As the days grow shorter and the nights grow cooler, I am reminded that soon the only gardening I will be doing will involve the array of tropical plants that brighten the inside of my home.

Various herbs raised in a kitchen windowsill.

An assortment of succulents and mini succulents is pictured. Many succulents stay small, so several can share a planter as a succulent garden inside your home.

A jade plant

Tropical plants, or houseplants as they are often called, can be a challenge to some gardeners because of their varying light, water and humidity needs. Also, the most common and easiest to grow tropical selections are honestly a little boring (even though I still have a few of the boring ones). Here are some tips to help you be successful with any tropical plant and some ideas to spice up your selection.

Basic care

Different kinds of plants need varying amounts of light. Read labels and follow them. Bright light means several hours of the sun shining through the window. Low light means a north or east window that receives indirect natural light.

A desk or table several feet from a window is a surefire death. (The only exception of which I know is the ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia.) If your home-decorating scheme makes dark corners the best place for plants, use a decorative stand with a specialized light on a timer.

When watering a plant, pour water into the plant’s container until it runs out the bottom. A saucer or dish will help, or place the container in a sink or bathtub for watering. For a select few, such as African violets, water by filling the saucer and allowing the water to wick up to the plant. Allow the potting soil/mix to dry out between waterings, but try to keep it from becoming so dry that it shrivels up like a sponge.

Some references suggest using a humidifier for plants, misting them daily, keeping trays of water around the plants, etc., to increase the humidity. Research says most of these practices in a home situation are a waste of time, unless you are growing highly specialized plants that absolutely need high humidity (read the tags). Placement and watering practices are far more important.

Repot plants occasionally. Potting soil breaks down and roots fill pots over time. Spring is the best time to repot most plants, but just doing it once in awhile is more important than the time of year. If the soil seems to be disappearing, or you can lift the plant out of the pot and only see roots, repot it as soon as time allows.

Variety selection

Edibles

Avocado and lemon trees are fairly easy to find and will produce fruit after they are a few years old. An established tree from the garden center is the easiest way to get started. Extra-adventurous gardeners might try planting an avocado pit and nurturing it into production. Pineapple tops can also be planted and will produce pineapples after a few years with the right conditions.

Microgreens (seedlings of herbs and vegetables) can be grown in shallow trays and harvested within days of planting. Radishes, onions, kale, beets, mustard and other vegetables are popular choices and are great additions to salads, sandwiches and appetizers. They can also be grown hydroponically to eliminate the messy soil aspect of indoor gardening.

Succulents

A wide variety of shapes and sizes makes succulents all the more interesting.

The most common and recognizable is probably the jade plant, but the echeverias, crassulas, kalanchoes, sedums and sempervivums are much more interesting.

Many succulents stay small, so several can share a planter as a succulent garden, or they can have their own space in the windowsill that is far too small for the lemon tree.

Mushrooms

Fungi and plants are two different organisms, but growing mushrooms on purpose can offer new challenge to gardeners.

Purchase a kit to get started. Oyster mushrooms are a popular, easy choice that can easily be incorporated into meals. An inoculated shiitake log is another option.

Air plants

A few different species of bromeliads are referred to as air plants because they pull their water and nutrients from the air rather than the soil.

A few delicate roots anchor the plant to a frame or tray, and the plants just need to be misted occasionally.

Select a display made especially for air plants, or attach them to your favorite rock or chunk of wood.

— Jennifer Smith is a former horticulture extension agent for K-State Research and Extension and horticulturist for Lawrence Parks and Recreation. She is the host of “The Garden Show” and has been a gardener since childhood. Send your gardening questions and feedback to Lawrence Living@ljworld.com.