Tropical plants are often associated with bright, sunny locations, but many thrive in shaded areas. A full shade location for tropical plants typically receives less than three hours of direct sunlight daily or filtered light throughout the day. Partial shade locations get three to six hours of direct sun, usually in the morning or late afternoon.
Shade-loving tropical plants range from flowering species to those prized for their foliage. Many have adapted large leaves to capture more light in their natural understory habitats. These plants not only tolerate lower light conditions, but often prefer them to protect their delicate leaves from intense sun.
This article presents ten of the best tropical plants for shade that will grow well in lower-light conditions in your garden or home.
What You Need to Know Before Planting Tropical Plants
The most important thing you need to know if you want to add tropical plants to your garden is their sensitivity to temperature and cold. While these plants adapt well to low-light conditions, most cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or prolonged exposure to cold. That’s why gardeners in temperate climates often need to provide winter protection or move these plants indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Bird’s Nest Fern
The Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus) thrives in shaded outdoor areas with high humidity. This tropical plant requires minimal care, with the occasional removal of dead fronds being the most important maintenance task. It grows best in consistently moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
The fern tolerates brief dry spells, but prefers regular moisture. During winter, the plant needs less water and temperatures above 50°F (10°C). In colder regions, gardeners temporarily place the fern in a sheltered place to protect it from frost.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 11-12
- Light: Partial to full shade
- Size: 2-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
Calathea
Calathea plants bring a touch of the tropics to shaded outdoor spaces with their patterned leaves. These plants thrive in humid environments and rich, well-draining soil that remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Calatheas prefer temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C) and require protection from cold winds and frost.
In winter in cooler climates, the plant must be brought indoors to a sheltered place to save it from frost. Regular misting or placement near a water source helps maintain the humidity these plants crave. During the growing season, fertilizing is key to support their lush foliage growth.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11
- Light: Low to medium indirect light
- Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide (varies by species)
Philodendron
Philodendrons are adaptable tropical plants that flourish well in outdoor shade. They grow best in rich, well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming soggy. These plants prefer consistent watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Philodendrons thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and high humidity.
If the temperature drops below 13°C (55°F), the plant must be moved to a sheltered place or protected from frost. Regular cleaning of the leaves and occasional pruning help maintain the plant’s health and appearance. Philodendrons respond well to monthly fertilization during the growing season.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Size: Varies widely by species, from small tabletop plants to large climbers reaching 20 ft. or more
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) adapt well to shaded outdoor areas in tropical and subtropical climates. These plants prefer rich, moist soil with good drainage. They thrive when watered regularly, but can tolerate short periods of drought. Peace Lilies grow best in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) and appreciate high humidity.
These plants also can’t tolerate temperatures below 55°F (13°C) and must be protected in winter. These plants benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season and occasional removal of yellowing leaves. Peace Lilies produce white spathe flowers, adding visual interest to shaded gardens.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Light: Low to medium indirect light
- Size: 1-4 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) tolerates temperatures down to 14°F (-10°C), making it suitable for year-round outdoor growth in many regions. It thrives in deep shade and adapts to various soil types, preferring well-draining, humus-rich soil.
This plant requires minimal care, growing slowly and needing infrequent watering once established. During prolonged dry spells, occasional deep watering benefits the Cast Iron Plant. It rarely needs fertilization, though a light application in spring can promote growth. The plant’s dark green leaves remain attractive with little maintenance, making it ideal for low-light areas in the garden.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-11
- Light: Low to medium indirect light
- Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema) thrive in outdoor shade, adapting well to various light conditions. These plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) and should be protected or moved indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). They grow best in well-draining soil that’s kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Chinese Evergreens benefit from regular misting or placement near a water source to maintain humidity. To support their foliage growth, they must be fertilized every 6–8 weeks during the growing season. These low-maintenance plants require occasional pruning to remove yellowing leaves and maintain their shape. Their tolerance for lower light conditions makes them ideal for shaded garden areas.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Light: Low to medium indirect light
- Size: 1-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Dracaena
Dracaena plants adapt well to outdoor shade in tropical and subtropical climates. They thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C) and require protection when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). These plants prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Dracaenas tolerate brief periods of drought, but benefit from consistent moisture.
These low-maintenance plants need occasional pruning to remove yellow leaves and maintain their shape. Fertilizing every 6–8 weeks during the growing season supports their growth. Dracaenas add vertical interest to shaded garden areas with their long, slender leaves.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-12
- Light: Low to bright indirect light
- Size: Varies by species, typically 2-10 ft. tall, 1-3 ft. wide
Fatsia Japonica
Fatsia japonica, also known as Japanese aralia, grows well in shaded outdoor areas. This plant thrives in rich, moist soil with good drainage and prefers temperatures between 45-70°F (7-21°C). Fatsia can tolerate brief periods of frost but benefits from protection in colder climates. It requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, but can withstand short periods of drought once established.
The large, glossy leaves of Fatsia japonica add a tropical feel to shaded gardens. This low-maintenance plant needs occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged leaves. Fertilizing in spring and summer supports healthy growth. Fatsia japonica adapts well to various light conditions, making it suitable for many garden locations.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
- Light: Partial to full shade
- Size: 6-10 ft. tall, 6-10 ft. wide
Maidenhair Fern
Maidenhair ferns (Adiantum) thrive in shaded outdoor areas with high humidity. These delicate-looking plants prefer rich, consistently moist soil that drains well. They grow best in temperatures between 60-70°F (16-21°C) and require protection from frost and cold winds.
Maidenhair ferns benefit from regular misting or placement near a water source to maintain humidity. They need minimal fertilization, with a light application in spring sufficient for healthy growth. Occasional removal of dead fronds helps maintain the plant’s appearance. These ferns add a soft, lacy texture to shaded garden areas and work well in hanging baskets or as ground cover.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
- Light: Partial to full shade
- Size: 1-2 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Amei as dicas até descobri o nome da minha planta,espero flores dela a muito tempo, agora sei que não produz muito obrigada,