18 Exotic Tropical Flowers for Indoor & Outdoor Spaces (2024)

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Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

The Bird of Paradise, with its striking resemblance to a colourful bird in flight, is a symbol of exotic beauty and paradise itself. This eye-catching plant features bright orange and blue tropical flowers and leaves that emerge from beak-like spathes, creating a dramatic display. Ideal for adding a tropical flair to outdoor landscapes or as a statement piece indoors, it thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Hibiscus, often associated with magnificent aura, is renowned for its large, vibrant tropical flowers that come in a variety of colours, including red, pink, orange, and yellow. This versatile plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, preferring sunny positions and well-drained soil. Regular watering and occasional fertilising will keep it blooming profusely. Whether planted in the ground or kept in containers, hibiscus adds a splash of colour and tropical charm, making it an ideal choice for brightening any area.

Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae)

Bromeliads, a tropical flowering plant, comes from a diverse family of plants that boast striking foliage and vibrant, long-lasting flowers. They are exceptionally adaptable and can thrive indoors with minimal care, needing only moderate light and occasional watering. Their unique appearance, with rosettes of thick, waxy leaves in various colours and patterns, makes them excellent for adding texture and interest to indoor spaces. Bromeliads also purify the air, making them beautiful and beneficial for your home environment.

Orchids (Orchidaceae)

Orchids are tropical blooming plants that stand synonymous with elegance and exotic beauty. With over 25,000 species, they offer an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Orchids prefer humid environments and indirect light, making them ideal for indoor cultivation. Orchids require specific care, including well-draining media, regular misting, and controlled fertilisation, but their stunning beauty makes the effort worthwhile.

Plumeria (Plumeria spp.)

Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a famous tropical blooming plant known for its sweet fragrance and waxy flowers that come in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow. Native to tropical regions, it thrives in warm, sunny environments and can be grown outdoors in summer or indoors in cooler climates. Plumeria requires well-drained soil and moderate watering, making it relatively easy to care for. Its intoxicating scent and picturesque blooms make Plumeria a popular choice for gardens, patios, and as a cut flower to bring tropical elegance indoors.

Passion Flower (Passiflora)

The Passion Flower, with its intricate, star-shaped flowers and trailing vines, is a mesmerising addition to any garden or indoor space. Its blooms, often purple, blue, white, or red, feature a unique arrangement of filaments that create a striking display. Thriving in well-drained soil and a sunny spot, this exotic flower plant can be grown on trellises or in hanging baskets, where its vines can elegantly cascade. Indoors, it requires bright, indirect light to flourish.

Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)

The Ti Plant is celebrated for its vibrant foliage rather than its flowers. Its leaves come in a range of colours, including pink, red, orange, and variegated patterns, adding a splash of colour to any setting. This easy-care tropical plant prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering to maintain its vivid colouration. It can serve as a stunning backdrop in gardens or as a striking indoor plant, bringing a tropical vibe to the room. The Ti Plant is a versatile option for those looking to add foliage with a tropical twist to their decor.

Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)

Anthurium, also known as the Flamingo Flower, is renowned for its glossy, heart-shaped spathes and spadix in shades of red, pink, white, and green. This low-maintenance plant prefers warm, humid conditions and indirect light, making it perfect for indoor environments. Its striking appearance and long-lasting exotic flowers make it a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and exotic flair. Regular watering and occasional feeding will keep it thriving, ensuring a year-round display of its stunning blooms.

Ginger (Zingiberaceae)

Ginger plants, with their exotic flowers and aromatic foliage, are a multifaceted addition to any tropical garden or indoor collection. Varieties like the Red Ginger (Alpinia purpurata) and Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) offer spectacular floral displays in vibrant colours. These plants prefer warm climates, moist, well-drained soil, and partial shade. Indoors, they require bright, indirect light and regular humidity. Beyond their ornamental value, some ginger species are also cultivated for their culinary and medicinal uses, making them a practical and beautiful choice.

Heliconia (Heliconia spp.)

Heliconia, often called Lobster-Claws or False Bird of Paradise, features brilliant, upright inflorescences that resemble tropical birds. These tropical plants thrive in warm, humid environments and are ideal for creating a bold, tropical look in gardens or large indoor spaces. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. With their unique shapes and vivid colours ranging from red and orange to yellow and green, Heliconias are perfect for adding a dramatic touch and a sense of the exotic to any setting.

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)

Bougainvillea is a vibrant, sun-loving exotic tropical plant known for its prolific flowering and ability to cover walls, fences, and trellises with a cascade of colour. Its paper-like bracts come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white, surrounding the small, white flowers at their centre. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal watering once established. Bougainvillea can also be grown in large containers to brighten patios or conservatories, ideal for a Mediterranean or tropical-themed garden.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)

Amaryllis boasts large, trumpet-shaped beautiful tropical flowers that make a dramatic statement in any indoor or outdoor setting. Available in a range of colours including red, pink, white, and variegated patterns, it’s particularly popular for its ability to bloom indoors during the winter months. Providing a bright, indirect light source and regular watering will encourage its striking flowers to emerge. Amaryllis bulbs can be planted in pots or gardens, offering tropical elegance and vibrant colour when most other plants are dormant.

Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides)

Gardenias will be in the top 5 of the exotic flowers list. These are cherished for their fragrant, creamy white flowers and glossy, dark green leaves. This classic beauty prefers warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect light, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. It requires well-drained, acidic soil and regular watering to thrive. Gardenias can add a luxurious and aromatic element to gardens, patios, or indoor spaces, filling the air with their intoxicating scent and providing a serene, tropical atmosphere.

Ixora (Ixora coccinea)

Ixora is a dense, tropical shrub known for its clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in vibrant hues of red, orange, yellow, and pink. It thrives in warm climates and is ideal for creating colourful hedges or as a standout container plant. Ixora prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring well-drained soil and regular watering to flourish. Its compact size and attractive flowers make it a popular choice for adding a pop of colour and tropical flair to any garden or indoor space.

Caladium (Caladium bicolor)

Caladium, an exotic tropical flower, with its striking, heart-shaped leaves painted in vivid combinations of pink, red, white, and green, is a fantastic foliage plant for adding a tropical touch to shaded garden areas or indoor spaces. It thrives in warm, humid conditions with indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. Ideal for planting in masses under trees, on borders, or as a colourful indoor plant, Caladiums provide a lush, vibrant display without the need for flowers, making them a versatile choice for enhancing the visual appeal of your surroundings.

Frangipani (Plumeria rubra)

Frangipani, also known as Plumeria, is synonymous with the exotic allure of the tropics. Its sweetly scented tropical flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red, are often used in leis and floral arrangements. This deciduous shrub or small tree thrives in warm, sunny environments and requires minimal watering once established, making it perfect for adding a tropical feel to gardens or as a striking specimen in large containers.

Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)

Jasmine is celebrated for its intoxicating fragrance and delicate, star-shaped exotic flowers. This versatile plant can be grown as a climbing vine or a shrub, making it suitable for a variety of garden settings or as an indoor plant. Jasmine prefers well-drained soil, regular watering, and full to partial sun exposure. Its ability to bloom prolifically, especially during the warmer months, along with its sweet scent, makes Jasmine a popular choice for patios, terraces, and indoor areas where its fragrance can be enjoyed up close.

Canna Lily (Canna spp.)

The Canna Lily is a beautiful tropical flower, with its bold leaves and vibrant, iris-like flowers, is a statement plant that brings a splash of colour and tropical drama to any setting. Thriving in full sun and moist, well-drained soil, it is ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as a focal point in garden beds. Canna Lilies are available in a variety of colours, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. Their tall, stately appearance and ease of care make them a favourite for gardeners looking to create a tropical or subtropical theme in their outdoor spaces. Canna Lilies can also be grown in large containers, making them versatile for indoor and outdoor use.

In a Mud Pot!

Incorporating tropical flowers into your living spaces, whether indoors or outdoors, is a splendid way to introduce a burst of colour, unique textures, and exotic fragrances. These 18 tropical beauties, ranging from the architectural grandeur of the Bird of Paradise to the delicate allure of Jasmine, offer a variety of options to suit any garden or home interior. By selecting the right plants for your environment and providing them with the care they need, you can transform your space into a vibrant tropical oasis that captivates the senses and brings joy throughout the year.

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