"Tropical houseplants bring bold foliage and a lush feel to any room. With the right light and humidity, many thrive indoors year-round.
This guide highlights tropicals that adapt well to homes: Monstera, philodendrons, Calathea, pothos, and others. Use the ePlant identifier to name your plant and get care details from our encyclopedia. For light basics, see our lighting guide; for display ideas, kokedama is a fun option.
Resources like the RHS and UF/IFAS offer more on tropical houseplant care.
Tropical Favorites for Indoors
- Monstera deliciosa - Split leaves; bright indirect light; moderate water.
- Philodendron - Many forms (vining, upright); easy care; bright to medium indirect light.
- Calathea - Patterned leaves; prefers humidity and consistent moisture; avoid direct sun.
- Pothos - Very forgiving; trails or climbs; low to bright indirect light.
- Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) - Large, violin-shaped leaves; bright indirect light; stable watering.
- Bird of paradise (Strelitzia) - Bold foliage and flowers; bright light; room to grow.
Increase humidity with a tray of pebbles and water, grouping plants, or a small humidifier. Identify any tropical with ePlant for species-specific care.
Identify Your Tropicals
Snap a photo with ePlant to name your plant and get care tips.
Identify with ePlant