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BENEATH CANOPY

Why is air circulation important for tropical houseplants?

Why is water so key to tropical houseplants’ health?

How can you harness light to best care for your tropical plants?

Why does temperature matter for tropical houseplants?

How to keep your tropical houseplants on a balanced diet.

Rebelling against the myth of perfect plants.

PLANTS FROM BENEATH THE CANOPY

A closer look at just a few of the plants featured in the garden.

Acknowledgements This project has been a real labour of love, and it simply wouldn’t have come together without the incredible support and encouragement of so many people.

Thank you to our partners, Tom and Joe, for listening to our ideas and standing by us through the long days; to Hannah for being one of our biggest cheerleaders; and to Jazz for hand-painting our wonderful back boards with such creativity. Rhianna – thank you for reading every detail of this project and keeping us on track, and to all our friends who offered up their time for quick final proof reads – we’re so grateful for the fresh eyes and kind help at the final hurdle.

Huge thanks to Aaron and Liv for showing us around the Eden Project and sparking new inspiration when we needed it most. And to Sophie at The Flora Lab – thank you for helping us shape the scent of the show garden and adding a whole new layer of sensory magic to the space. And to Abiel from Minirig and Sam from Unlucky XVII Audio for helping us get the sound right.

We’re endlessly grateful to our family and friends for putting up with our rambles, wild ideas and last-minute panics, and to Matt and Tracey at Flowervision Bristol for helping us bring our idea to life by sponsoring the plants in the show garden. Huge thanks as well to Russel from Fineprint for sponsoring and printing this booklet and the Creatures featured in the garden.

To the entire Sprouts team – thank you for holding the fort and picking up the slack while we’ve been in full-on Malvern mode.

And to the Malvern Showground Team, the RHS and the Greenrooms – thank you for giving us the platform to showcase our very first RHS Show Garden. It’s been a dream come true.

Finally, to all our wonderful supporters, fans, customers and quiet admirers: thank you for cheering us on from the sidelines. Your encouragement means more than you know.

Beneath the Canopy

It will also explore the beauty of imperfect plants, why some leaves naturally turn yellow or brown, and why real plant care isn’t about perfection,

airflow, and predictable moisture and weather patterns. Our homes, with their stable temperatures, enclosed spaces, and unpredictable watering schedules, are very different. But by understanding where our plants come from, we can give them the best chance to thrive indoors.

This booklet will guide you through the fundamentals of plant care, from water and light to soil, airflow, and temperature, so you can create the right environment for your plants.

Lush, green & full of life

Tropical

rainforest plants bring a little

THE FIVE ESSENTIALS EVERY PLANT NEEDS

From towering tropical giants to the tiniest vibrant fern, all plants rely on five essentials to thrive: water, air, light, temperature, an While nature strikes the perfect balance in the wild, it’s our job to mirror those conditions at home.

Understanding how these five elements work together can make all the difference. When they’re in balance, your plants will flourish - rewarding you with healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and long-term resilience. It also makes caring for them feel a whole lot easier.

We recommend giving your plants a little check once a week to keep things on track. Over the next five pages, we’ll explore each of these essentials in more detail and share our top tips for getting them just right.

air why is air circulation important for tropical houseplants?

In the rainforest, air moves constantly, keeping plants healthy by regulating moisture, preventing disease, and ensuring gas exchange. Indoors, stagnant air can lead to weak growth, mould, and pests, making airflow just as important for tropical houseplants. humidity needs movement

Rainforest plants like Monsteras and Philodendrons thrive in warm, humid conditions - but not in still, damp air. In their natural habitat, gentle breezes prevent moisture from settling on leaves, helping reduce the risk of fungal diseases and rot. Indoors, airflow from an open window or fan does the same job, keeping foliage healthy and humidity balanced.

movement builds strength

In the rainforest, constant air movement helps plants grow sturdy and resilient. Without it, indoor plants can develop weak, floppy stems. Mimicking this with light, regular air circulation encourages stronger growth and more natural development especially for taller or climbing varieties.

air supports breathing, above and below

Tropical plants breathe through both their leaves and roots. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through foliage, while roots need oxygen for nutrient uptake and growth. In stagnant air, gas exchange slows, and in compacted or soggy soil, roots can suffocate. Fresh airflow and well-aerated compost are key to keeping plants thriving.

water why is water so key to tropical houseplants’ health?

Water is essential for tropical houseplants because it fuels their growth, supports nutrient absorption, and helps regulate temperature. Without it, plants struggle to thrive, leaves wilt, and growth slows. Mimicking their rainforest roots with the right balance of moisture keeps them lush, vibrant, and healthy.

water feeds the roots

When plants absorb water through their roots, they are also able to draw nutrients from the soil to power new growth. Without enough, roots can dry out and struggle to do their job. In tropical forests, regular rain and high humidity keep roots healthy - indoors, we have to find the right balance ourselves.

humidity keeps leaves happy

Many tropical plants naturally grow in humid environments, where moisture hangs in the air around them. In our homes, where the air is drier, this low humidity can make leaves crisp and curl. Simple tricks like using self-watering pots, grouping plants, or placing them on a pebble tray can help mimic rainforest conditions and keep foliage looking lush.

sip, not soak

Some plants prefer soil that stays evenly moist, not too dry and not too soggy. Self-watering pots offer a steady, gentle supply of water from below, helping roots stay hydrated without the risk of overwatering - ideal for busy plant parents and thirsty plants alike.

WATER LEVEL INDICATOR

PLANTING ZONE WATER RESERVOIR

SELF-WATERING POT

light

how can you harness light to best care for your tropical plants?

Light is the lifeblood of tropical houseplants – it powers photosynthesis, the process by which they turn light into energy for growth. In their native rainforest environments, they’ve adapted to dappled or filtered light beneath the canopy. Too little light, and growth becomes leggy and slow; too much, and leaves can scorch. Getting the light levels just right helps your plant stay strong, green, and thriving indoors.

leaves and light

Leaf colour can hint at how much light a plant wants. Deep green or purple leaves, like those on some Philodendrons, suggest it’s used to low light. Purple undersides help absorb light in darker rainforest layers. In contrast, plants with white or variegated leaves, such as Leopard Lilies, are adapted to brighter spots and need more light to stay vibrant.

spotting light struggles

When light levels are off, plants let you know. Too little light causes stems to stretch and weaken as they reach for more. Too much, and delicate leaves may scorch or fade. Try moving the plant closer to or further from a window, or consider a full-spectrum grow light to give it the wavelengths it needs to grow strong and healthy.

SUNNYWINDOW

BRIGHT DIRECT LIGHT BRIGHT INDIRECT LIGHT LOW LIGHT

what

is 'bright, indirect light'?

Most tropical houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light - where they receive plenty of natural light but aren’t exposed to direct sunbeams. A spot near a north or east facing window or slightly away from a south or west facing window will be at this light level.

temperature why does temperature matter for tropical houseplants?

Tropical houseplants thrive in warm, stable conditions, much like their rainforest homes. In the UK, sudden temperature drops, cold draughts, and dry air caused by central heating can cause stress, slow growth, or even leaf loss. Keeping temperatures consistent is key to healthy plants.

warm days, cooler nights

Most tropical plants prefer 18–27°C during the day, but some plants from the upper levels of the rainforestlike orchids, bromeliads, and forest cactineed a 5–10°C drop at night to trigger flowering.

EMERGENT LAYER

30–35°C by day, dropping to 22–24°C at night –hottest in the sun, but cools quickly after dark due to wind exposure.

TYPICAL TEMPERATURES 40°C

CANOPY LAYER

Opening windows, cold night temperatures, or blasts from air conditioning can shock plants, causing wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth. Most rainforest plants are used to consistent warmth and struggle with sudden shifts.

rainforest floor vs. canopy plants

Plants growing on the rainforest floor, such as Calatheas and Philodendrons, experience steady warmth due to the dense canopy above, making them sensitive to temperature changes. Meanwhile, epiphytic plants like orchids and bromeliads, which grow higher up, are better adapted to cooler nights and fluctuating temperatures. avoid sudden cold drafts

28–32°C during the day, 23–25°C at night –warm and sunlit, with moderate temperature changes.

UNDERSTORY LAYER

24–28°C by day, 24–26°C at night –cooler, very humid, and sheltered from wind and sun.

TEMPERATURES IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

FOREST FLOOR

22–26°c during the day, 24–27°C at night –the coolest by day, but most stable and warmest overnight due to trapped humidity.

soil

nutrients how

to keep your tropical houseplants on a balanced diet.

Nutrients are the building blocks of healthy growth – they fuel everything from new leaves to root development and overall plant resilience. In the rainforest, plants are fed by a steady supply of organic matter in the soil. Indoors, that cycle stops, so it’s up to us to provide what’s missing. Without enough nutrients, plants slow down, leaves fade, and growth stalls. With the right balance, they stay lush, vibrant, and full of life.

rainforest floor

thick layer of leaf and animal litter

humus layer is nutrient-rich and extremely thin due to rapid decomposition

soil sets the foundation

red horizon: high concentration of iron and aluminium, giving a red color, but has poor fertility

A good-quality houseplant soil mix, formulated for a plant’s specific needs, ensures the right balance of moisture and drainage. Cheap, dense compost can suffocate roots, while fast-draining mixes help prevent rot. For most tropical houseplants, a mix of peat-free compost, perlite, and orchid bark works well.

clay rich layer and weathered bedrock

bedrock: the hard, solid

beneath

rock

Rainforest soil is surprisingly low in nutrients. Warm, wet conditions break down organic matter quickly, and plants absorb it just as fast. Most of the nutrients are stored in the plants themselves, not the soil - leaves, roots, and fallen debris are constantly recycled on the forest floor.

refresh for healthy roots

Even the best soil gets tired. Over time, it compacts, drains poorly, and loses nutrients. Repotting every year or two, or adding a fresh layer of compost, restores structure and gives roots the room they need to grow and absorb nutrients effectively.

feeding makes a difference

Plants rely on nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for strong roots and lush leaves - but these naturally run low over time. Using a high-quality liquid or slow-release fertiliser helps top up what’s missing, turning tired growth into vibrant, thriving foliage.

perfectly imperfect rebelling against the myth of perfect plants

Even in the wild, plants aren’t perfect. Storms, falling debris and hungry insects leave foliage torn, blemished and scarred. Yet they keep growing. Expecting houseplants to be flawless is equally unrealistic. Our homes, even without tropical storms, are not rainforests or deserts. By appreciating and understanding imperfections, we reduce waste and find plant care more rewarding.

underwatering

Plants adapt to periods of drought by taking moisture out of their leaves, making them first wilt and then dry out. Reducing foliage shrinks surface area, reducing transpirationwater loss - and helping them to adapt to the change. If you notice wilting and brown, crispy foliage indoors, and the soil is dry, try watering before throwing away.

overwatering

Wilting combined with rapidly yellowing lower leaves is a sign that you’re keeping your plants too soggy. Roots need air circulation to breathe, too - without it they can rot. The amount they need also depends on the plant.

mealybugs

Sticky honeydew all over your leaves might have been left by mealybugs, especially if you can see the clusters of tiny, cotton-wool-like insects in the corners of your plant’s foliage. Target them with SB Plant Invigorator, Isopropanol Alcohol, or Brown Australian Ladybirds as a natural control.

red spidermites

Mottled foliage, dropped leaves and the tell-tale appearance of silky webs hint that your problem is red spider mites. Removing damaged plant parts, increasing the humidity and introducing predatory mites like the Phytoseiulus persimilis can help.

thrips

Silvery leaves with black spots indicate that thrips might be eating your plant’s sap. Can be difficult to treat with chemical sprays, but predatory mites can effectively target thrips.

TIPS FROM THE GARDEN

Instead of replacing a plant at the first sign of damage, learn what it needs. Adjust care, trim damaged leaves, and focus on growth over perfectionhealthy plants aren’t always flawless!

A FEW IMPERFECTIONS DON’T MEAN A PLANT IS DYING

Not every yellow leaf or crispy edge is a disaster! Houseplants adapt to their conditions, and small changes are normal. Instead of striving for perfection, look for signs of new growth, strong roots, and overall health.

Getting pests and imperfections on your indoor plants is not unusual. One of the first ways you can identify the problem is by the damage on your houseplants. Use the scars your plant gets to spot the problem and deal with it, rather than getting rid of the whole plant immediately.

lack of light

Too little light leaves its mark too - leaves grow smaller, paler and you might lose foliage. There will likely be more stem between each leaf as it tries to reach further and further to get light. You can add grow lights to supplement your natural light, and rotating the plant will help it to grow more evenly.

THE PROBLEM WITH ‘PERFECT’ PLANTS

Unrealistic, perfect expectations lead to plants being thrown out at the first sign of damage. It creates unnecessary waste, encouraging unsustainable plant production. When we focus on long-term health instead, we help plants thrive.

plants from beneath the canopy

1. Anthurium veitchii 2. Pachira aquatica 3. Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’

4. Iresine herbstii ‘Rich Goldstar’

5. Anthurium luxurians

6. Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’

7. Anthurium andraeanum

8. Tradescantia fluminensis

9. Ctenanthe pilosa ‘Golden Mosaic’

10. Syngonium podophyllum ‘Mojito’

11. Fittonia albivenis

12. Stromanthe sanguinea ‘Triostar’

13. Caladium bicolor ‘Miss Muffet’

14. Rhipsalis elliptica

15. Monstera dubia

16. Oxalis triangularis

17. Nephrolepis biserrata ‘Macho’

18. Anthurium warocqueanum

19. Syngonium podophyllum ‘Green Splash’

The rainforest is home to many of the tropical plants we recognise today, each one uniquely adapted to thrive in this rich and complex environment. From plants that climb in search of sunlight to those that flourish in low, dappled light, every layer of the forest plays host to a different kind of life. Some species grow on the forest floor, others cling to trees, and many rely on the humidity of the rainforest to survive. Together, these plants create a vibrant, living system, one that has inspired the indoor jungles we build in our own homes.

have been

You’ll also spot a few non-native species that, while not originally from the

there over time – often as crops or for cultivation

commonly found growing in

In some cases, we’ve chosen cultivated varieties over wild species as a conscious decision for sustainability. These are more widely available from responsible growers, helping us avoid using rare or wild-collected plants. It’s our way of celebrating the beauty of the rainforest while treading lightly on the ecosystems that inspire it.

20. Philodendron erubescens ‘Pink Princess’

21. Piper crocatum

22. Begonia longimaculata

23. Zygopetalum maculatum

24. Philodendron ‘Ring of Fire’

25. Cryptanthus zonatus 26. Goeppertia insignis 27. Dieffenbachia seguine ‘White Etna’

Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’

Aechmea ‘Blue Rain’

The plants used in Beneath the Canopy are inspired by the rich biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest and wider South America. Many of the species featured are native to these regions, while others have been chosen for their close visual or botanical similarity to true rainforest plants.

Amazon,

introduced

– and are now

the region.

14.

15.

16.

17.

20. 23.

18.

21.

19. 28.

24.

25.

26.

29.

13.

27.

22.

creatures from beneath the canopy

1. The Orchid Bee collects fragrant oils from exotic flowers, pollinating rare rainforest orchids as it travels.

2. The Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth hangs upside down in the treetops, using slow movement and shaggy fur as camouflage.

3. The Poison Dart Frog lays eggs inside bromeliads, raising tadpoles in tiny rainwater pools between the leaves. 4. The Leafcutter Ant harvests leaves to grow underground fungi, feeding the colony and supporting forest processes.

5. The Ocelot rests by day in dense jungle cover, using its dappled coat to blend into the shadows of the forest floor.

6. The Yellow-Footed Tortoise grazes on vegetation and fallen fruit, helping to disperse seeds and shape plant diversity.

7. The Scarab Beetle tunnels through decaying plant matter, recycling nutrients and supporting healthy rainforest soil.

8. The Blue Morpho Butterfly glides through shafts of light, feeding on fermenting fruit and blending into the understory.

1. Orchid Bee Euglossa spp.

5. Ocelot Leoparduspardalis

Acromyrmex spp.

2. Linnaeus’s Two-Toed Sloth Choloepus didactylus Chelonoidis denticulata

6. Yellow-Footed Tortoise

. ScarabBeetle

From tiny insects to elusive predators, every creature plays a part in supporting the rainforest’s balance. Some pollinate plants, others break down organic matter or disperse seeds, helping the forest to renew and grow. These relationships, between plant and animal, hunter and prey, decomposer and soil, create a delicate web of life that allows the rainforest to thrive. Across every layer of the forest, creatures adapt to their surroundings in fascinating ways, each contributing to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

9. The Leopard Moth flutters silently through the night, pollinating blossoms and playing a vital role in forest biodiversity.

10. The Chestnut-Eared Aracari feeds on ripe rainforest fruits, spreading seeds far and wide as it moves between trees.

11. The White-Necked Jacobin hovers by tropical flowers, feeding on nectar and pollinating a wide range of rainforest plants.

12. The Silky Anteater uses its prehensile tail to clamber through branches, where it feasts on ants and termites in the canopy.

13. The Red-Headed Manakin is known for its bold courtship dance. It spreads seeds from the mid-canopy fruit it feeds on. 14. The Bleeding Marasmius breaks down fallen wood on the rainforest floor, recycling nutrients and enriching the surrounding soil.

15. The Paradise Tanager flashes vivid colours as it eats fruit and insects, dispersing seeds through the upper canopy.

16. The Green Anaconda lies hidden beneath the water’s surface, ambushing prey in rivers and flooded

BleedingMarasmius Marasmiushaematoceph

12.Silky Anteater Cyclopesdidactylus

Sprouts of Bristol

Sprouts of Bristol is led by Jessy Edgar, a designer and botanical stylist whose work blends plants, storytelling and purposeful design. With a background in graphic design and a sharp creative eye, Jessy creates immersive plant-led spaces that inspire curiosity, calm and connection.

Over the past four years, Sprouts has become known for creating installations that feel alive – from nature-filled weddings and curated retail displays to office greening and large-scale public exhibits. Jessy’s approach is rooted in sustainability and storytelling, bringing care and creativity to every project.

In 2024, Sprouts of Bristol received a 4-Star ‘Excellent’ rating for its RHS Malvern trade stand – designed and led by Jessy – and was also named Retail Winner at the 2024 Bristol Life Awards. Her previous projects include TV set styling for the BBC, custom plant schemes for events, and seasonal displays that stop people in their tracks.

Whether you’re a brand looking for a visual statement, a couple planning a nature-inspired wedding, or a business wanting to create greener, more engaging spaces – Sprouts can help bring your vision to life.

SERVICES INCLUDE

• Wedding & event plant styling & hire

• Retail & hospitality displays

• Commercial plant design

• Large-scale installations & exhibitions

• Set design

• Workshops & talks

THE SHOP | SPROUTS OF BRISTOL

Ferne Creative

Ferne Glannan-MacRae is the illustrator, nature lover and founder behind Ferne Creative – a studio dedicated to storytelling through illustration, with a focus on wildlife, conservation and connection.

Known for her distinctive textured digital style, Ferne has worked on a range of impactful campaigns, from illustrating Borneo’s chimpanzees with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to highlighting rare UK species in collaboration with conservation organisations. Her work includes both commissioned projects and a popular product line celebrating British wildlife.

Ferne’s background includes visual storytelling for print and exhibitions, engaging educational resources, and art direction for events – including co-designing the award-winning RHS trade stand for Sprouts of Bristol in 2024. Her work is deeply informed by ecology and built to inspire people of all ages to reconnect with the natural world.

Whether you’re looking to illustrate a scientific concept, create characterful campaign visuals, or develop engaging nature-based resources, Ferne brings both creativity and clarity to every project.