How to create an indoor jungle with tropical house plants

Most indoor plants we grow (apart from the cacti and succulents) have a tropical origin. The large, lush, dark green leaves of our house plants are the typical characteristics of tropical plants – and they are perfect for creating the indoor jungle look.

In this article we will explore various ideas for using tropical plants for your indoor jungle, complete with example plants and display suggestions to help you achieve the tropical look. But first, it is worth taking some time to understand what makes a plant “tropical”, and thus appropriate for this style of indoor planting.

Tropical plants are native to regions with warm, humid climates and typically feature large, dramatic foliage. They thrive in environments with high humidity, indirect light, and consistent temperatures.

The reason these plants have lush dark green leaves is because they are mostly under-storey rainforest plants. This means they have evolved in conditions of low light intensity and they have adapted to those conditions in two ways that make the plants more attractive to us.

Firstly, they have evolved to have increased concentrations of chlorophyll in their leaves. This helps them photosynthesise more effectively in low light – and is what makes the leaves darker green. Secondly, they have evolved to have leaves with larger surface areas. This again boosts photosynthesis, and results in the big, broad attractively shaped foliage we all love.

Some tropical plants can be challenging to grow indoors, but many varieties have adapted well to indoor conditions, making them perfect for creating an amazing indoor jungle and tropical vibe in your home.

In this post, I have used a mixture of photographic images and AI images. I find that AI images are great for providing design inspiration and bringing ideas in the imagination to life.

Choosing the right tropical plants for your indoor jungle

When selecting tropical plants for your home, consider the following factors:

• Light conditions: Most tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light.
• Humidity levels: Many tropical plants thrive in humid environments. Can you provide reasonably consistent levels of humidity in your home?
• Temperature: Most tropical plants prefer temperatures between 15-25°C.
• Space available: Consider the mature size of the plant when choosing a location.
• Care requirements: Some tropical plants require more attention than others.

With these factors in mind, let’s explore some popular tropical plants and how to incorporate them into your home decor.

Statement plants for bold tropical impact

Large, statement plants are excellent for creating a dramatic tropical look in your home. These plants often become the focal point of a room and can instantly transform a space into a lush paradise. Here are some good, and easy to find, examples

Monstera deliciosa

(Swiss cheese plant) With its large, perforated leaves, the Monstera deliciosa is an iconic tropical plant that adds instant drama to any room. Display suggestions:

• Place a large Monstera in a bright corner of your living room, allowing its leaves to cascade naturally.
• Use a decorative plant stand to elevate a smaller Monstera, creating visual interest at different heights.

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Strelitzia nicolai (Giant bird of paradise)

The giant bird of paradise boasts impressive, paddle-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 metres long. Display suggestions:

• Position it near a large window in a spacious room, such as a conservatory or open-plan living area.
• Use it as a natural room divider in a loft-style apartment.

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Ficus lyrata (Fiddle leaf fig)

Known for its large, violin-shaped leaves, the fiddle leaf fig is a popular choice for creating a tropical look. Display suggestions:

• Place it in a bright spot in your bedroom or home office for a calming, nature-inspired atmosphere.
• Use a pair of fiddle leaf figs to frame a large piece of furniture, such as a sofa or bed.

Creating lush foliage layers

To achieve a truly tropical look, it’s important to create layers of foliage at different heights. This mimics the dense, multi-layered appearance of a tropical forest.

Philodendron varieties

Philodendrons come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for creating layers. Some popular varieties include:

• Philodendron bipinnatifidum (tree philodendron)
• Philodendron xanadu
• Philodendron hederaceum (heart-leaf philodendron)

Display suggestions:

• Group different philodendron varieties together, placing larger types at the back and smaller, trailing varieties in front or in hanging baskets.
• Use a tall plant stand for tree philodendrons to add height to your display.

Calathea varieties

Calatheas, also known as prayer plants, offer stunning foliage with intricate patterns. Popular varieties include:

• Calathea orbifolia
• Calathea makoyana (peacock plant)
• Calathea lancifolia (rattlesnake plant)

Display suggestions:

• Arrange a collection of different calathea varieties on a tiered plant stand to showcase their diverse leaf patterns.
• Use them as understory plants beneath larger tropical specimens to create a forest-like effect.

Ferns

Ferns add a soft, feathery texture to your tropical display. Consider these varieties:

• Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern)
• Asplenium nidus (bird’s nest fern)
• Platycerium bifurcatum (staghorn fern)

Display suggestions:

• Hang Boston ferns in macramé plant hangers at varying heights to create a cascading effect.
• Mount a staghorn fern on a wooden board and hang it on the wall as living art.

Adding colour

While lush green foliage is the foundation of a tropical look, adding splashes of colour can enhance the exotic feel of your indoor jungle.

Bromeliads

Bromeliads offer striking, long-lasting blooms in vibrant colours. Popular varieties include:

• Guzmania lingulata
• Neoregelia carolinae
• Vriesea splendens

Display suggestions:

• Group several bromeliads together in a shallow dish filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity.
• Use them as table centrepieces or on coffee tables to add a burst of colour at eye level.

Anthurium andraeanum (Flamingo flower)

With its glossy, heart-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white, the anthurium adds a touch of tropical elegance. Display suggestions:

• Place a single anthurium in a sleek, modern pot as a sophisticated accent piece.
• Create a colourful tropical vignette by combining anthuriums with other flowering plants like orchids.

Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)

Crotons offer a rainbow of colours in their foliage, ranging from yellows and oranges to reds and purples. Display suggestions:

• Use a large croton as a colourful focal point in a bright room.
• Combine different croton varieties to create a vibrant, multi-coloured display.

Creating a tropical bathroom oasis

The bathroom is an ideal place to create a tropical atmosphere due to its naturally humid environment. Here are some ideas for transforming your bathroom into a tropical retreat:

Epiphytes and air plants

These plants don’t require soil and thrive in humid environments. Consider:

• Tillandsia (air plants)
• Platycerium bifurcatum (staghorn fern)

Display suggestions:

• Arrange air plants in glass terrariums or hang them from the ceiling using fishing line.

Humidity-loving foliage plants

Choose plants that thrive in high humidity, such as:

• Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant)
• Chamaedorea elegans (parlour palm)
• Spathiphyllum (peace lily)

Display suggestions:

• Place a parlour palm next to the bathtub to create a spa-like atmosphere.
• Group smaller plants like peace lilies on a bamboo ladder shelf for a natural, tropical feel.

Tropical-inspired styling tips

To complete your indoor tropical paradise, consider these styling tips:

• Natural materials: Incorporate natural materials like bamboo, rattan, and jute through furniture, baskets, and textiles.
• Tropical prints: Use tropical leaf prints on cushions, curtains, or wall art to enhance the theme.
• Warm colours: Paint an accent wall in a warm, tropical hue like deep green, terracotta, or ochre.
• Mood lighting: Use warm, dimmable lighting to create a cosy, tropical ambiance in the evenings.
• Water features: Add a small indoor fountain or water feature to create a soothing, tropical atmosphere.

Caring for your indoor tropical plants

To keep your tropical plants thriving, you need to try to adapt your growing conditions to mimic what the plants are used to in their natural habitats. This is admittedly easier said than done. But you should have some success if you follow these general care tips:

• Light: Most tropical plants prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use room temperature water and adjust frequency based on the season and plant type. Plants in higher light conditions will require more watering than those in low light.
• Humidity: Increase humidity by misting plants regularly, using a pebble tray, or running a humidifier.
• Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature between 15-25°C, and avoid placing plants near drafts or heat sources.
• Fertiliser: Feed your tropical plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Cleaning: Regularly dust the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to keep them looking fresh and allow for better photosynthesis.

For more detail, read our complete house plant care guide here.

These ideas and care tips will help you transform your living space into an exotic retreat, and give you numerous additional benefits as well. including improved air quality, reduced stress, and a deeper connection with nature.

So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and bring the tropics into your home with these lush and vibrant plant ideas.