Subtropical plants also have large, heavy leaves, shallow roots and a fast growth habit, and can vary from sun to shade. They prefer warmth and humidity and are tender to frosts. Many species will tolerate short periods of moisture stress, from one to four weeks. They prefer sandy clay to loamy clay soil. Their natural growing season can last over 300 days, with most growth occurring in the spring to early fall.
Subtropical plants prefer frost-free coastal to inland valley habitats.