Grow a jungle

Still very much a trend in houseplant circles, the over the-top topical feel transports us to exotic destinations and makes plant parents of us all. 

The choice of plants for tropical environments is vast, covering many indoor plant varieties. We have chosen just three for their exceptional foliage, which can create a lush tropical feel in a small space or an entire room. 

Calatheas

Grown for their foliage, calatheas are the perfect choice for a tropical jungle theme. The leaves are big, bold and colourful and can tolerate low light areas in the home. Given the right conditions, these plants are really easy to grow. Mimicking the tropical conditions they grow in naturally is the easiest way to give them what they need. 

For that tropical feel, choose green and shades of green, as well as blue, orange, coral red, and yellow, for pops of colour. Add rattan elements, breezy fabrics, casual furniture with relaxed designs, and plain pot covers to finish off the lush look.

Stromanthe

Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Triostar’, are also part of the Maranteceae family along with calatheas, and their leaves also move around a lot with the light and can fold up at night. These fun, brightly coloured plants like a bit of extra feeding every couple of weeks in spring and summer. 

Dracaena ‘Lemon Lime’

This plant, with its lemon and lime colouring up thick stems, is a very pretty houseplant that contrasts well with other big-leaved plants like the calatheas. It prefers to be a little dry between waterings, but apart from that, they are good with neglect and will let you know when they need some care when they start browning on the tips of the leaves. 

What they need

All these plants have similar requirements when it comes to care: 

• Watering is the most crucial step. They like moist soil but do not like to sit in water for too long, which could result in root rot.  

• They prefer high humidity, so a bathroom is ideal and light suitable.   

• The soil must drain well and be rich in organic materials.  

• Too much sunlight will bleach the colour from the leaves, but they will do with bright light to low light. 

New

Look out for the new Homalomena wallisii ‘Camouflage’ available in the indoor plant section of a store near you. The unique leaf pattern is like army camo, which is obviously how it got its variety name. This stunning plant likes medium to high levels of bright indirect light. Too much sunlight will burn the foliage. A regular watering regime is essential, and it should be planted in rich, well-draining soil.

These plants are grown by LVG Plants and are available at your local houseplant retailer.