
Raffaele Di Lallo
Raffaele Di Lallo is a houseplant and gardening writer, educator, and founder of Ohio Tropics, a widely followed online resource for plant lovers. With more than three decades of hands-on experience growing everything from common houseplants to orchids, Raffaele’s passion for plants began in childhood and has only deepened over time. Today, his practical, approachable plant care guidance has reached millions of readers worldwide.
He is the author of Houseplant Warrior: 7 Tips to Unlocking the Mysteries of Houseplant Care, published by Countryman Press, and his insights have been featured in Gardeners’ World, Country Living, Midwest Living, SFGATE, Apartment Therapy, and more. Raffaele has also provided plant care expertise on television and in community presentations, helping both new and experienced growers tackle common challenges like watering, pests, and plant selection.
Raffaele’s writing extends to gardening publications such as Gardening Know How, where he shares detailed articles on caring for indoor palms, ferns, tropical plants, and houseplant troubleshooting. His content blends firsthand experience with horticultural understanding, aiming to make plant care both accessible and rewarding for readers of all skill levels.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University, and his horticultural credentials include a Certificate of Home Horticulture from Oregon State University as part of their Master Gardener program, along with additional training through the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Green Gardener program. Raffaele is also active in professional plant communities, including the American Orchid Society and Garden Communicators International.
Through Ohio Tropics, books, and online courses, Raffaele continues to inspire plant lovers to grow confidently, care skillfully, and enjoy the many benefits of indoor greenery.
Latest articles by Raffaele Di Lallo
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Indirect Light Houseplants: Choosing Plants For North-Facing Windows
If you are looking for some great indirect light houseplants, there are plenty that you can grow. North-facing windows provide the least amount of light compared to other exposures but, luckily, you have many choices for houseplants in north-facing windows. Learn more here.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Bird Of Paradise Fungus – Controlling Leaf Spot On Indoor Bird Of Paradise
Bird of paradise is a dramatic indoor houseplant and is generally easy to care for given the right conditions. Occasionally, though, if the conditions aren’t quite right, fungal bird of paradise leaf spot can occur. Learn what you can do for leaf spot on indoor bird of paradise here.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Growing Rex Begonias Indoors: Keeping A Rex Begonia Plant Inside
Rex begonia care indoors can be a little tricky, but it is certainly possible to grow beautiful specimens if you understand the plant’s needs. Take a look at the most critical elements of growing the rex begonia as houseplants in this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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East Window Plants: Growing Houseplants In East Facing Windows
Your window exposure is very important when choosing which houseplants can grow there. Eastern windows will typically get the gentler morning sun, but then have bright indirect light throughout the rest of the day. Learn what plants are suitable in this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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West Facing Indoor Plants – Caring For West Facing Window Houseplants
Western windows provide brighter light than eastern-facing windows, but less than southern. There are many choices for houseplants for west windows, but keep in mind that these windows will get afternoon sun which can get quite hot. Learn more in this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Curling Potted Plants – What To Do About Curled Houseplant Leaves
Are your houseplant leaves curling and you don’t know why? Curled leaves on indoor plants can be caused by a variety of issues, so it is important to understand the various causes so that you can take effective action. Click this article for more information.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Houseplants And Skincare: Indoor Plants That Are Good For The Skin
You may not have even thought about this, but houseplants and skincare go hand in hand. There are many plants that are good for the skin, but not for reasons that you may have thought about. Take a look at why you should be growing plants for healthy skin here.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Indoor Pinstripe Plant Info: Growing A Pinstripe Houseplant
Calathea ornata, or the pinstripe houseplant, is a striking plant with beautifully veined leaves that can make a striking statement in your home. Like any Calathea, houseplant care can be tricky and extra effort is needed for them to look their best indoors. Learn more here.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Indoor Plants That Are Red – What Houseplants Have A Red Flower
There are surprisingly many houseplants with red flowers that you can easily grow indoors. Some of them are easier than others, but here are some of the most commonly available red flowering houseplants. Click this article for more information.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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House Jungle Ideas: How To Make An Indoor Jungle House
Do you want to learn about how to create a houseplant jungle even if you have limited space? Whether you live in the city, or just have limited indoor space, you can easily create a lush indoor jungle with a variety of houseplants. Get started by clicking this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Living Centerpiece Plants: Learn How To Grow A Living Centerpiece
There are many interesting ways to use houseplants as a centerpiece. The centerpiece will last much longer than cut flowers and provide an interesting conversation piece at the dinner table. Click this article for some ideas to get your creative juices started.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Houseplants For Direct Light: Keeping Houseplants In A South-Facing Window
If you are fortunate enough to have sunny south-facing windows, you can grow a nice variety of houseplants, including many flowering houseplants that you would not be able to grow elsewhere. Learn more about houseplants for direct light in this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Geranium Houseplants: Learn How To Grow Geraniums Indoors
Although geraniums are common outdoor plants, it is very possible to keep the common geranium as a houseplant. There are a few things that you need to keep in mind in terms of growing geraniums inside, however. Click this article for more information.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Fixing A Wilted Fittonia Plant: What To Do For Droopy Fittonias
The Fittonia nerve plant is a beautiful houseplant and normally easy to care for. One problem that people often see, however, is droopy Fittonias. If you have ever owned one, you know that a wilted Fittonia plant is a common issue! Click here to learn why this happens.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Xanadu Philodendron Care: Tips For Growing Xanadu Philodendrons Indoors
If you enjoy growing houseplants, then you may want to consider adding the Xanadu philodendron houseplant to your list. Xanadu philodendron care is simple and this larger plant makes a wonderful vertical accent in the home. Learn more in this article.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Popular White Houseplants: Growing Houseplants That Are White
There are many houseplants with white flowers that you can grow indoors. In this article, you will find a list of white flowering indoor plants for inspiration. Some are more common than others, but all are beautiful. Click here for houseplants that are white.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Houseplants That Like Sun: Choosing Indoor Plants For Full Sun
The key to growing indoor plants is to be able to place the right plant in the right location. There are many houseplants that like sun, so it is important to give them the conditions that they need to thrive in your home. Take a look at some indoor plants for full sun here.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
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Indoor Aphid Control: Getting Rid Of Aphids On Houseplants
Left unchecked, aphids can do a lot of harm to your plants. Luckily, if you discover aphids on houseplants, there are many safe and easy methods that you can use to eliminate them. Click this article for tips on managing aphids inside.
By Raffaele Di Lallo

