We could all use a little tropical infusion in our lives. What better way than with some tropical houseplants or bouquets? Houseplants are good for our health as is. Adding a nice, tropical vibe elevates your home decor If your house or office space needs a little breath of fresh air and color, look no further than a tropical houseplant.
Tropical flowers and tropical plants infuse the dreamy island vacation in the everyday. Whether they’re incorporated into your garden, perched inside as decor, or sent as a beautiful gift with flower delivery, these exotic flora varieties create an especially unique collection of greenery.
Tropical Flowers for Bouquets
What Tropical Flowers Smell Good?
- Plumeria
- Samoan Gardenia
- Oleander
- Puakenikeni
- Angel’s Trumpet
- Giant Spider Lily
- Night-Blooming Jasmine
- Ginger Lily
- Passionfruit
- Climbing Jasmine
Hanging Lobster Claw (Heliconia rostrata)
Also known as the parrot flower, false bird of paradise, wild plantain, and toucan peak, the hanging lobster claw is native to Bolivia, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Peru. If you’re looking for sizeable exotic flowers to fill up a bouquet, this bloom works well. Each stem has a cluster of colorful leaves sure to catch the eye.
USDA Growing Zones: 10-13
Colors: Red with hints of yellow and green
Sun Needs: Moderate to lots
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: Heliconia is related to cannas, bananas, and gingers.
Protea (Protea cynaroides)
If you’re looking for some truly tropical flowers, then proteas should be your flower of choice. Named for a Greek god, these otherworldly blooms are sure to impress. There’s a good reason for their unique look, too—these flowers are thought to be among the oldest blooms on the planet. Proteas stand for courage, change, and transformation. They come in a range of colors and are often quite large in size, so even adding just one to a bouquet makes a striking statement. There’s even a variety called blushing bride, which is just perfect if you’re trying to create an exotic wedding bouquet.
USDA Growing Zone: 8
Colors: Wide range of colors
Sun Needs: Moderate
Soil Needs: Slightly acidic
Fun Fact: Proteas are a staple in tropical flower arrangements thanks to their extremely long-lasting cut blooms.
Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)
Known for their captivating fragrance and vibrant colors, Frangipani flowers are a staple in tropical regions and are a common coastal flower on the Pacific Islands.
USDA Growing Zone: 10-12
Colors: Pink, yellow, white, red
Sun Needs: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: In Hawaiian culture, Yellow Plumeria flowers are often worn behind the right ear to symbolize being in a relationship, while wearing them behind the left ear signifies being single.
Calla Lily (Zantedeschia spp.)
Calla lilies have become an incredibly popular choice for bouquets. Their sleek, modern look strikes a chord with many flower lovers on the hunt for exotic flowers. Callas are available in a variety of bold colors, with the pure white variety being a favorite for weddings as its clean look and sculptural lines create an artful bridal bouquet. Calla lilies look equally stunning arranged among other blooms or tied together on their own.
USDA Growing Zones: 8-10
Colors: White, maroon, yellow, lavender, orange, pink, green, black
Sun Needs: Full sun or partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, porous soil
Fun Fact: Calla lilies are extremely poisonous if eaten, so keep them out of reach of your pets!
Canna Lily (Canna indica)
We absolutely love the fiery red and yellow blooms that canna lilies are known for. They still amaze us every time! But honestly, the main reason canna lilies make this list is because they are super low-maintenance and easy to grow—two rarities when it comes to tropical flowers.
USDA Growing Zones: 8-11
Colors: Red, orange, gold
Sun Needs: Full
Soil Needs: Rich acidic soil amended with compost or manure
Fun Fact: Cannas love soggy soil and will even grow in standing water.
Ginger (Zingiber neglectum)
It’s not just a tasty spice to add to your cookies. Ginger plants grow lovely blooms that make wonderful additions to any tropical flower bouquet. The flowers come in sunset shades of pink, red, and yellow and have a very distinctive sultry appeal. These eye-catching beauties add a burst of color and island style to any arrangement.
USDA Growing Zones: 7-10
Colors: Pink, red, yellow
Sun Needs: Partial or filtered sun
Soil Needs: Loamy
Fun Fact: There are more than 1300 species of ginger, which grow throughout tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia.
Orchid (Orchidaceae)
Though they often look soft and delicate, orchids are made to stand up to heat. They grow in very hot climates and often have a waxy feel that helps them withstand higher temperatures. If you’re looking for summertime flowers or are trying to find blooms for a destination bridal bouquet somewhere tropical, orchids are a great option. They come in a wide variety of different looks and colors and they add stand-out style to any arrangement. Some popular varieties to include are dendrobium, cymbidium, phalaenopsis, and oncidium. They look gorgeous on their own, but they also work well mixed in among other exotic beauties, such as heliconia, spectabilis, costus, and calathea.
USDA Growing Zones: 5-9
Colors: Wide variety
Sun Needs: Filtered light
Soil Needs: Chunky, bark-based growing mix
Fun Fact: There are more than 25,000 documented species of orchid, occurring in almost every habitat apart from glaciers, and scientists are finding more every day.
Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Native to East Asia, the Chinese hibiscus is a drop-dead gorgeous exotic flower. Best known for its paper-thin, saucer-shaped blooms, the Chinese hibiscus is a delicate but statement-making choice for your kitchen table. Whether you choose a red, pink, yellow, orange, or white hibiscus, it’ll most certainly have your guests doing a quick double-take as they walk by.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-10
Colors: Pink, white, orange, red, yellow
Sun Needs: Full sun
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil
Fun Fact: Chinese hibiscus flowers are edible and used in salads in the Pacific Islands; they’re also used to shine shoes in certain parts of India!
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
It’s hard to compete with the elegance and refinement of peace lilies and their simple, gorgeous white blooms. And thanks to their minimalist appearance, they are the perfect decorative flower for modern interior designers.
USDA Growing Zone: 11-12
Colors: White
Sun Needs: Indirect light
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: The peace lily got its name from its white flowers, which rise timidly above its green foliage and resemble white flags of peace.
Best Tropical Plants for Your Home
Check out a few of the best tropical houseplants and tips on how to care for them!
Rubber Plants (Ficus Elastica)
Rubber plants, otherwise known as rubber trees or Ficus elastica, are a great option as far as tropical houseplants. They have large glossy leaves that are either solid green or a combination of colors, and boy do their leaves fill any room with life!
USDA Growing Zones: 10-11
Colors: Green
Sun Needs: Indirect sunlight
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: While rubber trees can be maintained at a manageable height indoors, they can grow to be more than 100 feet tall in the wild.
Snake Plants (Dracaena trifasciata)
Snake plants come in a lot of different sizes and are ready to clean the air in your home with their green spiky leaves! Not only are these tropical houseplants good for the air, but they are also tolerant to neglect. Even if you forget about them for a bit, they are very resilient! Can withstand arid climates and are compatible with mountain flowers.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-11
Colors: Green and yellow
Sun Needs: Shade to partial sun
Soil Needs: Sandy, well-drained
Fun Fact: The snake plant goes by a few names; they are known as the snake plant, the mother-in-law’s tongue, bowstring hemp, the devil’s tongue, or the lucky plant.
Begonias (Begonia)
Begonias are a tropical houseplant fan favorite for their bright pink, white, or scarlet leaves. If you are looking for a tropical houseplant to brighten up any room, the begonia is your plant!
USDA Growing Zones: 7-11
Colors: Pink, white, red, orange, yellow
Sun Needs: Indirect sunlight
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: There are more than 1900 species of begonias, and they’re found naturally in subtropical and tropical regions all around the world, apart from Australia.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)
Chinese Evergreens are tropical houseplants that grow beautiful, green, leathery leaves with the occasional silver or pink marbling. From time to time, the Chinese Evergreen’s leaves grow calla-like blooms that develop red berries. They can also be grown from hanging pots around a porch, paired with bright cottage flowers.
USDA Growing Zone: 10-12
Colors: Green, white, pink
Sun Needs: Indirect sunlight
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: Native to China and the Philippines, the Chinese evergreen is considered lucky in China.
Tropical Flowers Around the World
What Flowers Grow Best in the Tropics?
- Bromeliad
- Hibiscus
- Jasmine
- Orchid
- Protea
- Ginger
- Anthurium
- Bougainvillea
- Canna lilies
- Birds of paradise
Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
Just like birds of paradise, bat flowers get their name from their striking resemblance to their animal counterpart. But bat flowers are quite different from the other tropical flowers on this list. Instead of sporting rich and vibrant colors, bat flowers opt for deep, dark, and mysterious shades of purple that almost feel a bit eerie and sinister to look at. We absolutely love it! The bat flower is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, southern China, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
USDA Growing Zones: 9b-11
Colors: Black (dark purple)
Sun Needs: Partial sun to dappled shade
Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained
Fun Fact: Bat flowers make a great garden flower where new blooms will appear repeatedly from late spring through early fall.
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Another attention-grabbing tropical bloom is the anthurium, also known as flamingo flowers. These flowers scream exotic. You don’t need many of them to create an impact, as they have a style all their own. Even better, they come in a whole host of stunning colors, including red, pink, purple, orange, green, and even dark blue.
USDA Growing Zones: 10 or higher
Colors: Red, white, pink, burgundy, purple, green
Sun Needs: Indirect sunlight
Soil Needs: Rich, moist soil
Fun Fact: One of many interesting anthurium facts is that they are a genus of more than 800 species found in different parts of Mexico, Uruguay, and northern Argentina.
Birds of Paradise Flower (Strelitzia reginae)
With brilliantly colorful blooms resembling a bird’s beak and plumage, these plants will stop you in your tracks and inspire awe. At least that’s what happened to us when we first laid our eyes on these gems!
USDA Growing Zone: 9-11
Colors: Orange and blue
Sun Needs: Moderate to lots
Soil Needs: Slightly acidic to neutral
Fun Fact: Native to South Africa, this flower is named for its resemblance to the showy forest birds known as birds-of-paradise.
Bromeliads (Aechmea or Guzmania genera of the Bromeliaceae family)
Native to the tropical Americas, Bromeliads are gorgeous exotic flowers known for having spiky and colorful bloom formations. Thanks to their spiky layers, they can also store water for extremely long periods of time. But fair warning – bromeliads are notoriously difficult to care for. That’s okay though, because the best things in life don’t come easy, right?
USDA Growing Zones: 9-10
Colors: Red, pink, yellow, and orange
Sun Needs: Bright to filtered light
Soil Needs: Airy orchid mix
Fun Fact: Pineapples are a type of bromeliad.
Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
The Blue Jacaranda, with its clusters of violet-blue flowers, is a sight to behold. Originating from South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, these flowers add a touch of ethereal beauty to any bouquet or garden. Their delicate fragrance and striking color make them a favorite among tropical flower enthusiasts.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-11
Colors: Violet, Blue
Sun Needs: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: Blue Jacarandas are often referred to as “blue trumpet trees” due to the shape of their flowers.
Red Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior)
With its fiery red bracts and striking appearance, the Red Torch Ginger is a showstopper in any tropical garden. Native to Southeast Asia, these flowers are not only visually stunning but also attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
USDA Growing Zones: 10-12
Colors: Red
Sun Needs: Partial shade to full shade
Soil Needs: Rich, moist soil
Fun Fact: Red Torch Ginger flowers are edible and are often used in Asian cuisines for their spicy flavor and aromatic fragrance.
Golden Trumpet (Allamanda cathartica)
The Golden Trumpet, also known as Allamanda, is prized for its dazzling yellow flowers and glossy green foliage. Native to South and Central America, these trumpet-shaped blooms add a touch of sunshine to any landscape.
USDA Growing Zones: 10-11
Colors: Yellow
Sun Needs: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
Fun Fact: All parts of the Golden Trumpet plant are poisonous if ingested, so handle with care.
White Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia arborea)
White Angel’s Trumpet, also known as Brugmansia, is renowned for its large, fragrant flowers that hang gracefully from the branches. White Angel’s Trumpet flowers are often used in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine due to their symbolic significance and therapeutic properties.
USDA Growing Zones: 9-11
Colors: White
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
Fun Fact: White Angel’s Trumpet flowers are pollinated by moths attracted to their scent at night.
Purple Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata)
The Purple Orchid Tree, with its striking heart-shaped leaves, is a true gem of the tropics. Butterflies and hummingbirds flock to this rare beauty and add a touch of wildlife to the garden.
USDA Growing Zones: 9b-11
Colors: Purple
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
Fun Fact: The Purple Orchid Tree is also known as the Butterfly Tree due to its ability to attract butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers.
White Spider Lily (Hymenocallis caribaea)
The White Spider Lily, with its delicate white flowers and spider-like petals, is a mesmerizing sight in any tropical garden. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, these flowers bloom in clusters, creating a stunning visual display against the backdrop of dark green foliage.
USDA Growing Zones: 8-11
Colors: White
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil
Fun Fact: White Spider Lily flowers are nocturnal bloomers, releasing a sweet fragrance at night to attract pollinators like moths and bats.
Puakenikeni (Fagraea berteroana)
Native to the Pacific Islands, Puakenikeni is a tropical tree known for its fragrant yellow-orange flowers that bloom year-round. These flowers are highly prized for their intoxicating aroma, reminiscent of jasmine with hints of coconut and citrus.
USDA Growing Zones: 10-13
Colors: Yellow-orange
Sun Needs: Moderate to lots
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
Fun Fact: Puakenikeni flowers are traditionally used in Hawaiian leis and are considered a symbol of love and friendship.
Jasmine (Jasminum)
These climbing vines are revered for their ornamental, fragrant beauty and symbolic significance in various cultures, often representing love, purity, and sensuality.
USDA Growing Zones: 7-10
Colors: White
Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Needs: Well-draining, fertile soil
Fun Fact: Jasmine flowers are commonly used in teas, perfumes, and aromatherapy for their calming and uplifting properties.
Order Tropical Flower Delivery
Whether you can see the ocean from your backdoor, or just love the island lifestyle, tropical blooms are an easy-breezy addition to any home. The Bouqs Co. offers a selection of paradise-inspired bouquets, each bundled with bold tropical greenery to enhance that holiday feel. Our farm-to-door flower delivery model means your blooms always arrive as fresh as possible.
We offer a great tropical flower care guide if you need a little guidance. Explore our entire Destinations Collections to order your ideal scenery to your doorstep.
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