Check out the latest tropical flower on display at Exotica Tropicals. No, it’s not a heliconia.. but it sure is big. And heavy It comes from a plant that is known for storing fresh water inside, much to the aid of folks that might happen to be lost in the jungle. Can you guess what it is? …
A beautiful tree with wonderfully fragrant flowers – famously used to make Chanel No. 5 perfume. A fast grower, Ylang Ylang (which means “flower of flowers”) can reach 30-35 feet or you can trim it back to maintain a certain size. Likes rich organic soil, full sun to light shade. Creates a nice dappled shade for tropicals…
This week I made some tropical flower arrangements for an an event being held at a club in Vero Beach. If you need tropical flowers for an event or party, check out our tropical flower arrangements page. Here’s a couple behind the scenes shots from the nursery..
A very cool climber that can give any location the exotic jungle look, Epipremnum pinnatum starts out with small arrow shapes leaves that morph into pinnate leaves (similar to a palm frond) as the plant climbs and matures. Ultimately the leaves can get as big as 3 feet long! Cold hardy, and easy to grow-…
Hurricane Sandy sent us some pretty stiff winds, so I thought I would write up a few techniques I use in my garden to care for tropicals after a heavy wind event. I’ll break it down by the type of plant.. HELICONIAS When a big storm brings in winds over 30 mph, heliconia can get…
My wife and I have been collecting vintage tiki mugs since the early 1990′s. These were ceramic glasses that you would get a tropical drink in if you visited a Polynesian themed restaurant in the 1960′s and 1970′s. Most establishments let you bring the mug home as a souvenir. These mugs eventually found their way…
A very striking plant with bright red furry flowers that hang down like a cat’s tail. Easy to grow, Chenille Plant likes rich moist soil and a sunny to partly sunny location. Can get up to 8 feet tall or can easily be pruned back to desired size. Fills in areas nicely without becoming invasive….
There’s a new flower arrangement in the front of the nursery this week- it contains Heliconia “Sexy Pink”, Heliconia Collinsiana, Red Alpinia Ginger, a Oncidium Orchid and lots of tropical foliage including Ti leaves and palm fronds. Exotica Tropicals creates these types of arrangements for events, parties and special occasions. Interested in some flowers? Click…
The late bloomers are in full swing at the garden- Heliconia Firebird, Red Christmas and Collinsiana are showing some nice color. Heliconia Collinsiana is a favorite of mine, nothing beats a scarlet red pendant- especially when it has white frosty leaves. Here are some cellphone pics I took of a few blooms around the yard…..
We have a ton of new plant stock up at the nursery now! Some Rainbow Eucalyptus Trees for a very good price ($90) – they won’t last much longer. Lots of blooming heliconia: Firebird, Tagami, Oriole Orange, Carmensita and Red Christmas Plus blooming Gingers such as Red Alpinia & Costus Red Buttons and some more…
