With only 3 months before the end of the year, it’s time to begin thinking about holiday decor. Many businesses across the country swap out their plants and décor for wintry themes—pine garlands, poinsettias, snowy branches, and evergreens. But in Florida, where palm trees are still swaying and the sun is shining, traditional “winter” holiday plants can feel out of place.
The good news? You don’t need snow to create a festive atmosphere. Florida businesses can still bring in the holiday spirit—tropical style—by choosing vibrant, seasonal plants that fit the warm, sunny climate while nodding to holiday tradition.
If your business uses a plant leasing service that refreshes your plant displays seasonally, here’s how you can make the most of the holidays without faking a northern winter.
- Embrace Florida-Friendly Holiday Colors: Holiday vibes don’t require snow. Focus on colors instead of climate. Red, white, green, gold, and silver are all classic holiday colors—and many tropical plants fit that palette perfectly. Great Florida friendly alternatives include:
- Red Anthuriums – Glossy red flowers with deep green leaves, naturally festive.
- Bromeliads – Available in bright reds and pinks with a tropical flair.
- White Orchids – Elegant and wintery without clashing with warm weather.
- Crotons – With fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves, these are perfect for holiday warmth.
These plants thrive in Florida’s climate and can easily be swapped in as seasonal décor by a plant leasing service.
- Tropical Evergreens are a Warm Weather Substitute: You might not have pine or fir trees lining your walkway, but you can still create a lush, green, evergreen feel with Florida-native or tropical plants. Try these substitutes:
- Norfolk Island Pine – Resembles a mini-Christmas tree and thrives indoors.
- Areca Palms or Kentia Palms – Add a warm, welcoming, green backdrop.
- Podocarpus – Dense, dark green foliage makes it a great structural plant.
Add string lights or simple ornaments to create a holiday vibe without forcing a northern aesthetic.
- Use Decorative Accents to Create Holiday Plants: If your plants are already healthy and established, you don’t always need to replace them—just dress them up! Add subtle holiday décor to existing tropical plants to get the best of both worlds. Ideas may include:
- Wrapping planters in burlap or metallic fabric
- Adding pinecones, berries, or LED string lights
- Using themed pots in red, gold, or silver
- Hanging small ornaments on large indoor plants (Norfolk pine is perfect for this)
This approach preserves your plants while creating a festive and seasonal ambiance.
- Don’t Forget Scent and Texture: One challenge of tropical holiday plants is the lack of familiar scents like pine or cinnamon. You can bridge the gap by incorporating herb plants or aromatic arrangements. Scented plants or additions may include:
- Rosemary topiaries – Look like mini trees and smell amazing
- Cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices – Can be added to arrangements
- Herb gardens – Mint, basil, or lavender can be part of decorative pots
Scent creates strong emotional connections—don’t underestimate how much it adds to the holiday experience.
Work with a Seasonal Plant Leasing Service
Florida may not have snow, but it does have a style of its own. Your business can embrace the holiday spirit by leaning into vivid color and lush greenery. One of the easiest ways to maintain festive, Florida-appropriate décor year-round is through a plant leasing service. These services rotate your plants seasonally, so your space is always looking fresh, vibrant, and on-brand—without the hassle of maintenance or replacement.
If you’re considering seasonal plant leasing, now is the perfect time to start planning your holiday displays. Call Tropex today to learn more about seasonal displays – and year-round plant leasing services for your place of business.
