How to Make a Tropical Flower Centerpiece

Select flowers and foliage. Birds of paradise, anthurium, heliconia, ginger, protea and orchids make durable choices for a centerpiece. Tropical-looking foliage such as Calla lily leaves, bamboo, ferns and snake grass add lush greenery to tropical flower centerpieces.

Select the container for the tropical flower centerpiece. A tall, narrow vase makes a good choice for a tropical centerpiece. Clean the vase and fill it to within 3 inches of the top with room-temperature water and floral food.

Choose an odd number of flowers for the tropical centerpiece, such as three or five. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle. This allows the stem to take in as much water as possible.

Trim the stems so that the flowers will stand at varied heights. For example, select the largest bird of paradise as the center flower. Cut it so it will stand at least 1 foot taller than the vase. Cut the other two birds of paradise 6 inches shorter than the center flower so they will fit below the center bloom.

Arrange the tropical flowers. Angle the shorter birds of paradise on each side of the center flower. Add two fern fronds or other tropical foliage below the birds of paradise, one on each side of the vase.

Place the centerpiece on the table so that it is between seats and guests won't have to move it to see each other.