A Breath of Fresh Air | How to Care for Tropical Foliage Plants | by Ottawa's Best Garden Centre
Foliage plants are like adding a breath of fresh air to a room and in fact, that’s exactly what they do by increasing oxygen levels indoors. They’re attractive, decorative, and functional, while also being relatively easy to care for and low maintenance, making them ideal houseplants for both homes and offices.
Peperomias stay low and compact and are especially easy houseplants to care for when light levels are not too strong, making them a popular choice for indoor spaces.
Light
Light is the most important element in successfully growing a houseplant. Without adequate light, a plant cannot produce the energy it needs to survive and thrive.
It is almost always better to give a plant more light than it needs rather than not enough. For example, the Dracaena family is generally regarded as a low- to medium-light group of plants, yet it’s common to see Dracaena massangeana and Dracaena marginata growing in the direct, blazing sun of the tropics. These plants naturally grow in high light but are also adaptable to lower-light environments, making them well suited for most homes and offices.
High-light plants such as Ficus benjamina and Crotons cannot be forced into lower-light areas simply to suit a design preference unless they are supplemented with proper additional lighting. This additional light may be provided using spot grow bulbs, fluorescent grow tubes, or other high-intensity lighting options.
A reliable way to determine whether an area has enough light to support a specific plant is to take a light reading. This can easily be done using a combination light and moisture meter, available here in the garden centre.
Water
More houseplants are lost to overwatering than to all other factors combined. Water requirements vary widely depending on plant type. In general, the more light a plant receives, the more water it will require. Temperature, humidity, soil mix, and the type of container used all contribute to a plant’s moisture needs.
It’s a good habit to check your plants on a regular schedule, but it’s nearly impossible to say that a plant will need water every week or on any fixed timeline, as growing conditions can change frequently.
Moisture meters can be a valuable tool when checking whether plants need water, but they should be used as a guide only. Always rely on your senses as well. Drooping foliage often signals a need for water, but it can also be a sign of stress caused by overwatering.
Allowing a plant to sit in a saucer or pot filled with water can lead to excess moisture being absorbed through the roots. This prevents the soil from drying properly and often results in poor plant performance, even if individual waterings were not excessive.
Temperature and Humidity
Tropical plants can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but like us, they prefer moderate conditions. Temperatures between 15°C and 30°C are ideal, with evening temperatures dropping by about 5°C to help sustain plant vitality. Drafts, air conditioning, and heating vents can negatively affect most tropical plants and should be avoided where possible.
While most plants prefer higher humidity levels than the average home provides, they are generally adaptable. Normal household humidity is usually sufficient for healthy growth.
Fertilizer
Regular fertilization is important for maintaining healthy foliage plants. Feeding should occur during active growth periods, which in Canada typically run from March through October. It’s better to fertilize more frequently using diluted solutions rather than applying a strong dose occasionally. Never fertilize a dry plant, as this can cause root damage.
Most foliage plants respond well to balanced fertilizers such as 20-20-20, while flowering plants benefit from formulas higher in phosphorus, such as 15-30-15.
Disease and Insects
Diseases and insects are something plant owners should be aware of, but they shouldn’t be a major concern when plants are purchased from a reputable garden centre. Proper care, healthy stock, and early attention usually prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.