Tropical Plant Care Guides
Author: Ann Date Posted:15 January 2026
Plant Care Guide
Expert advice for gardeners across the Cassowary Coast, Far North Queensland and South East Queensland
Caring for tropical and subtropical plants is deeply rewarding, especially in regions as diverse as the Cassowary Coast, Far North Queensland and South East Queensland. At El Arish Tropical Exotics, our Plant Care section is designed to give gardeners clear, practical guidance that reflects the unique conditions of the Wet Tropics and the subtropical coast. Every guide is written with local experience, ecological awareness and long‑term plant health in mind, helping you create gardens that are resilient, beautiful and connected to the environment around you.
Our Plant Care resources cover the full range of species we grow, including heliconias, gingers, palms, rainforest trees, foliage plants, sun‑loving ornamentals and hardy landscaping varieties. Each guide explains how to prepare soil, choose the right planting position, manage water through the wet and dry seasons, and maintain healthy growth throughout the year. We also provide detailed information on mulching, fertilising, pruning, dividing clumps and protecting sensitive plants from seasonal stress. These steps help gardeners achieve strong, reliable growth whether they are planting a single feature specimen or establishing a full tropical landscape.
Gardening in the Wet Tropics comes with unique challenges, from monsoonal rain and high humidity to intense sun, seasonal winds and occasional dry periods. Our care guides explain how to work with these natural patterns by improving drainage, building soil structure, creating sheltered microclimates and selecting varieties suited to local conditions. For gardeners in South East Queensland, we include additional advice on managing cooler winters, lower humidity and soil types that differ from FNQ’s rich volcanic and rainforest‑influenced soils. This regional approach ensures that every gardener receives information that is relevant to their climate and growing environment.
We also recognise the importance of ecological stewardship in cassowary country. Many of our care guides include notes on wildlife‑friendly planting, safe garden design and species that support local biodiversity. By choosing the right plants and caring for them well, gardeners can create landscapes that are both beautiful and ecologically responsible.
In addition to general care information, our Plant Care section includes troubleshooting guides to help you diagnose common issues such as yellowing leaves, poor flowering, fungal spots, wind damage or water stress. These practical resources make it easier to identify the cause of a problem and apply simple, effective solutions. Whether you are a new gardener or an experienced grower, these guides help you maintain healthy, thriving plants throughout the year.
At El Arish Tropical Exotics, we grow every plant with the Wet Tropics in mind, and our care information reflects the same commitment to quality and local knowledge. Our goal is to support gardeners in creating lush, resilient and climate‑appropriate gardens that celebrate the beauty of tropical and subtropical plants. By exploring our Plant Care section, you will find the information you need to grow confidently and enjoy the full potential of your garden.