I love going to Volcano Bay in Florida, not for the water rides, but for the tropical atmosphere. I spend most of my time exploring the variety of tropical plants and flowers.

I use a plant app to try to identify each species and find out if they will grow in my zone 8 climate.

• Common Name(s):  Crinum lily, poison bulb, spider lily, grand crinum lily
• Zone:    9-11
• Height & Spread:  4-6′ height, same size spread
• Light      Full sun to partial shade
• Soil        Well-draining, moist soil, organic-rich
• Water:  Keep moist but not soggy, about 2x/week

• Common Name(s):  lasiandra and purple glory bush
• Zone:  9-11
• Height & Spread:  7 ft height, same size spread
• Light    Full sun to part sun
• Soil      Spread a little manure or compost around the plant every spring, as the plant thrives in rich soil. Also, mulch the area heavily to retain moisture, control weeds, and keep the roots cool.
• Water:   The princess flower plant needs regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during hot spells in summer, but don’t allow the soil to become soggy. Although princess flower is relatively drought-tolerant, it will bloom better with sufficient moisture.

• Common Name(s):  Shell plant
• Zone:  8-10 
• Height:  Up to 10 ft tall but generally 3 to 4 ft tall.
• Light    Full sun to part sun
• Soil: Grow ginger outdoors in rich, moist soil with lots of organic matter in full sun to part
  shade. Wait until the threat of frost has passed to move containers outside or
  to plant in the ground.
• Water:  medium

• Common Name(s):  Perennial Hibiscus
• Zone:   5-9
• Height: Depends on variety.  Dwarf varieties reach only a few feet in height, while standard varieties may grow up
  to 8 feet tall.
• Light    Full sun or partial sun
• Soil:  Fertile, well-draining soil will produce the healthiest plants. Hibiscus are tolerant of alkaline soils, but will grow
  best in neutral to slightly acidic soil.
• Water:  Water plants deeply and thoroughly, when needed.

• Common Name(s):  Tropical Hydrangea, pink wild pear
• Zone:   8-12
• Height & Spread: 10 ft x 10 ft
• Light   Light shade
  Soil:  Must be well drained and contain abundant organic matter; use a light garden substrate with 20% manure or compost.
• Water:   regularly in summer and spring; wait for the soil to dry before watering.

• Common Name(s):  Crocodile fern
• Zone:   10-11
• Height: 2 to 5 feet tall and wide
• Light    Bright, indirect late to shade
• Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining

• Common Name(s):  Ixora,
• Zone:  9-12
• Height & Spread: 2-4 ft tall; dwarf varieties grow up to 2 ft.
• Light:  Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Acidic peat moss-based mix, such as African violet potting mix.
• Water: Water thoroughly then allow the surface of the potting medium to dry out before watering again.

• Common Name(s):  Bird of paradise, crane flower 
• Zone:    10-12 
• Height & Spread:  3.5-6 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide
• Light      Full to partial
• Soil        Loamy and Slightly acidic
• Water:  Keep the soil continually moist throughout the year.

• Common Name(s):  Orchid tree
• Zone:  9b-10
• Height & Spread: Up to 40 ft. tall
• Light:   Full sun to light shade

  Soil: Moist, well-drained loam

• Water: low to average

• Common Name(s):   African iris, fortnight lily, and Morea iris,
• Zone:  3-9
• Height & Spread: 12 to 40 inches tall, 1-2 ft wide
• Light:   Full sun
• Soil: Average, well-drained loam
• Water: Although irises like moisture, they also need good drainage to prevent rot problems. 

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