House Plants for a Jungle Theme

Bring Out the Bloomers

• Tropical rain forests, or jungles, are known for their vivid colors and fragrant blooms. Adding these to the jungle theme enhances the overall appearance of the display, while activating the sense of smell, sight and touch. Orchids, bromeliads, cyclamen and African violets all add color and a distinct jungle feel to your house.

Up With the Vines

• You probably know that the jungle is filled with vines -- but you may not know that the same vines are often grown in hanging baskets inside the home. Philodendron, pothos and wandering jew are all tropical vines found in the rain forest. Add these vines trailing over door frames or climbing up stakes to represent them in their natural habitat.

In Mid Air

• Epiphytes, or air plants, originated in the jungle. These unique plants don't require soil to thrive. The staghorn fern is a common air plant, but there are many others. Most resemble tufts of grass or the baby spiders of spider plants -- which is also a tropical plant. If you don't have access to air plants, substitute with the graceful spider plant, instead.

Covering the Bases

• Images of the forest floor littered with decaying organic matter and teeming with insect life may be the way of the jungle -- but for some plants the forest floor provides the environment they need to thrive. Some common houseplants that originate from the floor of the jungle include coleus, crotons and caladium. Add these brightly colored foliage plants to your display for visual interest and splash of color