6 tropical houseplants that bring Maui’s tropical vibes to your home

Have you started missing the lush, tropical beauty of Maui? While you can’t take the entire island home with you, you can certainly bring some living reminders in the form of houseplants.

These 6 plants capture that unmistakable Hawaiian atmosphere, transforming any space into your own private oasis of paradise.

Each of these plants thrives in temperate climates as houseplants and can be found at most local garden centers, making it easy to create that coveted island ambiance year-round.

Monstera deliciosa

Known for its iconic, large split leaves, the memorable monstera brings a bold, distinctly tropical vibe that instantly transforms any space. These climbing vines create dramatic yet soothing focal points with their distinctive holey leaves.

Growing conditions: Bright to medium indirect light (east or west windows work perfectly), temperatures between 65-85°F, and soil that dries between waterings. They appreciate humidity above 60%.

Care difficulty: 3/10 – Monsteras are surprisingly easy to care for and rank among the most popular houseplants for good reason.

In Hawaii, you’ll spot monsteras growing wild throughout the islands, climbing up palm trees and creating natural green walls. The name comes from the Latin word “monstrous,” referring to the unusual split leaves that help the plant withstand tropical winds. While it rarely flowers indoors, it’s one of the few plants in its family that produces edible fruit in its natural habitat.

Anthurium

Famous for its glossy heart-shaped leaves and brilliant, long-lasting flowers, the anthurium adds vibrant color to any well-lit, humid space. The waxy blooms can last for months, providing continuous tropical beauty.

Growing conditions: Bright indirect light, temperatures 65-80°F, water when 50% of soil is dry, and humidity above 60%. Keep away from temperatures below 60°F.

Care difficulty: 5/10 – Despite their exotic appearance, anthuriums are relatively simple to care for.

Anthuriums are one of Hawaii’s most important cut flower crops, and you’ll see them everywhere from hotel lobbies to local farmers markets. The colorful “flower” is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, while the real flowers grow on the central spike. Known as “flamingo flowers” for their vibrant appearance, they’ve become synonymous with Hawaiian floral arrangements and are occasionally used in traditional lei making.

Bromeliad

Offering colorful foliage and unique architectural flowers, bromeliads adapt beautifully to indoor environments while delivering an unmistakable tropical personality. Their rose-like formation and vibrant bracts create stunning visual impact.

Growing conditions: Bright indirect light, temperatures 60-85°F, water in the central “tank” cup when present or when soil surface dries, and humidity between 50-75%.

Care difficulty: 4/10 – These resilient plants are among the easier tropical houseplants to maintain.

Throughout Hawaii’s rainforests and gardens, you’ll find bromeliads growing both wild and cultivated. These ancient plants, which include the pineapple as their most famous family member, have specialized hair-like structures that help them collect moisture from the air. The central cups that many species form naturally collect rainwater and provide homes for small creatures in Hawaiian ecosystems.

Orchid

Orchid flowers instantly create that lush, island atmosphere with their exotic blooms and elegant form. These sophisticated plants bring long-lasting beauty and tropical sophistication to any indoor space.

Growing conditions: East or west-facing windows, temperatures 60-85°F with cooler nights, water thoroughly then allow to dry slightly, humidity above 50%, and use specialized orchid bark mix.

Care difficulty: 4/10 – While they have specific needs, orchids like Phalaenopsis are manageable with proper care.

Orchids flourish throughout Hawaii’s diverse microclimates, from misty rainforest floors to sunny volcanic slopes. With over 28,000 species worldwide, they represent one of Earth’s largest plant families. Each species evolved unique flower shapes to attract specific pollinators, which explains their incredible diversity. In Hawaii, you’ll find both cultivated varieties in botanical gardens and wild species clinging to ohia trees in native forests.

Philodendron

This classic tropical plant offers lush, decorative foliage that creates instant jungle vibes. Whether trailing from hanging baskets or climbing up supports, philodendrons bring versatile tropical beauty to any space.

Growing conditions: Bright indirect light (though quite tolerant of lower light), temperatures 65-75°F, water when top 1-2 inches of soil dry, and humidity 60-80% preferred though adaptable to average household levels.

Care difficulty: 2/10 – Philodendrons are among the most forgiving houseplants, perfect for beginners.

In Hawaii’s lush valleys and botanical gardens, philodendrons create natural green curtains as they climb trees and structures. The name combines the Greek words for “love” and “tree,” reflecting their natural climbing habit. These plants use aerial roots to ascend toward sunlight, creating the layered canopy effect you see throughout Hawaiian rainforests.

Bird of paradise

With striking, exotic flowers that truly resemble a bird in flight, this plant instantly reminds us of paradise. The architectural blooms and large paddle-shaped leaves create dramatic tropical statements.

Growing conditions: Bright, direct light (south-facing windows ideal), temperatures 65-80°F, water when soil surface dries but maintain consistent moisture during growing season, humidity above 50%, and good air circulation.

Care difficulty: 7/10 – These plants require specific conditions and regular attention but if you can pull it off you’ll get spectacular results.

Though not native to Hawaii, bird of paradise plants have become iconic symbols of tropical paradise and are widely cultivated throughout the islands. The stunning orange and blue flowers consist of specialized petals that open when birds land to drink nectar. You’ll see these dramatic plants gracing resort landscapes, botanical gardens, and private gardens across Hawaii, where their exotic blooms have made them synonymous with tropical luxury. The architectural flowers also make them favorites for Hawaiian floral arrangements and hotel décor.

There you have it! The 6 tropical plants can transform your home into a tropical retreat reminiscent of Maui’s natural beauty. Each one brings its own version of paradise, creating that dreamy island atmosphere…or, you could return to Maui for another visit 🌴

Image credits: Cristina Seaborn, Kara Eads, Sabine Ojeil, Eka Kurniawan Muchiar, lacà studio, Andrew Ebrahim