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Tropical Plants That Thrive in the Arizona Climate: Care for Exotic vegetation in the Desert Heat photo 4

Tropical Plants That Thrive in the Arizona Climate: Care for Exotic vegetation in the Desert Heat

A Guide to Growing Tropical Plants in Your Arizona Garden

If you’re looking to add some tropical flair to your Arizona landscape but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. As a longtime gardener with over 20 years experience in the Phoenix area, I’ve discovered some great options for tropical plants that thrive in our hot, dry climate. In this guide, I’ll cover everything from recommended varieties to care tips to help you successfully grow your own mini jungle here in the desert.

Figuring Out What Will Work

The biggest question is always—what can I actually grow? From my experience, plants native to tropical and subtropical regions like Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Caribbean have the best chance of survival. These areas have climates similar to ours—hot and dry in the summer, mild in the winter. But within those broad regions, there’s a ton of diversity. So you’ll need to do some research on specific varieties.

A good place to start is by considering factors like how much heat and sunlight the plant is used to. Tropical plants from areas with consistently high temps year-round will obviously do better. If a plant thrives in partial shade in its native habitat, the blazing Arizona sun may be too much. I always check hardiness zones too. While we’re in zone 9 here in the Valley of the Sun, our soil is sandy and drains quickly—similar to zone 10 or 11 conditions farther south.

Top Tropical Plant Picks for Arizona

  1. Banana trees: Talk about a showstopper! With their giant treelike stems and huge clusters of banana fruits, these beauties really make a statement. Look for cold-hardy varieties like the Red Abyssinian that can survive brief frosts.
  2. Palms: Palm trees define the tropics and we’ve got loads of great options. My faves are Mexican fan palms, Washingtonias and Coconuts. Just be prepared for major upkeep as some get huge.
  3. Hibiscus: Their giant flowers in candy colors like pink, red and yellow are simply amazing. Hibiscus tolerate heat well but may need protection from hard freezes.
  4. Bird of Paradise: With their unmistakable bird-like blooms, these add an air of the exotic. Give them rich, well-draining soil and shelter from strong winds.
  5. Bottle Trees: Their weird baobab-like trunks studded with “bottles” are too funky not to love. Look for the cold-hardy Australian bottle tree or mulga varieties.

Those are some of my tried-and-true favorites. But don’t be afraid to experiment! Tropical sunshine trees, bougainvillea, firecracker plants, ixora and mandevillas also tend to do well with minimal fuss.

Tropical Plants That Thrive in the Arizona Climate: Care for Exotic vegetation in the Desert Heat photo 3

Care Tips That Work

Giving your tropical plants the TLC they need here is basically the same concept as replicating their native conditions. And in some ways, that’s kinda easy since our soil and climate simulate the tropics in lots of ways. But there are a few key things I’ve learned make a difference.

  1. Water deeply, then let dry out. Our sandy soil drains fast, so soak the soil thoroughly then don’t water again until it’s dry 1-2 inches down. Heavy, infrequent watering is best.
  2. Mulch well. A thick 2-4 inch layer helps retain moisture around roots while blocking out competing weeds. It also keeps soil temperatures cooler during scorching summers.
  3. Fertilize sporadically. Tropical plants don’t always need heavy doses of nutrients. I give a balanced, water-soluble plant food once a month from spring to fall.
  4. Provide partial shade as needed. Young plants or sun-intolerant varieties like 50% shade cloth over them to filter that harsh high-elevation UV.
  5. Watch for pests and diseases. Common issues are mildew, root rot from overwatering, and scale or spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap does the trick when prevention fails.

Follow those basic rules and your tropical beauties should thrive for years to come! Of course there’s always room for mistakes—I’ve definitely killed my share of plants too, if I’m being real. But isn’t part of gardening the learning process?

Dealing With Inevitable Challenges

No matter how much homework you do, growing tropical plants in a totally new environment does come with some banana peels, if you know what I mean. Here are a few issues I’ve faced over the years and some strategies that helped:

  • Sudden hard freezes wiped out half my hibiscus bushes one winter. Now I give the most tender varieties extra mulch and move pots under the eaves as a freeze approaches.
  • Those gnarly banana trees grew way bigger than I expected, kinda hogging the whole backyard. Had to get creative with staking and trimming or rehoming some to neighbors who had more space.
  • My beloved bird of paradise got attacked by some kind of beetle I’d never seen. Lots of the leaves got chewed to bits. Pesticides were a last resort—I basically baby them extra until it bounced back naturally.

Moral of the story? Be prepared for curveballs and don’t beat yourself up if/when they happen. Roll with the unpredictable punches that gardening throws your way. With some TLC and problem-solving on the fly, tropical plants can usually bounce back from most stuff Mother Nature dishes out.

Tropical Plants That Thrive in the Arizona Climate: Care for Exotic vegetation in the Desert Heat photo 2

So in conclusion—don’t be afraid to experiment growing tropicals here in the desert! Just do your homework match plants to our conditions. Follow a few basic care tips and be willing to improvise when challenges arise. Pretty soon, you’ll be kicking back with a refreshing drink, feeling like you’re on a tropical getaway right in your own backyard oasis. Give it a try—I bet you’ll be hooked!

Let me know if you have any other questions. Growing tropical plants in Arizona is basically my passion and I’m always down to nerd out more on the subject. Mahalo and happy gardening!

Tropical Plants That Thrive in Arizona

Common Name Water Needs Sunlight Size
Banana Plants Moderate/Weekly Full Sun 3-6 ft tall
Bird of Paradise Moderate/Weekly Full Sun 3-6 ft tall
Bougainvillea Low/Infrequent Full Sun Vining shrub
Hibiscus Moderate/Weekly Full Sun 3-12 ft tall
Oleander Low/Infrequent Full Sun Shrub, 6-15 ft tall

FAQ

  1. What types of tropical plants can grow in Arizona?

    Basically, there are quite a few tropical plants that can survive in Arizona’s hot climate. Some popular options include hibiscus, fig trees, bougainvillea, citrus trees like oranges and limes, elephant ears, and various tropical ferns. At the same time, you need to be sort of careful about choosing ones that can handle the heat and occasional freezes.

  2. How do I care for tropical plants outdoors in Arizona?

    To keep tropical plants happy outside in Arizona, you’ll want to water them regularly, perhaps every couple days during the hot summer months. Soak the soil thoroughly when you do water. Another key is choosing a spot with abundant sunshine. Most tropicals want at least 6 hours or more of direct sun per day. You may also need to provide some protection from harsh winds. Perhaps plant alongside a building or use wind screens. Does this help care for your tropical beauties in the desert?

    Tropical Plants That Thrive in the Arizona Climate: Care for Exotic vegetation in the Desert Heat photo 1
  3. Can tropical plants grown outdoors in Arizona be moved inside in winter?

    Indeed, it is possible to move some tropical plants indoors when temperatures really start dropping in Arizona. Citrus trees and figs, for example, can withstand brief spells of around 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit. So you may get lucky bringing them in if a late freeze threatens. Hardier types like hibiscus and palms may stay outside all year. Does your collection need winter indoor housing? Check each variety’s cold tolerance.

  4. What pests and diseases affect tropical plants in Arizona?

    Main pests to watch out for on tropicals in Arizona include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These sucking pests can sap plant vigor. Diseases are somewhat uncommon if conditions are otherwise suitable for the tropical. However, root rots may occur in poor drainage or if overwatered. Keep an eye peeled for any signs of stress or abnormal foliage and act fast before an issue escalates. A little prevention goes a long way when growing in the desert heat.

  5. How can I protect tropical plants from harsh sun in Arizona?

    The blazing sun in AZ can scorch leaves if tropical plants aren’t given some relief. You can use objects like lattice wood or shade cloth to filter 30-50% of the sun’s rays. Be sure the material is breathable, otherwise humid tropicals may cook. Trees and taller plants also create dappled shade. Moving pots under eaves helps too. It basically takes experimenting to see what protection gives tropicals a chance to adjust to high desert brightness without burning up. Caution and gradual acclimation are keys.

  6. Are there any unusual tropical plants I could try growing in Arizona?

    If you like a challenge, some less typical tropical trees that may succeed in hot AZ include avocado, lychee, carambola (star fruit), and even coffee bush. For something really distinctive, look for dwarf banana or bougainvillea varieties. They add an incredible splash of color! Just be warned, the uncommon tropicals will require diligent care and some TLC to get established. But wow, what a conversation starter it’d be if one of those started thriving in your yard against all odds!

    Tropical Plants That Thrive in the Arizona Climate: Care for Exotic vegetation in the Desert Heat photo 0
  7. What are some good companion plants for tropicals grown in Arizona?

    When assembling a tropical oasis in your desert garden, think about including plants with similar needs and cultural requirements. Another strong, drought-tolerant companion is oleander, which comes in many colors. Certain cacti and succulents also make fine neighbors if given room to spread. For a stunning contrast, pair deep green elephant ears next to a riot of hot pink bougainvillea blossoms. With such beautiful botanical friends, who couldn’t be cheered on a hot Arizona day?

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