The term ‘exotic plants’ is typically associated with delicacy, fragility, and femininity; however, this is quite untrue. Contrary to belief, many of foreign plants can be hardy while still presenting a degree of elegance – a manly plant with sophistication, if you will. This article will provide some information on these types of masculine exotic plants; as well as discussing how to care for them and maintain them.
The Ginger Plant
When thinking of ginger a person’s thoughts immediately revert to the ginger root; however, the ginger bloom can be as exciting and beautiful. The flowering ginger bloom, technically known as the zingiberaceae, is part of a large family of tropical herbs. While ginger is thought to originate from the Asian countries, this strand of the ginger family stems from the tropical herbs found in Indo-Malaysia. The gingers discussed here can be located in the fields and rain forests of Indo-Malaysia and are used for various medicinal purposes – both the blossom and the root. The root is a hardy ginger color; however, the blossom is bright in its appearance and produces an intoxicating fragrance. It tends to grow in shadier plants and requires minimal care.
The Heliconia Plant
The heliconia plant is named after the mythological Mount Helicon. Mount Helicon is said, in Greek mythology, to have housed nine goddesses who acted as muses for creators of arts and science. While the basis of the name is Greek in origin, the flower is found exclusively in Central and South America. This exotic flower is unique in that it presents in the shape of a lobster claw; hence being known as the “parrot flower”. The plant presents in a plethora of different colors including different shades of yellow, orange, red and pink. However, the flower is rather rare and finding one of these heliconia plants can be difficult.
If you are able to find a heliconia plant and obtain it for your garden, it must be noted that they grow most effectively in damp conditions. The positive news about this parrot flower is that it, as with the ginger plant, does not require extensive or complicated care. Merely snip the stem and place the flower in a vase with clean water. This hardy plant can add elegance, color, and a sense of “wildness” to any room.
The Bonsai
A very well known plant, the bonsai is one of the most common items purchased by individuals who do not have time to maintain a garden or merely want something exotic and hardy in their home. The bonsai is a unique plant taking shape as a “tiny tree”. This plant originates in Asia and is unique in that the purpose of a bonsai is to sculpture it into natural-looking shapes; and it’s a tiny tree. Bonsais do not necessarily require complex maintenance and do not require frequent watering; however, the bonsai will only present as an attractive item if it is cared for correctly.