Prime Fresh Handling has worked in shipping many different flowers and live plants, from long-stem roses to fresh-cut flowers and live plants. With our wide range of global logistics solutions and international networks, we have even been able to specialize in shipping tropical flowers. 

Our experts have put together some of their knowledge to provide a list of tropical flowers and some answers to commonly asked questions about them.

What Is a Tropical Flower? 

Tropical flowers are ones that are native to tropical climates and locations. They are commonly found in areas close to the equator, but they can flourish in many hot and humid climates or in greenhouses. They are bright, beautiful, and colorful flowers that are often used to give gardens a more exotic feel. 

There are many tropical flowers throughout the world, but here are some of the best types for indoor and outdoor gardens. 

Flamingo Flower

This beautiful plant is also known as the ‘painter’s palette’ or ‘tail flower.’ It is native to Ecuador and Colombia but can be grown indoors as a houseplant. Flamingo Flowers are also a type of flower that are evergreen perennials, meaning they will bloom continually almost all year if the conditions are right. The bloom looks more like foliage when they bloom. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 2-feet tall.

While these flowers are normally red, there are other varieties and colors:

• Cream
• White
• Yellow

Showy Medinilla

The Showy Medinilla is also known as the Philippine orchid and is an evergreen shrub. Native to the Philippines, this flower is a type of epiphyte. This means that it grows on other plants, rocks, or trees. It uses the moisture from the air around it to get the nutrients it needs. This is why a highly humid climate will allow this plant to thrive. It can be grown indoors or in a humid greenhouse. Just note that this plant can grow to more than 6 feet tall if in the right conditions. 

Showy Medinillas have red or pink small flowers that grow in clusters on the long drooping panicles giving them a showy look. The flowers also produce pea-shaped, juicy, vibrant purple berries. 

Bougainvillea

Bougainvilleas are native to South America and are often cultivated for their tiny white flowers that are surrounded by vibrantly colored leaf bracts. Technically the bracts of this plant are not a flower. However, because of the vibrant reds, yellows, and purples that the bracts display, they are often considered part of the plant’s flowers. The flowers grow in clusters along thorny stems, topped with small berry-like fruits. 

This plant will need a hot climate, full of sun, in order to thrive. As an evergreen plant, it can remain in a flowering state for almost the entire year. If the climate is cooler, it can still do well, but it will only flower from spring to fall. These plants are also fast-growing and can grow on a trellis or other structures. 

Here is more of a list of tropical plants that are great for gardens:

• Chenille Plant
• Jasmine
• Birds of Paradise
• Blue Passion Flower 
• Lobster Claw
• Maraca Ginger
• Urb Plant
• Red Frangipani

How to Ship Tropical Flowers

When shipping tropical flowers, it is very important to pack and protect them properly. There are specially-made shipping boxes for flowers that should be used. Make sure that boxes are the correct sizes for whichever flower or flowers are being shipped. Before placing the flowers in the boxes, they must be secured. A way to do this is to use cable ties or bands around the flower’s stems. They should be tight enough to keep the flowers from moving around but not too tight that it damages the stems. 

Once the flowers are in the box, fill any extra space with packing paper or other cushioning materials. Then the box can be sealed with tape. All boxes should be handled with the utmost care to avoid damaging any flowers or buds. 

Contact Prime Fresh Handling Today 

If there are any further questions about tropical flowers or any other of the industries we serve, feel free to contact us today. Our customer service team is ready and willing to help share any of the knowledge we have gained over our years of shipping logistics experience.