There’s nothing more rewarding than transforming your home into a green oasis that complements its design, style, and aesthetics, right? Bringing Nature indoors with lush tropical house plants, especially if you live in the city, can enhance your home environment in more than one way. 

Exotic plants stand out from the crowd with their ability to revamp any space into a vibrant urban jungle. Their lush leaves, vivid colors, and often, sweetly scented blooms can make your home feel like a tropical retreat. 

Furthermore, fresh live greenery improves indoor air, lifts your mood, and elevates the aesthetics of your interior or outdoor area.

So, here are the top 21 tropical plants for your urban jungle, along with some expert suggestions to get started transforming your space. 

How to Create an Urban Jungle at Home

Creating a lush urban jungle at home is about choosing the right plants and placing them thoughtfully to suit your space. You can easily welcome nature indoors in a way that complements furniture arrangements and color schemes. Strategic placement can help you green up vertically your interior without overwhelming your space. 

In addition, pick plants that prefer similar growing conditions. You can recreate the symbiotic relationship between different species in Nature by placing shade-loving plants under the canopy of taller plants with large foliage.

Below are some more amazing tips and tricks to help you bring your indoor jungle dream to life: 

• Consider the lighting: Most indoor tropical plants love plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. Place full-sun jungle plants near the window while those preferring partial shade can sit on the floor further away from the light source. 

• Pick the right space: Choose the right space inside your home for the plants to flourish, whether it’s a sunny living room, a south-facing study, a balcony, or your sunroom if you have one.

• Focus on container colors: Pick natural and earthy tones for decorative plant pots. From beautiful terracotta containers to pastel ceramic pots, these will contrast beautifully with lush green foliage and bold-colored looms. 

• Group plants to maximize their visual impact: The more plants, the better jungle effect you’ll achieve. Still, provide enough space between your tropical beauties to allow them to breathe. You can group plants of varying heights to maximize their visual impact and increase the humidity if needed. 

• Utilize the vertical space: Utilize vertical spaces and shelving for trailing and hanging plants. Exotic succulents with an upright growing habit, like Sanseveria, will look perfect as floor plants. 

21 Jungle Plants for a Tropical and Exotic Indoor Haven 

Consider these 21 exotic plants for your indoor or outdoor urban jungle, from unique and rare philodendrons and dramatic Monstera to tropical palms and stunning bloomers.

1.  Cat Palm - Palm for You and Your Cat

The Cat Palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) is a beautiful tropical plant from South Mexico and Central America. Indoors, it can grow up to 3-4 ft. with its slender, green, cane-like leaf stems and pinnate leaves. Feng Shui has a special mention of cat palms (or cascade palms) as a symbol of triumph, peace, and prosperity, which makes it a nice addition to your home jungle. 

2. Monstera Thai Constellation - Starry Night Vibes, Anytime

Experience the breathtaking beauty of a starry night sky at your home with Monstera Thai Constellation (Monstera deliciosa). Because of this plant’s unique creamy white and green variegation and tricky propagation, it’s considered a highly in-demand and rare plant.  Symbolically, Monstera Deliciosa evokes a sense of pride, joy, and longevity. 

3. Sansevieria Laurentii (Snake Plant) - Variegated Snake Plant

If you’re a fan of Snake Plants, this Sansevieria Laurentii (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii’) will stand out in your indoor jungle. The plant thrives in low-light conditions, and its sword-like leaves edged with stripes of yellow, are to die for. Place the Sansevieria Laurentii at your home’s entrance to welcome positive energies.

4. Sago Palm - Perfect Outdoor Plant

A patio or a good-sized balcony calls for a Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) if you’re creating your urban jungle in the recreational outdoor area of your home. This exotic beauty features a thick, textured trunk and a symmetrical crown of arched, feathery fronds. It's sun-loving and almost maintenance-free. Don't let it sit without water. 

5. Umbrella Tree - A Fast-growing Jungle Plant

Add height to your exotic indoor garden with one of the fastest-growing plants - the Umbrella Tree (Schefflera Gold Capella). Originally from East Asia, the plant is known for its long, glossy, oval green leaves drooping from a central stalk, resembling an umbrella. Humidity is its best friend.

6. Staghorn Fern - Attractive Ornamental Sculpture for Walls

An epiphyte, the Staghorn Fern (Platycerium bifurcatum) grows on trees and rocks in the wild. For an urban jungle feel, mount your Staghorn fern on the wall, attached to driftwood or wooden board. It may not be the easiest tropical plant to maintain but with some attention and the right growing conditions, such as high humidity and dappled sunlight, it will thrive for years.

7. Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’ - Color-Changing Philodendron

The Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal' (Philodendron erubescens 'Black Cardinal’) boasts stunning color-changing abilities. Its broad, oval leaves first appear burgundy red to dark green and turn almost black as they mature. But beware, this perennial is toxic to both humans and pets. 

8. Spider Plant - Symbol of Prosperity & Harmony

Bring the lush jungles of Southern Africa to your home with this Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum). A moderately fast-growing plant, it looks great anywhere, whether on countertops, tabletops, or hanging baskets. Keep it adequately hydrated and filter the incoming sunlight to prevent sunburn. 

9. Cast Iron Plant - Plant With Cast Iron Qualities

The Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a no-nonsense, hard-to-kill tropical plant from Japan, perfect for your lush urban jungle. It's recognized by its 2-3 ft. tall glossy and lance-shaped leaves that can tolerate low-light conditions, irregular watering, and extreme temperatures. This pet-friendly plant won't disappoint, that’s for sure.

10. Money Tree - Natural Air Purifier 

Are you looking for some air-cleansing tropical foliage? Then, the lucky Money Tree (Pachira aquatica) fits the bill. Its glossy, deep-green leaves adorn the woody, often braided, trunk, giving the plant its unique appearance. Place your Money Tree in a sunny spot to watch it thrive while purifying the air in the room.

11. Burgundy Rubber Tree - Equally Stunning and Dramatic

The Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta 'Burgundy’) is the most common variety of rubber trees, originating from Southeast Asia. It's a versatile plant with dramatic glossy leaves that turn from burgundy red to dark green as they unfurl. Adding the Burgundy Rubber Tree to your indoor jungle will bring some bold and contrasting colors to your greenery. 

12. Chinese Money Plant - Tropical Plant With Green “Coins” 

No matter what you call it, the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) is the most sought-after Feng Shui plant for its symbolism of attracting good fortune and financial prosperity. Its unique coin-shaped foliage is aesthetically pleasing in any indoor space. This beauty doesn’t require a green thumb and is ideal for novice plant parents.

13. Swiss Cheese Plant - Climbing Tropical Vine 

The Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii) got its name from the distinctive holes in its leaves, resembling famous cheese, which developed to help withstand heavy rainfall and wind passing through them in tropical rainforest environments. It enjoys a significantly longer lifespan than other tropical houseplants but is toxic to pets. 

14. Peace Lily - Messenger of Peace

The popular Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) will add a delicate aroma to your tropical indoor haven at home. Its meaning is associated with peace, sympathy, healing, hope, and purity. Easy to care for, this indoor tropical plant prefers partial shade and just moderate watering to bloom year-long. 

15. Kangaroo Fern - A Must-have Exotic Fern

The Kangaroo Fern (Microsorum diversifolium) is native to Australia and New Zealand and features unique Kangaroo paw-shaped foliage. This exotic fern grows best in humid conditions, indirect sunlight, and well-drained, acidic soil. Use hanging planters, ideal for Kangaroo Ferns, to bring that indoor jungle feel to your space.

16. Giant Bird of Paradise - The Ulitmate Indoor Jungle Plant

Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a gorgeous cousin of the Bird of Paradise plant, reaching a height of up to 30 ft. outdoors. This beautiful variety of exotic flowering plants thrives in full sun but you should protect it from the harsh midday rays in the summer. It enjoys low humidity and moderate watering.

17. Pink Aechmea Bromeliad - Gorgeous Pink Bromeliad 

Pink Aechmea Bromeliad (Aechmea fasciata) is another rare exotic plant producing a beautiful pink flower, hence, its name. This Bromeliad variety isn't available everywhere but its thick, arching green leaves adorned with silver banding are truly captivating. Consider yourself lucky if you get your hands on this one! 

18. Rattlesnake Plant - Rattlesnake in a Pot

Wondering why is the Rattlesnake Plant (Calathea lancifolia) called so? The credit goes to the dark green spots on its long, lance-shaped leaves that resemble a rattlesnake’s skin. It's relatively easy to care for, requiring high humidity, moderate watering, and indirect light. Calatheas are perfect for pet-friendly homes, as they are non-toxic to cats and dogs.

19. Hawaiian Ti Plant - Powerful Hawaiian Good Luck Plant

Can’t go to Hawaii? Don't worry, get some tropical vibes inside your home with the Hawaiian Ti Plant (Cordyline Terminalis 'Hot Pepper’). The vibrant color of this exotic indoor plant is reminiscent of a tropical island with its hot pink leaves. It can be easily the focal point of your indoor jungle and will repel all negative energies.  

20  Black Anthurium - Spooky Flamingo Flower

The quirky Black Anthurium (Anthurium spp. - Black) blooms throughout the year and features shiny, dark-green leaves. Tropical in every sense, this rare Flamingo Flower enjoys warm temperatures, bright filtered sunlight, and high humidity. 

21. Mini Monstera - Climbing Beauty from the South Pacific

The Mini Monstera (Rhaphidophora tetrasperma 'Ginny’) is not a true Monstera plant but boasts the same elegance and tropical vibe. It has smaller fenestrated leaves and grows best if supported by a moss pole or trellis. This beauty, also known as Philodendron Ginny, is ideal for greening up a vertical space of your urban jungle. Give your Mini Monstera plenty of bright, filtered light to encourage the splits in the leaves it's so popular for.

Tropical House Plants: FAQS

Q: What are the easiest tropical plants to maintain?

A: For those with busy schedules or new to plant care, Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, Philodendrons, and Bromeliads are the easiest tropical indoor plants to maintain. These resilient jungle plants can tolerate occasional neglect and won't complain of less-than-ideal conditions. 

Q: What are the best indoor plants for a tropical look?

A: Palms and ferns are the best indoor plants for a tropical look. Available in many varieties, these houseplants can do well in any bright and warm spot of your home. 

Q: Do tropical house plants need direct sunlight?

A: Tropical house plants may or may not need direct sunlight, depending on their native environment and type. For example, Kalanchoe can tolerate some direct sunlight in the cooler months. On the other hand, a Peace Lily plant prefers filtered, indirect light. 

Q: What is the best plant for a sunroom?

A:  Full-sun house plants, such as the  Bird of Paradise and Petra Croton are your best choice to grow in an indoor greenhouse or sunroom. They thrive with several hours of bright sunlight and are easy to care for. 

Conclusion

Tropical plants are our best green companions after a hectic day at work. They are nature’s best stress relievers, natural air purifiers, and gorgeous live decorative elements with amazing aesthetic appeal. You can create a lush tropical urban jungle in your home with the right exotic plants and transform your space into a welcoming and vibrant haven.