Many people wonder if tropical plants, which thrive in hot and humid environments, can also survive in the drier and harsher conditions of the desert. At first glance, the desert climate, which is defined by low rainfall, intense sun exposure, and extreme temperatures, seems incompatible with the needs of tropical vegetation. However, some tropical plants possess special adaptations that allow them to withstand drought and heat stress. With careful selection of drought-resistant species, and extra care in planting and maintenance, it is possible for some tropical plants to grow in the desert.
Challenges of Growing Tropical Plants in the Desert
Tropical plants face considerable challenges in the desert environment. Here are some of the major difficulties:
– Lack of rainfall. Most tropical plants require high humidity and abundant, well-distributed rainfall of at least 40-60 inches per year. Deserts receive less than 10 inches of sporadic rainfall annually.
– Intense sunlight. The tropical jungle canopy protects plants from direct sun exposure. Desert sun is intense, with high light saturation and evapotranspiration. Sunburn is a risk.
– Temperature extremes. Temperatures swing wildly in the desert, with scorching hot days and surprisingly cold nights. Tropical plants prefer warm, stable temperatures.
– Poor soils. Tropical soils tend to be old, mineral-rich, moist and acidic. Desert soils are young, mineral-poor, alkaline, and dry.
– High winds. Desert winds quickly dry out plant tissues. Tropical plants tend to grow in sheltered, calm conditions.
– Lack of humidity. The desert air is very dry. Tropical plants are adapted to high atmospheric humidity.
Drought-Resistant Tropical Plants
While the challenges are formidable, some tropical plants have adaptations that allow them to tolerate drought and heat. These desert-ready tropical plants include:
– Cacti – With their succulent stems and waxy cuticles, cacti are masters of water conservation. Cacti can thrive for months without rainfall.
– Euphorbias – Like cacti, euphorbias have succulent water-storing stems. They also contain white sap that deflects sunlight.
– Bougainvillea – This popular ornamental vine handles heat and drought by growing thick leaves covered in tiny hairs. These hairs reflect sunlight and reduce water loss.
– Hibiscus – Drought-resistant hibiscus varieties have relatively low water needs once established. They avoid drying out with fleshy, water-storing leaves and stems.
– Croton – The colorful croton handles dryness thanks to waxy, tear-shaped leaves that can collapse in extreme drought.
– Orchids – Some orchid species are epiphytes adapted to survive on rocky tropical cliffs. Their succulent leaves and stems can endure desert droughts.
– Baobab – This massive tree has giant taproots that can access deep groundwater unavailable to other plants. The baobab’s inverted teardrop shaped leaves shed moisture efficiently.
– Agave – Fleshy agave leaves hold considerable water. Some agaves only bloom once after decades, avoiding annual water loss.
Keys to Success for Tropical Plants in the Desert
When selecting, planting, and caring for tropical plants in arid environments, the following tips will improve their chances of survival:
– Choose drought-tolerant varieties – Focus on cacti, succulents, and plants from seasonally dry tropical regions. Avoid moisture-loving rainforest plants.
– Give winter protection – Move potted tropical plants to a greenhouse or indoors in winter when temperatures drop.
– Water wisely – Water deeply but infrequently. Avoid frequent shallow watering that encourages weak roots. Mulch to reduce evaporation.
– Improve drainage – Desert soils drain quickly. Add organic matter to increase moisture retention. Raise beds to improve drainage.
– Use shade structures – Filter intense sun with shade cloth, awnings, or plantings of small desert-native trees and shrubs.
– Fertilize carefully – Use a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth. Avoid excessive nitrogen that stimulates water-wasting new growth.
– Check for pests – Spider mites, mealybugs and aphids can build up quickly on stressed tropical plants. Control with horticultural oils.
– Monitor for disease – Wilts and blights spread rapidly in hot, dry conditions. Prune damaged tissues and remove diseased plants.
Best Practices for Growing Tropical Plants in the Desert
Here is a summary of the top recommendations for successfully raising tropical plants in the challenging desert climate:
| Landscape Siting | Proper Plant Selection |
|---|---|
| – Shelter from winds and full sun | – Drought-tolerant tropical varieties |
| – Near water source for irrigation | – Mature, well-rooted plants |
| – Raised planting beds with good drainage | – Avoid moisture-loving species |
| – Layered “microclimates” to reduce stress | – Choose small, slow-growing plants |
| Adequate Care and Maintenance |
|---|
| – Deep, infrequent watering |
| – Winter protection from frost |
| – Mulch to conserve moisture |
| – Timely pruning and fertilizing |
| – Pest and disease prevention |
Ideal Tropical Plants for Desert Climates
After evaluating the challenges of arid environments and the adaptive capabilities of tropical plants, the following tropical species emerge as good choices for desert climates:
– Desert rose (Adenium obesum) – The iconic desert rose thrives in hot, sunny exposures. Water no more than every 2-3 weeks.
– Yucca (Yucca species) – Soap aloe and other yuccas perform well with heat tolerance and drought resistance.
– Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) – Known for arid adaptation, the date palm needs occasional deep watering.
– Elephant food (Portulacaria afra) – Succulent jade plant relatives withstand desert sun and poor soil.
– Cassava (Manihot esculenta) – Cassava’s tuberous roots store water, and leaves close in drought.
– Mesquite (Prosopis species) – A staple food plant of desert peoples, mesquite fixes nitrogen and tolerates heat and aridity.
– Guamuchil (Pithecellobium dulce) – The spiny pods deter grazing while the deep roots tap into groundwater.
Conclusion
Growing tropical plants in the desert is an exercise in resilience and adaptation. With careful planning and proper care, tropical species can not only survive, but in some cases thrive in arid desert environments. Drought-resistant tropical varieties like cacti, euphorbias, and certain flowering plants are up to the challenge. By providing adequate shade, soil enrichment, and deep periodic watering, the arid-adapted tropical plants flourish and add vibrant life to desert gardens. With their dazzling flowers, scented fruits, and exotic forms, tropical plants can transform the harshest desert into a blossoming oasis.
