Having exotic flowers delivered to a friend or loved one is a gift they are sure to remember. They also make the perfect symbol of welcome to mark a colleague or client’s arrival in town. Although sometimes considered less romantic than the more traditional blooms; exotics can have a huge and lasting impact. Not only are exotic flowers delivered more rarely than standard cut flowers, but they also tend to last longer. Although the prices are usually higher you can still get a pretty impressive display flower or plant, even a single stem is remarkable for its beauty and uniqueness.
Tropical plants often have impressive blooms. Plants such as King Protea, Anthuriums, Ginger, Helicona, Strelitzia, and orchids are bound to be used as centerpieces for a dining room table. The vibrant colors and intriguing shapes will become talking points to all who see them. Orchids come in hundreds of varieties and are becoming more popular as they require little special care and often thrive in dark areas with little sunshine or water. In other words, hard to kill by accident! They are splendid to look at with delicate blossoms that do not fade for months on end. Another popular exotic plant is the Ginger plant. The white and pink buds turn into yellow flowers.
The majority of exotic flowers sold in the Western coast of the United States are imported by air from Hawaii, a mere 6 hours flight. Birds of Paradise are ubiquitous Hawaiian display plants and are similar to orchids in that they are also fairly drought tolerant and easy to care for. Lava plants are also imported from Hawaii, they are so called because they grow right up from the lava rock of Big Island. They are often imported with a piece of lava rock still attached which makes them even more pleasing and the dark red rock makes a superb contrast to the dark green foliage of the lava plant. It is said that a bromeliad growing in lava rock brings good luck. In frost-free areas, bromeliads can also be carefully transplanted and grown outdoors but usually need partial shade.
As exotic plants and flowers often last a long time one important piece of care information is that dust needs to be gently removed from the foliage periodically. Holding the foliage in both hands it is best to wipe the leaves with a wet paper towel to remove the dust and thus allow the plant to breathe better. Although you may have to pay upwards of $150 for exotic flowers, they are most certainly a worthwhile investment. The next time you want to make an impression be sure to think about asking for orchids, bromeliads or other tropical flowers.