Comment-reconnaître-une-plante-Aracée-Guide-des-plantes-tropicales-rares-Green-and-White-Plants Green and White Plants

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:

  • Philodendrons (climbing or creeping)

  • Monstera (holey leaves)

  • Alocasias (arrow-shaped leaves)

  • Aglaonemas (compact and easy-care formats)

  • 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:

  • Philodendron ➜ heart-shaped leaves, climbing stems, numerous aerial roots (e.g.: Strawberry Shake , Xanadu )

  • Monstera ➜ cut or perforated leaves, climbing habit (e.g.: Deliciosa variegata , Esqueleto )

  • Alocasia (coming soon)➜ upright foliage, arrow or shield shape, very graphic

  • Aglaonema ➜ compact plant, variegated foliage, very tolerant ( Red Vein , Heng Heng Heng Round Leaves )

  • 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:

  • Substrate : draining mixture with coconut fiber, bark, perlite

  • Watering : moderate and spaced, never soggy

  • Humidity : between 60 and 70%

  • Repotting : every 12 to 18 months to avoid compaction

  • 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 :

  • Check the roots (well-rooted plant)

  • Monitor the foliage (no spots or soft leaves)

  • Choose a specialist French nursery , like Green and White Plants

🏡 At home :

  • Use a pot with drainage

  • Install a suitable tropical substrate

  • Water only when the soil is dry on the surface

  • Avoid drafts and mist if the air is too dry

  • 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 🌴

Back to blog

Ask us directly for the plant of your dreams!