If you’ve ever come across Exotic Angel® plants, you know they are something special. But what exactly are they, and what makes them so popular? Exotic Angel® isn’t just one type of plant; it’s a brand name that represents a collection of over 400 unique plant varieties cultivated by Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses, Inc. These plants can be found in various places, from online shops to local garden centers and even major home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Exotic Angel® plants are renowned for their exceptional quality, thanks to the meticulous care provided by the greenhouses that bear the same name. Today, Costa Farms owns Exotic Angel® greenhouses and continues the tradition of delivering healthy and thriving plants. One thing that sets Exotic Angel® apart is their commitment to producing fuller and lusher plants by grouping more cuttings together compared to other brands. As a result, Exotic Angel® plants offer a visually stunning addition to any indoor space.
Some of the plant varieties included in the Exotic Angel® collection are ones you may already be familiar with, such as ficus, ferns, and pothos. However, there are also more exotic options like laceleaf, dumb cane, dragon plant, and purple passion plant. With such a diverse range of choices, there is an Exotic Angel® plant for everyone.
Caring for Exotic Angel® plants may seem like a challenging task, given the numerous varieties available. However, there are some basic guidelines that can be applied to most tropical plants. Understanding these care principles will provide you with a great starting point, whether you’re a novice gardener or have acquired a plant without a care tag.
Key Takeaways
Discovering the Care Secrets
Light
As a general rule, most tropical plant varieties thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing them near a window with east-facing exposure is typically a good choice. However, a south- or west-facing window can also work if the plant is not exposed to the scorching afternoon sun. While some light-loving plants may struggle in north-facing windows, it can be an ideal spot for low-light varieties like peperomia, pothos, or nerve plants. If you’re uncertain about your Exotic Angel® plant’s light requirements, start with bright, indirect light, and adjust accordingly if you notice the colors appearing washed-out or faded.
Watering
Different Exotic Angel® plant varieties have varying water needs. However, most of them prefer evenly moist soil that isn’t oversaturated. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top few inches of soil are dry. Drought-tolerant plants like pothos, dracaenas, or succulents may require less water, so wait until the top half of the soil dries out before watering them. For water-loving varieties like ferns, water when the top inch of soil is dry. If you’re unsure about your specific plant’s needs, start by watering when the top 3 inches of soil are dry. Adjust your watering routine if you notice droopy leaves, crispy edges, yellowing, or soft stems. Remember to always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Humidity
Most tropical Exotic Angel® plants appreciate a bit of humidity, ideally around 40%-50%. To increase humidity levels, you can place a humidifier nearby, use a pebble or humidity tray, or group plants together. However, some varieties like dragon trees may not require significant humidity. Monitor your plant’s leaves, and if you notice dry spots despite proper watering, it might be a sign that higher humidity is necessary.
Potting Mix
Choosing the right potting mix is crucial for your Exotic Angel® plant’s well-being. Opt for a fast-draining mix that provides adequate aeration while retaining some moisture. A cactus mix with added perlite is an excellent choice for most varieties, allowing for increased drainage. Drought-tolerant Exotic Angel® plants can benefit from extra perlite or bark chips to enhance drainage. On the other hand, indoor potting mix with additional peat works well for water-loving varieties like ferns. For vining plants and aroids such as pothos, philodendron, and peace lilies, consider using the Monstera Potting Mix, which strikes the perfect balance between drainage and moisture retention.
Feeding
Regular fertilization is essential for Exotic Angel® plants, as the available nutrients in their pots can deplete within a few months. The Indoor Plant Food is a recommended all-purpose liquid fertilizer that requires no complex scheduling. Simply mix a small amount into your watering can each week to ensure a steady supply of nutrients for your Exotic Angel® plants. However, remember not to use it on succulents, as they have different nutrient requirements.
Propagation
Propagating Exotic Angel® plants can be an exciting venture. For vining varieties like pothos, monstera, philodendron, arrow plant, and nerve plants, you can propagate them using cuttings. Place a cluster of healthy leaves in a glass of water, ensuring that the cut end is submerged without the leaves touching the water. Adding a rooting hormone or Propagation Promoter can encourage root growth and protect the cutting against infection. After a few weeks, you should see new roots. Once the roots reach about an inch in length, plant the cutting in soil and care for it as you would a mature plant. Other plants, such as peace lilies, croton, and snake plants, can be easily propagated through separation. Gently remove the plant from its pot and divide the root ball to create new, smaller plants. Plant them in smaller pots and provide regular care.
Common Problems
While different plant varieties may exhibit specific issues, having a general understanding of common houseplant problems can help you diagnose your Exotic Angel® plant. Here are some problems to watch out for:
- Soft stems, dark-brown spots, and yellowing lower leaves usually indicate overwatering and/or insufficient light. Check the soil’s condition to confirm if it’s too wet and ensure proper drainage. Adjust your watering routine and ensure adequate light exposure.
- Soft stems, smelly soil, and brown spots may signify root rot. To treat this, remove the plant from its pot, trim any dark or mushy roots, rinse the soil from the root ball, and repot in fresh soil. Reduce watering and use Root Supplement to aid root healing.
- Dry, crispy leaves, and yellowing leaves indicate underwatering. Water more deeply or slightly increase watering frequency if the soil is excessively dry. Prune dead leaves to encourage new growth.
- Small red or brown dots on leaves could indicate an insect infestation. Inspect your plant for signs of insects, webbing, or sticky residue. If present, follow our Houseplant Insect Control guide for treatment.
- Washed-out or “bleached” colors suggest excessive light exposure.
- Blackened leaves may indicate that the plant is too cold. Ensure it is not exposed to drafts or air conditioning.
Discover the Unique Varieties of Exotic Angel® Plants
The Exotic Angel® collection boasts numerous captivating plant varieties. Here are a few examples:
Nerve Plant
This group of plants is often called a mosaic plant due to its small, green leaves with red, pink, or white veins that resemble nerves. The intricate patterns break up the green sections, creating a mosaic-like effect. Nerve plants thrive in lower light conditions and appreciate higher humidity levels, making them an ideal choice for a terrarium.
Dieffenbachia
Known for its beautiful upright cream, green, or yellow leaves, Dieffenbachia is an easygoing plant. It prefers brighter light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid overwatering, and maintain sufficient humidity to keep the leaves soft and supple.
Peperomia
These small, slow-growing plants are perfect for spaces with limited access to bright light. There are various peperomia varieties available, each showcasing unique colors, patterns, and leaf shapes. To learn more about specific peperomia types and their care, refer to our comprehensive guides.
Croton
Croton is a showy plant that grabs attention with its vibrant red, yellow, orange, and green leaves. To maintain the bold and striking colors, provide ample light and avoid excessive watering. Keep the leaves soft by misting or using a humidity tray.
Hoya
Also known as the wax plant, Hoya is a vining beauty with thick, curly leaves. Display it in a hanging basket or trellis like any other vining plant. Under the right conditions, Hoya may even produce flowers. Water when the soil dries out and avoid overwatering.
Zebra Plant
The Zebra Plant demands attention with its striking dark-green leaves adorned with white patterns. This plant requires careful care, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorching. Providing ample humidity and watering when the top inch of soil dries out will ensure the growth of eye-catching leaves.
Purple Pleasure Plant
Featuring intense purple foliage, this versatile plant can be showcased in hanging baskets, trellises, or trailing over shelves. Water when the top third to half of the soil is dry and keep it away from drafts, heaters, and AC vents to maintain vibrant foliage.
Polka Dot Plant
True to its name, the Polka Dot Plant displays bright spots of red, pink, or cream on its leaves. These plants thrive in bright sunlight, but avoid direct exposure if possible. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to prevent overwatering.
Mandarin Plant
Although it lacks brightly colored leaves like some other varieties, the Mandarin Plant stands out with its bright orange stems. This compact variety adds a dash of color to small spaces. It can tolerate different light conditions but requires watering when the top inch of soil dries out.
Earth Star
These small, slow-growing plants are exceptionally easy to care for and reward you with bright red variegated leaves. Place them in a bright spot to enhance their colors, even tolerating direct light. Water when the soil dries out, but they are forgiving if lighting and watering conditions are not perfect.
Find Your Perfect Exotic Angel® Plant
With such a vast selection of Exotic Angel® plants available, there is undoubtedly a perfect match for every plant lover out there. Whether you’re seeking an easygoing plant to fill some space, a challenging specimen, a vibrant burst of color, or a lush green addition to your indoor oasis, Exotic Angel® plants have you covered. Explore the diverse world of Exotic Angel® plants and bring a touch of the tropics into your home with these extraordinary botanical treasures.
For more information and to explore the variety of Exotic Angel® plants, visit the Ames Farm Center.
