10 Tropical Plants to Bring a Touch of the Tropics Indoors

Tropical plants bring lush greenery of exotic appeal to any area. These plants get their name from their bold, brightly colored leaves and ability to withstand warm, moist conditions, making them great candidates for turning your home into a lush haven. In the meantime, consider one of these ten most remarkable tropical plants that will provide color and warmth in your indoor landscaping.

1. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

The Bird of Paradise, known as the “queen of tropical plants,” is a luxurious plant with huge paddle-shaped leaves that stand out with orange flowers accented by blue highlights in its petals, which look like they are spreading to fly. If you have a place in your home with bright light, this plant does best and can sometimes grow pretty tall, making for the perfect sunroom statement.

*Bird of Paradise plant with large green leaves and bright orange and blue flowers in a sunlit indoor setting.*

2. Monstera Deliciosa

The Monstera Deliciosa is a Swiss Cheese Plant, recognizable by its broad, glossy leaves peppered with holes. It’s a plant that can grow in low or bright light, but the best is indirect medium sun. With its dramatic leaves, the aralia is a popular choice for lending an interior some of that lush tropical feel. check out our Monstera Plant Guide.

*Monstera Deliciosa plant with distinctive split leaves in a cozy, modern living room with warm lighting*

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

With glossy green leaves and white, elegant blooms, the Peace Lily is easy to care for and purifies the air effectively. It likes lower light levels — a good choice for shaded rooms. Because it’s so moisture-loving, this plant is ideal for bathrooms or nearly anywhere with medium humidity.

*Peace Lily plant with glossy green leaves and white flowers in a bright bathroom with natural light*

4. Philodendron

A staple of the jungle design style, Philodendron is a tropical plant that produces heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines — perfect for hanging baskets or placing them on high shelves. It can tolerate low light but thrives in medium to bright indirect sunlight. It just needs to be watered regularly, and its maintenance is low.

*Philodendron plant with cascading heart-shaped leaves in a hanging basket in a sunlit kitchen*

5. Anthurium

Anthuriums are bright and colorful flowers that seem to shine with red, pink, or white waxy blossoms in almost any room. They enjoy high humidity and a good amount of bright, indirect sunlight — qualities that make them great for kitchens or bathrooms. These birds enjoy high humidity, so regular misting and keeping the tank properly ventilated can be just what they are looking for.

Anthurium plant with waxy red flowers and green leaves displayed in a stylish dining area

6. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

The Fiddle Leaf Fig has been a go-to choice for contemporary homes With its large, violin-shaped leaves. A filters light and does well in bright, indirect sunlight so long as you can keep the conditions stable because this plant dislikes being moved (beware of drafts). While it is not picky, the Fiddle Leaf Fig loves human hands, so be sure to pamper this plant if you would like healthy growth.

Fiddle Leaf Fig plant with large, lush leaves in a bright, modern living room with natural light

7. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Sometimes called the mother-in-law’s tongue, the Snake Plant has sword-like leaves with a striking upright form. This hardy plant is almost indestructible, only thriving in low light and with as little water as possible. Excellent for bedrooms or offices due to its air purification properties.

Snake Plant with tall, sword-like green leaves in a chic home office setting by a window.

8. Calathea

What makes Calatheas so unique is their leaves have extremely intricate patterns on them, and they come in many different colors and textures. These plants enjoy high humidity levels, prefer low to medium indirect light, and are excellent for bathrooms or little nooks. Even their leaves are tumbling with the light, giving some sense of how unbelievable nature can be.

Calathea plant with vibrant, patterned leaves in a cozy, softly lit room.

9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber plant are great for beginners because they have wide, glossy leaves and are pretty hard to kill. It thrives in brightly lit, indirect light but can survive under much lower levels. This plant must look glossy by regularly dusting the leaves and staying healthy with consistent watering.

Rubber Plant with thick, glossy green leaves in a stylish, bright room with contemporary decor.

10. ZZ Plant – (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

Its deep, dark green, glossy leaves make the ZZ Plant one of the more low-maintenance tropicals. Though it can thrive in low light and air-dry conditions while also forgiving inconsistent watering, this is a great gift for beginners or spaces with little to no natural sunlight. It is very forgiving, even for the laziest gardener.

ZZ Plant with shiny, deep green leaves in a modern, well-lit office space.

Bringing the Tropics Home

Use these ten tropical plants to create a quick and easy indoor jungle in your home. With more choices for plants suited to your home’s lighting and humidity, you can create that tropical oasis in the depths of winter. Whether you’re just starting your houseplant journey or are an experienced plant parent, these tropical stunners make wonderful additions to any indoor space with their eye-catching foliage and potential air-purifying qualities. Happy planting!

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