Learn about Gardening with Tropical Plants
Some people
would think a tropical plant is a plant that comes from the tropics.
Others might consider tropical plants to also include plants from
sub-tropical places. Gardeners in some parts of the world would also
consider any plant that has a tropical appearance, to be a tropical
plant.
This course is concentrating on plants which originate
from tropical or sub-tropical climates; but there may be some plants
covered which fit a looser definition of ‘tropical’. It aims to provide
a sound introduction to gardening with tropical plants, in greenhouses,
protected garden spaces, indoors or in warmer climates. It provides a
good first step for anyone new to horticultural study, whether amateur
gardeners, volunteers or aspiring professionals.
NOTE - This course is based on our "Tropical Plants" course - adapted to be more suitable for entry level students.
Lesson Structure
-
Introduction to Tropical Plants
-
Plant Cultural Practices
-
Tropical Annuals, Perennials, Bulbous Plants, Bamboos and Lawns
-
Ornamental Gingers and Heliconias (and Related Plants Including Alpinia, Hedychium, Zingiber, Musa and Costus)
-
Cordylines, Palms and Cycads
-
Climbers, Shrubs and Trees
-
Orchids, Ferns, Aroids and Bromeliads
-
Tropical Herbs, Vegetables and Fruit Bearing Plants, Including Bush Tucker, Tea and Coffee, and Tropical Fruit Trees
-
Growing Tropical Plants Outside the Tropics
-
Landscaping with Tropical Plants
Aims
-
Explain the nature and scope of tropical plants.
-
Discuss cultural characteristics that are often peculiar to tropical plants.
-
Describe the taxonomy and culture of a range of soft wooded tropical plants including annuals, perennials and bulbs.
-
Describe the taxonomy and culture of Heliconias and gingers.
-
Describe the taxonomy and culture of palms and palm-like tropical plants.
-
Describe the taxonomy and culture of climber, tree and shrub tropical plants.
-
Describe the taxonomy and culture of orchids, ferns and bromeliads.
-
Describe the taxonomy and culture of herbs, vegetables and fruits in tropical conditions.
-
Determine ways to grow tropical plants outside of the tropics.
-
Explain the use of tropical plants in landscaping.