Transforming your home into a refuge full of life is easier than it seems: all you need is a few plants Well chosen to bring freshness, calm and a sculptural touch to every room. In addition to their decorative power, many species contribute to improve air quality and create relaxing environments. The common question? Which indoor species to choose and how to care for them so they look like new. If you're looking for a more tropical and surprising feel, exotic and curious plants They are your greatest allies: from the sculptural monstera to the vibrant bromeliad, passing through variegated leaves and uniquely shaped flowers.
If you are just starting out with plants or already have experience, here you will find practical care recommendations, a selection of exotic indoor species and solutions to the most common problems. The idea is that your new green companions will thrive and turn any corner into a true botanical paradise.
Calathea (Calathea spp.)
La calathea It is one of the most desired exotic plants for its foliage with patterns and color gradients that do not go unnoticed. It is native to Brazil and many varieties fold their leaves at dusk. bright, indirect light and warm environments. Indoors it feels comfortable in a range of approximately 18 to 24 °C, away from drafts.
Key care: moderate and regular watering, maintaining the substrate slightly damp without flooding. A conservative guideline is to check with your finger: water when the first 2 cm are dry. In hard water, it is best to use filtered or rainwater to prevent brown edges. Provides extra humidity with humidifier, a tray of pebbles, or grouping plants together. Feed during growth with green fertilizer at half the recommended dosage.
Alocasia (Alocasia spp.)
La alocasia It is famous for its arrow-shaped leaves with marked veins. It grows well indoors with luminous indirect light and high humidity. It tolerates warm temperatures and, under the right conditions, produces new leaves quickly, providing a very tropical air.
Key care: well-draining, aerated substrate (a mix of peat or coconut fiber with perlite and a little bark). Needs more moisture than water; let it dry slightly between waterings. Avoid cold currents and sudden changes in temperature. Watch out mealybugs and red spider In dry environments, a warm shower and leaf cleaning help prevent them.
Zamioculca (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Few plants are as resistant as the zamioculca or ZZ. Its fleshy stems and rhizomes store Water reserve, which allows for spacing out watering and forgiving oversights. Ideal for spaces with low light where other species suffer. Its deep green, waxy-glossy leaves stand out in any room.
Key care: watering spacing (every 2 or 3 weeks, or even more if the environment is cool) allowing the substrate to dry completely. Use pots with drainage holes and avoid saucers of water. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to enhance shine and promote photosynthesis. Fertilize in spring and summer with low doses. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
Bromeliad (Guzmania and others)
If you are looking for an exotic flowering plant, the bromeliads of the Guzmania genus are ideal. They form a rosette of green leaves from which emerges a central bract in shades red, orange or yellow that lasts for weeks. They require high ambient humidity and careful watering.
Key care: Keep the substrate barely moist and replenish the water in the central glass Weekly if the species allows (use lime-free water). Avoid flooding the base. It appreciates fine mist sprays and a location with bright indirect light. The flowering cycle is unique to each parent plant, which then emits young to renew the copy.
Monstera deliciosa (Adam's rib)
La monstera It provides an unmistakable tropical look thanks to its large, shiny, perforated leavesA natural climber, it appreciates supports or moss to produce aerial roots. It prefers stable, indirect light.
Key care: Water when the top few inches of the potting soil are dry; better to underwater than overwater. Mix loose, well-draining potting soil with organic matter. Wipe leaves and turn the pot periodically for optimal soil balance. balanced growthAvoid strong direct sunlight.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
The gender Philodendron It includes hundreds of species with whole, lobed or split leaves, highly appreciated indoors for their spectacular foliageThey originate from tropical forests in Central and South America and adapt well to indirect light, tolerating semi-shade.
Key care instructions: aerated substrate, moderate watering, and medium-high humidity. Provide stakes for climbing plants. Apply balanced fertilizer during the growing season and avoid strong, direct sunlight to avoid burning the leaves.
What are exotic plants?
Is considered exotic plant that whose origin is different from the place where it is grown. The label depends on the local contextA species common in one country may be exotic in another. Some become naturalized over time and even become invasive if conditions are favorable.
Why are they successful indoors? Because of their ornamental impact: Striking colors, unique textures, and unusual shapes become decorative focal points. If you're drawn to variegated leaves or extraordinary-looking flowers, you've come to the right place to discover species and care.
26 names of exotic plants for the home
In temperate climate regions, many indoor exotics come from areas tropical and subtropicalHere's a selection with growing notes for you to choose from based on light, space, and available time.
Monstera delicious
Native to the jungles of Mesoamerica. Its ribbed, split leaves. Indirect light, moderate watering and support. Avoid drafts and strong sunlight.
Anthurium andraeanum
Anthurium with a shiny spathe and central spadix. It prefers high humidity, filtered light, and a well-draining, airy substrate. Water sparingly but consistently.
Epipremnum aureum (Pothos)
Very hardy climber, with green leaves and shades of cream depending on the variety. It tolerates low light, although for variegated plants it prefers more light. Let it dry between waterings.
Hoya carnosa
Hanging climber with umbels of waxy flowers. Plenty of indirect light and spaced watering. It doesn't like overcrowding; it blooms best when packed tightly.
Asplenium nidus (Bird's Nest Fern)
Rosette fronds with a glossy texture. Requires Humid climate, out of direct sunlight. Keep the substrate moist but not soaked, and avoid wetting the center.
Ficus elastica (Ficus robusta)
Large, firm, dark green or variegated leaves. Light medium to bright No direct sunlight. Water when the top third of the substrate dries out. Rotate the plant to avoid tilting.
maranta leuconeura
“Prayer plant” for its nocturnal movement. Striking tricolor foliage. High humidity, soft light and moderate irrigation with low-calcare water.
Schlumbergera spp. (Christmas Cactus)
Epiphyte of forest, not desert. Flowers in winter if there is controlled photoperiod and coolnessRegular watering without flooding and good indirect light.
Begonia rex
Queen of begonias for its painted leaves. It prefers filtered light, ambient humidity and moderate watering, avoiding excessive wetting of the leaves.
oxalis triangular
“Butterfly plant” with purple leaflets. Bright light Avoid direct midday sun and water moderately. Leaves and flowers are edible in moderation.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ plant, resistant and undemanding. Low maintenance: low light, widely spaced watering and draining mineral substrate.
Cocos nucifera (Coconut tree)
Demanding tropical palm tree indoors: a lot of light, high humidity, and stable temperature. Difficult for beginners due to its sensitivity to environmental drought.
Pilea peperomioides
“Chinese money plant.” Indirect light, moderate watering, and light fertilization. It produces young easily.
Fittonia albivenis
“Nerve plant” for its ribs. constant humidity, low to medium light, and frequent, non-flooding watering. Perfect for terrariums.
haworthia cooperi
South African succulent with translucent leaves. Lots of indirect light and scarce irrigation. Mineral substrate for cactus.
peperomia prostratum
Hanging with round, mottled leaves. Medium-bright light, moderate watering and temperate environment.
Alocasia 'Polly'
Compact hybrid with stark contrast in nervation. It requires high humidity, indirect light, and prudent watering.
Rhipsalis baccifera
Epiphytic jungle cactus. Filtered light, regular watering and Humid climateAvoid very compact substrates.
Cryptanthus bivittatus
Terrestrial bromeliad with striated rosette. Medium light, moderate watering and do not allow stagnant water.
Maranta leuconeura 'Kerchoveana'
Variety of maranta with green patterns on pale green. Requires high humidity and irrigation with low-salt water.
Caladium 'Summer Breeze'
Spectacular foliage with thin, translucent blades. Prefers much clarity without intense sun, rich substrate and high humidity. When dormant, it loses its leaves.
Hoya kerrii
“Hoya corazón”. It needs bright light, spaced watering and tight pot to promote flowering.
maculata begonia
“Angel wings” with silver dots. Indirect light, moderate watering and air circulation soft to prevent fungus.
Nummular Dischidia
Hanging epiphyte with round leaves. Filtered light, light watering, and medium-high humidity. Well-aerated substrate.
Aeschynanthus radicals
“Lipstick plant” for its red tubular flowers. Bright light without direct sun, moderate watering and humidity.
Syngonium podophyllum
Arrow-leaved climber. Tolerates semi-shade, appreciates diffused light and constant watering without flooding. Variegated varieties require more light.
Caring for exotic plants
Most indoor exotics share needs derived from their origin: abundant but filtered light, aerated substrates, prudent watering, and moderate to high humidity. Adjusting these factors for each species makes the difference between survival and prosperity.
Light and temperature
Tropical plants prefer bright, indirect lightingA curtain or sidelight by a window often works. The varieties variegated They need extra light to maintain their cream or pink tones; in low light they tend to turn green. Maintain stable temperatures and avoid cold currentsSudden changes can cause leaf drop or stunted growth.
Irrigation and water quality
More exotic plants die from overwatering than from underwatering. Adjust the frequency to substrate rhythm: Water only when the top layer dries out. In sensitive species (calatheas, marantas), prefer rainwater or filtered waterUse pots with drainage and remove the water from the saucer after 10 minutes.
Humidity
Many require an environment above 50-60%. Humidity increases with humidifier, trays with pebbles and water (without the base touching the water) or grouping plants together. Spray sparingly and early in the morning to prevent fungus.
Substrate, fertilizer and transplants
Choose mixes aerated and draining: Coconut fiber or peat base + perlite + bark for aroids; mineral mix for succulents. Fertilize during the growing season with balanced fertilizers at moderate doses. Repot when the roots appear through drainage or the root ball is very compact, increasing only one pot size.
Cleaning, tutoring and pruning
Remove dust with a damp cloth to promote photosynthesis. Place moss stakes For climbing plants such as monstera or philodendron. Remove yellow or damaged leaves and pinch tips on trailing plants to thicken them.
Common problems with exotic plants in the home
Yellow sheets
It may be due to excess irrigation, lack of light, or temperature changes. Check the substrate (if it's waterlogged), the location (if it's receiving adequate light), and water flow. Adjust these factors individually and improve drainage if necessary.
Slow or stopped growth
Each species has its own rhythm. If a fast-growing species (like pothos) stalls, check to see if it needs More light, a transplant to a slightly larger pot or a nutritional contribution. In slow-growing species (such as zamioculca), patience is key.
Brown tips and dry edges
It usually indicates low humidity or water with excess salts. Increase the humidity and switch to filtered water. Avoid hot drafts or direct heating.
Frequent pests
Red mite, cottony cushion scale and aphid These are the most common. Inspect the underside of the leaves. Isolate the affected plant and treat with potassium soap or neem oil, repeating applications. Improve conditions (especially humidity and gentle ventilation) to prevent regrowth.
Featured exotic flowers and their care
Some exotic flowers come from tropical areas with abundant rainfall and require regular watering, good light, and protection from the cold. Here are four favorites for bright interiors or sheltered terraces:
Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)
With an architectural appearance and a flower reminiscent of a bird. several hours of gentle sunshine (ideally at dusk), moderate watering allowing the surface to dry slightly and growing fertilizer. It is resistant, but must protect yourself from frost.
Hibiscus (China Rose)
Large, vibrantly colored flowers. Prefers morning sun. moist soil with good drainage and generous watering during flowering. It appreciates a potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering.
Orchids (Orchidaceae family)
The most common ones at home (Phalaenopsis) need a lot of light Avoid direct sunlight, water by immersion in the morning when the roots are sprouting, and ensure perfect drainage in the bark. Avoid flooding the heart of the plant and ensure air circulation.
Passiflora (Passion Flower)
Spectacular flower with colored filaments. It does not tolerate excess water: in cold seasons Water weekly or less frequently, increasing the frequency in warmer months. It requires abundant light and climbing support.
Other rare and very decorative plants
Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)
It stands out for its metallic leaves between purple and silver that look sculpted. With a lot of humidity and some shade will be fine. In a large space, it can grow to over a meter tall, although it adapts well to smaller pots indoors.
Guyana Chestnut (Pachira aquatica)
Famous for its braided trunk, provides a sculptural touch. Requires a lot of light and does not tolerate intense cold. Moderate watering (approximately fortnightly, adjusting to the season and environment) and well-draining substrate. Indoors, it can easily overcome several tens of centimeters and, over time, reach remarkable heights; gradually increase the pot size to help it adapt. Its palmate leaves can grow very large in good conditions.
