Exotic Flair : More on Tropical Plants

Exotic Flair

Bring a tropical and exotic flair to any decor with an authentic looking artificial heliconia plant. Many of the silk versions take advantage of a new process that makes the trunk on this tree look just like the real thing. Bunches of realistic-looking heliconia leaves and large red flowers make this a most desirable tree. These can be found potted in containers or wicker basket and are easily able to be repotted.

On a Grand Scale

The heliconia plant stands tall, some can be 8 feet or taller and more than 36 inches wide, giving you a dramatic accent to any room. Some, on the other hand, may just be the floral part and only stand 2 feet or shorter. Whichever version you choose the entire plant or just the flower accent you can be confident that the heliconia will make a dramatic statement in any room in the house or office.

Phoenix Wish you were on an island right about now? Bring this tropical beauty into your favorite room, and you can almost hear the ocean. Massive in More Ways than One Large and in charge, the phoenix palm tree comes from the tropical Canary Island and is sure to be the center of attention wherever displayed. Commonly called Canary Island date palm, phoenix pronounced just like the Arizona city is the Greek name for date palm. Live phoenixes can grow to be nearly 15 feet tall. Silk renditions can also be found that large but are also available in smaller sizes such as between 3 and 5 feet or 6 and 8 feet. The larger palms are ideal where foliage is needed above head height, so you can walk underneath the palm fronds (branches). As a rule, plants look best when they are about 2 feet from the ceiling. If you have standard 8-foot ceilings, a 6-foot plant looks great. If you have 9-foot ceilings, we recommend a 7-foot plant. The exception is for cathedral ceilings; anything over 9-10 feet looks terrific, as the plant will be well over your head. A 15-foot palm in a 17-foot ceiling might look like it's hitting the ceiling!

Let it Sway

Some manufacturers produce a bendable, curvable, trunk, so you can even make your phoenix look as though it is swaying in the breeze. A typical palm of this species will feature a brown, husk-like stem with light emerald green fronds. Some stems are made with realistic fiberglass to give them a natural-looking curve. The large trunk is often made of real wood or dark brown mesh and is covered with interesting designs that mark the point of attachment of the leaves. Whatever the case may be, if you want to make a dramatic statement, use this huge imposing palm wherever there is space to accommodate it. We recommend indoors.

Traveler

The traveler's palm is one of nature's most distinctive and remarkable plants. The fan-like appearance of this tree makes it incredibly attractive and adds a touch of elegance wherever displayed.

To Be a Palm or Not to be a Palm? That Is the Question.

Although the traveller is often referred to as a palm, it is not a true palm. The striking, exotic traveller is more of a plant closer in appearance to the bird of paradise, and is absolutely stunning. A native to Madagascar, the ravenala madagascariensis, or traveller, can make a beautiful impression in any room.

Real life travellers are known to grow up to 40 inches tall, while the big banana-like leaves can grow up to 15 inches long. The leaves are arranged in a fan-shaped manner, and the palm-like trunk (hence, why it's often confused as a palm) is rather short. Small white flowers are held in bracts. The fruits are brown and the seeds are blue. Silk versions are more likely to be around 3-5 feet in height and focus more on the leaves than the fruits or seeds.

A Conversation Starter

It's hard to tell the difference between an artificial traveller silk palm tree and the real thing. Manufacturers have gone to great lengths to mimic the details from the trunk to the stems to the leaves. Some are made with a semi-soft latex material, getting as close to nature as possible. The traveller is a remarkable plant with its unique shape and is ready to give life to just about any environment it's placed in. Be sure to keep it indoors for a longer lifespan.

Other Types

The world of silk palm trees extends far beyond what we've covered here. What's been presented is just a glimpse into the most popular types.

Out There are More to Be Discovered

Take, for instance, the good ol' ficus, oak or maple. There's the location-oriented ferns and plants: Australian fern, Boston fern, Jungle twig and Chinese fountain. And there are names that might seem familiar, but you might not have known there was such as palm, like sugar, date, bottle, lady, king, and oil.

Have You Ever Heard of These?

Try a fishtail palm on for size, or maybe a dwarf is right up your alley. How about golden cane or fishtail? Or perhaps you'd prefer a species that starts with the letter "R," such as a raphis, robellini or royal palm. Some have more interesting names like taro, kentia, dracanea and monstera. And oftentimes, besides the tree or plant itself, you'll find many of these palms to have variations such as just the branch or leaf, as seen in the coco branch and philodendron leaf.

Different but the Same

All these other types of silk palm trees may be different in species, but a few things generally remain the same. One thing's for sure, you'll usually find a variety of sizes. Palms can be 2 feet or shorter, 3 - 5 feet tall, 6-8 feet tall, or 8 feet or taller. Another thing is that most manufacturers recommend indoor use over outdoor to preserve the plant and its original beauty. But no matter what type or size silk palm tree you choose, you're sure to easily enhance the appearance of your room.