast-draining potting soil consisting of peat-based soil and sand.

They can also be mounted to boards or logs and hung on the wall.

closeup of a bromeliad

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida

The fiddle leaf fig is toxic to people and pets.

This slow-growing plant can reach a maximum height of about 6 feet when grown indoors.

This low-maintenance tropical house plant is also more tolerant of low-humidity conditions.

Fiddle leaf fig plant

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

The ponytail palm is non-toxic, making it asafe house plant for pets.

It is easier than ever to grow them.Water frequently in summer; reduce watering in winter.

Philodendrons are toxic to humans and pets.

ponytail palm on an end table

The Spruce / Lisa Ruschioni

This tropical vine can grow up to 15 feet tall.

The plant does best with bright light from a nearby window but should be kept out of direct sun.

Like all tropical plants, Monstera deliciosa benefits from frequent watering but can withstand short bouts of drought.

Philodendron gloriosum plant with large heart-shaped leaves in black pot

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Even if they are challenging to overwinter, it is still well worth the effort.

Avoiddirect sunlightand keep the temperature above 40F.

Maintain evenly moist soil.

Monstera deliciosa in a woven basket on an apartment floor

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Peace lilies are toxic so practice caution around pets and children.

If you are looking for plants with pink flowers or leaves, consider adding aMexican shrimp plantto your collection.

Anthurium is toxic to people and pets.

Peace lily

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

Light, warmth, and humidity are the keys to successfully growing schefflera plants.

Though it is rare to do so indoors, it may bloom with a red flower.

Plant them in rich, loose potting media with moist compost and fertilize regularly.

vase of anthurium flowers

The Spruce

Ficus

Ficus plants are fussy, but a well-grown ficus is near the pinnacle of houseplants.

Large, glossy, and imposingficus plantsare well worth the effort.

Ficus plants drop their leaves in drafty, cold conditions and don’t like being moved.

schefflera plant

The Spruce / Kara Riley

They require adequate light, warmth, and humidity.

Water regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Reduce water in fall through late winter.

ficus benjamina

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Though rare, you may find small yellow or white blossoms.

ZZ plants are resilient and do well in bright or low-light conditions and with minimal watering.

Before watering, let the soil dry out completely.

Close up shot of a ZZ plant (Zanzibar Gem) leaves in front of a mirror.

FeelPic / Getty Images

The ZZ plant is toxic to humans and pets.

Queen Victoria favored Kentia palms throughout her many residences.

Water weekly in summer, letting the soil dry between waterings.

kentia palm in a home

The Spruce / Kara Riley

Cordyline

Ask anyone who has been to Hawaiicordyline is virtually synonymous with the tropics.

With proper care, the plant can provide a dramatic accent.

It is also known as the Ti tree or Hawaiian Ti tree.

cordyline plant by a window

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

It should be kept continually moist except in winter.

Note that this plant is toxic to dogs and cats.

There’s only one essential rule for growing this tropical house plant: remember to water it.

Watermelon peperomia plant with rounded variegated light and dark green leaves in gray and white pot

The Spruce / Autumn Wood

It features fuzzy green leaves and requires conscientious care.

The ideal spot for this plant receives bright, indirect light.

It has large, distinctive blue or orange flowers (though it’s unlikely to bloom indoors).

Close up of the purple blooms of an African violet plant

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Birds of paradise need three to five years of growth before they flower.

The bird of paradise flower is toxic to cats and dogs.

It tolerates low light conditions, but bright to medium indirect light is best.

Bird of Paradise

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Amazonian Elephant’s Ear

The Amazonian elephant’s ear is common but distinctive and almost regal.

Its large, arrow-shaped green leaves are ribbed with silver.

It is much easier to grow inside than mostAlocasiaspecies and provides seasonal displays of wonderful foliage.

prayer plant

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

They prefer rich, fast-draining potting soil and do require regular feeding.

Keep moist, but avoid wet roots.

This plant originated in southeast Asia.

Amazon Elephant’s Ear (African Mask) plant

The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Elephant’s ear is toxic to humans and pets.

Goldfish Plant

If youre looking for an unusual flowering tropical house plant, consider the goldfish plant.

Other varieties of the goldfish plant produce red, pink, or bicolor blossoms.

goldfish plant by a window

The Spruce / Krystal Slagle

Dracaena are one of the most exotic-looking plants and the easiest tropical plant to grow indoors.

Most indoor tropical plants need bright and indirect sunlight to thrive.

you’re free to find tropical plantsonlineor at your local nursery.

Look for a seller specializing in tropical plants and one that unconditionally guarantees all tropical plants for a year.

Tropical plants can be brought outside for the summer when the temperatures reach 55F or warmer consistently at night.

Cooler temperatures can harm or kill tropical plants.

Slowly acclimate the plant to sun exposure.

Many tropical plants may be understory plants and require filtered or dappled sun.

Dieffenbachia sequine.North Carolina State University Extension.

Dieffenbachia seguine.North Carolina State University Extension.

Ficus lyrata.North Carolina State University Extension.

Dieffenbachia and Philodendron: Two Popular but Poisonous Houseplants.Poison Control.

Spathiphyllum (Mauna Loa Peace Lily).

North Carolina State University Extension.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

5 Poisonous Houseplants to Keep Away From Toddlers and Pets.Child Development Institute.

Schefflera Are Toxic To Pets.

Ficus benjamina.Missouri Botanical Garden.

Weeping Fig.The University of Kansas Health System.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia.North Carolina State University Extension.

Bird of Paradise Flower.ASPCA.

Elephant ear poisoning.University of Florida Health.