Bringing Paradise Home: Styling with Tropical Artificial Flowers

Tropical flowers naturally give the feeling of warmer climates and exotic locations, instantly transforming any space into a cozy paradise. While these stunning blooms are captivating, the care of real tropical flowers can definitely be a challenge due to specific requirements for climate, sunlight, and humidity. Enter tropical artificial flowers: a practical and long-lasting alternative to decorating your home in place of real flowers. Let’s explore popular faux tropical flowers, their unique appeal, popular pairings, and tips on how to style them for every season.

POPULAR TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL TROPICAL FLOWERS

Phalaenopsis Orchids

The phalaenopsis orchid, often called the moth orchid due to the shape of its petals, is celebrated for its delicate, cascading blooms and modern, sleek appearance. These faux orchid blooms are a popular choice for tropical-inspired decor and displays.

• Why Popular: The refined shape and versatility of these orchids make them a favorite for creating serene, spa-like atmospheres and accented modern spaces. Real orchids require specific humidity and light conditions, which can prove to be difficult. Artificial orchids have no requirements and demand very little maintenance. They are especially ideal for minimalist or zen-inspired decor.
• How to Style: Create an orchid plant by placing 1-2 orchid stems with realistic orchid leaves in a decorative planter. Choose a minimalist pot for a modern look or a textured planter for a more tropical vibe. Add moss at the base for an organic touch. For a dramatic faux centerpiece, pair orchids with trailing faux ivy or other cascading greenery.

Protea and King Protea

Proteas, particularly the majestic king protea, are quite bold and striking. With their unique shape and size, proteas they serve as conversation starters in any arrangement.

• Why Popular: Proteas have a tropical and almost exotic charm that complements so many different decor styles including bohemian and eclectic looks. Their natural hues pair beautifully with both neutral and colorful palettes depending on your preference. Artificial proteas are the perfect flowers to create bold statements.
• How to Style: Use a single king protea stem in a tall, cylindrical vase for a minimalist statement piece. Add several king protea blooms to a neutral vase for a larger flower arrangement. Alternatively, combine proteas with tropical greenery, like croton leaves or faux palm fronds, for a freshly picked from paradise centerpiece.

Bromeliads

Bromeliad plants are known for their vibrant and tropical look, and often have bright flowers that grow from the center of their architectural rosette-shaped leaves. 

• Why Popular: Their bold colors and dramatic shapes make bromeliads perfect for adding energy and intrigue to home decor. Real bromeliads require consistent warmth and humidity, but faux versions offer year-round vibrancy without the upkeep. They’re a fantastic way to bring a splash of color to modern and tropical interiors alike.
• How to Style: Simply place 1 or 2 fake bromeliad plants in a planter for a quick and easy arrangement. You can also pair faux bromeliad with other tropical greenery like croton leaves in a low planter. This combination works well on coffee tables, bookshelves, or kitchen tables.

Croton Leaves

Croton leaves make a statement with their bold, multicolored foliage that features shades of green, yellow, orange, and red.

• Why Popular: The vibrant patterns of these artificial leaves bring a dynamic, tropical flair to arrangements and decor. Unlike real croton plants, faux versions retain their bold colors indefinitely, making them a perfect choice for year-round decor. They’re versatile enough to enhance both bold and subtle botanical arrangements.
• How to Style: Use croton leaves as a base for tropical bouquets or mix them with neutral blooms to create a colorful accent piece. Arrange them in tall vases on their own for a minimalist, contemporary look, or combine them with orchids for a bold tropical statement.

UNIQUE WAYS TO STYLE TROPICAL DESIGNS

Tropical artificial flowers offer endless possibilities for creative arrangements. Need a little extra inspiration? Here are some innovative ideas to hopefully inspire you:

• Willow Branches: Incorporate faux willow branches for an unexpected twist. Their slim lines add height and intrigue to floral designs, and can even soften the bold shapes of tropical flowers.
• Layer Textures: Combine elements like smooth orchid petals with the spiky texture of artificial protea and the colorful pattern of croton leaves for a multidimensional arrangement.
• Experiment with Vessels: Instead of playing around with different permanent botanicals, try swapping traditional vases for unconventional containers! Consider driftwood boxes, shell planters, or clear glass bowls filled with sand and shells. Even a bold vase design might just do the trick!

POPULAR PAIRINGS FOR TROPICAL ARRANGEMENTS

Tropical flowers truly shine when paired with complementary elements that add to their bold beauty. Here are just a few popular pairings:

• Roses: Add a touch of romance by pairing tropical flowers with faux roses. White roses can create a timeless look, while vibrant pinks or corals add a playful, tropical twist. Roses mixed with tropical botanicals make great destination wedding bouquets too.
• Monstera Leaves: The oversized, iconic monstera leaf adds a dramatic flair to tropical arrangements. Pair monstera leaves with orchids and proteas for a big and bold centerpiece.
• Palms: Palm fronds bring a sense of breezy island life to your home decor. They’re ideal fillers in arrangements featuring bromeliads, king protea, or white fake orchids.
• White Hydrangeas: For a more subdued, everyday look, combine tropical blooms with white hydrangeas. This pairing is also especially striking in wedding or winter-themed arrangements where you might want just a hint of the tropics.
• Faux Succulents: Add additional texture to your designs by including faux succulents alongside tropical blossoms. This combination works beautifully in modern or bohemian spaces.
• Grasses: Incorporate grasses like pampas or onion grass to add height and/or a soft, whimsical feel to tropical arrangements. These elements complement bold blooms like protea and king protea.

SIMPLY ELEGANT VS GRAND ARRANGEMENTS

Tropical artificial flowers can suit just about any occasion or space, from understated minimalist creations to grandiose event displays.

Simply Elegant

For that minimalist look, style a single orchid stem with faux greenery in a sleek, modern vase. Alternatively, pair a king protea with a simple stem of croton leaves for a bold and effortless arrangement. These designs are perfect for everyday decor or small table settings.

Grand Arrangements

For larger weddings or special events, make a statement and go all out with cascading orchids combined with hydrangeas, needle proteas, and rich, green artificial leaves or twisted willow branches. This type of arrangement becomes a stunning focal point, and will have your guests experiencing the extravagance of a tropical paradise.

TROPICAL BOTANICALS FOR EVERY SEASON

Did you know? Tropical flowers aren’t just for summer — they can be styled for any season (and used season after season). Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Winter: Use white king protea, twisted willow, and artificial silver-green eucalyptus for modern take on a holiday look.
• Spring: Pair faux orchids with pastel open roses and soft eucalyptus greenery for a fresh, spring arrangement.
• Summer: Combine bright bromeliads, protea, and croton leaves for a bold, tropical centerpiece.
• Fall: Incorporate warm-toned croton leaves with deeper or dustier hued roses for an autumnal take on a tropical display.

WHY CHOOSE TROPICAL ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS?

Real tropical flowers and foliage bring a sense of adventure and a piece of paradise to any space or event, but often come with high maintenance demands. Faux tropical botanicals offer the same vibrant visual impact without the challenges of climate, humidity, or general care. Whether you want to decorate with orchids, king protea flowers, or the unique bromeliad plant, artificial versions of these stems provide long-lasting beauty that fits perfectly into any home or occasion — and can be used season after season, year after er year!

Prestige Botanicals is proud to offer high-quality, lifelike tropical botanicals for every occasion. On top of our premium flowers and foliage, we also offer a large knowledge base for tips and tricks working with artificial botanicals. Find even more inspiration for designing with faux orchids in our comprehensive orchid styling guide.

With artificial flowers, the possibilities are truly endless. Bring a touch of paradise and the feeling of vacation into your everyday life by creating stunning tropical arrangements that will wow year-round.