Best Plants for a Tropical Vibe

If you have a retail establishment, restaurant, hotel or conference center on the Gulf Coast, creating a tropical vibe is a great way to deliver a genuine Florida experience to your visitors. There may be no better way to cultivate a flavor of the tropics than adding native plants that thrive in these climates. From bright flowers to striking palms, adding these plants to your building is guaranteed to elevate your clients’ experience. Which plants are best to create a tropical ambiance? Here are some of our favorites.

1. Bird of Paradise: The bird of paradise flower is a striking and exotic plant native to South Africa. Its unique blooms resemble the colorful plumage of a bird in flight, with vibrant orange and blue or purple petals that grow in clusters on tall stalks, creating a dramatic visual impact. The plant has large, glossy, banana-shaped leaves that can grow up to 2 feet long, providing a lush, tropical appearance. The bird of paradise plant may reach heights of 3 to 5 feet. The flower is often associated with paradise, joy, and freedom, making it a popular choice for floral arrangements and landscaping.
2. Bromeliad Pineapple: The bromeliad pineapple plant is famous for producing the pineapple fruit. The plant has long, narrow, spiky leaves that grow in a rosette shape. The leaves are typically green but can have shades of purple or red, especially in some ornamental varieties. The pineapple fruit itself is a cluster of individual berries fused together, forming a distinctive, rough exterior. It has a sweet, juicy interior, making it popular for eating fresh or using in cooking and beverages. The pineapple is often seen as a symbol of hospitality and warmth, making it a popular motif in decor and culinary presentations.
3. Bromeliad Aechmea Pink: Referred to as the Pink Aechmea or Pink Bromeliad, this stunning tropical plant is known for its vibrant, eye-catching inflorescence. It features long, arching leaves that form a rosette shape. The leaves are typically green, sometimes with a slight sheen, and can have a spiky or serrated edge. The plant’s most striking feature is its tall, vibrant flower spike that can reach up to 2 feet in height and is adorned with bracts that are bright pink or magenta. The actual flowers are smaller and usually appear in shades of blue or purple, nestled within the pink bracts. Aechmea Pink adds exotic charm and an elegant tropical vibe to any setting.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron: Also known as a Sweetheart Plant, this popular plant is renowned for its lush, heart-shaped leaves and trailing growth. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and shaped like hearts, which is where the plant gets its name. Because the plant is a vining type of philodendron, it is an ideal choice for hanging baskets or as a climbing plant. The Heartleaf Philodendron also has a significant benefit for public spaces – it is considered an effective air purifier, helping to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins.
5. Dracaena Massangeana: This popular ornamental plant features thick, cane-like stems that can grow upright, giving it a tree-like appearance. These stems can reach heights of several feet, making it a great choice for indoor corners or larger spaces. It has long, narrow, arching leaves that are typically a rich green with a yellow or cream stripe running down the center, adding visual interest. Like the philodendron, the Dracaena helps purify the air by removing toxins, making it a beneficial addition to indoor environments. This plant is associated with prosperity and good luck.
6. Bamboo Palm: The Bamboo Palm is admired for its graceful appearance and air-purifying qualities. This palm features slender, bamboo-like stems that can grow upright, giving it a tropical, elegant look. It has feathery, arching fronds that are deep green and can grow up to 2 feet long. The leaves are pinnate, meaning they are divided into smaller leaflets along a central stem, which enhances its lush appearance. It usually reaches heights of 4 to 7 feet, making it a striking addition to indoor spaces. Its lush foliage and tropical feel make it a popular choice for tourist destinations.

Elevate Your Location with Tropical Plants

Tropex is a reputable provider of plant leasing services to offices, retail establishments, and medical facilities up and down the Gulf Coast. No matter your business, call today to learn how green plants can enhance your brand and improve the customer experience by adding a tropical vibe to your space.