Monstera, palms, Dracaena, Philodendron and Alocasia: tropical houseplants for Irish homes, in stock now. Free tracked delivery to Ireland and 24 more EU countries.
Which tropical houseplants suit which spot?
Palms and Dracaena cope with the widest range of light, Monstera and Philodendron like bright indirect light, and Alocasia is the fussiest. Use this table to match a plant to the room you have.
| Plant | Light | Watering | Cats and dogs (ASPCA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentia, areca and parlour palm | Bright to moderate light; keep out of strong direct sun | Water when the top of the compost has dried | Non-toxic |
| Dracaena (D. marginata, D. fragrans, D. deremensis) | Tolerates moderate light; brighter light keeps it fuller | Let the compost dry between waterings | Toxic |
| Monstera (M. deliciosa, M. adansonii) | Bright, indirect light | Water when the top of the compost has dried | Toxic |
| Philodendron | Bright to moderate, indirect light | Water when the top of the compost has dried | Toxic |
| Alocasia | Bright, indirect light | Keep lightly moist, never waterlogged | Toxic |
| ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) | Copes with low light | Water sparingly | The ASPCA has no entry for it, so treat it with caution around pets |
| Money tree (Pachira aquatica) | Bright, indirect light | Let the top of the compost dry | Non-toxic |
These are general guides. The product page for each plant gives its own size and pot details.
Can tropical plants live outdoors in Ireland?
Treat these as indoor plants all year. They come from warm climates and most suffer when temperatures fall much below 10 °C, which an Irish autumn, winter or wet spring will deliver. A sheltered patio is only an option in the warmest part of summer, and the plant should come back inside before nights turn cool. Garden-hardy alternatives are in our garden plants and patio and container plants collections.
Looking after tropical houseplants in an Irish home
- Light: a spot near a bright window suits most. Direct midday sun in summer can scorch leaves, so a thin curtain helps.
- Water: overwatering is the commonest reason tropical houseplants fail. Check the compost with a finger, water thoroughly when the top has dried, and tip away any water left in the saucer.
- Warmth and draughts: keep plants away from cold glass and draughty doors in winter, and from radiators and heaters, which dry the air and the leaves.
- Humidity: centrally heated rooms are dry. Grouping plants together and wiping dusty leaves helps, and Alocasia in particular dislikes very dry air.
- Feeding and repotting: feed lightly in spring and summer, and repot into a slightly larger pot when roots fill the current one.
Tropical plants and pets
The ASPCA lists Monstera, Philodendron, Dracaena, Alocasia, golden pothos and Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) as toxic to cats and dogs, and the same page lists bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) as toxic. It has no entry for ZZ plant. It lists Kentia palm, areca palm, parlour palm, lady palm and money tree as non-toxic. If you share your home with pets, see our pet-safe plants collection, where each plant is a species the ASPCA lists as non-toxic. The ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants list is searchable by plant name, and your vet is the right first call if a pet eats a plant.
Frequently asked questions
What are the easiest tropical houseplants for beginners?
Dracaena, ZZ plant, Kentia palm and Philodendron are forgiving of a missed watering and of moderate light. Monstera is also a popular first choice if you have a bright spot.
Which tropical plants are safe for cats and dogs?
The ASPCA lists Kentia palm, areca palm, parlour palm, lady palm and money tree as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Monstera, Philodendron, Dracaena and Alocasia are listed as toxic, so keep them out of reach of pets.
Why are my tropical plant's leaves turning yellow or brown?
Overwatering is the commonest cause of yellowing leaves, and dry air or cold draughts often cause brown tips and edges. Check the compost before watering, and move the plant away from radiators and cold windows.
Do tropical plants make good gifts?
Yes. A bold, glossy-leaved plant such as a Monstera, a palm or a money tree is a gift that lasts, and delivery is free and tracked. Browse more ideas in our indoor plants and desk plants collections.