It's true that I've got a thing for tropical plants—I think anybody who grows houseplants probably does. Unless you've got a greenhouse, your house in the only place to grow tropicals. So, finally, I put together a list of my favorite tropical. It was surprisingly harder than I expected—I kept wanting to add more and more. But here it is: ambassadors from the tropics, from me to you.

I rarely see caladium used as houseplants ... and I get it. They're tubers (strike one), they need high humidity (strike two), and they prefer warmth (yer out!). But that's too bad. These are beautiful summer foliage plants that offer masses of striking color, both indoor and out.

Photo © Jon VanZile

I'm planning new coverage, so you tell me ... which way do we go?

Now here's an awesome flower ...

Check out the Bird of Paradise.

Photo © JonVanZile