If you want to successfully care for tropical houseplants such as anthuriums, philodendrons, alocasia, monsteras or begonias, you should not only be familiar with substrates and fertilizers, but above all choose the right location in your home. After all, light - along with water and nutrients - is one of the most important factors for healthy growth and lush green leaves. In this article, you will find out what the natural light conditions of these plants look like, how you can recreate these conditions in your living space and what you should pay attention to when placing them.

🌿 Natural habitat - light conditions in the rainforest

Most popular houseplants with tropical origins come from humid rainforests in South and Central America, Africa or Asia. These habitats have warm temperatures and high humidity all year round, but no direct sunlight at ground level.

The dense canopy of the trees creates a kind of natural light filter: the sunlight is gently scattered and only reaches the forest floor as soft, diffuse light - and this is exactly what these plants have adapted to. They are so-called shade to semi-shade plants whose leaves react sensitively to direct sunlight, but are particularly efficient at absorbing light in low light conditions.

Site behavior of individual plants:

• Anthuriums thrive on moss-covered branches in a humid environment with scattered light - never in full sun.

• Philodendrons climb tree trunks in shady to semi-shady locations - they tolerate little direct sunlight.

• Alocasia grow on the forest floor or in light areas with high humidity and need bright but indirect light conditions.

• Monsteras grow through the thickets of the rainforest and develop larger leaves in semi-shady areas - ideal for locations with lots of scattered light.

• Begonias are used to diffuse light and high humidity - direct sun burns their leaves.

🏡 The ideal location in your home

To do justice to the tropical lighting conditions, the location in your home should be bright but protected from direct sunlight. The important thing is

✅ Best lighting conditions:

• Bright, indirect light - e.g. on east or west-facing windows, or on south-facing windows with slight shading (e.g. using curtains or plant blinds)

• Avoid direct midday sun, especially in summer, to prevent leaf burns

• No permanent darkness - in corners that are too dark, the plants form long, unstable shoots and lose leaf vigor

• Light from several sides prevents one-sided growth (e.g. turn the pot every few weeks)

💡 Special tips for dark apartments:

If your living space offers little daylight (e.g. north-facing side or patios), you can help out with a plant lamp with full spectrum light. This simulates natural sunlight and extends the daily light duration - particularly helpful in winter.

🌡️ Other location factors: humidity and temperature

In addition to light, the microclimate is also crucial for tropical plants:

• Temperatures between 18 and 28 °C are ideal - no draughts or cold windowsills in winter!

• Humidity of at least 50-60 % - bathrooms with daylight, proximity to humidifiers or plant display cases are ideal

• Grouping with other plants can increase humidity and improve the microclimate

🛒 What you should look out for when choosing a location - checklist for customers:

• ✅ Bright place with no or at most mild direct sunlight

• ✅ Air circulation, but no draughts

• ✅ No radiator directly under the pot (dries out roots and leaves)

• Optional: plant light for lack of light or in dark winter months

• ✅ High humidity = happy tropical plants!

🌟 Conclusion: Light is life - the right location for tropical houseplants

Anthuriums, philodendrons, alocasia, monsteras and begonias are fascinating plants that, with the right care and the right location, will unfold their full splendor. By imitating their natural rainforest habitat with soft light, stable temperature and high humidity, you lay the foundation for strong, healthy plants with impressive leaves.

➡️ Tip: Combine the optimal location with a high-quality substrate and appropriate fertilization - and your plants will thank you with their full beauty!