Tropical flowers blossom in the Earth’s equatorial region as they need a warm and humid environment to flourish. These plants are known for their dense growth, exotic flowers, large leaves, and year-round availability, making them a popular choice for home and garden use. If you are also looking for great tropical plants and curious about which are the best, you are in the right place. This guide is just for you to help you know what the top 10 Tropical flowers and plants are, and how you can care for them. Read on! 

Why People Love Tropical Flower so Much?

The bright colors and strong fragrances of exotic tropical flowers are among the main reasons people love them. Their bold, dramatic appearance instantly transforms any space into something vibrant and unforgettable. Beyond their beauty, tropical blooms often symbolize warmth, celebration, and a carefree island spirit that people naturally feel drawn to.

Discover the Top 10 Most Popular Tropical Flowers

If you are looking for some tropical plants that have beautiful blossoms, we have got you covered. Here is a list of the top 10 exotic tropical flower names, what they mean, and how to care for them.

Hibiscus

Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which belongs to the Malvaceae family.

Hardiness: 10-11

Colours: Red, yellow, orange, white, pink, purple.

Hibiscus is an ever-growing shrub and is one of the most beautiful exotic flowers, with more than 300 species. They are rich in antioxidants and are known to help with many diseases. These flowers symbolize beauty, love, charm, and femininity, making them a vibrant and meaningful choice for celebrations. Their bold colors and tropical appeal also make them perfect for birthday bouquets and festive arrangements. If you’re looking for cheerful and eye-catching blooms, explore our collection of Happy Birthday Flowers to find the perfect arrangement.

Blooming Requirements: They typically bloom from summer to fall, require full sunlight, and need well-drained, well-moistened soil.

How to Care: Do not plant them in clay pots, don’t use chemical fertilisers, water them more during the flowering stage, and make sure not drown them with water. 

Frangipani

Scientific Name: Plumeria rubra, which belongs to the Apocynaceae family.

Hardiness: 10-12

Colours: Red, pink, white, yellow.

Frangipani are deciduous shrubs loved for their sweet fragrance and vibrant tropical colors. These flowers are widely used in cosmetics, culinary applications, and aromatherapy, and are often given to represent compassion, hospitality, and deep love. Their romantic symbolism and exotic beauty make them a meaningful choice for Valentine’s Day gifts. If you’re looking for inspiration to surprise your partner, explore these thoughtful Valentine’s Day ideas to create a memorable celebration.

Blooming Requirements: These blossoms bloom in spring, summer, and fall. They need sandy, well-drained soil with at least 6 to 7 hours of proper sunlight.

How to Care: These are indoor plants as well, but even if you are growing them indoors, make sure they receive adequate sunlight, as they thrive on it. Make sure you do not overwater them, and avoid heavy, clayey soil.

Bird of Paradise

Scientific Name: Strelitzia, which belongs to the Strelitziaceae family.

Hardiness: 10-12

Colours: Blue, Orange, some varieties of white and grey.

The bird of paradise has large leaves that are effective at purifying the air and is one of the most low-maintenance and adaptable plants. They also help improve mood and reduce stress, and are symbols of freedom, paradise, and joy, making them a great choice for special-occasion flowers.

Blooming Requirements: Blooms in late winter to early spring, needs well-drained soil with adequate sun exposure. They are typically 150-180cm tall and 100-120cm wide.

How to Care: Use well-aerated potting mix, water regularly, and allow ample time between waterings to allow the soil to dry. Use fertilisers during the growing season and cut yellow or damaged leaves at the right time.

Bougainvillea

Scientific Name: Bougainvillea glabra Choisy, belongs to the Nyctaginaceae family.

Hardiness: 9-11

Colours: Pink, purple, orange, red, yellow, white

These are evergreen climbing shrubs that have paper-like bracts that surround real flowers. These are ornamental flowers widely used in herbal teas and for their therapeutic properties. They are a symbol of passion, beauty, and resilience.

Blooming Requirements: They bloom all year and require slightly acidic, well-drained soil and proper sunlight. They rise from 60cm to 12m and spread 180cm to 6m wide.

How to Care: Keep the temperature between 65 and 90°F. Add fertilisers in the initial stage. If you are planting it in a pot, ensure it has proper drainage. Don’t water them too often, and keep them inside during winter.

Orchids

Scientific Name: No single scientific name; it belongs to the Orchidaceae family.

Hardiness: 9-11

Colours: White, pink, purple, yellow, orange, red, green.

These are among the most beautiful flowers and usually grow in rainforests and other tropical environments. These flowers are symbols of good luck, wealth, power, and respect, and are widely used for air purification, to reduce tension, and to cure sickness. Orchids are also the Aquarius zodiac birth flower, so if you have a friend born in January or February you must consider gifting them these.

Blooming Requirements: There are almost 25,000 species of orchids, so you can witness them at all times of the year. They usually require an orchid-specific soil mixture with slightly acidic pH.

How to Care: Don’t overwater; once a week is sufficient. They need proper sunlight, so it’s better not to keep them indoors, as they resist temperature changes. Maintain their humidity levels well and fertilise them every 2-4 weeks during their growing season.

Hanging Lobster Claw

Scientific Name: Heliconia Rostrata, belongs to the Heliconiaceae family.

Hardiness: 10-13

Colours: Red, yellow, orange, green

Hanging lobster claws are an ornamental, evergreen perennial. These are also known as parrot flowers, toucan peak, and wild plantain. It attracts pollinators, is widely used in cut-flower arrangements, and symbolizes youth, happiness, and good fortune.

Blooming Requirements: They bloom all year round, require good sunlight, and fertile soil rich in organic matter. They usually spread 90 to 180cm wide, and rise upto 120 to 180cm.

How to Care: Water regularly to keep them moist but not soggy, and avoid direct sunlight. Fertilise your plant every few weeks in summer and avoid fertilizing during winter for better blooms.

Flamingo Flower

Scientific Name: Arthurium andraeanum, belongs to the Araceae family. 

Hardiness: 11-12

Colours: White, pink, red, green, lavender, orange. 

Flamingo flowers are popular ornamental flowers with glossy, heart-shaped petals. These have air-purifying, mood-enhancing, and stress-relieving capabilities. These flowers symbolize strength, abundance, positivity, and happiness. 

Blooming Requirements: They typically grow to 30-60 cm tall and 25-30 cm wide, and require nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with no direct sunlight. 

How to Care: They do well indoors, so you can plant them there with just a little light exposure. Maintain the humidity level by misting every day. Remove dying flowers and fertilise every three weeks. 

King Protea

Scientific Name: Protea Cynaroides, belongs to the Proteaceae family.

Hardiness: 9-12

Colours: Yellow, pink, white, red.

The King Protea is named after a Greek God and is South Africa’s national flower. These are widely used in wedding bouquets, flower arrangements, and in medicine. They symbolize change, transformation, courage, beauty, and individuality. So, if you are looking for wedding flowers for bouquets, you must consider this flower for your wedding bouquets.

Blooming Requirements: They usually bloom from late winter to spring and require slightly acidic soil and moderate sunlight. These can be seen rising 90 to 120cm high and spreading 90 to 120cm wide.

How to Care: Avoid standing water; keep the soil cool with mulch; mix bark and grit into the soil before planting; and maintain good air circulation. It’s better not to fertilize them.

Jasmine

Scientific Name: Jasminum, which belongs to the Oleaceae family.

Hardiness: 8-11

Colours: White, yellow, pink.

These ornamental climbing jasmine vines are known for their sweet fragrance. Jasmine flowers are used in tea, skincare, aromatherapy, and perfumes, and are a symbol of enlightenment, sensuality, purity, and spirituality. 

Blooming Requirements: They bloom best in spring and summer and require full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil. They grow 90 to 180cm tall and wide. 

How to Care: Water only the soil, not the flowers, and make sure it does not become soggy. Fertilise monthly, and remove dead stems, flowers, and leaves during the growing season. Don’t prune during the flowering season. 

Angel’s trumpet

Scientific Name: Brugmansia, which belongs to the Solanaceae family.

Hardiness: 9-11

Colours: White, yellow, pink, red, orange, peach

These evergreen shrubs have trumpet-shaped blooms, are highly toxic, and have a strong fragrance. They have great medicinal value and are widely used in rituals. The angel’s trumpet flowers symbolize enchanting allure, transformation, and rebirth.

Blooming Requirements: They need rich, fertile soil that is well-drained and receives at least 6 to 7 hours of sun or partial shade.

How to Care: Balance sun, water, and nutrients to help it blossom perfectly. They grow in warm weather, so ensure the temperature does not fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilise with water soluble formula from spring to fall.

Conclusion

There is a wide variety of tropical flowers around us that carry deep symbolism and significance, and their deep colors are known to attract pollinators. Thus, among all this, was your guide to the top ten tropical flowers, with insights into their symbols, significance, and how to take care of them if you have them. 

Beautify and transform your home and garden with Southside Blooms, who will assist you and help you get the most amazing tropical flowers. They have a rich collection of the most exotic and popular tropical flowers. If you are in Chicago or nearby, you can get fresh flowers delivered to your doorstep, and if you are planning a visit, you will likely find everything you are looking for with them. 

FAQs

What are the Most Popular Tropical Flowers?

The most popular tropical flowers include Hibiscus, Bird of Paradise, Orchids, Plumeria (Frangipani), Heliconia, Anthurium, Bougainvillea, Jasmine, King Protea, and Angel’s Trumpet. These tropical flowering plants are known for their vibrant colors, exotic shapes, and bold appearance.

What are Tropical Flowers Known for?

Tropical flowers are known for their large blooms, bright colors, strong fragrances, and dramatic foliage. They often symbolize warmth, celebration, paradise, love, and joy.

What Is The Rarest Tropical Flower?

Youtan Polua, also known as the Udumbara flower, is the rarest tropical flower, according to Buddhist scriptures, and is said to bloom only once every 300 years, and is said to mark the arrival of a Royal king.

What is the Most Exotic Tropical Flower?

Bird of Paradise and Heliconia are often considered the most exotic tropical flowers due to their unique shapes and vibrant colors. Orchids are also widely regarded as rare and luxurious tropical blooms.

Who Is The Queen Of Tropical Flowers?

Hibiscus is referred to as the queen of tropical flowers because of its large, vibrant blooms that are available in a number of shades and its year-round availability.

Is Marigold A Tropical Flower?

Yes. Marigolds are generally considered to be tropical to subtropical plants. These flowers are known for their hardiness and long-lasting blooms.

What Do The Five Petals Of A Plumeria Mean?

The five petals of plumeria flowers mean sincerity, faith, devotion, aspiration, and surrender.