Tropical Flower Arrrangment - Flower Arrangement Is an Art and Tropical Flowers Are More Beautiful

Tropical flower arrangements bring a vibrant, exotic touch to any space, transforming it with their unique colors and forms. Often sourced from lush, tropical locales like Kauai, these stunning blooms are not only beautiful but also carry rich cultural significance, particularly in the form of Hawaiian leis. Learning to arrange and care for these magnificent flowers allows you to enjoy their beauty for longer.

Discovering Unique Tropical Flowers from Kauai

Kauai, known for its lush landscapes, produces a variety of unique tropical flowers perfect for arrangements. Here are a couple of notable examples:

Kauai Treasure: This variety is quite similar to 'Kauai Morning Sun' in its inflorescence colors, physical characteristics, and plant habit. The main difference lies in 'Kauai Treasure' having slightly redder bracts and a darker yellow rachis. While 'Kauai Morning Sun' initially yielded more flowers, 'Kauai Treasure' significantly surpassed it in later years of cultivation trials, proving its long-term productivity.

Garden Island Fuzzy Pink: Featuring an erect, light-bodied inflorescence, this flower boasts fuzzy, deep pink bracts and a medium-length rachis with subtly concentrated white markings. A faint hint of orange within the rosy pink bracts gives it a unique undertone among orthotricha varieties. It's known for its outstanding field hardiness and an impressive vase life, averaging 20 days.

How Do You Care for Tropical Flower Arrangements?

Proper care can significantly extend the life and beauty of your tropical flower arrangement. Follow these simple steps to keep your blooms fresh:

Soak your flowers in tap water for 15 minutes. (Note: This step is not recommended for fuzzy type protea and cymbidium orchids.)
While the flowers are submerged, cut about ½ inch off the end of each stem at a 45-degree angle. This helps the stems draw water more efficiently, keeping the flowers hydrated.
Once prepared, create your beautiful tropical flower arrangement.
To maintain freshness, clip the stems by ½ inch and change the water every 2 to 3 days. This re-enables water absorption and improves the longevity of your arrangement.

The Significance and Beauty of Hawaiian Flower Leis

In Hawaii, the lei is a powerful symbol of admiration for loved ones and respect for oneself. These diverse and beautiful garlands are given for nearly any occasion or special ceremony, including school achievements, religious activities, memorial services, or simply to express warmth and friendship.

A wide variety of leis are available, such as Single and Double Dendrobium Orchid Leis, Vanda Leis, Haku-style head leis, and traditional Ti Leaf and Maile Leis. Dendrobium leis often come in white, two-tone, or purple, while Vanda leis are typically purple. Hawaiian-grown Orchid leis are particularly popular due to their sturdiness and subtle fragrance, making them an ideal gift.

How to Care for Hawaiian Flower Leis

To ensure your Hawaiian leis remain fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, follow these care instructions:

Upon receiving your leis, lightly spray them with water to moisten them, but avoid making them dripping wet.
Place the leis into a plastic bag.
Store the bagged leis in the vegetable bin of your refrigerator (ensure it's not freezing cold) or in a cool garage. The ideal storage temperature is around 53-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
With proper care, your leis should last for 3-5 days.