Tropical houseplants with large leaves, such as white bird of paradise, banana plant, Swiss cheese plant, areca palm, Kentia palm and money tree. They like a bright, warm spot away from cold draughts and prefer slightly higher humidity.
Big and tall: Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia augusta up to 250 cm, the Kentia palm up to 260 cm and the fishtail palm up to 250 cm.
Large leaves at medium height: Monstera deliciosa of 140 cm, Alocasia zebrina with striped stems, Homalomena and the banana plant.
Palms with feathery fronds or fans: Areca, parlour palm (Chamaedorea), lady palm (Rhapis) and the round leaves of Licuala grandis.
With flowers: the bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) of 150 and 180 cm can produce orange and blue flowers with plenty of light.
Start small: the surprise box with 6 houseplants of 20 to 40 cm.
Styling a tropical look
A tropical interior thrives on layers of green. Put a tall plant at the back, for example a Strelitzia or Kentia in the corner, with a Monstera or Alocasia in front and a smaller plant on a side table. Dark green or warm earth tones on the wall make the leaves stand out even more. Rattan, bamboo and dark wood suit the furniture. For more ideas, read tropical interior style.
Pots and position
Large tropical plants look good in glossy ceramic in green or white, in a large woven basket or in terracotta. Your plant comes in a nursery pot, and you choose the decorative pot separately. Give most tropical plants a bright spot, but not in harsh midday sun. A Strelitzia, on the other hand, wants lots of light, close to a large window. The Kentia palm can stand further from the window. In a bathroom with daylight, plants that love humid air feel at home, such as an Alocasia.
Water and warmth
Most tropical plants like it warm, ideally above 18 degrees, and dislike draughts or a cold window. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry and do not leave water in the pot or saucer. In winter they need less water. In dry air from the heating, some species get brown leaf tips. An Alocasia is more sensitive to that than a palm. How to care for a bird of paradise is explained in the Strelitzia care guide.
Delivery
In the Netherlands your plant arrives within 4 to 5 working days, upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery in the Netherlands is free from €99. If anything is damaged in transit, send us a photo and we will send a new plant free of charge. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
Frequently asked questions
Which tropical houseplants grow large?
Strelitzia nicolai and Strelitzia augusta grow into real indoor trees; here they are available up to 250 cm. The Kentia palm, up to 260 cm, and the fishtail palm, up to 250 cm, also suit a large room or a high ceiling.
Which tropical plants have flowers?
The bird of paradise flower (Strelitzia reginae) can produce orange and blue flowers indoors if it gets plenty of light, for example by a south-facing window. The white birds of paradise rarely flower indoors. Most tropical houseplants are bought mainly for their leaves.
Which tropical plant copes with low light?
The Kentia palm is the best choice for a less bright spot. It grows more slowly there but still looks good. A parlour palm (Chamaedorea) can also stand further from the window. Strelitzia, Monstera and banana plant, on the other hand, want lots of light.
How do you keep tropical plants healthy indoors?
Give them a bright, warm spot without draughts and without harsh midday sun. Water when the top layer of soil is dry and do not leave water standing in the pot. When the air is dry in winter, it helps to group plants together or use a humidifier.
Can a banana plant stand indoors?
Yes, a banana plant (Musa) can stand indoors in a very bright spot by the window. It grows fast, wants a lot of water in summer and likes it warm. The large leaves may split a little over time, which is normal for this plant.
Which plants work in a tropical interior?
Choose plants with big, dramatic leaves and an exotic shape. Monstera, Strelitzia, banana plants, palms and Philodendrons are classics. Combine different leaf shapes and heights for a layered jungle effect.
How much light do tropical plants need?
Most tropical plants love lots of indirect light. Place them near a window, but out of the harsh midday sun. A plant grows best in a bright spot without direct, scorching rays.
How do I keep a tropical plant healthy indoors?
Tropical plants love a humid environment. Water regularly as soon as the top layer of soil is dry, mist the leaves now and then and keep them away from cold draughts and heat sources.
How many plants do I need for a tropical look?
A tropical interior is about volume, so be bold with combinations. Work with clusters of three to five plants of different heights per zone and fill in the lower layer so the look feels full.
Which pots suit a tropical interior?
Choose natural materials such as woven baskets, terracotta and earth tones. They support the lush atmosphere and let the green of your plant take centre stage.
