Introduction

Have you ever dreamed of nurturing a piece of paradise in your New England home? Whether it's an avocado tree, a lush elephant ear, or more exotic specimens, tropical plants can bring a touch of tropic to your home. However, the climate in the East Coast of New England presents unique challenges for gardeners. This article explores the feasibility of growing these plants and offers practical solutions to overcome common hurdles.

Challenges of Growing Tropical Plants in New England

Years back, my mother grew her Aloha avocado tree from a pit, and she managed to keep it thriving as an indoor plant in New York. No fruit, mind you; it didn’t bear flowers or produce. Such is the common experience with many tropical plants. Almost every houseplant is a tropical species, but the climate in New England can turn these plants into delicate experiments.

A Siberian bear could probably live in New England's winter, but tropical plants can't. If you live in the North East, you might wonder if you can grow your favorite tropical plant. The answer is yes, to a certain extent, but with a lot of care and attention to specific conditions.

Indoor Growth Strategies

Living in the North West, I noticed that even tropical plants like elephant ears could face challenges. In the summer, it might be safe to leave them outside, but in the fall, a sudden drop in temperature could make you nervous. With the arrival of winter, you’ll need to carefully consider when and how to bring them inside to protect them from the cold.

For those living in the East Coast, the climate is different. I’ve had great success growing tropical plants in my home, but the conditions may vary. For example, if you don’t heat your home with a wood-burning fireplace, the humidity levels can be higher or lower, and this can affect the growth of tropical plants. It’s important to pay attention to these details as they can significantly impact the survival of your tropical plants.

Tropical Plants That Thrive in the East Coast

The east coast of New England has a surprising number of cold-hardy tropical plants that you can grow with good results. Examples include Hibiscus, Cannas, ferns, Hosta, different varieties of grass, and even bamboo which can take over your garden if not controlled.

In my garden, I’ve learned to bring plants inside when temperatures approach the threshold that indicates they might not survive. I cut back on fertilizing and reduce watering to help them go dormant. As soon as the temperature allows, I move them outside to a sheltered area and gradually acclimate them to their preferred sunlight conditions.

Outdoor Growth Strategies

If you live in New England, outdoor growth can be a rewarding challenge. I grow tropical plants in Alabama, but the principles are similar. Bring them inside when temperatures near the cold hardiness limit. For those in the East Coast, if you can provide just the right conditions, such as above 75°F (24°C) with high humidity and plenty of light, your plants can survive outdoors during the summer.

Many tropical plants need a consistent temperature around 75°F, and some can survive temperatures down to 10°C (50°F). However, most tropical plants will not survive freezing temperatures. If you want to grow them outdoors in summer, containers are a good idea so you can move them indoors when the weather turns cold. Most tropical plants need very humid conditions (close to 75-80% humidity) and lots of light, especially in winter.

Indoors, plant growth can be improved by maintaining a room temperature, using a heated tray or heat mat, and providing sufficient humidity with misting or a pebble tray. However, the biggest challenge is light. In the winter, the days are very dark, so a south-facing window and supplemental grow lights might be necessary.

Covering the Basics

Heat: Most tropical plants require a stable temperature of 75°F (24°C) or higher to thrive. Some can tolerate temperatures down to 10°C (50°F), but freezing temperatures are lethal.

Humidity: Tropical conditions require high humidity (around 75-80%). Lack of humidity can cause leaves to turn brown. This can be managed with misting or a pebble tray filled with water.

Light: While the light in the tropics is constant, in New England, it drastically changes with the seasons. Tropical plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight, but often need 12 hours of sunshine per day. Glass windows can filter some light, and grow lights can supplement this.

Examples of Tropical Plants

Some tropical plants that can be successfully grown in New England include coffee, tea, mango, passion fruit, banana, pineapple, ginger, curcuma, and lemon grass. These plants can be grown from seed, seedlings, or cuttings. For example, banana can be grown from the crown of a pineapple fruit, and ginger or curcuma can be propagated from fresh roots in a pot.

While many plants can survive outdoors in the summer, the cooler months can present challenges. The cold, especially in the autumn and winter, can make it difficult for tropical plants to thrive. If you need to provide the right conditions, using containers and moving them indoors can be a practical solution.

Conclusion: Nurturing Paradise in Your Home

Growing tropical plants in the East Coast of New England is a rewarding but demanding endeavor. With careful preparation, attention to specific conditions, and a bit of perseverance, you can enjoy the lush, tropical beauty in your own home. Whether you're growing an avocado tree or experimenting with a new tropical plant, the effort will be well worth it. After all, a bit of paradise is always a good thing to have.