Tropical plants are an excellent choice to elevate your yard’s curb appeal, add vibrant colors, and enhance its overall value.
With their lush, exotic appearance, they provide a striking contrast to more traditional plants and are sure to captivate any visitor.
Whether you grow tropical plants outdoor full sun or prefer tropical house plants, these plants have the power to transform any garden or indoor space into a lush paradise.
Plus, many of these species are easy to maintain and offer impressive foliage, unique blooms, and even carnivorous features like the tropical pitcher plant.
In this roundup, I’ll cover the most dazzling tropical plants that thrive both indoors and outdoors, offering tropical planter ideas for every space.
A Must Read: 20 Tropical Garden Ideas That’ll Transform Your Yard
The 20 Tropical Plants You Need to Grow in Your Yard
To bring a touch of the tropics to your home, these tropical plants are perfect for creating an exotic and vibrant atmosphere.
Whether you want to create a bold statement outdoors with tropical plants outdoor full sun or bring life indoors with tropical house plants, the following selections will provide you with a variety of options that are easy to grow, stunning to look at, and perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Each of these plants is well-suited for a different purpose, whether it be a dramatic tropical planter arrangement or an impressive tropical pitcher plant to wow your guests.
Here are 20 must-have tropical plants to consider:
1. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
This iconic tropical plant is a favorite for its striking, bird-like flowers and bold foliage.
Thriving in hardiness zones 10 to 12, Bird of Paradise loves the heat and requires full sunlight, making it perfect for tropical plants outdoor full sun.
The large leaves and orange-blue blooms add a unique touch to your yard. Care for it by providing well-drained soil and watering regularly during the growing season.
Indoors, it can grow up to 6 feet tall, making it a stunning tropical house plant when placed in a bright room.
2. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Known for its large, colorful flowers, the Hibiscus brings a vibrant tropical look to any garden.
Hardy in zones 9 to 11, this tropical plant prefers full sun to partial shade, making it ideal for tropical plants outdoor spaces.
Hibiscus requires regular watering and rich, well-drained soil to bloom continuously.
As an indoor plant, it can be a beautiful addition to your tropical house plants collection, producing flowers in shades of red, pink, yellow, and orange.
Consider it for colorful tropical planter ideas by pairing it with other exotic plants.
3. Tropical Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes)
The fascinating tropical pitcher plant is not only visually intriguing but also carnivorous, trapping insects in its pitcher-shaped leaves.
This plant thrives in high-humidity environments and requires indirect sunlight, making it a unique addition to your tropical house plants collection.
It does best in zones 10 to 11 and needs well-draining, acidic soil. Tropical pitcher plants require consistent moisture and should be watered with distilled water to avoid mineral buildup.
NB. You can buy Tropical Pitcher Plant seeds on Amazon
4. Plumeria (Plumeria rubra)
Plumeria, also known as Frangipani, is a highly fragrant tropical plant with stunning flowers in different colors.
The flowers are often used in Hawaiian leis.
Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soil, making it a top choice for tropical plants outdoor full sun areas.
Its thick, leathery leaves and bright flowers in shades of pink, white, and yellow make it a standout in any tropical landscape.
Plumeria is also drought-tolerant once established, requiring little maintenance, and can be a star of your tropical planter ideas. If grown indoors, ensure it gets plenty of sunlight to bloom.
5. Banana Plant (Musa spp.)
Banana plants are fast-growing, large-leafed tropical plants that add an exotic flair to your garden.
They thrive in zones 9 to 11 and love full sunlight, making them perfect for tropical plants outdoor full sun.
Though you can grow banana plants indoors, they require bright light and high humidity, making them better suited for outdoor spaces or large indoor areas.
With their large green leaves and edible fruits, banana plants need regular watering and rich, well-draining soil.
Their bold appearance makes them ideal for large tropical planter arrangements.
PS. You can buy Wild Banana Plant seeds on Amazon.
6. Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta)
The Elephant Ear plant is known for its huge, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long, making it a bold statement plant in tropical gardens.
Hardy in zones 8 to 11, it does best in partial shade to full sun.
If you are looking for tropical plants outdoor, this plant is perfect, as it thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
It can also be grown as a tropical house plant, adding dramatic greenery indoors.
Regular watering is essential to keep this plant looking lush and healthy.
7. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
Croton is a colorful, eye-catching tropical plant known for its bright, variegated leaves in shades of red, yellow, orange, and green.
Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it grows well in both tropical plants outdoor settings and indoors as part of a tropical house plant collection.
This plant loves full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and should be watered regularly.
Crotons are also excellent for tropical planter ideas because of their vibrant foliage.
8. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
The Philodendron is a versatile tropical plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Philodendrons do well in Hardness zones 9 to 11, thrive in indirect light, and love humidity.
As a tropical house plant, Philodendron is perfect for brightening up any indoor space, while its vining varieties can create a lush look in outdoor settings.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering and fertilizing.
Place it in hanging baskets for creative tropical planter ideas.
9. Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium)
With its tall stalks and fragrant, white flowers, the Ginger Lily is an attractive tropical plant for any garden.
Hardy in zones 8 to 11, it grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
This plant adds an exotic touch to tropical plants outdoor landscapes and can reach heights of up to 6 feet.
While it can be grown indoors, it prefers the humidity of the outdoors, making it an ideal choice for tropical plants outdoor full sun spots.
10. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae spp.)
Bromeliads are a stunning family of tropical plants with spiky, rosette-shaped leaves and bright, long-lasting blooms.
They thrive in zones 9 to 11 and can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
These low-maintenance plants require indirect sunlight, making them perfect for tropical house plants and tropical planter ideas.
Bromeliads are also air plants, meaning they don’t need soil to grow, making them versatile and easy to care for in various environments.
11. Passionflower (Passiflora spp.)
Passionflower is a climbing tropical plant known for its intricate, alien-like flowers that bloom in shades of purple, blue, and white.
Hardy in zones 6 to 10, this plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for tropical plants outdoor gardens.
Passionflower requires regular watering and is a fast grower, often used as a vining plant to cover walls or trellises. Its flowers attract pollinators, adding even more life to your garden.
12. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
A favorite among tropical house plants, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is known for its large, glossy leaves and tall growth.
Hardy in zones 9 to 11, this plant thrives in bright, indirect light and needs consistent watering to maintain its lush appearance.
Fiddle Leaf Fig can be grown outdoors in warmer climates but is commonly used as a dramatic indoor plant.
It can reach heights of 10 feet indoors, making it a great choice for large, open spaces or tropical planter ideas.
13. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Popular for its large, split leaves, the Monstera is an iconic tropical plant that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity.
Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it can be grown outdoors in warm climates or as a striking tropical house plant.
Monstera prefers moist, well-drained soil and regular watering.
Its bold foliage makes it perfect for tropical planter arrangements both indoors and outdoors.
14. Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Bougainvillea is a showy tropical plant known for its vibrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, orange, and red.
Hardy in zones 9 to 11, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for tropical plants outdoor full sun locations.
This fast-growing vine requires minimal care once established and can be used to cover walls, fences, or trellises.
It’s a perfect plant to add a splash of color to your garden.
15. Palms (Arecaceae spp.)
Palms are quintessential tropical plants that come in many varieties, from the towering Royal Palm to the more compact Pygmy Date Palm.
Hardy in zones 9 to 12, palms can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the species.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them a perfect choice for tropical plants outdoor full sun.
Palms add an instant tropical vibe to any space and are relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate watering.
16. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
Known for its bright, heart-shaped flowers, Anthurium is a popular tropical house plant that thrives in indirect sunlight and high humidity.
Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it can also be grown outdoors in warm climates. Anthurium prefers moist, well-drained soil and regular watering.
Its striking red, pink, or white flowers can bloom year-round, making it a great choice for tropical planter ideas indoors or on patios.
17. Canna Lily (Canna indica)
The Canna Lily is a bold tropical plant with large, banana-like leaves and striking red, orange, or yellow flowers.
Hardy in zones 7 to 10, this plant loves full sunlight and moist, well-drained soil. It is perfect for tropical plants outdoor full sun settings and adds height and color to any tropical garden.
Canna Lilies require regular watering and are great for creating a lush, tropical atmosphere in your yard.
18. Orchid (Orchidaceae spp.)
Orchids are one of the most elegant tropical plants, known for their delicate and intricate blooms.
Hardy in zones 9 to 12, they prefer indirect sunlight and high humidity, making them ideal tropical house plants.
Orchids require specific care, including regular misting and a well-draining potting mix.
Their exotic flowers make them stand out in any tropical planter arrangement, whether indoors or outdoors.
19. Heliconia (Heliconia rostrata)
Also known as Lobster Claw, Heliconia is a dramatic tropical plant known for its unique, brightly colored bracts.
Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
This plant can reach up to 15 feet tall, making it ideal for creating a lush, tropical environment in your garden.
Heliconia requires regular watering and is a stunning addition to any tropical landscape.
20. Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
The Ti Plant is a colorful tropical plant with glossy, spear-shaped leaves in shades of green, red, and purple.
Hardy in zones 10 to 12, the Ti Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil.
Ti Plants are excellent for adding vibrant color to your garden and can also be grown as tropical house plants.
They require regular watering to maintain their lush appearance and are often used in tropical planter ideas.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the easiest tropical plant to grow?
A: The easiest tropical plant to grow is often considered to be the Philodendron, as it is adaptable and requires minimal care.
Q: What is the meaning of tropical plant?
A: A tropical plant refers to a plant that originates from tropical regions of the world, typically characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity.
Q: What is the most beautiful tropical plant?
A: Beauty is subjective, but many consider the Hibiscus or Bird of Paradise to be among the most beautiful tropical plants due to their vibrant flowers.
Q: Do tropical plants like sunlight?
A: Most tropical plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight, although some, like Canna Lilies and Bougainvillea, thrive in full sun.
Q: What is the most expensive tropical plant?
A: The most expensive tropical plant can vary, but certain rare orchids and varieties of Monstera can fetch high prices among collectors.
To Wrap Up
In summary, incorporating tropical plants into your garden or home can greatly enhance its visual appeal and value.
From the bold Bird of Paradise to the elegant Orchid, these plants provide vibrant colors and unique forms that transform any space.
They not only beautify your surroundings but also offer benefits like improved air quality and attracting pollinators.
By understanding the care requirements of each plant, you can successfully cultivate a lush, tropical environment.
Whether you opt for tropical plants outdoor to create a stunning landscape or choose striking tropical house plants to brighten your interior, these selections will surely impress and rejuvenate your space.
Don’t forget to explore creative tropical planter ideas to showcase these stunning plants and enjoy the lush beauty they bring!