
How to recognize an Araceae plant? Guide to rare tropical plants | Green and White Plants
How to recognize a plant from the Araceae family? 🌿🔍
1️⃣ Araceae: a large family of tropical plants with many faces 🌱
You're probably familiar with Philodendron , Monstera , or Alocasia . These are all rare tropical plants that are popular indoors. What do they have in common? They belong to the Araceae family , an exceptional botanical family that includes around 3,700 species divided into more than 100 genera.
Native to the tropical forests of Asia, South America and Central America , Araceae include:
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Philodendrons (climbing or creeping)
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Monstera (holey leaves)
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Alocasias (arrow-shaped leaves)
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Aglaonemas (compact and easy-care formats)
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Syngoniums (graphic and light plants)
👉 It is the most represented family in the sale of rare tropical plants in Europe , and a sure value for creating your indoor jungle .
2️⃣ The main characteristics of Araceae plants 🧬🌿
Here's how to recognize an Araceae thanks to its distinctive morphological traits:
✅ Spectacular foliage : wide, ribbed, sometimes perforated (Monstera) or shiny
✅ Climbing or creeping habit : with frequent aerial roots
✅ Single inflorescence : flower in a spadix (central stem) surrounded by a spathe (veil)
✅ Rapid development : vigorous growth, dense root system
✅ White latex when cut: often visible if you cut a leaf or stem
⚠️ Caution: Araceae are toxic if ingested (presence of calcium oxalates). Keep them out of reach of animals 🐾
3️⃣ How to differentiate an Araceae from another tropical plant? 🤔
You might confuse an Araceae with other exotic indoor plants . Here's a comparison chart to help you see things more clearly:
Family | Foliage | Flowers | Aerial roots | Port |
---|---|---|---|---|
Araceae | Large, ribbed, sometimes perforated | Spathe + spadix | Yes, often. | Climbing or creeping |
Marantaceae | Visible ribs, symmetrical patterns | Discreet | No | Dressed |
Strelitziaceae | Large, banana-like | Spectacular flowers | No | Upright and rigid |
👉 Graphic leaves + aerial roots + spathe/spadix flowers = Araceae for sure.
4️⃣ Araceae available at Green and White Plants 🌍🪴
At Green and White Plants , you will find an exclusive selection of rare tropical plants online , already acclimatized for easy indoor cultivation in France and Europe 🇪🇺
Here are the most popular genres:
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Philodendron ➜ heart-shaped leaves, climbing stems, numerous aerial roots (e.g.: Strawberry Shake , Xanadu )
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Monstera ➜ cut or perforated leaves, climbing habit (e.g.: Deliciosa variegata , Esqueleto )
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Alocasia (coming soon)➜ upright foliage, arrow or shield shape, very graphic
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Aglaonema ➜ compact plant, variegated foliage, very tolerant ( Red Vein , Heng Heng Heng Round Leaves )
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Syngonium (coming soon)➜ trailing or climbing habit, small arrow-shaped leaves, ultra easy to propagate
🌱 All need a suitable tropical substrate , indirect light and good ambient humidity to thrive.
5️⃣ Why identifying an Araceae is essential for proper care 🧪🪴
Recognizing an Araceae plant is not just a game for experts. It is the key to providing it with proper care , avoiding mistakes and seeing it flourish.
🔧 What this changes:
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Substrate : draining mixture with coconut fiber, bark, perlite
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Watering : moderate and spaced, never soggy
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Humidity : between 60 and 70%
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Repotting : every 12 to 18 months to avoid compaction
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Tutor : essential for climbing plants
💡 In short: a well-identified plant = tailor-made care = a magnificent plant in your living room.
6️⃣ Pro tips for choosing and caring for your Araceae 🛒🌤️
Want to start or expand your collection of rare tropical plants ? Here are some tips to help you succeed:
🛒 Before purchasing :
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Check the roots (well-rooted plant)
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Monitor the foliage (no spots or soft leaves)
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Choose a specialist French nursery , like Green and White Plants
🏡 At home :
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Use a pot with drainage
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Install a suitable tropical substrate
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Water only when the soil is dry on the surface
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Avoid drafts and mist if the air is too dry
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Repot every 12-18 months
👉 Green and White Plants also offers acclimatized plants , personalized advice , and fast delivery in France and Europe 📦
🌿 Conclusion: become an expert on Araceae to better pamper them
Plants from the Araceae family are perfect allies for creating a graphic, lively and trendy indoor jungle . By learning to recognize them thanks to their spectacular leaves , aerial roots , and spathe and spadix flowers , you can offer them the best possible environment .
💚 And to get off to the best possible start, trust Green and White Plants , your French nursery specializing in rare tropical plants . Delivery in France and Europe, suitable substrates, acclimatized plants: we're here to help you get a tropical green thumb 🌴