Nature lover and birdwatcher Nienke recently visited the breathtaking rainforests of Costa Rica. In the coming period, she will recount her experiences in vivid detail in a series of stories. Enjoy reading this second blog!

There is something magical about discovering a foreign country, a feeling that you are on the verge of something bigger than yourself. Patrick and I travel not only to see, but above all to feel. To find those moments as human beings when we can encounter nature. Often harmonious, sometimes painfully contrasting.

While I am aware of the global environmental crisis, I am still driven by my passion for nature and birds. That passion takes us to places like Costa Rica. Because we are aware of the impact of such a long journey, I want to give something back. That is why I support local projects that contribute to nature restoration and protection. This time, I donated to Adopt Rainforest, through which we symbolically adopted our own piece of rainforest. What I couldn’t have imagined beforehand was that during this trip I would be so directly confronted with the necessity of this initiative, especially in a country known as one of the most biodiverse in the world.

Plantations, plantations, plantations

We traveled by car. Anyone who knows Patrick knows that he has a soft spot for alternative routes. Zooming in on the map until a thin line appears, often challenging routes to navigate without a scratch. Unfortunately, more than once, such a route led us past plantations: a stark contrast between biodiversity and monoculture. Pineapples, bananas, and palm trees as far as the eye could see. The lush jungle we had been in just a short while before had given way to a green desert. Neat rows without the singing of birds. Anyone who didn’t know any better would be amazed by the sight, as banana plants and palm trees conjure up images of the tropics. We missed the kind of nature that makes us feel humble and reminds us that we are only a small part of a greater whole.

Other initiatives

Fortunately, we always find places of hope, love, and connection. During our trip, we visited The Nest Nature Center, a private nature reserve dedicated to the conservation and restoration of ecosystems through nature education, ecotourism, and scientific research. The owner, Juan, bought the land from his father when it was still a coffee plantation. Through experimentation, trial and error, he has restored the ecosystem bit by bit. As a result, animals (now 225 bird species registered on eBird!) are returning and the land is able to sustain itself naturally. His goal is to inspire the region and show that restoration is possible, and he hopes to connect different nature reserves through collaboration so that animal migration can take place, as in the Adopt Rainforest reserve.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to observe birds up close from carefully placed observation huts and platforms. I could talk endlessly about encountering two striped owls, mother and child. Or about the white-collared manakin, which I heard before I saw it, with the recognizable flapping of its wings as part of its dance. But the real magic lay hidden in the story of this powerful, individual initiative: a small paradise on a former plantation where life is finding its way back. At the same time, it also became clear how fragile recovery is. At the neighbors’, we saw a hectare replanted with European subsidies, but with only one fast-growing tree species. Juan explains: chosen for its timber yield, but this does not help nature here.

Small change for a big difference

What this experience showed me is that change often starts small. With one person deciding to do something. That is what Adopt a Rainforest stands for: giving nature back its space. Every protected piece of rainforest ensures that life can return. This trip has shown me that every contribution counts, and that it is mainly about simply starting somewhere.

Help up by adopting rainforest!

Het bericht Nienke’s story: ‘The necessity of this initiative’ verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

November 3 to 9, the documentary will be screened at the Wildlife Film Festival in Rotterdam.

Told through the eyes of nature guide Gerald, the film shows how a young man with a passion for the natural world blossoms after Adopteer Regenwoud becomes active in his small farming village of San Miguel, nestled between banana plantations.
The documentary also clearly illustrates the foundation’s mission — combining conservation, research, and community-driven action to create a wildlife corridor that connects vital habitats and supports biodiversity.

The full documentary will be available from November 3 in Rotterdam.

Trailer ‘Eufonia’

Filmposter

Feeling inspired and want to make a difference? We’re always looking for support!

Join us and Adopt Rainforest!

Het bericht Documentary ‘Eufonia’: Trailer & Premiere 2025 verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Written by: Zoë Schreurs

Humanity has cleared countless acres of forest over the centuries. But not all forests are the same. Sure, a forest in Costa Rica has trees and squirrels, just like a forest here in Europe. But while we can certainly draw comparisons between our temperate forests and tropical forests, there are many differences. In this blog post, we take a closer look at why tropical rainforest logging is even more disastrous and how the consequences extend much further. And logging is certainly ongoing. Globally, the tropics lost 4.1 million hectares of primary forest in 2022, 10% more than in 2021, the platform  Global Forest Watch reported.

1. Small area, great biodiversity

Tropical rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. They are home to more than half of all plant and animal species, even though they cover less than 10% of the Earth’s surface. Each patch of rainforest is a living, breathing paradise full of unique organisms found nowhere else on Earth. When a tropical rainforest is cleared, many of these species disappear forever.

Temperate forests, on the other hand, also have rich biodiversity, but not to the same extent as tropical rainforests. Although the loss of temperate forest still has a serious impact, some species are better able to survive and recover. The difference is not only in the number of species, but also in their vulnerability.

The more forest is cleared, the more fragmented the forests become. This means that wild animals increasingly have to move through human areas, which is not without danger. Not all animals manage to do this, cutting them off from other populations and increasing the risk of inbreeding and genetic impoverishment.

However, both types of forest face different threats such as pesticides and excess fertilization of neighboring agricultural lands, invasive species that upset the balance, overexploitation through hunting, logging and overuse of natural resources, and others. And, of course, diseases that often bring entire species to the brink of extinction. For example, the populations of bats and frogs around the world are under severe pressure. This is the reason why last year the Adopteer Regenwoud Foundation placed several frog pools in its reserve in Costa Rica. As a result, the nearly extinct Lemur Leaf Frog is back in the area. Hopefully from here it can begin its rise again.

2. Tropical CO2 reservoirs.

Forests play a vital role in regulating the climate, we all know. They act as huge carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and storing it in trees and plants.

Tropical rain forests store much more carbon dioxide per square meter than other types of forest. This is because they have more biomass per square meter, due to the large, old trees and dense vegetation. When these forests are cut down or burned, that carbon is released, contributing to global warming. Meanwhile, however, tropical forests have been so degraded and reduced in size by forest fires and logging that they are no longer carbon-positive, but almost carbon-neutral. That was revealed in a study published in the journal Nature Geosciences in October 2023.

3. Poor soil, rich trees

The difference in soil conditions between tropical rain forests and temperate forests is striking. The soils of temperate forests are richer in nutrients and generally better able to recover from deforestation. This makes reforestation and ecological restoration easier in temperate areas.

Tropical rain forests have soils that are extremely poor in nutrients. This is because most nutrients are held in the plants and trees themselves, not in the soil. Dead material, with plenty of moisture and heat, has the ideal conditions to decompose at lightning speed. In our latitudes, the dead material quietly forms a rich layer of humus, but it doesn’t get the chance to do that in the tropics. For not only is the material rapidly decomposed, but it is also immediately reabsorbed. Not surprising when you consider that some trees, such as the Ceiba Pentandra, can grow as much as 3 meters per year. Moreover, heavy rainfall can wash away a lot of nutrients in a short period of time. 

When rainforest is cleared, the soil quickly loses its fertility and becomes even more susceptible to leaching and erosion. Recovery from this poor soil can take centuries, and in some cases the ecosystem may never fully recover.

4. Irreversible damage

Although temperate forests are slow to recover, the effects of cutting down tropical rainforests are often permanent. Animals going extinct, ecosystems being destroyed, and climate change being felt throughout the world – it is a devastating cycle that is difficult to break. In Latin America and the Caribbean, animal populations shrank by as much as 95 percent between 1970 and 2020. Hardly imaginable, but unfortunately true. The diversity of plants, trees and animals is also declining. And this is not only disastrous for the population itself, but also has a knock-on effect on other species. Not only are beautiful, unique species lost this way, some that we haven’t even discovered yet, but it is also detrimental to humans. Not only do scientists draw much inspiration from nature for new drugs or vaccines, but we also become much more vulnerable to diseases looking for a new host.

It is important to realize that all forests are valuable and deserve protection. But the urgency to save tropical rainforests is just that little bit greater because of their irreplaceable role in preserving our planet.

The Rainforest cries out for help

Preserving these precious ecosystems should be a priority, not only for biodiversity and the people who depend on it, but also for the climate and the future of our entire planet. Enough reasons for Adopteer Regenwoud foundation and all its volunteers to protect as much rainforest as possible and to be actively involved in this every day.

Would you like to contribute to this as well?

Adopt a piece of rainforest

Het bericht The impact of forest clearing on the climate verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Sustainability is a much-used word, for example, sustainability can have a meaning in relation to the environment and climate, but it can also have a social and economic meaning. Because it is such a broad concept, it can be quite difficult to properly understand what sustainability actually means and why it is so important. The Van Dale Dictionary describes sustainable with 3 definitions; ”long lasting, subject to little wear and tear and causing little harm to the environment.” So sustainability is actually a word that indicates consideration of the impact that something has on the world now, but also for future generations, and the future of the earth. The ultimate meaning is to say: this has been thought about!

The importance of sustainability

What makes sustainability so important? The short answer to that is to save the earth. It is important not to deplete the earth; we can achieve this by dealing responsibly with raw materials and energy sources so that a livable environment also remains for future generations. Sustainability is essential for conservation, a stable earth, economy and society as a whole.

Social sustainability and environmental sustainability

Social sustainability focuses on improving and preserving the quality of life for people in both present and future generations. This focuses not only on the earth itself but this also involves social equity and inclusion, well-being, engagement and other social societal factors. Social sustainability focuses specifically on human well-being.

Environmental sustainability focuses on the living environment. Here you can think about the longevity of the living environment, no depletion of resources, no pollution and no negative impacts on nature and biodiversity. In addition, longer lasting products and developments that do not harm future generations. Sustainability focused on environmental protection helps preserve natural resources and reduce human impact on them, this is crucial to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

Sustainable economy

Sustainable economy focuses on taking into account social and environmental aspects in your economy. This involves circularity and recycling. For example, reusing raw materials and products that are made to last. You could also think about borrowing, and it is becoming more popular to borrow clothes instead of buying but also reusing your water bottle or buying things second hand are good examples of this. Economic stability, sustainable development promotes an economy that is less dependent on exhausting resources.

Sustainability in relation to climate change focuses on preventing and reducing climate impact. Consider energy conservation, renewable energy, and emissions trading which focuses on greenhouse gas emissions, this is essential in the fight against climate change and its impacts.

Not self-evident

Despite all the wonderful initiatives, you cannot simply assume that everything labeled sustainable is truly so. A disadvantage of this term is that it is often used inappropriately and the wrong and misleading use of this is called greenwashing. It is therefore important not to simply assume that something is actually ‘sustainable’. A product or service that lasts a long time is sustainable during the use phase but not necessarily produced in a well-considered way. Fortunately, there are labels for this, which you can check in the label guide. 

Compensate

Unfortunately, not everything can always be produced or exported sustainably. In that case, you can choose to offset your emissions, also known as climate compensation or CO2 compensation. This is not a solution to environmental and climate issues but offsets the emissions that are produced. A good example of something that cannot yet be completely sustainable is air travel to your favorite vacation destination. If you would still like to travel by plane or have to cross the ocean for a business trip, you can choose to offset the emissions from your flight. A good example is the option offered by the Foundation Adopt Rainforest. They use a handy tool to calculate how much CO2 your flight emits and compensate it by buying and protecting a piece of rainforest that stores just as much CO2. This way you help nature and travel with a better feeling.

Click here for the CO2 calculation tool

Het bericht What is sustainability and why is it important verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Behind the scenes at the Bromelia Specialist

Step inside the green oasis of the Bromelia Specialist in De Kwakel, where passion for plants comes to life. As a leading expert in breeding, production and distribution of Bromelia articles, they are the beating heart of the European market. Meet Wendy Klein, the inspired marketing manager who takes us through their commitment to the conservation of the Bromelia plant in Costa Rica. “Our partnership with Adopteer Regenwoud fits perfectly with our mission to protect and preserve the genetic diversity of the Bromelia.”

The origins of the Bromelia

The historical roots of the Bromelia lie in the lush jungles of Central and South America. Aware of the threats posed by deforestation, the idea of collaborating with the Bromelia Specialist was born. In 2021, Matthijs (on behalf of Adopteer Regenwoud) and Wendy (on behalf of the Bromelia Specialist) joined forces to protect the plant’s roots in Costa Rica.

The Bromelia Specialist believes it is important to properly protect the genetics of the Bromelia. With a thorough process of crossing and selection, new Bromelia species are developed, with each new specimen requiring an average of ten years of careful attention. The Bromelia is a very popular indoor plant in Europe. Wendy: “Of course, there are already many species, but the growers at the Bromelia Specialist, together with breeders around the world, are constantly working to further develop the Bromeliads. The colors of a bromeliad just make people very happy!”

Fascinating facts about the Bromelia plant:

• Some Bromelia species give off oxygen at night, such as the Achmea Bromelia and the Pineapple plant, making them perfect as bedroom plants; even having anti-snoring properties.
• Although the Bromelia only blooms once, after flowering, cuttings grow on the side of the stem that you can cut. With patience and loving care, these cuttings can bloom after about a year.
• In the Costa Rican jungle, Bromelias grow on narrow lianas and high in trees, where they collect water in their calyx, a source of life for birds, insects and monkeys.
• To keep the Bromelia blooming for a long time, give it a bright spot (not directly in the sun) and water its calyx once every 2 to 3 weeks. With love, flowering can last up to 3 to 6 months.

What the partnership entails

Together with the Bromelia Specialist, we have taken concrete actions to protect Bromelia plants in their natural habitat. Wendy explains enthusiastically, “Together we have already been able to adopt thousands of square meters of rainforest through various actions.” Through joint efforts, we have already been able to adopt and preserve 4,321 square meters of rainforest, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance. Wendy emphasizes:

“We were looking for a charity that matched our product and so we ended up with Adopteer Regenwoud. Because of the small scale and transparency that the foundation has and with the great energy of the enthusiastic people associated with the organization, the choice was quickly made. Everyone at Adopteer Regenwoud truly has a heart for the rainforest.”

Our collaboration is a shining example of what is possible when organizations join forces for a common goal. Together we are building a sustainable future for the Bromelia plant and the precious rainforest of Costa Rica, and we are grateful for the continued support of our valued partner.

Would you also like to become a partner of the Adopt Rainforest Foundation?

Then take a look at our partner page for the possibilities.

Het bericht Conservation of the Bromelia and Costa Rican rainforest: our collaboration with the Bromelia Specialist verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Schreurs

In Costa Rica, you can’t ignore them: the Oophaga pumilio. Pumilio means dwarf, and although they are barely 3 cm tall, it is hard to miss the poisonous strawberry frogs. In English, they are called Strawberry Poison Dart frogs because indigenous peoples used to use their poison to makepoison darts. They are also affectionately called the “blue jeans frog,” because they often look like red frogs in jeans. Although they are by no means all the same colors. There are some that are completely red or blue, rather yellow, green or orange, or with black stripes or dots. In total, there are some 15 to 30 color variations.

Stolen poison

Those colors are there to scare off possible attackers, they signal: “Hey, I’m poisonous! You don’t want to eat me!”. Except for the females, who love it. Research shows that the females look for a male who have the same colors as their own parents. Females are much less attracted to poison dart frogs with different colors. Probably for survival reasons, because when the colors mix, their message to the predators  and  their chances of survival diminishes as well.

This message, by the way, is not a lie. The little frogs are quite poisonous. The toxins on their skin attack the heart and neurological system. The victims experience convulsions, paralysis and eventually death. Of course it is best to stay away from frogs, for everyone’s good, but you won’t die right away if one jumps on your feet. Their poison is especially effective if you eat the frogs, or if the poison gets into open wounds. Another poison frog, the golden arrow poison frog, is known to have enough venom to kill an adult human.

By the way, strawberry frogs don’t make all that poison themselves. The frogs eat ants, centipedes and mites among other things, and recycle their poison. Consequently, frogs kept as pets often lose their venom because they are not fed the proper diet. And speaking of diet, frogs do love a tasty snack, for example, they eat up to 14 times an hour!

Because of the venom, the frogs hardly have any natural enemies. So far, only the fire-bellied snake is known to be a threat. And humans of course, because of habitat loss for the frogs. Although humans are also fans of the frog, considering scientists are synthesizing their venom to market as a muscle relaxant, heart stimulant and painkiller!

Gummi bears

The frogs can be found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama and spend their time among the leaves on the forest floor of tropical rainforests, although you may also occasionally see them climbing up lianas or trees. Unlike most amphibians, they are active during the day. Frogs are territorial and both males and females fight each other to defend their territory from intruders. Although fighting without claws or teeth is quite difficult. Doctor Yusan Yang, who studies frogs, compared it to a wrestling match between gummy bears. A wrestling match that can last as long as 20 minutes.Tthe frogs communicate about their territory, and their wild love plans through vibrations. For example, by tapping their middle toe.

Caring parents

In Strawberry poison dart frogs, there is an amazing amount of parental care. The mother lays 2 to 5 eggs on leaves or on the axillary buds of bromeliad plants. This is very few, compared to other frogs that lay hundreds of eggs! To compensate, they lay eggs several times during the rainy season (from May to November), with a maximum of once a week. During this period, the father waters the different puddles, with water from his cloaca. After 7 to 10 days, the eggs hatch and mom carries the tadpoles one by one on her back to a separate puddle high in the trees. Like water left in a leaf or between the roots of a plant. Just as well that mom gives them each their own puddle, because other species of poison dart frogs are known to exhibit cannibalistic tendencies as tadpoles. Fortunately, then, mom keeps them apart and lays unfertilized eggs with the tadpoles to serve as food. The mother makes her rounds daily to feed the little ones. She feeds only her offspring because even though other tadpoles beg for eggs, the strawberry frog can distinguish its own offspring by their unique vibrations. And so the parents take care of their offspring for at least a month before they go from tadpole to frog.

Incredible but true, strawberry frogs can live up to 15 years in captivity! In the wild, this is less clear.

Curious about more rainforest stories? Visit our blog!

Het bericht Strawberry poison dart frog verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

The reforestation project

The foundation is engaged in a beautiful and important reforestation projectt. Planting trees on former agricultural land will reconnect the reserve and Barbilla National Park. This is essential for the animals so that they have a safe habitat which is large enough. There are also many surveys done by students, other nature projects and the daily operations of the reserve. The foundation was short-handed, so they could really use my help there. The project was a half-hour drive through the hills in a beautiful spot overlooking the surrounding area and the reserve. You could see the coast, Barbilla National Park and a volcano from the highest point. Between work I liked to come here to enjoy the beautiful surroundings for a while

San Miguel

Co-founder Maarten lives with his wife, Hanneke, and his two children, Abel and Lucas, near the reserve in a finca near the village of San Miguel. A village among hills, rainforest, pastures with cattle and vast banana fields. I stayed in a cottage close to Maarten and his family. In the first weeks, I walked with the students who were completing their research. I went to the reserve and participated in chores and activities. For example, every Wednesday we all walked through the village picking up trash and Thursday was gardening day at the finca: clearing paths, taking care of the permaculture garden and other small jobs. Meanwhile, I was inducted into the reforestation project and was pretty much the jack-of-all-trades. It was a great time and I met a lot of nice new people.

Maarten, Hanneke and the children

After a month, the students and volunteers left one by one. It was quiet at the reserve and then it suddenly became very close. We had agreed that I would ‘babysit’ the reserve for 3 weeks and keep an eye on the ongoing projects. All this so that Maarten, Hanneke and the children could ‘finally’ go on a real vacation. And how happy I was! They are such nice people doing such incredibly important work. They put their heart and soul into giving students an unforgettable experience. At the same time, they provide accommodation, food and regularly organize fun excursions to get to know the environment and local biodiversity. And oh yes, the many activities and projects around the foundation also keep half the village working. In addition, I just got along well with them. I like to think back to going out early with Maarten for birding, to the reserve with Hanneke and the fun times in one of the village pubs, which is a little store with an attached terrace.

All alone?

I dropped Maarten, Hanneke and the kids off in the nearest town to take the bus to San Jose to start their vacation. And then suddenly I was all alone. It only felt that way for a moment, because in Maarten and Hanneke’s house the foundation’s guide and handyman Gerald lived temporarily. We ate together regularly, we went to the reserve, we went shopping together in the nearest town, and the two of us picked up odd jobs when, for example, a storm knocked out the power again. We became friends. I was also immediately invited to his mother’s house and later to his sister’s house for dinner. This warmth quickly made me feel at home and not at all alone. I got to know the others from the village. All of them were nice people. And I had company from the three dogs on the finca. Meanwhile, the reforestation project continued and I got to know Hurben, the Costa Rican project leader of the reforestation project. We helped each other with the ins and outs of the reforestation project and could talk about anything. About Costa Rica, about the Netherlands and especially about nature. After all, he is also an avid birder and knows a lot about local biodiversity. Something I was already very interested in, but through Costa Rica this has grown into a passion!

Biodiversity

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on earth, and I noticed that once again at the reserve. I woke up to howler monkeys, I saw a sloth a few times a week and was surrounded by the most beautiful birds: toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, motmots, kingfishers, trogons, manakins, woodpeckers and many species of birds of prey. I also saw on game cameras in the reserve many species of mammals; raccoons, rodents, ocelots, coyotes, armadillos and many more. And then there were the many species of frogs, snakes and insects. In short, a true biodiversity paradise!

Closure and beautiful memories

After 3 weeks I picked up Maarten, Hanneke and the kids from the same bus station again. We still had 3 weeks before new students arrived so we had some time to do some fun things together. With the absolute best being a boat excursion down the Pacuare River to the coast. We were on a boat with two fellow volunteers, my girlfriend (who had also been at the reserve for a few days in the meantime), the local captain and Maarten, as the best guide you can have. Even before sunrise, we sailed along a small river among monkeys, birds and reptiles. We hardly encountered anyone, lovely! After 2.5 months it was time to say goodbye to everyone. A sad moment, but fortunately I had a beautiful prospect. I was going to travel through Costa Rica with my girlfriend for another month. Now that I am back in the Netherlands I realize what a great time I had. What a beautiful country Costa Rica is and what a great thing Maarten, Hanneke and the foundation have built up there! Deep respect and admiration!

Volunteer in the Netherlands

Ivan is also active in the Netherlands for the Adopt Rainforest Foundation. Here he volunteers for the elementary school project the Children’s Rainforest.

Would you also like to become a volunteer for the Foundation Adopt Rainforest? Then get in touch with us!

Het bericht Volunteer Ivan’s visit to Costa Rica verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

By: Annemarie Silkens

Costa Rica is known for its amazing flora and fauna, especially in the rainforests and cloud forests. Costa Rica‘s plant world is very extensive and varied. Over 12,000 different plant species (of which more than 1200 species of orchids!) are found. Climate, soil conditions and altitude account for the great diversity. The area of rainforest has unfortunately been drastically reduced in recent decades, but through the Foundation Adopt Rainforest we are doing everything possible to protect and even expand the remaining rainforest.

Plant growth and flowers of the rainforest

The warm humid conditions of the tropical rainforest provide optimal conditions for plants throughout the year. This is why so many different species are found in the tropics. Sunlight on the forest floor of the tropical rainforest is so minimal that few plant species can thrive. This has resulted in the evolution of plants that can live on trees: Epiphytes. They can grow on tree trunks, branches, leaves and on top of other Epiphytes. Each tree is an ecosystem in itself on which grow many different plant species, such as bromeliads, orchids, cacti, arum-like plants, mosses, ferns and lichens.

Bromeliads

With more than 2,000 species, Bromeliads are very abundant. You sometimes find them on the ground, but mostly as Epiphytes on branches. The leaves of Bromeliads grow around the stems creating small cavities where rainwater accumulates. These small pools of water provide a safe environment for many invertebrates and amphibians, as well as other critters, such as snails, beetles, mosquito larvae, etc. When animals die in the water, they decompose and serve as fertilizer for their host plants. Because Bromeliads occur in many colors such as purple, blue, orange, red, yellow they are becoming more and more fashionable as ornamental plants. You alreayd know one: the pineapple, also a Bromeliad. If you have become so enthusiastic that you want to have a bromeliad in your home, take a look at one of our partners, the Bromeliad specialist in De Kwakel.

Orchids

No group of plants is as large as the orchid family. More than 20,000 species are known, and they grow mainly as epiphytes on trees. The many species come in all colors of the rainbow, including green. Orchids are popular because of their brilliant shapes and colors and the durability of the flowers.

Hot lips

The sexiest flower from Costa Rica is the psychotria elata. The fiery red flower resembles a beautiful set of lips and is sometimes called hot lips.

Climbing plants and lianas

In addition to the many beautiful flowers, the rainforest contains many climbing plants and lianas. Climbing plants grow upward along tree trunks at a rapid rate to reach daylight in the treetops. They attach themselves to trees with suction cups and climbing roots, or work their way up along their hosts while writhing with climbing vines. Lianas are thick woody climbers and some can grow to several hundred feet long. They wriggle upward like a thick rope around tree trunks and branches to get sunlight.

Let’s go bananas!

The banana plant is one of the oldest commercially grown houseplants, dating back to the 6th century! The first official banana plantation was found in Costa Rica but today this beautiful tropical plant is indispensable all over the world. Bananas are an important food source for large parts of the world but thus also a beautiful plant for your home! They come in many shapes and sizes.

Some care tips from our partner Nieuwkoop Europe BV.

1. While this sun-lover likes a light position, do not place it right in front of the window.

2. To mimic tropical conditions as much as possible, make sure the soil is moist (not too wet).

3. Provide a spacious pot to encourage healthy growth. Because to make that homegrown smoothie, the plant needs to shoot a few feet up in height.

Heliconias

Heliconias are beautiful colorful flowers with a multitude of colors, shapes, patterns and sizes, which is why they are starting to become increasingly popular as ornamental flowers. Some flowers have very special shapes that allow only certain species of hummingbirds and moths to reach their nectar glands. Heliconias bloom everywhere in Costa Rica: from deep in the rainforest to people’s front yards. The exceptionally beautiful flowers on this plant are actually bracts, in which small inconspicuous flowers are hidden.

Care of tropical plants

Tropical plants are not only found in the jungle or terrariums, but can also be kept in the home with the right care. This way you bring a piece of tropical rainforest into your home and create a beautiful, green and healthy oasis in your room. Because their origins are in the tropical rainforest, they are naturally accustomed to a lot of heat. They thrive in a climate that is relatively warm and humid. Did you know that the temperature in a tropical rainforest never goes below 16°C? During the day it even averages 29°C. The almost continuous cloud cover blocks the bright sun and barely allows the heat to escape. The light is also diffused by the dense vegetation. Therefore, there are few tropical plants that can tolerate bright and direct sunlight.

On the soil, where the plants naturally grow, the fertile layer is very thin. Organic waste is very quickly converted into nutrients by insects, fungi and bacteria and then directly absorbed by the trees and plants. Because there is no cold season in the rainforest, nutrients are absorbed throughout the year. The soil of the plants is therefore best continuously slightly moist and you can add nutrients regularly. A big fan and visitor to our project, Ilse from Mama Botanica has many more tips on caring for tropical plants. www.mamabotanica.nl

Did reading this piece also make you excited about the rich plant life in the rainforest? Then help protect and preserve this important ecosystem by adopting a piece of rainforest.

Adopt here

Het bericht How to bring the tropical rainforest into your home verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.

Help to protect the Ceiba tree!

Use

Moreover, the tree has quite a history, as it has existed since before the continental drift so we can find it from Mexico to South America, as well as in West Africa and pieces of Asia. The tree has branches only at the top, where they spread out like an umbrella. During the flowering season, moths and bats are attracted to its abundant nectar production. For example, the tree makes up to 10 liters of nectar per night! In Cambodia, they have manipulated the tree so that it has low branches and a smooth trunk. They use the fibers in the fruit, also called silk cotton, as padding for mattresses, pillows and life jackets, among other things. The bark, leaves and stems are also used medicinally to treat acne, rashes, toothaches, rheumatism and burns. Western science is also beginning to show interest in the tree and research its medicinal properties. In addition, the seeds can be used as a biofuel.

Spiritual value

Not surprisingly, people throughout the ages have looked at this tree with admiration. For the Maya, for example, this tree was of great spiritual value, you can find the ‘ya’ax’che’ in many Maya artworks. For the Maya, this tree was the connection between the 3 levels: the underworld, our world and the different levels of heaven. Even more, they believed that the tree held up the sky with its branches. The tree was also a good indicator of favorable habitat, since they only grow near good water sources.

The indigenous inhabitants of Costa Rica also place great spiritual value on this tree. Unfortunately, this is much less well documented. But the story goes that they placed their loved ones who had recently died at the base of the tree by the roots, offering the soul a stairway to heaven.

In the reserve

Also in the reserve of Adopt Rainforest are some enormous Ceiba trees. Any tourist or student who comes into contact with a Ceiba tree for the first time is silent for a few seconds and stands staring upward in wonder. But even for the guides, it remains a magical moment to encounter such an impressive forest giant in the middle of the jungle.

The thickest Ceiba in Costa Rica has a circumference of 22.55 m and is called Arbol de la Paz, the tree of peace. It stands in Volcan Tenorio National Park.

More news from the rainforest? Click here

Het bericht The ceiba tree verscheen eerst op Adopteer Regenwoud.