Tropical Plants for Canadian Homes
Introduction
The Canadian Challenge: Understanding Our Climate
Canada’s not exactly known for its year-round balmy weather. We’ve got blazing hot summers and, well, those other months where you wonder if the sun has moved to another planet. This means when choosing your tropical plants, we must think about their specific needs, how much sunlight is really available, and all the other factors that help make these plants healthy in Canada.
Are there Tropical Areas in Canada?
Not exactly in the way that you would think of Costa Rica, but we do have pockets that are almost tropical. Think of the southern parts of British Columbia or the tip of southern Ontario. These areas get the most warmth and sunshine, but even still, they cannot really be categorized as tropical. This is one reason that when you are choosing your plants, they need to be indoors.
When you want to bring in tropical plants, it’s all about creating the right conditions inside your home. Let’s get started!
Q: What is the easiest plant to grow in full sun?
If you’re blessed with a sun-drenched window, you’re in luck! While most tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light, some can handle a bit of direct sun. Think plants like:
Hibiscus: They love a good sunbath!
Bird of Paradise: These showstoppers can handle full sun and reward you with striking blooms.
Croton: With their colourful foliage, they are happy in a sunlit window.
(You might still need to protect them during the peak heat of a summer afternoon, even in Canada!)
The Canadian Edition: Tropical Plant Care Tips
Light is Key: Remember, our sunlight hours shift dramatically throughout the year. Supplement with grow lights if needed, especially in the winter.
Watering Wisely: Most tropical plants prefer moist but not soggy soil. Check the soil moisture before watering.
Humidity Boost: Canadian homes can get very dry in the winter. Increase humidity by using a humidifier, pebble trays, or grouping plants together.
Temperature Control: Keep your home consistently warm, as most plants don’t like drafts or cold temperatures.
Choosing the Right Potting Mix: A well-draining potting mix is essential. Make sure it is suitable for tropical plants.
Dealing with Common Problems:
Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
Brown Leaf Tips: Often a sign of low humidity.
Pests: Check plants regularly for pests and treat immediately.
Navigating the Canadian Market: Where to Shop for Tropical Plants
Local Nurseries: Check your local nurseries. They often have a good selection of tropical plants that are grown locally and are suited for the climate.
Online Plant Stores: There are so many great online plant stores in Canada that can deliver tropical plants straight to your door. Search to find one that suits you!
| Retailer | Type | Availability (Tropicals) |
|---|---|---|
|
Local Nurseries
|
Local |
Medium - High
|
|
Plant Collective
|
Online |
High |
|
Bloomex |
Online |
Medium |
|
Amazon.ca
|
Online |
Low-Medium
|
|
Canadian Tire/ Home Depot
|
Retail |
Low-Medium
|
|
Etsy |
Online
|
HIgh |
|
Facebook Marketplace/Kijiji
|
Local |
Low-Medium
|
Low maintenance tropical plants Canada: Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Pothos are excellent choices for those who might not have a green thumb.
Canadian climate tropical plants: This highlights the importance of choosing plants that are adaptable to our varied climate, especially the long, dark winters. Focus on plants that can tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions.
Common problems growing tropical plants Canada: The key issues tend to be low humidity, inconsistent light, and improper watering, so addressing those should help you prevent a lot of issues.
Affordable tropical plants Canada: Starting with easier-to-grow varieties and propagating from cuttings or buying smaller, younger plants to save money are great ideas
Tropical plants that don’t need much light Canada: ZZ plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are fantastic low-light choices for those with north-facing windows or darker corners.
Q: Do tropical plants need sun?
Tropical plants like sun, but many actually prefer bright indirect light. Think of their natural environment: under a forest canopy, getting dappled light. So, no, not all tropical plants need direct sunlight! It’s more about finding the right balance for each plant. If you don’t have a lot of light in your home, we’ll get to which plants are best suited for you.
Q: What is the coolest looking plant?
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): Those dramatic, fenestrated leaves are always a showstopper.
Calathea: These are truly artistic, with beautifully patterned leaves that can make you feel like you are in a rainforest.
Alocasia (Elephant Ear): Bold and striking, these plants have a sculptural quality that looks incredible.
Q: What are the easiest tropical plants to grow in the house?
Snake Plant (Sansevieria): They are practically unkillable!
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): Tolerates low light and neglect like a champ.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Super versatile and easy to propagate.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): It’s a classic choice for beginners and it even makes adorable spiderettes.
Q: Which plant is best for outside the home?
During the warmer months, you can experiment with putting some of your tropical plants outside. However, not all tropical plants do well outdoors, since the Canadian climate is very unpredictable. Plants like Hibiscus, Palms and Cannas do well outdoors in the summer months.
Q: What happens if you grow more than 4 plants in Canada?
There’s no actual limit to how many plants you can grow in your home in Canada. I’m not sure where you heard that, but you are free to grow as many plants as your heart desires! So go wild! I know that I certainly do.
Q: What is the fastest plant to grow at home?
If you’re impatient like me, then you might want a plant that grows fast. Pothos are great for this! If you start with a cutting of one, you can see a lot of growth in a short period of time, making it great for beginners.
Q: What is the lowest temperature house plants can tolerate?
It depends on the type of plant! Most of your tropical plants prefer temperatures that are similar to what we humans are comfortable in (around 18-24°C). But when the temperatures drop, most will struggle. It’s always good to keep your house at a temperature that is suitable for you and your plants. The minimum is around 10 °C for most tropical houseplants, but that’s the absolute minimum – they prefer to be warmer.
Q: What temperature can Spider plants tolerate Celsius?
Spider plants are quite resilient and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they do best between 15°C and 26°C. They can withstand temperatures down to around 10°C for a short time, but it is not ideal for the plant.
Conclusion
Bringing the tropics to your Canadian home isn’t just a dream; it’s a very achievable reality with the right plants and some care. I encourage you to embrace the challenge, experiment, and enjoy the incredible transformation your plants will bring to your space. Don’t let the grey skies and chilly weather outside dampen your spirits; instead, create your own lush oasis right inside your home!
Now go forth, plant lovers, and create your own personal tropical paradise!