
Designing a small tropical garden can bring an exotic flair to your home, turning even the most modest outdoor area into a lush, vibrant haven. With thoughtful planning, the right plant choices, and proper preparation, your garden can mimic the vibrant, verdant feel of a tropical jungle.
Here, we’ll explore design principles, garden preparation tips, and a list of plants to help you create the perfect tropical retreat.
Note: I have used AI images here for design inspiration.

Design principles for small tropical gardens
When working with limited space, designing a tropical garden requires careful consideration. Follow these principles to maximise impact and maintain functionality:
Layering for depth

Tropical gardens thrive on a sense of abundance. Emulate this by layering plants vertically:
- Use tall trees or palms as a canopy.
- Mid-storey plants, like shrubs and small trees, fill the middle layer.
- Ground covers and ferns create a lush, dense understory.
Layering not only maximises space but also enhances the garden’s depth, making it appear larger than it is.
Emphasise foliage over flowers

Tropical plants are renowned for their dramatic foliage—think broad leaves, intricate patterns, and bold textures. While flowers add pops of colour, focus on foliage diversity to sustain year-round interest.
Choose compact plants

Opt for plants that naturally stay small or those that can be easily pruned. Look for dwarf varieties or species well-suited for containers if space is extremely limited.
Add water features

Small ponds, fountains, or even a decorative water bowl can mimic the moisture and tranquillity of a tropical rainforest. The sound of trickling water enhances the sensory experience.
Create winding paths

Curved pathways, stepping stones, or meandering lines give the illusion of more space. Use gravel, timber, or stone to evoke the feeling of walking through a jungle.
Incorporate vertical gardens
For very small spaces, vertical gardens allow you to include a variety of plants. Wall-mounted planters or trellises with climbing vines can turn blank walls into green, living canvases.

Preparing the garden for tropical plants
Tropical plants have specific requirements for soil, drainage, and protection. Here’s how to get your garden ready:
Soil preparation
Tropical plants prefer nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. To prepare:
- Test and amend soil: ensure a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0).
- Mix organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.
- Add sand or perlite to improve drainage if the soil is heavy or clay-based.
Ensure proper drainage
Tropical plants dislike waterlogged conditions. Elevate planting areas or install raised beds if necessary. Use gravel or coarse sand at the bottom of planting holes to enhance drainage.

Protect from wind
Many tropical plants have large leaves that tear easily in strong winds. Create natural windbreaks using hedges, fences, or taller plants like bamboo. Wind protection is crucial for delicate species.
Maintain moisture
High humidity is a hallmark of tropical environments. Use mulch to retain soil moisture, and consider misting plants or adding a water feature to boost humidity.
Plan for sunlight
Most tropical plants thrive in dappled light or partial shade. If your garden gets intense sun, create shaded areas with pergolas, umbrellas, or tall plants.

Plant selection for small tropical gardens
Here’s a list of 10–15 tropical garden plantsperfect for creating a layered, vibrant tropical garden. These include ground covers, mid-storey plants, and taller specimens. Most of these are tender, so will only suit you if you live in a frost free area. Check the hardiness zones here.
We have details of hardy exotic plants here.
Ground covers
Caladiums (Caladium bicolor)
Known for their colourful, heart-shaped leaves, caladiums bring splashes of pink, red, and white to shaded spots.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)
This fast-growing ground cover cascades beautifully, providing lush green mats perfect for borders.
Peacock ginger (Kaempferia pulchra)
Compact and shade-loving, this plant offers both attractive foliage and small purple blooms.
Asiatic jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum)
A hardy, low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in partial shade, forming a dense carpet of greenery.

Mid-storey plants
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
With bold, architectural leaves and exotic orange flowers, this plant makes a striking focal point.
Dwarf banana plant (Musa acuminata ‘Dwarf Cavendish’)
Compact and perfect for smaller gardens, this plant delivers a tropical vibe with its large, lush leaves.
Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ (Philodendron bipinnatifidum)
A smaller philodendron variety with deeply lobed leaves, ideal for adding texture to shaded areas.
Cordyline (Cordyline fruticosa)
Available in various colours, cordylines add vertical interest and vibrant hues to the mid-layer.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
These shrubs offer bold, colourful blooms and can be pruned to maintain a manageable size.
Fatsia japonica (Fatsia japonica)
Large, palmate leaves and shade tolerance make this plant an excellent choice for creating tropical density.

Larger plants or trees
Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis)
A slow-growing palm with graceful, fan-shaped leaves. It’s well-suited for small spaces due to its manageable size.
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Perfect for tight corners, this clumping palm is ideal for creating a green, vertical accent.
Cycad (Cycas revoluta)
Often called the sago palm, this prehistoric-looking plant offers sculptural foliage that thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola)
A smaller version of the umbrella tree, it’s a low-maintenance choice with glossy leaves and a bushy appearance.
Plumeria (Plumeria rubra)
Also known as frangipani, this small tree offers fragrant flowers and thrives in sunny conditions.

Tips for maintenance
Prune regularly
Prevent overcrowding by trimming back fast-growing species and removing dead foliage.
Monitor pests and diseases
Tropical plants can attract aphids, mealybugs, and fungal infections. Regular inspection and natural pest control methods help maintain plant health.
Feed appropriately
Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser for foliage plants and a phosphorus-rich one for flowering species.
Water consistently
Tropical plants prefer consistent moisture but avoid overwatering. Adjust based on rainfall and season.
Rotate plants
If using containers, rotate plants periodically to ensure even growth and exposure to sunlight.

Bringing it all together
A small tropical garden can serve as a private escape, offering the spectacle and ambience of a lush rainforest.
If you combine thoughtful design principles, prepare the garden properly, and choose the right plants, you can create an inviting space that’s both functional and visually stunning.
Our other tropical garden resources
- Transform your garden with tropical garden design: 15 excellent expert tips
- Tropical garden style and the harmony with modern architecture
- The 15 most exotic-looking lush tropical garden plants
- How to create an indoor jungle with tropical house plants
- The 20 best hardy exotic plants for a tropical look in your garden
- 8 Brilliant home gardening ideas to transform your outdoor entertaining spaces
- Transform your outdoor space: 15 stunning modern outdoor patio ideas
- Principles of tropical landscape design for a stunning tropical garden

Martin Cole has been an avid plant lover and gardener for more than 20 years and loves to talk and write about gardening. In 2006 he was a finalist in the BBC Gardener of the Year competition. He is a member of the National dahlia Society.
He previously lived in London and Sydney, Australia, where he took a diploma course in Horticultural studies and is now based in North Berwick in Scotland. He founded GardeningStepbyStep.com in 2012. The website is aimed at everybody who loves plants or has been bitten by the gardening bug and wants to know more.
Gardening Step by Step has been cited by Thompson and Morgan, the UK’s largest mail order plant retailer, as a website that publishes expert gardening content.