11 Serene tropical Indoor plants anyone can grow
Explore our curated list of tropical indoor plants that any beginner can keep alive, grown in our Brooklyn community home. Discover the styling, propagation tips, along with how to recreate tropical environment in your home to keep them thriving!
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This article is going to guide you to bringing the exotic beauty of the tropics into the shadiest corners of your home, and also into spaces that are by the well lit windows. In our Brooklyn community home, we’ve grown a variety of these resilient tropical plants in our north-facing bedrooms, south facing living rooms and dimly lit dining room, all while caring for our two furry cats. What’s more: journal of horticulture has published this study that effectively notes an increase in well being among participants who interacted with houseplants regularly.
Tropical plants have a special place in our hearts — it represents to us the sort of diversity our home houses in people, coming from different parts of the world, and we would love to share our journey in caring for these wonders.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
Let’s dive in.
Summary:
- Place Philodendron Pink Princess and Monstera Thai Constellation in bright, indirect light near east or west-facing windows
- Allow Hoya Carnosa and String of Pearls soil to dry out between waterings and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot
- Maintain high humidity levels (60-80%) and stable temperatures (65-80°F) for exotic plants like the Pineapple Plant and Monstera Thai Constellation.
- Use a soil mix of coconut coir, bark chips, and compost for good aeration and repot every 1-2 years
- Regularly inspect for pests and clean leaves, using insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed
Snapshot of our Top 5 picks
1. Pineapple tree
2. Ponytail palm
3. Fiddle leaf fig
4. ZZ plant
5. Birds of paradise
Here are our 9 serene tropical indoor plants
1. Cast iron plant
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 2 feet
North facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 2 feet
North facing windows
The Cast Iron Plant (aka Aspidistra elatior): This Low light houseplant, from the Asparagaceae family has long, glossy, dark green tropical leaves. This one is incredibly tolerant and thrives in low light, surviving infrequent watering as well.
We’ve placed ours in the dining room on the first floor where it handles the low light beautifully. Styled in a classic terracotta pot, it brings a warm and rustic feel to our eating nook. The Best thing is that this beautiful plant is non-toxic to pets! When it grows, it can reach up to 2-3 feet tall and wide — a perfect hardy and attractive plant that creates a sense of sanctuary with little to no effort.
Care tip: thrives in low to medium indirect light. It prefers the soil to be slightly dry between waterings—usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity. Keep an eye out for brown leaf tips, which could indicate overwatering or too much fluoride in the water. Use distilled or non-fluoridated water to avoid this common issue or when this issue shows.
Propagation tip: cut a 4-6 inch section from a healthy, mature stem just below the leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass or jar filled with water – no leaves are to be submerged. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically begin to form in 4-6 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes endurance and perseverance due to its hardy nature. Virgos, for their meticulous and nurturing qualities, are well-suited to care for this one.
Pros and cons
($43)
($99)
($70)
$30
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
2. money tree
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 8 feet
North/west/east facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 8 feet
North/west/east facing windows
The Money Tree (aka Pachira aquatica) is a low light indoor tree from the Malvaceae family. Its distinctive braided trunk and lush, green tropical leaves fanning out like a plume, adds a visual punch to any room. But it is also famed for bringing good luck and prosperity, and a serene sort of energy into your space. We’ve placed ours in the west-facing room on the first floor where our cats roam free. This hardy plant is wonderfully easy to care for. It thrives with just moderate watering and can grow up to six to eight feet tall. We’ve chosen a sleek, golden planter that complements its vibrant green leaves – this one no doubt is a house favorite!
Care tip: Aim to water it every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which might indicate overwatering. A standout feature of this plant is its braided trunk that not only adds to its visual appeal but also helps the tree store moisture, making it quite forgiving if you occasionally forget to water
Propagation tip: select a healthy stem and cut a 6-inch piece just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves near the cut to prevent rotting. Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring no leaves are submerged. Refresh the water weekly and keep the glass in a spot with indirect sunlight. Roots typically appear in about 4 weeks
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and financial success. Capricorns, known for their practicality, patience, and ambition, are particularly well-suited to nurture this plant.
Pros and cons
($43)
($48)
($39)
$33
“For over five years, this plant has been such a resilient and forgiving addition to my living room”
3. pineapple tree
Pet safe
Bright light
Grows upto 5 feet
west/east facing windows
Pet safe
Bright light
grows to 5 feet
west/east facing windows
The Pineapple Tree (aka Ananas comosus) from the Bromeliaceae family is a striking tropical addition to any indoor garden. We have ours styled in a terracotta pot in our bright, west-facing living room on the first floor. The spiky, sword-like leaves are a stunning mix of green and yellow. This plant is not only visually appealing but also low-maintenance. Just water it when the top inch of soil is dry and provide good drainage. Best part: Pineapple plants are non-toxic to your pets!One of the joys, ofcourse, of having a pineapple tree is watching it produce its iconic fruit. It usually takes about two to three years to produce fruit, but we are hoping that the wait is worth it! The plant itself can grow up to five feet tall, creating a bold statement in any room.
Care tip: place it in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It thrives in well-draining soil and doesn’t like to be overwatered. Look out for yellowing leaves as a sign of too much water.
Propagation tip: Propagating this one is hard: twist off the top leafy crown from a ripe fruit, let it dry for 2-3 days, then place it in water until roots are 1-2 inches long. Transfer to well-draining soil, and it will take 6-8 weeks to establish
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Pineapple Tree (Ananas comosus) symbolizes hospitality and warmth, and it’s most apt for Leos, who thrive on creating inviting spaces.
Pros and cons
($53)
($78)
($33)
$30
“It took some patience but the vibrant green leaves made it worth the effort. The plant has become a beautiful centerpiece in my living room, and I’m excited to see if it will eventually produce fruit”
4. ZZ plant
mildly toxic
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
North/west/east facing windows
mildly toxic
low light
grows to 3 feet
North/west/east facing windows
The ZZ plant (aka Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This easy care indoor plant, a member of the Araceae family, has waxy, lush tropical leaves that cascade elegantly. Known for its resilience, this one thrives in low to medium light conditions. We’ve found the perfect spot for ours in the north-facing bedrooms on the top floor, where the light is low but sufficient for this plant. The sleek, matte black planter we have styled it in complements its lush waxy leaves. Care for the ZZ plant is super easy —water sparingly and watch it thrive — best for those who forget to water plants. At its tallest it is about 3 feet high. Note, however, that it is toxic to pets, so it’s best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Care tip: Prefers low to medium indirect light. Water it every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Watch for yellowing leaves that indicate overwatering.
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy leaf with an inch of stem . Place it in a glass of water with only the stem submerged, not the leaf. Place the glass in bright, indirect light and change the water every week. Roots will develop in 3-4 weeks, then plant the cutting in well-draining potting soil
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Often seen as a symbol of prosperity and endurance, this plant is best suited for taurus and capricorn!
Pros and cons
($43)
($41)
($18)
$24
“ZZ is a favorite in your house.. it sits in our bedroom next to lamp. We haven’t killed it in 3 years!”
5. Fiddle leaf fig
mildly toxic
Low light
Grows upto 10 feet
North/west/east facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 8 feet
North/west/east facing windows
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (aka Ficus lyrata) belongs to the Moraceae family. This low light houseplant that is perfect for bedrooms as well, has charmed plant enthusiasts worldwide, and is one of the top 5 large indoor plants bought online! Its lush, violin-shaped leaves create a bold and dramatic visual. The leaves boast a glossy texture and a deep, vibrant green hue that breathes life into any space. We have placed ours in the east-facing room where it thrives in indirect light – be careful these plants are prone to leaf scorch is a lot of direct light is upon its leaves for a long time. These plants will grow upto 10 feet, making it a stunning natural add to fill the vertical space. In terms of maintenance, this plant lands on the manageable side of the spectrum. Regular watering and occasional fertilizing will keep it happy and healthy. It’s worth noting that while it’s a stunner, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is toxic if ingested, so it’s best kept away from pets and children – although if your pets are not used to eating harder leaves, its still fine just make sure they don’t drop to the ground and your pets inadvertently munch on it. For styling, we’ve chosen a large cream ceramic planter that complements its grandeur. The simplicity of the ceramic allows the intricate leaf patterns to stand out. Whether it’s used to anchor a lonely corner or as a vibrant participant in a reading nook, the Fiddle Leaf Fig transforms the room
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Care tip: thrives in bright, indirect sunlight—ideal for a spot near an east-facing window where it gets morning light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, less often in winter. Drooping or browning leaves usually signal over- or under-watering. Rotate your plant every few months and definitely to prevent it from leaning towards the light.
Propagation tip: select a healthy leaf with about 1 inch of stem, and make a clean cut just below a node (where leaves attach to the stem). Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly and keep the glass in bright, indirect light. Roots typically appear in 4-6 weeks, after which you can pot it in well-draining soil.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes growth and abundance. Well-suited for Taurus, known for their affinity for stability and aesthetic pleasures.
Pros and cons
($58)
($98)
($36)
($31)
“I love how the fiddle leaf fig. It was tiny when i got it and it has now grown at least 5 feet taller in the past two years”
6.Areca palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 12 feet
west/east windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 12 feet
west/east facing windows
The Bamboo Palm (aka Chamaedorea seifrizii): This tropical indoor plant, from the Arecaceae family, has graceful, arching fronds and feathery green leaves. Our living room at once feels tropical with this large plant in it! It is currently placed ours in the west-facing living room in second floor where pets are welcome to roam around. Bamboo Palms are also easy to care for. They don’t really have a notable fragrance, but they do occasionally produce small, yellow flowers. We have styled the Bamboo Palm in a tall, cream pot that complements its height. This one is a big plant – it can reach up to 12 feet tall – making it a stunning focal point.
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry — usually every 1-2 weeks. Drooping leaves signal overwatering or insufficient light. Consider misting it occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby to mimic its tropical origins.
Propagation tip: Separate one of the offshoots with its own roots and plant into potting soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and place it in bright, indirect light. Root development for the new plant can take several weeks, unfortunately.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Areca Palm symbolizes peace and prosperity – apt for Libra’s appreciation for harmony and beauty in their environment.
Pros and cons
($43)
($98)
($49)
$41
“Easy to care for and looks tropical and fantastic. It’s a great addition to my home office”
7.Birds of paradise
Pet safe
Medium/Bright light
Grows upto 10 feet
South/east facing windows
Pet safe
Medium/Bright light
grows to 10 feet
South/east facing windows
The Bird of Paradise (aka Strelitzia reginae) is a tropical plant that belongs to the Strelitziaceae family. This large leaf plant is a true showstopper. Its large, paddle-shaped leaves resemble a bird’s plumes, and the vibrant orange and blue flowers resembles a bird in flight. We have placed ours in the south-facing living room where it enjoys the high light necessary for it to flourish and bloom. The Bird of Paradise is relatively manageable. Be cautious with its large leaves: they can be prone to tearing if brushed frequently. We have styled it in a large terracotta planter, it anchors the space beautifully. Best part: It’s non-toxic, making it a worry-free choice for homes with pets or children. This plant not only elevates your home decor but also purifies the air! Get this one, don’t even think twice!
Care tip: thrives in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight—most ideal for a south-facing room Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It loves humidity, so consider misting occasionally or using a humidifier. Watch for leaf curling or splitting, which may indicate too much direct light or insufficient moisture.
Propagation tip: Divide the root ball during repotting in spring. Choose a section with at least one stem and several roots, plant in well-draining soil, and keep it in bright, indirect light. Water regularly to keep the soil moist. This method is most effective as Bird of Paradise doesn’t root well from stem or leaf cuttings. Expect new growth within a few months as the plant establishes – we know, it is a wait but worth it!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes freedom and magnificence; it is particularly well-suited for Leo, a sign known for its boldness and appreciation for the dramatic and beautiful.
Pros and cons
($58)
($98)
($36)
$40
“I love how dramatic this plant looks. It requires regular watering and misting but is worth it for the bold foliage”
8.Monstera
mildly toxic
Medium light
Grows upto 10 feet
North/east facing windows
midly toxic
Medium light
grows to 10 feet
North/east facing windows
The Monstera (aka Monstera deliciosa): This large leaf tropical plant, part of the Araceae family, has fenestrated leaves that develop splits and holes as they mature — giving the plant a distinctive and elegant appearance. We have placed ours in the west-facing rooms in the top floor where it thrives in bright, indirect light and styled it in a black ceramic pot to add to the contrast and its bold and dramatic vertical height. Monstera is moderately easy to care for—water it when the top inch of soil is dry and it will flourish. Do note, however, that the Monstera is toxic to pets, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of curious animals. While it can produce flowers and fruit, this is rare indoors. When it grows big, it will reach up to 8-10 feet tall, and its broad and glossy leaves will span up to 2 feet! No wonder it is one of the most purchased plant.
Care tip: Thrives in bright, indirect light — water when the top inch of soil is dry, roughly every 1-2 weeks. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering. Its aerial roots can be trained to climb a moss pole for added support and growth
Propagation tip: Cut a stem just below a node with at least one leaf and aerial root. Place the cutting in water with the node submerged, keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks before you transfer it to soil!
Symbolism and zodiac signs: The Monstera plant symbolizes profound growth and ambition — ideal for Leos who appreciate bold, dramatic aesthetics!
Pros and cons
($58)
($48)
($27)
$32
“I love the dramatic look of the Monstera leaves. It’s been growing beautifully with minimal care.”
9. Boston fern
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
North/east facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
North/east facing windows
The Boston Fern (aka Nephrolepis exaltata): part of the Nephrolepidaceae family, this tropical plant has lush, arching fronds with feather-like leaflets. We have placed ours in one of our North-facing room. This one thrive in low to medium light and prefer high humidity – so a bit more demanding, but worth it for their aesthetic appeal. These could also work great in bathroom as hanging plants! This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs, and their vibrant green foliage can grow up to 2-3 feet long. Keep the soil consistently moist and mist regularly to maintain its lush appearance. We recommend styling them in hanging baskets.
Care tip: Place it in indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist, watering when the top inch feels dry. Mist regularly to maintain high humidity. When fronds turning yellow, it indicates low humidity or under-watering.
Propagation tip: Divide a healthy plant into sections which has fronds and roots. Plant them in well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place in bright, indirect light. Roots should establish in 4-6 weeks.
Symbolism and zodiac signs: Symbolizes sincerity and shelter. Ideal for Pisces known for their nurturing and empathetic nature
Pros and cons
($58)
($50)
($31)
$24
“Beautiful, lush plant that adds a lot of greenery to my home. Needs regular watering”
10. Peperomia
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 3 feet
North/east facing windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 3 feet
North/east facing windows
The Peperomia (aka Peperomia spp.), part of the Piperaceae family, is a charming low light tropical houseplant plant that has thick, glossy leaves that come in various shapes and patterns: from heart-shaped to rippled, and colors ranging from deep green to variegated silver and red. We have placed it in our east-facing reading room where it thrives in indirect light. THis indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs. Its care level is manageable, needing watering only when the soil feels dry to the touch – typically every 1-2 weeks. This plant reaches about 6-12 inches in height. We’ve styled ours in a sleek ceramic planter that complements its modern appeal.
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Care tip: Water your Peperomia every 1-2 weeks. Place it in medium bright, indirect light, such as an east-facing room. Watch for yellowing leaves, which can indicate overwatering
Propagation tip: Cut a healthy leaf with at least one inch of stem and place it in water. Use a jar that allows the stem to be submerged while the leaf stays above water. Roots should start forming in 2-3 weeks. Transfer to well-draining potting soil once roots are 1-2 inches long
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes friendship and positive energy. It is a perfect match for the sociable and caring Libra
Pros and cons
($43)
($58)
($26)
$20
“So easy to maintain. It likes to be neglected sometimes i don’t water for 3 weeks and its fine!”
11. Ponytail palm
Pet safe
Low light
Grows upto 6 feet
North/east windows
Pet safe
low light
grows to 6 feet
North/east facing windows
The Ponytail Palm (aka Beaucarnea recurvata) is a tropical low light indoor tree from the Asparagaceae family. It adds a whimsical touch with its cascading ponytail-like leaves and bulbous trunk that is infact its water reservoir. It requires very minimal care and thrives in low light conditions. This indoor plant is not toxic to cats and dogs, so we’ve placed ours in a cream ceramic planter in the west-facing living room on the second floor where we let the cats roam. The Ponytail Palm grows slowly but can eventually reach impressive heights of up to 6-8 feet indoors.
Care tip: Water sparingly—allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings, as its bulbous stem stores water. Watering every 2 to 3 weeks should suffice, but this may vary depending on your home’s humidity and light. Watch for drooping leaves, which can indicate overwatering or more likely too much direct sunlight.
Propagation tip: Collect seeds from a mature plant and sow them in well-draining soil, lightly covering them. Keep the soil moist and in a warm environment with bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to a few months. Honestly, we recommend buying a new tiny plant instead 🙂
Symbolism and zodiac signs: symbolizes resilience and eternal youth due to its ability to store water in its bulbous base. Aquarius, known for embracing uniqueness and resilience, would resonate well with this plant.
Pros and cons
($12)
($58)
($35)
$28
“I forget to water this plant for weeks, and it looks the same!”
How to recreate tropical environment in your home to keep these plants thriving!?
Here are the top 5 things to consider:
Boost Humidity:
Tropical plants like the Boston Fern and Bromeliad thrive in high humidity — aim for 60-80%. Group plants together — for example, a Monstera next to an Areca Palm can help create a more humid environment, but you can also place them on trays filled with water and pebbles. Regular misting is beneficial, especially in dry seasons. And if you can indulge, use a humidifier near your plants to keep the air moist.
Provide Consistent Warmth:
Keep your tropical plants such as the Bird of Paradise and Money Tree in temperatures between 65-80°F. Don’t place them near cold drafts, air conditioners, or heating vents. Ensure stable temperatures to prevent plant stress. Move them away from windows during colder months. Heat mats can help maintain warmth if necessary, but the best way is to place them so that they keep each other warm and humid, just like in their natural habitat 🙂
Ensure Proper Lighting:
Plants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig and Ponytail Palm thrive in bright, indirect light, but direct sunlight will scorch their leaves. Use sheer curtains to filter the light if necessary. Wehen we placed our fiddle leaf behind a sheer curtain, it grew 10x faster! Rotate your plants regularly for even light exposure, so they don’t tilt to one side.
Use the Right Soil:
Tropical plants need well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. For example, a good mix for an Anthurium or Peperomia includes a blend of coconut coir, bark chips, and compost — this ensures proper aeration and moisture retention, and avoid heavy soils that can retain too much water. If you can, repot plants like the Monstera and Areca Palm every couple of years to refresh the soil.
Water Wisely:
Place plants on coffee tables, bookshelves, and side tables. A small succulent on a coffee table or a larger monstera next to a reading chair can make a huge impact. Consider the color of the planter when infusing them with the furniture, of course, but also the size of the plants. We mostly reserve hanging plants for example, in the bathrooms, or kitchen or reading rooms but not in living room where most of our large leaf plants reside. It’s an aesthetic choice, but a common practice so the plants don’t look out of place with the furniture and the utility of the space.
FAQ
What are the best tropical indoor plants for low light conditions?
- Snake plants, ZZ plants, and philodendron, cast iron plant and peace lilies are excellent choices for low light environments.
How often should I water tropical indoor plants?
- Water tropical houseplants when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot – so ensure excess water drains away completely.
Do tropical houseplants purify the air?
- Yes, absolutely. Many tropical houseplants, such as Peace Lilies and Philodendrons, are known to purify the air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene
How can I maintain humidity for tropical houseplants?
- Maintain humidity by misting the plants regularly, placing them on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier. Grouping plants together can also help increase humidity around them
What are some pest control tips for tropical houseplants?
- Inspect your tropical houseplants regularly for pests like: spider mites and aphids. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations. More importantly, ensure proper air circulation to prevent future issues
Conclusion
Tropical indoor plants can bring a serene, exotic beauty into our spaces. Sometimes, looking at our monstera, or cast iron plans leaves growing tall and wide, we forget we live in Brooklyn! We hope this article has helped you bring in some tropics into you home, and has made you empowered in caring for them. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions. If you have any tips for new parents, please put it in the comments as well and help the community out. Happy planting!
