Create Your Own Tropical Oasis

Turn your backyard into a tropical paradise with vibrant, bold foliage and exotic blooms from Esposito Garden Center. Whether you’re working with a sunny patio, poolside retreat, or garden bed, our collection of tropical plants adds an instant touch of paradise. Here’s how you can build your own tropical oasis using some of our most stunning plants—complete with care tips and size expectations.

Heliconia

Known for its dramatic, colorful blooms that resemble lobster claws or bird beaks, Heliconia is a showstopper.

• Size: 3–8 feet tall depending on the variety
• Care: Full sun to part shade, rich and moist soil, regular watering
• Notes: Protect from frost; makes a great container plant for seasonal flair.

Elephant Ears (Alocasia & Colocasia)

These bold-leafed beauties bring drama to any landscape.

• Size: 3–6 feet tall, with leaves up to 2–3 feet long
• Care: Partial shade to full sun, prefers moist, well-draining soil
• Notes: Colocasia can handle wetter soils; Alocasia prefers more structure and slightly drier conditions.

Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa)

A classic tropical favorite with lush, fenestrated leaves.

• Size: 4–8 feet tall indoors; up to 15 feet outdoors in ideal conditions
• Care: Bright indirect light, well-draining soil, moderate watering
• Notes: Great for containers or planting under taller palms.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)

With flowers that look like tropical birds, this plant is both ornamental and structural.

• Size: 5–6 feet tall
• Care: Full sun to partial shade, keep soil moist but not soggy
• Notes: Blooms best with sun and maturity—can take a few years to flower.

Majesty Palm (Ravenea rivularis)

Graceful fronds give this palm a classic tropical look, ideal for patios or large containers.

• Size: 6–10 feet tall in containers; taller in-ground in tropical zones
• Care: Bright, indirect light; keep soil consistently moist
• Notes: Does well in humid conditions and benefits from occasional misting.

Christmas Palm (Adonidia merrillii)

This small palm adds elegance with its smooth trunk and feathery fronds.

• Size: 10–20 feet tall
• Care: Full sun, well-drained soil, low to moderate watering needs
• Notes: Cold sensitive; perfect for containers in colder zones so it can be moved indoors.

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa or Monstera adansonii)

Iconic for its dramatic cut leaves and tropical flair.

• Size: 3–10 feet tall, depending on the species and container
• Care: Bright, indirect light, moist but well-drained soil
• Notes: Excellent as a patio centerpiece or trailing down from a planter.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

A versatile vining plant that adds lushness with minimal maintenance.

• Size: Trails up to 10 feet or more
• Care: Low to bright indirect light, tolerate occasional dry soil
• Notes: Excellent for hanging baskets or cascading out of containers.

Hibiscus

Known for their large, vibrant blooms in a rainbow of colors, hibiscus is a tropical must-have.

• Size: 4–6 feet tall and wide
• Care: Full sun, regular watering, well-draining soil
• Notes: Blooms best with consistent pruning and feeding; attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

Build the Look

Group your tropicals in layers—tall palms and heliconias at the back, bold-leafed monsteras and elephant ears in the middle, and pothos or hibiscus for trailing or low-growing interest. Use containers to create focal points and give flexibility for overwintering more sensitive varieties.

At Esposito Garden Center, we carry a full selection of these tropical plants, and our staff is always happy to help you pick the perfect combination for your space. Visit us today and let us help you build your very own tropical oasis—right here in Tallahassee!