How to Grow a Tropical Garden

Growing tropical plants is quite popular here in Southern California. I have a few types of tropical plants already. Below are some things I’ve learned about how to grow a tropical paradise.

Tropical plants enjoy warmer weather, so you will see many of these plants in southern states and other places where the weather is mild most of the year. You can also grow tropical plants in colder area, as long as they have space to grow in your house.

This post is for those growing areas that are warmer, although you can apply much of the below information to other climates.

Areas to Consider

First of all, you want to plan out what part of your garden you want to use as your tropical area. If you are able to, keep all your tropical plants in one place. For those with limited space like myself, just place all your pots in one place to give a tropical feel to it.

If you have more space, you will have more options as to where to place your tropical garden. You can plant your garden in your front or backyard, in a border around your lawn, on your patio or porch, or in a group of containers.

Tropical Plants

There are several plants that are popular and recognized as tropical plants, such as bamboo, bird of paradise, and plumeria. You can use plenty of other tropical plants that can give a lush feel to your garden as well.

There are three main types of plants you want to think about when creating your tropical garden: foundation, foliage, and flowering. You can use many different types of plants to fit all three categories. Some other popular plants to use in tropical gardens are ferns, star jasmine, gardenia, and coleus.

Houseplants will also work great in a tropical garden since so many are leafy and can still survive in the shade. Think about the different heights and textures you see in tropical gardens and try to copy some of this in your own garden. Just make sure that wherever you plant your tropical garden that the plants get their light and water needs met.

Tropical Water Feature

Add a water feature to your garden if you have space. This can be a fountain.

A pool or pond will work as well. Even a bird bath will suffice for smaller areas. Do some research and have fun looking for a water feature to add to your garden

Tropical Decor

Something else to consider in your tropical garden is the decor. This can be a coordinating outdoor furniture set. Include colorful patio cushions that match the theme of the garden.

Reds, oranges, purples, and yellows will pop against a green background, so use these colors as much as possible for a tropical feel. Mixing and matching colors and patterns will add to the tropical feel as well.

Create a pathway that leads to a focal point. A focal point in your garden could be a fountain, bench, hanging egg chair, or large plant in a colorful container.

Speaking of containers, if you have many plants in containers like myself, think about placing all your tropical plants in the same color container, but in different sizes to make them stand out from your other plants.

How to Grow a Tropical Garden

The biggest thing to remember that if you have space, get as much greenery and denseness in your garden as possible. You can go as small and large as you want, as long as you have fun with it.

Do you have a tropical garden? What kind of plants and decor are in it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Happy gardening!