Tropical Rainforest Plant Adaptations

Compact grower. Really will brighten those shady spots. Can be grown in sun or shade. Beautiful variegated foliage with lots of white leaf coloration. Rarely offered in the trade. This is the smaller version, showing more white as compared to Breynia...

It is suggested that the hairs growing on the leaves and stems of this plant may cause some discomfort when pruning or handling. Use caution and wear the proper clothing when doing such chores.

The black to deep burgundy, glossy, heart-shaped tropical foliage is splashed and flecked with white and pink. An easily grown indoor or tropical plant that is sure to make a statement.

This is a member of the Rubiaceae or Gardenia/Madder/Coffee family and will enjoy conditions similar to Gardenia and Ixora. It will grow well in full or partial sun but it has the best foliage color in southern regions where it gets some afternoon or...

3-4" high fuzzy yellow spikes of tubular flowers are borne throughout the year on this easily grown tropical. Golden Plume is very similar to most Justicias in form and habit. The wide dark green foliage makes a nice foil for the spikes of yellow flowers.

Sure to be a conversation piece! Unusual icy bluish-green tubular Crossandra-like flowers emerge from a cone-like spike nearly throughout the year on this rare and unusual tropical.

For more on how to successfully grow Tropical Hibiscus in portions of zones 9 and 10 see the following publication from Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension service titled " Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) For Galveston County and the Texas Upper...

8" long golden trumpets with purple veins are borne in late winter and early spring on this scrambling tropical climber with cream and green variegated foliage.

For more on how to successfully grow Tropical Hibiscus in portions of zones 9 and 10 see the following publication from Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension service titled " Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) For Galveston County and the Texas Upper...

Like many root hardy tropical plants, the Blue Sky Vine is best planted in the ground as early in the season as possible (well after the danger of frost has past and soil temperatures have begun to warm up) to allow them to develop a strong root system...

The wide foliage of this easy to grow Bromeliad is edged in broad streaks of creamy white to rich pink. The Eoz Variegated Fireball Bromeliad makes an easy and low maintenance hanging basket with a tropical look.

Miss Julie Begonia is a small growing and compact cane-type or Angel Wing begonia that produces a near continuous display of bright pink flowers in large, dense rounded clusters. The dark green glossy Angel-Wing shaped foliage of this Begonia add elegance...

A type of 'Hidden Ginger', Royal Scepter goes dormant in fall and readily returns once the soil warms in spring. These root hardy perennials will die completely to the ground in winter and return in late spring where hardy.

Provide a well-drained soil for the best results. *Summer Skies Agapanthus is considered hardy into zone 5 with proper siting, such as the south side of a building or other structure, and a mulch.

This tiny trailing Hoya or Waxflower creates a dense mat of foliage that is perfect for spilling from larger containers where it can be used as a groundcover for larger tropicals, as a spiller for mixed containers, or as a dainty hanging basket specimen.

Prune it back in early spring, just before growth begins, to keep size in check if so desired. If the foliage becomes yellowish or bronzey it may be getting too much direct sunlight so consider providing more shade.

An easy to grow tropical adaptable to sun or light shade.This is the taller, more spreading, and darker version, as compared to Breynia nivosa or Hawaiian Snowbush. The green and burgundy foliage is spotted with white, giving the plant the appearance...

They are commonly successfully used as landscape shrubs in the warmer parts of zone 9 and throughout much of zone 10. The larger growing varieties are easily trained into tree standards or can be grown as large shrubs or shaped into hedges.

Their pollen and nectar rich flowers attract a host of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The larger growing varieties are easily trained into tree standards or can be grown as large shrubs or shaped into hedges.

Provide a well-drained soil for the best results. *Blue Yonder Agapanthus is considered hardy into zone 5 with proper siting, such as the south side of a building or other structure, and a mulch.

The Golden Brush Ginger is sure to add a tropical feel to any indoor space or the porch or patio. It can be divided and shared with friends but when replanted make sure to plant the rhizomes themselves on top of the soil and use a sharply draining medium.

Epiphyllums are great for hanging baskets. Hybrid Orchid Cactus typically open at night but often last well through the next day. Large spidery pink flowers are borne in late spring and early summer on this tropical cactus.

The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Consider providing a protected area and breathable protective mulch in the northern portions of its cold hardiness range to help ensure its return in spring.

Probably the most prolific flowering Epiphyllum that currently offer. Hybrid Orchid Cactus typically open at night but often last well through the next day. A beautiful and very free flowering Orchid Cactus that produces a multitude of 6-8" pink flowers...

Copper plants are easy to grow, heat, and sun loving tropicals. Colors are most intense in sunny locations. The large curly, serrated foliage of Tikitm Peach Whirl is bronze, pink, and yellow with hints of orange.

They are commonly successfully used as landscape shrubs in the warmer parts of zone 9 and throughout much of zone 10.Remember that these are truly tropical plants and will likely suffer at least some damage from even brief freezes.

Deep burgundy foliage is borne on an upright to spreading shrub. In summer, small yellow blooms create a bright contrast with the dark foliage. A heat and sun loving tropical which is great as a pool-side container plant or in mixed plantings for the...