So, you want to grow a few plants in your greenhouse. I see that you’re a person of culture.
You’ve probably heard people recommending tomatoes, cucumbers, or peas. These are excellent choices, but I think you can do better.
Why not think outside the box and go with a few unconventional options? Like what?
Well, that’s why I’m here. I’ll help you transform your greenhouse into a tropical paradise by recommending exotic plants to grow.
1 – Dragon Fruit
If you don’t believe in love at first sight, just grow a dragon fruit in your greenhouse. You’ll understand what the movies are talking about.
The contrast between the vibrant red skin, white flesh, and black seeds is enough to get you to fall head over heels in love with that fruit.
Enough fangirling. There’s more to dragon fruits than their look. For instance, they don’t require special care.
Really? Such complex-looking fruits don’t require special care?
Yes, all you have to do is plant them somewhere warm and sunny. Don’t expose them to intense sunlight for too long, though, as that might damage them.
Dragon fruits don’t like to sit in water, so stick to well-draining soil. Although they can spend a long time without water, I recommend watering them consistently for optimal growth.
That’s not so hard, is it?
Ultimately, dragon fruit will make an excellent addition to your garden. So, buy the seeds now and add some energy and life to your garden.
2 – Red Perilla
Look, you may not be a fan of the deep purple color of red perilla, but you have to admit, it adds unique aesthetics that you won’t get anywhere else.
At first glance, this herb doesn’t look like much, but it’s more versatile than it looks. In fact, if you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, I can’t think of a better plant to grow.
It’s used in rice, soups, meat, spices, and more. You might have even eaten it as a sushi wrap.
In the hot summer days, you can use it to make a refreshing red perilla juice, which alleviates exhaustion and helps with digestion.
Flavor aside, red perilla is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids. So, not only will it boost your immune system, but it’ll also improve your skin health.
Growing the red perilla is pretty straightforward. Just provide it with full sun exposure, use organically rich, well-draining soil, and water it regularly.
3 – Goji Berries
You know what they say: “The eye eats before the mouth tastes.” Well, let me tell you, goji berries will satisfy your visual appetite.
After all, these firey-red berries look like ancient gems you’d find in Genshin Impact. We all know what a visual masterpiece that was.
Besides their look, why would you want to grow goji berries in your greenhouse? They may not look like it, but they actually offer plenty of health benefits.
They’re rich in antioxidants, which support your immune system, helping it resist inflammation and free radicals.
They also help control sugar release in your blood, stabilizing your blood sugar levels. The best part? They’re easy to care for.
Start by planting them somewhere with full sun exposure or partial shade. Go with a light, loom, slightly alkaline soil (pH 7 or 8).
As for your watering routine, it depends on the type of soil you use. Sandy soil requires more watering than clay soil because it dries faster.
That said, once your berries are established, you don’t need to water them as often.
4 – Turmeric
You probably saw this one coming. Look, I know you can buy turmeric powder from any nearby store, but it won’t have the same flavor and health benefits as fresh turmeric.
Often called “the Indian saffron,” this spice is added to relishes, dahls, and curries. It adds a deep, peppery taste to any dish you use it in, helping you create more complex flavors.
Most people know what turmeric tastes like, though. What really makes this spice stand out?
Maybe covering its medicinal properties will convince you. Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body, neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative damage.
5 – Etlingera Elatior (Torch Ginger)
Of all the exotic plants on this list, this one has to be my favorite. You’re probably wondering: “Why is it called torch ginger?”
That’s because the terminal inflorescence and the long flower stalk combined resemble the shape of a torch.
Don’t get me started on that fiery, bright red. Trust me. You won’t be able to keep your eyes or your mouth off of it.
When it comes to greenhouse growth, this plant requires full sun exposure or partial shade. Use rich, neutral soil and water it consistently. That’s pretty much it.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, you don’t have to stick to the growing classic plants in your greenhouse. Planting a few exotic variants will add a new level of aesthetics and excitement to your garden. So, don’t hesitate to think outside the box and grow these bright, colorful, unconventional plants.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.