Exotic and tropical plants

Article by: Chris Beardshaw
Publish date: 8th January 2009

Chilly winter greys dominate the sky during January, painting muted tones over often-motionless gardens. For many, evergreen hues are all that remain to punctuate the landscape, while gardeners wait with bated breath for the traditional joys and colours of spring to arrive. However, there is no limit to the potential for tropical flamboyance if the right plants are employed in a favourable location.

I am not suggesting that we all adopt richly exotic species throughout the garden, one sniff of the cold weather this month confirms this is not possible, but I do love calling on a few choice species to add pace to indoor plant displays, safe in the knowledge that such specimens can be fully utilised outside once the weather improves.

The principle of keeping tender plants in containers is, of course, nothing new, but it is worth considering whether the potential for floral beauty is being fulfilled. With plant species descending from tropical and sub-tropical shores, part of the appeal for some is in the challenge of the upkeep, while for others the plants may act as reminders of foreign travels. For me, it is all about the glamour and overt abundance of bloom that many of these specimens offer. Such stimuli date back as far as the Victorian era when the exploration of exotic climes heralded the introduction of fantastic and magical specimens that soon became essential ingredients of the home, conservatory or hot house. Bleeding Heart (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is an energetic twining evergreen vine carrying wide oval leaves and pure white flowers from which protrude lengthy stamens and prominent petals adorned with splashes of bright red. Hailing from Western Africa, this species is accustomed to very wet and humid conditions that are periodically quelled by easterly Saharan winds, so is adaptable to fluctuations in humidity. If brought indoors the Bleeding Heart can live comfortably throughout the winter at room temperature. However, it should not be too close to a radiator as during this period it enters dormancy and requires some respite from heat. It can be placed in a sunnier position outdoors, as soon as the weather warms. In the meantime, a spot in a bright sitting room, perhaps climbing a banister, would suit this plant very well, or even in a hanging container trained around an interior wall.

Suiting a bright conservatory is the Datura, a woody shrub native to Brazil and the hilly regions of Peru. Each broad foliaged plant produces huge and fragrant trumpet-shaped blooms to 20cm in length that swing like pendulums from their lush green canopy. D.candida, a complex triple trumpet, and D.suaveolens, a dazzling white form, are particular beauties that may be grown from seed indoors. Because of their sunny South American habitat, however, Datura will not reach full size unless exposed to high light levels each day. If a conservatory with endless hours of exposure to light is not an option, the species will still grow into a small shrub that can be placed in a sunny spot on a terrace in summer. Likewise, the pale blue flowers of the South African Plumbago auriculata will suit a place in full sun, but it is not adverse to partial shade. Its foliage is jasmine-like, while the plentiful vinca-like flowers are of the purest sky blue imaginable. This is a modestly sized plant and is great for cascading and spilling through pots, a trellis or from indoor borders in a cool glasshouse.

A fine example of the tropical wonder is the African Flame lily (Gloriosa superba). As a fairly hardy shrub, it will easily adapt to the conditions of a conservatory or glasshouse and provide staggering fiery red and yellow petals that will lick up the sides of any supporting frame. It is little wonder that this plant is often considered the pride of any collection. Once the flowering commences, little can compete with the explosive, sun drenched performance. The South African Clivia miniata, on the other hand, is a lily relative that prefers the shade, growing to around half a metre, but still producing sweetly fragrant, flame-tinted flowers on fleshy stems over verdant green strappy leaves. This is a candidate for the darker corners of the house and areas where cooler temperatures prevail.

Similar in boldness are the Heliconia species that don huge banana-like leaves and bright red waxy bracts that resemble the plumage of birds. Often referred to as the 'False Bird of Paradise' for its similarities to Strelitzia, it grows well in a tropical habitat of humidity native to its Pacific Ocean origins. In the UK home, however, it would be difficult to completely emulate the quintessentially tropical conditions, and therefore varieties have been introduced that are more tolerant of cooler climes. Accustomed to much sunshine, even as a hardier variety, this plant is destined for the conservatory once again, or, at the very least, a bright and warm room. Like Datura, growing Heliconia indoors may cause a reduction in foliage vigour, but don't be dissuaded as the flowers are sure to cheer up a living space. One exotic must-have species that definitely needs full sun is the sweet frangipani (Plumeria rubra), a sub-tropical American beauty that grows well indoors. It prefers a south westerly facing room where water, warmth and a generous supply of fertiliser will encourage the production of adorable white, pink or yellow flowers. Glossy foliage on the robust and branching stems is accompanied by waxy, star-like blooms, which emit the most delicious and heady fragrance of all tropical plants.

The Rose Grape (Medinilla magnifica), on the other hand, is more of a bathroom dweller. A descendent of the Philippines, this majestic plant lives in high humidity, making home care a challenge, but not impossible. A steamy bathroom or hot conservatory would keep leaves warm and moisture rich, plus keeping it out of direct sunlight, thus providing shade to its pretty pink bracts under its arching canopy. This is one species that shouldn't be left to dry out, particularly when the buds begin to show. It may be difficult, but it rarely disappoints.

In the house, conservatory or heated glasshouse, exoticism will thrive within a less-than-tropical environment. The primary challenge is to provide sufficient light since these tropical plants have evolved to expect 12 hours of daylight in addition to the heat and humidity of their natural habitat.

To combat this, some call on the services of daylight bulbs to artificially extend the light, but a far simpler option is to ensure they are placed as close to natural light as possible. Windows must be kept clean of debris and obstructions since even a modest smear will significantly reduce light levels. Keeping plants away from winter chills, particularly at night when rooms get cooler, is a factor to consider as is the need to avoid over-watering during the winter when growth is slow. However, once spring breaks and plants are invigorated, be diligent with your feeding and watering regimes and, once conditions are right, allow these beauties to grace terraces and balconies.