Popular House Plants For a Tropical TouchFor those who want to give your home a tropical feel think about the heartleaf philodendron. The leaves are simple to care for and tolerate low light.The spiky calathea, called the peacock plant, displays beautiful patterned leaves. Like a lot of other popular house plants, calatheas can be easy to grow, but they require an adequate amount of light and a well-drained soil.Ponytail PalmA stunning plant that is easy to take care of The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) has become one of the most sought-after house plants in recent times. Although it looks like a palm tree, this species is actually a succulent that thrives in dry conditions. Its swollen trunk stores liquid, and it can go for weeks without watering. This makes it an ideal plant for people who live in cold climates or who have busy schedules. It is also known as a bottle palm or elephant foot palm.Ponytail palms thrive in warm indoor environments and can withstand cold temperatures. In summer they prefer bright areas with indirect sunlight to provide warmth and to avoid burning the leaves. They can be adapted to full sun exposure, but only in warmer climates. They can also grow outdoors as a landscape in frost-free regions. They can grow to a diameter of 6 inches or more when they are grown indoors. Offsets can be propagated using cuttings from the base of the tree trunk.The ponytail palms require only a little water and thrive in the same fast-draining soil as succulents, cacti and others. common houseplant are a good choice for this as they can draw moisture away from roots. If your ponytail palm becomes root-bound, you can pot it into an container that is only two inches larger than its trunk. Slowly move it to the new container over the course of a few weeks to avoid shock. Fertilize at least once a season using the cactus' liquid fertilizer at half strength.ScheffleraThe genus Schefflera, which is also called the Umbrella Plant or Queensland Umbrella Tree, includes several well-known house plants with leaves that look like umbrellas. The common varieties, like Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola, grow elongated leaves with up to six leaflets that droop gracefully from an upright stem, giving the plant its popular nickname. The smaller variety, Areca catechu, produces similar leaf shapes, but with smaller leaves that are usually decorated with yellow or cream. Both types of plants are beautiful however, they also function as natural air fresheners and deodorizers.This tropical plant is an easy-care home plant and thrives with moderately high humidity. It will tolerate a moderately warm temperature, but it will not withstand sudden temperature changes or drafts. It is susceptible to a range of diseases that can cause fungal and bacterial leaf spots. To prevent these issues ensure that you keep the soil moist, not overwatering it, and apply a potting mix made from peat moss. If you must water your plant make sure that the soil's top inch is dry before re-watering.You may have to feed your plant more often when it exhibits signs of nutrient deficiency like yellow or wilted leaves, or brown tips. You can add liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets to water. It is important to trim your schefflera on a regular basis, since this will encourage the formation of new leaves and increase the growth.Areca PalmPalms are a popular choice in tropical climates. They are beautiful house plants for their green fronds which stay fresh all year long and blend nicely with the majority of interiors. They can be grown as a centerpiece or in pots for a natural look. They also bring a lot of drama to entranceways or a corner and are ideal for brightening up a dark spot in the home.In their natural habitat the areca palm thrives in a tropical rainforest climate. It is naturally adapted to high humidity and warm temperatures. However they are prone to cold and could cause burns to its leaves if exposed to sudden bursts of cold air. common houseplants is important to keep your palms out from cold windows, heaters and air conditioners.Areca palms should be exposed to plenty of sunlight. They are not tolerant of low or moderate lighting Therefore, ensure that they are placed in a location that has plenty of direct sunlight.Areca palms require continuous watering, but they should never be overwatered. Overwatering can cause rot or fungus-related diseases. The soil shouldn't be drenched, but it should be humid. It should also be allowed to dry between waterings. If the soil is not an abundant, loamy mixture you can alter it by mixing in some builder's-sand or peat moss to make a more nutrient-rich and well-draining mix.Chinese Money PlantThe Pilea peperomioides can also be known as the Chinese money plant, coin plant, or pancake plant. It's an annual flowering plant belonging to the nettle genus. It's grown for its rounded UFO-shaped leaves. It's a plant that is fast-growing and easy to propagate and take care of.This houseplant grows best in medium light conditions. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this will burn its gorgeous leaves. Place it near a large window that is exposed to plenty of indirect sunlight.To prevent the Chinese money plant from becoming lopsided, rotate the pot by about one quarter every week or so. This ensures that all leaves get equal amounts of sunlight. It's also recommended to fertilize it once a month using a balanced liquid plant food that is diluted to half strength.The Chinese money plant can withstand quite low levels of humidity. If you notice that the leaf edges are starting to become crisp this could be a sign that it's time to up the humidity.This plant is a favorite in Feng Shui where it's believed to bring prosperity and wealth. It's a great plant for the office as it has been proven to boost productivity of workers and decrease stress among employees. It's also non-toxic to pets and children. Share your greenery! You can find this plant at local garden centers and nurseries as well as in most big-box home improvement stores and supermarkets with a garden section.Majesty PalmMajesty palms, or Ravenea Rivularis, have tall leaves that make a beautiful addition to any home. These tropical plants are known for their air-purifying properties. They can be difficult to take care of, however, due to their growing requirements and high humidity requirements.Majesty palms, as with most indoor plants, require medium light and evenly moistened soil. It is recommended to water them regularly, but not too often. The plant will benefit from regular fertilization as well.When watering a majesty palm, ensure that you apply the water to the entire surface of the soil. Avoid watering the plant directly on its crown at the base as this could cause decay and damage to the new fronds. common houseplant thrive best in pots that are a couple of inches larger than their root ball. The plant will also appreciate the drainage of a pot because it is susceptible to root rot. Drain rocks can be incorporated into the bottom of the pot to increase drainage. common houseplants or when the roots are extending out of the drainage hole in the bottom of your pot.Majesty palms are prone to aphids, spider mites and scale insects. It is essential to spray the plant frequently with a mild soap and water solution to keep these pests out. Majesty palms can be sensitive to low humidity, making it essential to keep them in a location with adequate air circulation.PeperomiaThe Peperomia is a great houseplant for newbies as it does not require a lot of watering. It is a tropical species that comes from the rain forest, and prefers moderate humidity and warm temperatures. It thrives in humid areas such as terrariums and brightly lit bathrooms, as well as misted areas within the home. It can be kept outside during summer, but you should bring it inside when temperatures drop.Lindsay Pangborn, an expert of the gardening site Bloomscape recommends watering only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. She also recommends using a chopstick to aerate the soil prior to watering to ensure that water can reach all areas of the roots. Aeration helps prevent rot and encourages deeper root growth. Peperomias aren't fussy when it comes to feeding and can be fertilized twice a week using a general-purpose fertilizer specifically designed for houseplants.The leaves of peperomias are distinguished by a unique texture. They can be smooth, crinkled or even with grooves or ridges. They can also be spotted or variegated. Some have a pattern which resembles a watermelon skin or the emerald-colored ripples. You can clean them by wiping them with a damp cloth. This is especially crucial for species with ripples and grooves. If you notice swollen areas on the leaves of the peperomia plant, this could be a sign of a problem. You should treat the plant with insecticidal detergent.