Tropical Plants: Care, Types of Tropical Plants
Native to warmer climates, elsewhere tropical plants and sub-tropical plants are treated as novelties: e.g., as houseplants or as specimens meant to be displayed for but a single season (annuals). Read the introductory articles below for examples of tropical plants and to learn more about them.
Tropical Flowers
The very mention of tropical flowers brings a smile to the face of Northerners. But even if you don't live in the tropics or South Florida, you can enjoy tropical flowers in the summer landscape.
The very mention of tropical flowers brings a smile to the face of Northerners. But even if you don't live in the tropics or South Florida, you can enjoy tropical flowers in the summer landscape.
Bird of Paradise
"Bird of paradise" is a flower name applied to a number of different plants. In this introductory article, I discuss three different types of bird of paradise.
"Bird of paradise" is a flower name applied to a number of different plants. In this introductory article, I discuss three different types of bird of paradise.
Aloe Vera Plants
Aloe vera is a tropical plant with a history of medicinal usage. Typically found in hot, dry climates, aloe vera plants are a natural for desert landscaping.
Aloe vera is a tropical plant with a history of medicinal usage. Typically found in hot, dry climates, aloe vera plants are a natural for desert landscaping.
Christmas Poinsettias
Christmas poinsettias are a holiday favorite. It is from their holiday popularity and the name of the man (Poinsett) who introduced these sub-tropical specimens to Americans that "Christmas poinsettias" derive their name.
Christmas poinsettias are a holiday favorite. It is from their holiday popularity and the name of the man (Poinsett) who introduced these sub-tropical specimens to Americans that "Christmas poinsettias" derive their name.
Types of Palm Trees
Nothing else says "tropical plants" like palms. But beginners are bewildered by all the different types of palm trees available. To help, I offer a handy list of the types of palm trees in this introductory article.
Nothing else says "tropical plants" like palms. But beginners are bewildered by all the different types of palm trees available. To help, I offer a handy list of the types of palm trees in this introductory article.
Lantana Plants
Lantanas are sub-tropical plants and grow as perennials in Florida landscaping, for instance. But in cooler climates, these tropical plants are often treated as annual flowers. In the latter case, one popular use for lantana is in hanging baskets, even though it is classified as a shrub, not a vine.
Lantanas are sub-tropical plants and grow as perennials in Florida landscaping, for instance. But in cooler climates, these tropical plants are often treated as annual flowers. In the latter case, one popular use for lantana is in hanging baskets, even though it is classified as a shrub, not a vine.
Elephant Ear Plants
Elephant ears are tropical plants but can be overwintered in cold climates if you bring their corms inside. These tropical plants provide exotic foliage and are suitable for plantings around water features.
Elephant ears are tropical plants but can be overwintered in cold climates if you bring their corms inside. These tropical plants provide exotic foliage and are suitable for plantings around water features.
Gerbera Daisy Flowers
Gerber daisies are sometimes referred to as "gerbera" daisy flowers, because the latter is the spelling of their scientific name. Whether called "gerber" or "gerbera" daisies (or "African," another common name), they are spectacular, but tender flowers. While not associated with any particular celebration, they are popular holiday plants.
Gerber daisies are sometimes referred to as "gerbera" daisy flowers, because the latter is the spelling of their scientific name. Whether called "gerber" or "gerbera" daisies (or "African," another common name), they are spectacular, but tender flowers. While not associated with any particular celebration, they are popular holiday plants.
How to Store Canna Bulbs
Wondering how to store canna bulbs (rhizomes)? In this article I explain how to store tropical plants such as cannas to over-winter them.
Wondering how to store canna bulbs (rhizomes)? In this article I explain how to store tropical plants such as cannas to over-winter them.
Bamboo Plants FAQ
Although usually thought of as tropical plants, some bamboos are cold-hardy. This FAQ on bamboos provides an introduction on the subject, plus the true facts about imposters such as lucky bamboos and heavenly bamboos.
Although usually thought of as tropical plants, some bamboos are cold-hardy. This FAQ on bamboos provides an introduction on the subject, plus the true facts about imposters such as lucky bamboos and heavenly bamboos.