• Small pruners are effective for removing the leaves and slender stems of tropical plants.scissors image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  Tropical plant technicians care for plants in commercial settings, such as shopping malls and doctors' offices. Some accounts involve seasonal flowering plants along with foliage plants. Although technicians can enroll in horticulture courses, many learn through on-the-job-training. This begins with an interest in tropical plants and the desire to learn plant types and effective methods of care. Proper tool choice is the next step to making the job more enjoyable.
  
  

Scissors

• A pair of floral scissors with serrated edges works well when cutting off brown leaf tips and shaping the edges of the leaves. Use scissors to trim ivies and remove the spent flowers of seasonal plants, such as begonias. Invest in a sturdy pair that can stand up to frequent use.
  
  

Pruners

• Use small hand pruners for light pruning, such as removing dead branch tips from a ficus tree. Bypass pruners with wider blades are effective when removing thick branches of ficus and pruning back the woody canes of palms. According to John Kelsey of "This Old House" magazine, well-made pruners will stand up to heavy use and are a wise investment.
  
  

Watering Containers

• A sturdy watering container stands up to constant use.watering-can image by S from Fotolia.com
  
  Invest in hard plastic watering containers sturdy enough to last many years. A 7-liter or 10-liter container holds enough water to take care of three or four thirsty plants, depending on the pot width. Choose the watering can capacity that you can comfortably carry when full.
  
  

Moisture Meter

• A moisture meter gives a more exact reading of water requirements, according to the University of Arizona's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences website. Testing the soil by touch can miss a large plant's critical moisture deficiency occurring several inches down.
  
  

Dust Cloths

• Proper cleaning of foliage is necessary to keep plants healthy. Dust and dirt impedes a plant's respiration and allows insects to proliferate. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently remove the dust. Moisten the cloth slightly if needed. If the leaves are too small and numerous, mist the plant with water to dislodge the dirt. Use a feather duster for light dust. Be sure the plants you dust by this method aren't infested with insects that may spread.
  
  

Misting Bottles

• Keep two misting bottles at hand for foliage cleaning and moistening dry environments. Bottles should hold 22 ounces and be made of a sturdy plastic to withstand hours of use.
  
  

Leaf Cleaner

• Avoid commercial leaf shine products, according to the North Carolina State University Extension website. The chemicals in commercial products hold the dirt and clog leaf pores. Instead, use water mixed with a few drops of dish soap or peppermint soap. Clean with a dust cloth if the foliage is especially dirty.
  
  

Housekeeping Supplies

• Carry a dust pan and brush to clean up dropped leaves and spilled soil, and small trash bags to dispose of debria. A roll of paper towels is invaluable for mopping up spilled water and the leftover droplets from misting.
  
  

Notebook and Pen

• Use a small notebook and pen to jot down necessary plant care and condition notes.
  
  

Tote

• Use a tote to organize and carry supplies and tools. Canvas bags and plastic sectioned totes help to organize the necessary equipment for efficient plant care.