What is a rainforest?
Rainforests are places that are warm, rainy, and full of life. Imagine a jungle with trees so tall they touch the sky, and their leaves form a giant green roof that keeps everything underneath shady and cool. These amazing places are home to more animals and plants than almost anywhere else on Earth. Let’s learn more about what makes rainforests so special.
Rainforests around the world
Rainforests grow in many places around the world, mostly near the equator, where it's hot and rainy all year round.
South America
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest in the world. It’s so big it is part of nine different countries. It’s home to jaguars and sloths (and many more animals).
Central America
Countries like Costa Rica and Panama have beautiful rainforests full of colourful frogs, monkeys, and hummingbirds.
Asia
Rainforests in places like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand are home to orangutans, tigers, and amazing insects.
Africa
The Congo Rainforest is the second largest in the world. There you'll find gorillas, forest elephants, and okapis here.
Australia & Pacific
Rainforests in Australia, Papua New Guinea, and nearby islands are filled with tree kangaroos, parrots, and giant ferns.
The layers of the rainforest
You can think of Rainforests like giant layer cakes: each layer is different and has its own special plants and animals.
The Emergent Layer – The Sky-High Tops
The tallest trees reach above all others, where eagles and butterflies fly in the sunshine.
The Canopy Layer – The Rainforest Roof
This leafy roof is where monkeys, birds, and sloths live. It’s thick and green.
The Understory Layer – The Shadowy Middle
This dark and quiet layer has small trees, vines, and lots of insects and frogs.
The Forest Floor – The Damp, Dark Bottom
It’s dark and muddy here. You’ll find mushrooms, insects, and big animals like jaguars prowling around.
Rainforest Plants You Can Grow at Home
Even in the UK, you can grow some tropical plants indoors or in a greenhouse, so you have a little piece of the rainforest in your own home.
Monstera
Also called the Swiss Cheese Plant. The Monstera has big leaves with holes.
Tip: Keep it in a bright room and water once a week.
Peace Lily
Green and luscious Peace Lilies have pretty white flowers and love the shade.
Tip: Water whenever the leaves droop a little.
Fern
Ferns have feathery leaves and love humidity.
Tip: Mist them often and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Guzmania
The Guzmania is a bright and colourful plant with red, pink or yellow flowers that burst out of the centre.
Tip: When it’s thirsty, water into the middle “cup” of the plant.
Calathea
Calatheas are known for their pretty patterned leaves, which open during the day and close together at night.
Tip: Keep the soil moist and avoid cold drafts.