Hey everyone! I'm new to the world of houseplants and I've noticed that a lot of people tend to favor tropical plants in their collections. I'm curious about why that is. Are there many temperate climate plants, like those found in UK gardens, that can thrive indoors? The only one I can think of is ivy—could you suggest a few more? I also wonder if light requirements play a role since many use grow lights, yet still prefer tropical plants. Why aren't there more temperate plants being grown indoors? Thanks a bunch!
1 Answer
One reason tropical plants are favored is because many temperate plants need a winter dormancy period to thrive. For example, plants like the Venus flytrap require a winter break, and some folks even use fridges to simulate this dormancy. But honestly, managing this process can be a hassle, and plants usually aren't at their best during this time. So you only see them look beautiful for part of the year, which might be why many opt for the low-maintenance tropical varieties instead.
Ah that is interesting, thanks! I usually keep my house a bit colder in winter, around 13-16°C, so some plants might actually get the rest they need. I don’t want to risk bringing back pests or diseases though, so they'll have to stay inside!