Browse Gardens

Meet the Plants

How well do you know your neighbors?

How well do you know your neighbors? Not the people who live next door, but the plants that live in our yards, our mountains, and along our streams and coastlines? Tropical plants are some of the most threatened in the world and as good neighbors, it’s our responsibility to get to know and introduce it to others who will care for and protect it too. You’re invited to Meet the Plants and help spread awareness about the threats native Hawaiian and Florida flora face, and what we can do to save plants and people together.

Become an NTBG Member Today!

You can support plant conservation by becoming an NTBG member! Learn more.

Growing Gardenia Remyi

The unique flora and fauna of the islands are declining at an unprecedented rate. With 90% of the 1367  unique plant species in Hawaii endemic to the islands, Hawaii sits atop the list of places with the most endangered and extinct species. The propagation of a rare Hawaiian tree, Gardenia remyi, in our Conservation Nursery shows us a way forward.

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Gardening with Tropical Plants

Check out our tips, tricks, and resources on gardening with tropical and rare plants. The National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) has more than 50 years of experience and expertise in propagating and caring for the world’s rarest plants. Learn from the experts and find out why choosing native plants for your home landscape saves plants, and people.

Native Plant Care Fact Sheets

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Our plant care fact sheets offer quick tips and guidance on growing tropical and rare plants at home.

Download now

Gardening FAQ

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Have questions about gardening with tropical plants? Get answers here!

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Meet Hawaii’s Native Plants

image Dodoneae viscosa – Aalii
image Brighamia insignis – Alula
image Pritchardia hillebrandii – Loulu

Meet Florida’s Native Plants

image Cyrtopodium punctatum – Beeswarm Orchid
image Erythrina herbacea – Coral Bean
image Eugenia rhombea – Red Stopper

Find



We have hundreds of plants from our gardens in our tropical plant database. Each plant can be found in one or more of our five gardens.

Know what you’re looking for? Enter its name in the search box. Just want to explore the world of tropical plants? Use our Explore feature.

Tue Nov 15, 2022

Holiday Aloha Market
4425 Lawai Rd | Across from Spouting Horn Park

Don’t miss our Holiday Aloha Market on December 1, 2022! Hand select unique, locally made gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.

Event Details
Sun Oct 23, 2022

Weekly Aloha Market
South Shore Visitor Center | 4425 Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756

Head to our South Shore Visitor Center on Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to explore Kauai made gifts & crafts at our Weekly Aloha Market.

Event Details
Thu Oct 20, 2022

ʻŌhiʻa Love Fest
Limahuli | 5-8291 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714

Free Admission | Celebrate Hawaiian biodiversity and our beloved ʻōhiʻa with a native plant sale, local vendors, presentations, and more!

Event Details
Wed Oct 19, 2022

Webinar Series
Zoom | Webinar

NTBG’s webinar series is back in 2022 for another round of behind-the-science chats with our science and conservation staff. Register today!

Event Details

Tropical Plant Coloring Books
Mon Nov 21, 2022

Free downloadable tropical plant coloring books. Learn more about tropical plants, Hawaiian culture, and ecosystems while coloring.

Full Article

Hope for Habitat
Mon Nov 21, 2022

For scientists at NTBG, hope for plants means hope for habitat. Find out how cultivating deeper relationships with plants enriches our planet.

Full Article

Five Ways to Give on Giving Tuesday
Fri Nov 18, 2022

Everyone can have an impact on #GivingTuesday! Support NTBG on November 29 by checking out these five ways to give on #GivingTuesday.

Full Article

Ulu Cheese Casserole Recipe
Mon Nov 14, 2022

This holiday season, celebrate the tastes of the tropics wherever you are with breadfruit! Here we feature an incredible ulu cheese casserole recipe from chef Nikki Gold, the dish that scored 1st place at our annual Ulu Cook-off on Maui.

Full Article

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