The Best Plants For a Florida Lanai 

Here are some of the best plants for a Florida lanai you can choose to grow in your garden if you live in Florida.

If you live in Florida, and especially if you have a lanai, there is a huge variety of plants that you can choose to grow in your garden. There are many plants that will not grow in a Florida lanai due to the high humidity and the extreme heat. Let’s look at the best plants for a Florida lanai.

Best Plants for a Florida Lanai

Cacti and succulents are generally very easy to care for. They do not have any pest or disease problems. They also need little water. So they will work great for most locations in Florida. Most of these Florida plants will tolerate between 4-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Aloe Vera

This plant does well in areas where it can get at least six hours of light a day. Aloe Vera will grow quickly and bloom all year round. It has a long bloom season and can be used as a cut flower. You can find this plant in a variety of sizes and colors.

Aeonium

Aeoniums are great for areas that get hot and dry, like a Florida lanai. They are drought resistant, easy to grow, and very pretty. They can grow up to six feet tall depending on the species and produce beautiful creamy white, yellowish, golden, pink, or red flowers, depending on the species.

Bromeliads

Bromeliads are one of the easiest plants to care for. They are low maintenance and easy to grow. They are also very easy to take care of. They do not require much water, as you should let the soil dry out before watering again.

They can be planted in pots indoors or out. These plants are slow growing and can be grown in a wide range of temperatures. They have glossy green leaves and come in many different varieties.

Echinocactus

Echinocactus is a cactus that is native to the Sonoran Desert in Mexico. They are a genus that has six species and tens of varieties of cacti. The cacti are round in appearance with long, sharp spines.

They often grow funnel-shaped flowers with many petals. Echinocactus cacti are easy to care for and do not require much water. You can plant echinocactus in your Florida garden all year round.

Fuschia

Fuschias are known for their bright, vibrant colors. They have a strong fragrance and are also hardy. These plants will bloom in spring and summer. They are great to add color to your Florida garden.

Ipomoea

Ipomoea is a flowering vine that grows in many different colors like red, pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, and more. Commonly known as the morning glory, it is one of the easiest plants to grow.

It requires little water and will grow in soil, pots, and on the ground. It is one of the most popular plants in Florida.

Lantana

Lantana is one of the best plants for a Florida lanai and a tropical plant that has beautiful flowers. It is native to Central and South America and has been brought to Florida. Lantana plants have a unique scent and strong fragrance.

This plant is also known for its durability. It is known for its drought tolerance and can be used as an indoor plant. This plant can be planted in containers or outdoor beds.

Mimosa

The Mimosa plant has prickly delicate branches and feathery fronds. It is one of the easiest plants to grow and is also known for its strong fragrance.

This plant has a variety of colors, including white, pink, orange, and red. It can grow up to 20 feet tall, so you may need to move it out of your lanai if it gets too tall. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are a type of flowering plant that is native to the Americas. These plants have a strong fragrance and grow in a variety of colors, including purple, yellow, and orange. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil,  requiring little maintenance.

Poinsettia

Poinsettias are a type of Christmas flower that originated in Mexico. They bloom in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange, white, and yellow.

This plant is known for its long blooming season and fast growth rate. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant requires little maintenance and can be planted indoors or outdoors during summer.

Sedum

Sedums are a type of flowering plant that grows in many different colors, including pink, purple, white, and blue. They have green foliage and clusters of star-shaped flowers.

This plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, growing best in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant requires little maintenance and can be planted indoors or outdoors.

Learn more about The Best Soil For Pitcher Plants

Spider flower

Spider flowers are native to South America and grow in a variety of colors, including red, yellow, orange, white, and pink. They bloom in summer, with the ability to last until frost occurs, requiring little maintenance. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.

Summary: The Best Plants For a Florida Lanai

The best plants for the Florida lanai are the ones that can match up the beautiful spot you want them to fill in your lanai. If you have a small lanai and want a plant that will grow well there, consider dwarf, evergreen shrubs, or groundcovers. If you have a big one, think of shrubs and perennials. And if you want a garden with all the colors of the rainbow, think about flowers! What do you want your lanai to look like?

Find more information on The Best Plants For Florida Panhandle in 2022

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