Climates and Habitats
Match plants to tropical, temperate, arid, Mediterranean, alpine, coastal, shade, wetland, and indoor habitats.
Plant care becomes easier when the plant’s native or preferred habitat is understood.
Habitat Types
Section titled “Habitat Types”| Habitat | Plant examples | Care implications |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical rainforest | Monstera, orchids, calathea | Warmth, humidity, filtered light |
| Dry desert | Cacti, agave, euphorbia | Intense light, drainage, dry rests |
| Mediterranean | Lavender, olive, rosemary, citrus | Sun, dry summers, mild wet winters |
| Temperate woodland | Ferns, hosta, hellebore, trillium | Shade, leaf litter, seasonal dormancy |
| Grassland and prairie | Echinacea, grasses, milkweed | Sun, seasonal dry periods, deep roots |
| Alpine | Saxifraga, gentian, dwarf conifers | Drainage, cool conditions, high light |
| Coastal | Saltbush, pandanus, grasses, banksia | Salt wind, sandy soil, exposure |
| Wetland | Iris, reeds, lotus, papyrus | Saturated soil or shallow water |
| Indoor built environments | Pothos, ZZ plant, ficus | Limited light, containers, dry air |
Climate Fit
Section titled “Climate Fit”Check cold hardiness, heat tolerance, humidity tolerance, rainfall pattern, soil pH, and wind exposure. A plant can be hardy in one region and impossible in another.