Bold colors, sculptural shapes and glossy leaves: tropical flowers look like nothing else in a vase. They grow in warm, humid regions near the equator, and many of them last much longer than roses or peonies. Here is a guide to the most popular tropical flowers for bouquets: their names, what they mean and how to keep them fresh. You will also find ideas for decorating with them, from a coffee table to a wedding.
What Are Tropical Flowers?
Tropical flowers are plants native to the tropics: Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, Hawaii and the Pacific islands. They need warmth and humidity, which is why many of them grow outdoors in South Florida. Florists value them for three things:
- Unusual shapes. Beaks, spikes, hearts and pom-poms instead of classic petals.
- Saturated colors. Red, orange, hot pink and lime green.
- Long vase life. Many tropical flowers last 2–3 weeks.
10 Types of Tropical Flowers for Bouquets
1. Anthurium
The glossy, heart-shaped bloom of anthurium is actually a modified leaf (spathe) with a spike in the center. Anthurium meaning: hospitality, happiness and abundance. That's why it is a popular housewarming gift. It comes in red, pink, white, green and even near-black. In a vase it lasts 2–3 weeks. See our anthurium bouquets.
2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia)
The bird of paradise flower really looks like the head of a tropical bird with an orange-and-blue crest. It symbolizes freedom and joy. Strelitzia is the official flower of Los Angeles. It is one of the most striking accents for large arrangements, like the basket "Hyperpink" with anthurium, strelitzia, roses and hydrangea. It lasts 1–2 weeks.
3. Heliconia
Heliconia, also called lobster claw, has bright red, orange and yellow bracts that hang or stand in zigzag rows. The heliconia flower is a symbol of the tropics in landscape design and in large event arrangements. It lasts about 2 weeks.
4. Orchids
Phalaenopsis, cymbidium and dendrobium orchids are the most elegant tropical flowers. Orchids symbolize luxury, love and strength. Cut orchids last 1–3 weeks, depending on the variety. See our orchid bouquets and the flower box "Bloom Room".
5. Protea
The protea flower comes from South Africa and Australia. It is a large "artichoke" of pink or cream bracts and one of the oldest flowers on Earth. Protea symbolizes change, courage and diversity. It lasts 2–3 weeks and dries beautifully.
6. Ginger Flower
Red and pink ginger (Alpinia) has tall, cone-shaped spikes with a waxy texture. The ginger flower adds height and an architectural look to tropical bouquets. It lasts about 2 weeks.
7. Amaranthus
Cascading amaranthus "tails" in burgundy or green add movement to an arrangement. It is often paired with anthuriums, as in the basket "Hyperpink Lite" and the arrangement "Terracotta Flame".
8. Calla Lilies
Callas come from southern Africa. Their sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms bring a minimalist, modern touch to tropical designs. Try Bouquet in a vase "Swan Lake" with calla lilies and roses.
9. Hibiscus
The hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and an icon of Hawaiian flowers. Its blooms last only a day once cut, so florists rarely use it in bouquets. It is better enjoyed in the garden or as a single flower on a table.
10. Tropical Leaves: Monstera, Palm and Ti
Tropical greenery is as important as the flowers. Monstera leaves, palm fronds and colorful ti leaves create the "jungle" base of a tropical arrangement and last 2–3 weeks. See our green flower bouquets.
Tropical Flowers at a Glance
| Flower | Colors | Meaning | Vase life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anthurium | Red, pink, white, green | Hospitality, happiness | 2–3 weeks |
| Bird of paradise | Orange, blue | Freedom, joy | 1–2 weeks |
| Heliconia | Red, orange, yellow | Tropical energy | ~2 weeks |
| Orchids | White, pink, purple | Luxury, love, strength | 1–3 weeks |
| Protea | Pink, cream | Courage, change | 2–3 weeks |
| Ginger | Red, pink | Strength, warmth | ~2 weeks |
| Calla lily | White, yellow, burgundy | Elegance, rebirth | 1–2 weeks |
Tropical Bouquet and Arrangement Ideas
For Home Decor
A tropical bouquet works as a focal point on a dining table, in the living room or in an entryway. Choose a tall arrangement for a console and a low one for a coffee table. Vases in natural materials, like ceramic, terracotta or rattan, enhance the tropical mood. See our interior arrangements in vases.
Tropical Centerpieces for Parties
For a party, combine anthuriums, orchids and monstera leaves in low arrangements, so guests can see each other across the table. Bright tropical centerpieces suit summer parties, birthdays and corporate events. See our wedding and event decorations.
Tropical Wedding Flowers
Tropical wedding flowers are a natural choice for beach weddings in Miami. White orchids, callas and anthuriums with palm leaves look elegant, while red heliconia and strelitzia look bold and festive. See our wedding bouquets.
As a Gift
Tropical flowers make a memorable gift for a birthday, a housewarming or a man who doesn't like "romantic" bouquets. A good place to start is the vase arrangement "Burning Red" with anthurium, calla lily and decorative pomegranate.
How to Care for Tropical Flowers
Tropical flowers are hardy, but they have one special rule: they don't like cold.
- Keep them warm. Ideal is 65–75°F (18–24°C). Never put tropical flowers in the fridge: cold turns their bracts black.
- Use room-temperature water and change it every 2–3 days.
- Re-cut the stems at an angle every few days.
- Mist the blooms of anthuriums and heliconia: they love humidity.
- Keep them out of direct sun and away from air conditioning vents.
With this care, most tropical flowers last 2–3 weeks. For tips that apply to all cut flowers, read why changing vase water matters.
Tropical Flowers From Our Miami Flower Shop
Our shop is in Hallandale Beach, where tropical flowers feel at home. We combine them with roses and hydrangeas in flower boxes, baskets and large flower bouquets. Soft tropical arrangements with white orchids also suit Mother's Day and welcoming a new baby. Order before 11 am for same-day delivery after 4 pm, seven days a week.
FAQ: Tropical Flowers
What are the most popular tropical flowers?
The most popular tropical flowers for bouquets are anthurium, bird of paradise (strelitzia), heliconia, orchids, protea, ginger, amaranthus and calla lilies.
How long do tropical flowers last in a vase?
Most tropical flowers last 2–3 weeks in a vase, much longer than roses or peonies.
Can I put tropical flowers in the fridge?
No. Tropical flowers don't tolerate cold: below about 50°F (10°C), their bracts and petals turn dark. Keep them at room temperature, 65–75°F (18–24°C).
What does an anthurium flower mean?
Anthurium symbolizes hospitality, happiness and abundance, which makes it a popular housewarming gift.
