Growing Tropical plants in non Tropical zones

Growing Tropical plants in non Tropical zones:

Many spend good amount of time and money trying to grow our Indian tropical plants in different states of US.
Depending on the climatic conditions, it’s quite difficult and different for various states.
Tending to plants and taking care of them for good blooms is definitely a skill one has to master.

Plants in the nursery are always lovely looking very healthy and good blooms. The same wouldn’t be as healthy and blooming at home. The difference is the environment and care.

Foundation:
Potting mix and nutrition base.
All the nurseries uses good potting mix and slow release granular fertilizer that provide necessary nutrients to plants over a period.
Below is an example of easily available slow release.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Osmocote-Smart-Release-Plant-Food-Flower-and-Vegetable-All-purpose-Food-14-14-14/1001880646

Regular Irrigation:
They have automated irrigation systems that provide water on regular basis consistently ( not more not less). They water only in the morning to let sun dry out the moisture on the leaves. Moisture on the leaves let’s fungal growth that’s bad for plants.

Pruning:
They hard prune the plants beginning of the season. Plants grow back very well after hard Pruning. Check this image about different levels of Pruning.

https://images.app.goo.gl/mTEKw9d5bPoke7nR9

Regular Nutrition:
On top of the slow release fertilizer that lasts over 8 months, Bloom boosters are very helpful for increasing the blooms. Below is my favorite.

J R Peters Inc 51024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 10-30-20 Blossom Booster Fertilizer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JDRWE0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AAZDB74ME1DY4MH6TQVV

Winter Care:
Tropical plants can’t handle cold temperature. They need to be protected when temperatures are low by moving them indoors or my covering with plastic.

Below 50, they will die
50-60, they kind of struggle
60-70, they do little ok
70-80, they do well
80+, they thrive

In winter if taken indoors, water less to just keep the soil moist.
Don’t keep them under vent where direct hot air blows on them
Keep them exposed to sunlight next to window or put artificial light.
Do not fertilize them.

Bring them out once you cross frost threat.
Don’t expose to harsh sunlight directly. Introduce them to sun shortly by moving them to outdoor shaded area first and then to direct sunlight.

Prune them heavily to encourage new growth. Fertilize and water as usual once out in spring.