10 Tropical Foliage Favorites

Also known as Elephant Ear, this highly sought-after plant features stunning tropical, leathery leaves in a broad shield shape. Depending on the variety, foliage can range from light green to an almost black, dark green, and leaves may be veined, speckled, glossy, and even wavy. Most will grow 2-5’ tall and wide over the course of the summer, with large, sun-facing leaves, to be a conversation starter on any patio.

Another plant referred to as Elephant Ear, Caladiums are tuberous tropical plants that, like Alocasia, are grown for their amazing and colorful foliage features. All varieties feature large, pointed, arrow-shaped leaves that are virtually splashed with hues of green, white, cream, pink, and red, depending on the variety. Unlike Alocasia, Caladiums require Part Shade to Shade conditions, and do best when they spend summer in a shady container garden, at the front of a shady border, or under a tree.

Croton are fascinating tropical foliage plants that offer mesmerizing, exotic, multi-colored foliage in shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, depending on the variety. Some selections develop with an upright, bushy form covered in large, oval leaves, while others will produce long, wavy leaves. All feature bold foliage that stands out on its own and looks even better when planted with complementary flowers. Maintain plenty of sunlight to keep the plants boasting their best colors.

Rhoeos are tropical foliage plants that are part of the Tradescantia family and go by many aliases, including Moses-in-a-Basket, Boat Lily, Cradle Lily, Oyster Plant, and more. No matter the name, they are tropical foliage plants that can be planted outside during the summer to create a bold, fast-growing, colorful foliage display. They work best as “fillers” in mixed container gardens and beds in Part Shade to Shade conditions.

Setcreasea is similar to Rhoeo and another member of the Tradescantia family. It is a tropical foliage plant grown for its purple stems and violet-purple leaves that also produce pink flowers during summer. For best display as a summer annual groundcover or in a mixed container garden, it should be placed in bright sunlight.

Palms are a go-to option for Northeast Ohio gardeners wanting to create a lush, tropical scene outdoors each summer. Though they are native to hot, humid climates, they work great in containers on summer decks, patios, and balconies. Just be sure to place them where they’ll receive at least 4 hours of sunlight per day – these beauties thrive in the heat and sunshine!

Beloved for their gorgeous rosette shape, Echeveria are some of the most popular succulents to grow and enjoy indoors (year-round) or out (mid-May-September). They require little maintenance, which makes them excellent plants for all gardeners. These succulent plants thrive in bright light and enjoy average household humidity.

Boston Ferns are a classic shade plant and one of the most popular hanging baskets we grow here at Petitti’s! This gorgeous plant produces bright green, long, trailing fronds, making it a great addition to shade planters and an excellent hanging basket.

Hypoestes are also commonly known as Polka Dot Plants, and they’re widely grown as indoor houseplants in Northeast Ohio. But these tropical foliage plants can also be grown outdoors in the summer garden and in summer containers as an annual to brighten dark borders and lighten up shady container plantings. These plants will tolerate some sun but prefer filtered light or partly sunny/partly shady spots.

Dracaena varieties are frequently grown year-round as indoor houseplants but they do great outdoors during the summertime. With many different leaf colors, leaf patterns, sizes, and shapes, they do well to add tropical texture in mixed containers and summer garden beds. Dracaena to best outdoors with indirect light, a mix of sun and shade.