Beginner gardeners often shy away from planting and growing exotic flowers.  The combination of inexperience and the word “exotic” is enough to scare even the schoolyard bully.

This guide will give you what you need to grow the best exotic flowers in simple, easy steps.

Flower Lovers Want to Know

❓What is the easiest exotic flower for beginners to grow?

Orchids, hibiscus, and bromeliads are among the easiest exotic flowers for beginners because they are widely available and relatively simple to care for when provided with proper light and watering conditions.

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❓Can exotic flowers be grown indoors?

Yes. Many exotic flowers thrive indoors, including orchids, anthuriums, bromeliads, and certain varieties of hibiscus. Indoor growing allows for better control of temperature, humidity, and light exposure.

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❓Can beginners grow orchids successfully?

The simple answer is yes.  Beginners can grow orchids successfully by following a few simple steps:

• use the correct potting materials, not compacted soil
• bright indirect sunlight
• water only when the top layer of potting material is dry
• steady temperatures and high humidity

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❓Can exotic flowers survive in colder climates?

Some winter hardy plants like hibiscus and gunnera will hibernate during the cold winter months and come back to life in the spring.

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❓Are exotic flowers expensive to maintain?

Depending on your situation, starting an exotic flower garden will be expensive at the outset but low cost once established.  Potted plants require the right amount of water and fertilizer – also fairly low maintenance costs.

The Best Exotic Flowers Guide for Beginners

Exotic flowers are plants that originate outside a region’s native environment and are often known for their unusual colors, shapes, fragrances, or tropical origins. Popular examples include orchids, bird of paradise, hibiscus, and anthuriums.

🌸What Makes a Flower Exotic?

Before we dive deeper into this beginners’ guide you need to understand what an exotic flower is.  These specimens are dramatic, striking and not easily found in your neck of the woods.

A simple long-stemmed rose may have a strikingly beautiful appearance and equally impressive significance, it is not considered exotic in North America because it can be readily found in most flower shops.  The Black Bat flowers on the other hand, are native to Southeast Asia.

🌱Unique Origins and Tropical Habitats

They require the following to grow in the wild:

• • steady temperatures of between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
  • bright indirect sunlight
  • Humidity
  • Rich soil with organic matter
  • The right pollinators only found in these specific regions

Flower	Color	Shape	Fragrance	Region
Black Bat Flower	Very deep purple	Wiskers resembling a bat	No distinguishable scent	Southeast Asia
Orchid	Varied	Most have soft rounded petals	Ranging from vanilla to warm spices	South America and Southeast Asia
Bird of Paradise	Bright orange, yellow and purple	Resembles a bird in flight	No distinguishable scent	Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia
Anthurium	White, pink, red, green	Heart-shaped	No distinguishable scent	South and Central America, Carribean
Hibiscus	Various shades of red and pink, white, orange, yellow	Bell-shaped	Slightly sweet, fresh scent	Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Carribean
Bromeliad	Various bright, vivid colors	Large stalk with center rosette	Sweet floral scent	Southern US states, Chile, Argentina, Carribean
Plumeria	Vary from white to deep purple	5-petal star	Rich, sweet, tropical	Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Central America
Crown of Thorns	Vary from white to red	Small cup-shaped flowers	Distinct foul scent	Madagascar and India

❌Common Misconceptions About Exotic Flowers

🌸Benefits of Growing Exotic Flowers

There are many benefits to growing exotic flowers.  Notwithstanding the obviously pleasing aesthetics that will make your indoor and outdoor gardens the talk of the town.

Eye-Catching Beauty

The sights and scents of tropical flowers are enchanting.  They all have these qualities in common:

• Rare and unique shapes like the anthurium.
• Vividly bright colors like the the bird of paradise
• Intoxicating fragrances like those of the frangipani

Long Blooming Seasons

Because many of these exotic flora come from places where the climate stays the same and the seasons do not fluctuate, the blooming period lasts much longer.

• Temperatures remain steady
• Humidity remains steady
• The soil is exactly what the plant needs to flourish

🌺Creating a Tropical Garden Feel

1. Determine your color palette – do you want bold bright colors or something a little more subtle
2. Add layers to your garden
   • Large plants like tall ornamental grasses or birds of paradise at the back.
   • Lower height shrubs in the middle layer like elephant ears or hibiscus
   • Sprinkle in the color with your favorite exotic plants like bromeliad or crown of thorns
3. Add accents to bring in that tropical feel
   • Use bold furniture pieces implementing a log bench or wrought iron table
   • Add interesting lighting like string lights instead of solar pegs
   • Include unique containers like an old chest of drawers or self-illuminating garden pots instead of old reliable clay pots.

🌸Best Exotic Flowers for Beginners

Flower	Beginner Rating
Black Bat Flower	Difficult
Orchids	Easy to Moderate
Bird of Paradise	Intermediate
Anthurium	Moderate
Hibiscus	Easy to Moderate
Bromeliad	Easy
Plumeria	Moderate
Crown of Thorns	Easy

Black Bat Flower

• Appearance – looks like a bat taking flight with long tendrils and wide open wings.
• Growing difficulty – very hard to grow because of their very specific habitat requirements.
• Light requirements – can tolerate deep shade to bright indirect sunlight.
• Water needs – soil needs to be well-draining, remains moist but not water logged to prevent root decay.
• Beginner-friendly rating – DIFFICULT – not recommended for beginner gardeners

 

Orchid

• Appearance – super symmetrical with both sides of the sepals being identical.  The center petal is known as the lip.  Both the stamen (male) and pistil (female) parts are encapsulated in the single stem.
• Growing difficulty – moderately difficult to grow.  Give them the right amount of humidity and a steady temperature and they will continue to grow for you.
• Light requirements – bright indirect sunlight is needed for these beauties.
• Water needs – every 7 to 10 days, water by placing the entire pot in a bowl of warm water or by pouring large amounts of water over the roots.
• Beginner-friendly rating – EASY – Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) is easy to grow and a great beginner option.

Bird of Paradise

• Appearance – striking resemblance to the head and beak of a tropical bird
• Growing difficulty – moderate to difficulty growing birds of paradise.  They take up to 4 years to mature before they produce flowers.  You need to pack your patience with this one.
• Light requirements – they need 4 to 6 hours of bright, direct sunlight every single day.
• Water needs – keep the soil moist and water when the top couple of inches has dried out prior to watering again.
• Beginner-friendly rating – INTERMEDIATE – better for those with a little more experience under their belts.

Anthurium

• Appearance – exotic glossy heart-shaped single petal with a center spathe.
• Growing difficulty – can be difficult without being able to recreate their natural habitat.
• Light requirements – minimum of 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight every day.
• Water needs – avoid root rot by watering only once per week in the summer (every 2 weeks in the winter) only when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Beginner-friendly rating – MODERATE – keeping the plants alive is pretty simple, get a new bloom may give you pause.

Hibiscus

• Appearance – large showy blooms that open to a star shape joined together at the base of the flower.
• Growing difficulty – moderately difficult to grow when exposed to the incorrect environment.
• Light requirements – a full day of direct, bright sunlight per day.
• Water needs – these thirsty specimen require a deep soaking once a week
• Beginner-friendly rating – EASY – start with the Rose of Sharon and give your green thumb its first big victory.

Bromeliad

• Appearance – center structural bracts in bright colors surrounded by deep green foliage.
• Growing difficulty – moderately difficult because they are prone to root rot.
• Light requirements – they need lots of bright, indirect sunlight.
• Water needs – water the center cup and ensure it is always 1/4 full of water.  Do not water the soil to avoid root decay.
• Beginner-friendly rating – EASY – being pretty self-sufficient and requiring minimal care, these are a great plant for beginners.

Plumeria

• Appearance – small flowers (less than 5 inches) made up of 5 thick, waxy petals in pinwheel design.
• Growing difficulty – fairly easy to grow in temperate environments.  They do not bode well in cold weather.
• Light requirements – bright, direct sunlight for a full day
• Water needs – soak thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before watering the next time.
• Beginner-friendly rating – MODERATE – the area where you are planting is the key to ensuring your plumeria frangipani is successful.

Crown of Thorns

• Appearance – brightly colored bracts (not flowers) form the centerpiece.  Two small bracts fused together form a tiny heart shape.
• Growing difficulty – fairly easy to grow in the right conditions.
• Light requirements – at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
• Water needs – like the plumeria soak thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before watering the next time.
• Beginner-friendly rating – EASY – a great plant to use for growing your gardening confidence.

🌸How to Choose Your First Exotic Flower

Picking the right exotic flower to grow is not quite like picking out a dress for a first date.  A lot of thought and consideration needs to be given to “almost”  guarantee (because nothing is ever 100% guaranteed) a successful garden-scape.

1. Consider Your Climate – knowing your USDA Zone is the first step toward success
   • • • Do the plants or flowers you want to select grow well in your zone? Determine what the ideal temperature is for these plants before purchasing.
       • Will they be exposed to the correct amount of sunlight (direct or indirect)? If you face north, then perhaps a shade loving specimen is the right one for you.
       • Starting with planting bulb or tuber plants is easier than growing from seed.

2. Available space

• • • • Do you have a large backyard or will you be growing plants on your balcony or back patio?  Plumeria grow to 20 feet tall and they would not be the best choice for a balcony or container garden.
      • Window sills are perfect for small indoor plants.

3. Maintenance requirements

• • • • Light exposure is one of the key elements.  If your plant needs indirect sunlight, it cannot live on your brightly lit window sill.
      • Water – know how much and when to water your plants.  Some exotic flowers prefer to have a soak and dry approach to their regular watering cycle.
      • Soil or potting mix –  not all plants desire thick richly compacted soil.  Orchids are known for thriving in loosely set organic matter like mulch or other natural materials rather than soil.

🌞Growing Indoors vs. Outdoors

Answering the following questions will be key to whether your favorite exotic plant should be grown inside or out.

☀️Seasonal Changes

• Do you have dramatic seasonal changes?  Most tropical plants do not survive harsh cold weather.  They would be better suited for the indoors
• USDA Zones 9 to 11 would be ideal for outdoor gardens speckled with exotic tropical flowers.

🌡️Temperature Needs

If the answer is no to both of these, then perhaps indoors would be the best place for your selection.

• Will the outdoor garden provide the steady temperature both day and night?  Most exotics need a steady 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit.
• Is there enough humidity in the atmosphere

🌴Room to Grow

• Larger plants that can withstand harsher climates are best grown outdoors.  The hibiscus is an excellent example of a hardy outdoor plant.
• Can your garden support larger quantities of the chosen flora?  Most exotic flowers prefer to be planted in a tightly knit community close to their neighbor for stability and good growth.

🌸Growing Exotic Flowers Indoors

Armed with a little knowledge, you will be the envy of the girls euchre game when they eye those magnificent blooms growing in your home.

🌿Best Indoor Exotic Flower Choices

Consider any of these to start your indoor flower journey:

• Anthurium
• Peace Lily
• Bromeliad
• Phalaenopsis (Moth) Orchid

💦Increasing Humidity Naturally

Winter and furnaces can suck all the moisture out of the air.  Use any of these tricks to increase the moisture gradually:

• Place them in your bathroom.  The steam from your shower is an excellent humidifier.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to a room.
• Create a pebble tray by adding pebbles or marbles to a slightly deep lipped tray.  Add water so that it sits just below the top of the pebbles.  Place your plant on top of the marbles.  As the water evaporates, the plant receives the humidity.
• Place a glass dome (like a terrarium) over your plants for a few hours each day.  The water molecules will form droplets of moisture.  Be sure to allow the plants to breathe.

🪴Container and Pot Selection

The best and most economical containers for indoor plants are terracotta (clay) pots.  They offer:

• A great drainage mechanism.  Water will seep through the pores of the pot reducing the risk of root rot.
• Choose a pot that is no larger than 2-3 inches the size of the root ball.  It promotes healthy growth.
• Clay pots come in all shapes and sizes.  Choose the one that best suits your style or flare.
• Keep the pots clean of any fungus or mold that could infect and attack your prized possessions.

🌸Essential Care Tips for Exotic Flowers

Give your green thumb an extra boost with these quick tips on caring for exotic flowers.  Remember these are a general rule and some plants may require additional or different care.

1. Light and Temperature Needs – keep them at a steady room temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  Bright indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours per day.  Consistent humidity is a key factor for positive results
2. Watering Best Practices – most tropical flowers like to have the top inch or two of the soil dry before watering again.  Too much moisture leads to root rot.
3. Soil and Drainage – loose organically charged soil is best for most exotic flowers, except for orchids.  They enjoy loose soilless chunky matter to grow.  This provides the airflow the roots need to thrive.  Ensure that their containers allow for proper drainage and no pooling of water.
4. Fertilizing for Healthy Growth – fertilize in the spring and summer during the growth stage using a water-soluble formula. Do not fertilize in the winter months allowing the plant to go dormant and regenerate itself in the spring.
5. Pests – watch for the development of any pests like spider mites that are attracted to your choices.

❌Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Overwatering – most exotic plants prefer to have less water than more.  Add water only when the top inch of potting materials is dry to the touch
• Using the Wrong Potting Mix – not all tropical plants like a compact soil.  Orchids for example prefer a very loose environment and grow better in mulch like environments with little soil.
• Insufficient Light – imagine sitting on the beach on a tropical island, you will be getting a lot of sun.  These plants also like a bright sunny environment.  Hibiscus need direct sunlight while others like anthurium need indirect sunlight.
• Ignoring Humidity Needs – tropical countries are surrounded by water: the ocean, the sea, or rivers and waterfalls.  These produce a lot of humidity.  Your plants will need constant humidity.

🪻Final Sprouts of Wisdom

This guide provides a solid foundation for growing exotic flowers with confidence. Start with beginner-friendly varieties, learn their unique care requirements, and build your skills as you gain experience. With patience and consistent care, you’ll soon be enjoying a collection of healthy plants and beautiful blooms.

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Continue Exploring:

• What makes a flower exotic
• How to grow exotic flowers
• Best indoor exotic plants

 

 

 

 

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