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Raffaele Di Lallo

Hi everyone! My name is Raffaele, and thank you for visiting my site! I am the founder of Ohio Tropics, a site completely dedicated to houseplant and tropical plant care. Be sure to subscribe at the top of the screen (for free) with your email and stay up to date!

Growing Spectacular Elephant Ears: Colocasia Esculenta

I’m not a dainty gardener by any means.  I love bold, colorful, and unexpected elements in my garden. Each year, my garden looks less and less like Cleveland, Ohio, and more and more like the Seychelles. Tropical plants are my passion, and each year I incorporate more and more of them into my garden.  Elephant …

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How to Grow Tillandsia: Complete Care Guide

Tillandsia are such a fascinating groups of plants!  They’re immediately interesting and eye catching because they don’t grow in soil.  You’ll see them loosely placed on top of a table in garden centers, or they are sold in decorative holders.  There are no pots and no soil!  Keep reading to learn how to take care …

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Growing Philodendron Scandens or Heart Leaf Philodendron

Philodendron scandens, otherwise known as Heart Leaf Philodendron, is quite simply one of the easiest to grow houseplants there is! Keep reading and I will tell you how I grew a 13 foot (4 meters) long Philodendron scandens! Yes, this is one of the most common houseplants. But certain houseplants become popular for a reason! …

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How to Grow Pothos: 5 Best Tips for Success

Growing Pothos is easy.  This plant is EVERYWHERE.  In shopping malls.  In homes.  In offices.  Often times it is also one of the first houseplants that someone buys.  To make things confusing though, Pothos goes by many names.  Some people call it Pothos.  Others call it Devil’s Ivy.  If you really want to be correct, …

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Dahlia Care: 5+ Growing Tips For Loads of Blooms!

My summer garden is not complete without dahlias.  A lot of dahlias.  In fact, I would never have a garden without a few dahlias.  Or maybe 19 dahlias…one year I planted 19 of them in my Ohio garden in late April!  This blog post will help you understand every aspect of dahlia care from planting …

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Philodendron Brasil: 9 Simple Care and Propagation Tips

Philodendron Brasil is one of the many beautiful and easy to grow Philodendron varieties out there. The variegated foliage is delightful! Keep reading to learn how you can grow this plant beautifully. Also learn how to keep your Philodendron bushy, and make more plants to keep for yourself or give to friends! Sometimes you’ll see …

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How to Grow Ludisia Discolor: The Beautiful Jewel Orchid

Most orchids are grown for the beautiful shapes, colors and scents of their exotic flowers. Not Ludisia discolor! This plant is unique in many ways as far as orchids go. Although it does flower, the main draw is the stunning foliage this plant produces. Keep reading for a variety of care tips on Ludisia discolor! …

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String of Hearts: 6 Amazing Growing Tips (Ceropegia woodii)

String of Hearts, or Ceropegia woodii, is one of the most delightful and satisfying trailing plants that you can grow indoors! It is super easy to care for, grows at a satisfying rate, and so easy to propagate! Let me teach you all my tips so keep reading all about how to care for String …

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Parlor Palm: The Only Indoor Palm I Will Grow

Many indoor palm plants can be very tricky to grow indoors. I’m always an advocate of growing plants that suit your conditions. Which is why Chamaedorea elegans, or the Neathe bella palm, is the only indoor palm that I will grow! Keep reading to find out why! There are so many different kinds of indoor …

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