Growing exotic plants indoors can be a little difficult. Since these plants are not native to your location, replicating their natural habitat conditions makes all the difference. If you are an indoor plant enthusiast and want to try your hand at exotic plants, Nick’s Garden Center is here to help. Use our list of exotic plants that are not insanely difficult to grow to add one or two to your indoor garden.
Begonias
Begonias are one of the easier exotics to nurture. Native to the Brazilian rainforest, there are over 1,000 species of begonias worldwide. Some have huge blossoms, but these tend to do well outdoors, while some are known for their beautiful decorative foliage. The latter tend to do very well indoors.
To successfully grow begonias indoors, choose a spot that gets bright, indirect light, as direct sun can burn their leaves. Plant in slightly acidic, well-draining soil and water thoroughly when the top soil/potting mix is dry. Prune in late winter/early spring to rejuvenate and shape your plants. Provide a humid environment and consider fertilizing with a diluted fertilizer (quarter to half strength) during periods of growth.
Nepenthes
Growing Nepenthes, also known as monkey cups or tropical pitcher plants, requires you to get the growing environment just right. Choose a growing location that gets bright, indirect light. Too little light and your plants will develop spindly leaves, while those getting too much sun may start getting blotchy, red marks.
High humidity is necessary. If your plants are not pitchering, consider adding a humidifier to the care routine. Nepenthes also like a moist (not soggy) environment. Plant using light and airy soil or potting mix and water as needed using distilled water to prevent mineral build-up.
Venus Fly Traps
Venus fly traps are one of those plants that require full sun to thrive. While growing them outdoors is best, they can still do well indoors if you place them on a sunny windowsill where they will get at least six hours of full sunlight. LED lights come in handy if you can not get enough sunlight indoors.
The traps also like moderate humidity, so using a humidifier or putting a tray filled with water nearby can help. Use nutrient-poor soil, such as a carnivorous plant mix. Never let them dry out. Keep the plants moist, but not drenched, and always use mineral-free water.
Sundews
Another must-have carnivorous plant is the beautiful sundew. Its delicate flowers and dew-speckled leaves, which come in various shapes and sizes, are the very definition of exotic beauty.
Sundews do very well in nutrient-poor soil as they get their nutrients from catching and eating bugs. They also need a humid environment. Placing a tray of water under the pot can provide the necessary humidity, but only use distilled water. Choose a location where your plants will get full sun. Most will also do quite well at room temperature.
Pings
Pings make for stunning indoor plants. Also known as Pinguiculas or butterworts, pings generally require moderate to bright light. A few hours of direct sun in the morning or late in the day are enough.
High humidity is especially important. Plants growing in low-humidity conditions tend to have a difficult time producing the sticky glue that traps insects. Use a well-draining soil mix, preferably a ping mix, if you can find one from your local garden center. Time the watering frequency and amount carefully to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
A few wilting or dying leaves are generally not a concern. You will know your plant is happy if it is producing the sticky dew that traps bugs.
Cobra Lilies
Still on carnivorous plants, cobra lilies, with their snake-like appearance, have an eccentric beauty that makes them a great addition to your indoor plant collection.
They thrive in nutrient-poor soil and are best placed on a sunny windowsill. Since they are native to bogs, water your plants regularly, ensuring they never dry out. Using the tray method is a great way to ensure the roots remain cool and hydrated.
Albuca spiralis
Albuca spiralis, also known as Frizzle Sizzle or Corkscrew because of its curly foliage, is a succulent native to South Africa. Its beautiful, yellow flowers release a sweet, vanilla-like scent when in bloom.
To grow Frizzle sizzle, use a loose, well-draining soil mix and water moderately during the growing season. Allow the soil to dry up a bit before watering to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot. Yellowing leaves are a good indicator of poor drainage or overwatering.
It also does well in partial to full sun and is best placed in a location that gets lots of indirect light to prevent leaf burn. If the leaves aren’t curling, consider moving the plant to a more sunny location.
Shop Exotic Plants at Nick’s
Nick’s Garden Center is your go-to location for your exotic plant nursery in the Denver area. Visit our garden center today to explore our selection. You can also contact our gardening professionals to find out more about growing exotic plants.
