Do you fantasize about a tropical retreat or luxurious island paradise right outside your door? Perhaps you envision a relaxed atmosphere with leafy tropical plants, bold pops of color, and natural textures or warm accents. Your dream tropical backyard doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
Not if you have these cheap tropical backyard landscaping ideas to guide you.
1. DIY Bamboo Accents
There’s something about bamboo that just screams “tropical” and if you use it wisely, you can create your own backyard oasis without breaking the bank. Forget about expensive fencing or overpriced furniture because you can achieve the same look and feel with cheap bamboo.
You may even be able to find some natural bamboo for free. Cut some poles and arrange them to make a privacy screen or use shorter pieces as edging for your garden beds. Even wrapping them around planters or your bar cart can bring the vacation vibes.
2. Potted Palms
There are very few cheap tropical backyard landscaping ideas that can capture that tropical feeling like potted palms. They’re the most iconic of all the tropical plants, so they don’t need much to transform your landscape. If you don’t have space to grow massive palm trees in your yard, you can plant smaller varieties in large decorative pots.
Depending on your climate, you can choose varieties like majesty palms, parlor palms, or areca palms. You can save even more if you go for young plants. They’re often cheaper but they grow quickly. Place them in your entryways or frame your seating area to create a laid-back tropical getaway.
3. Tiki Torches
Tiki torches are synonymous to tropical island paradises. With their warm glow and overall look, they’ve got the ability to transform an ordinary space into a relaxing outdoor retreat. And beyond their decorative appeal, they can also hold citronella oils to keep pesky mosquitoes away.
Find some cheap torches at garden centers or make your own with bamboo poles. Place them along your walkways, around your patio, or anywhere near your seating area. To make the tropical vibe even stronger, pair them with dark green plants and other bamboo accents.
4. Bright Outdoor Fabrics
You don’t necessarily need to grow a plant jungle in your backyard to create a tropical feeling. With good use of the right colorful fabrics, you can make big changes without big price tags. Swap out the plain cushions, throws, and tablecloths that you’ve got for vibrant patterns.
Think turquoise, coral, yellow, or strengthen the tropical greenery look with leafy prints. You don’t have to buy the home store’s most expensive tropical designs because even affordable fabric from discount stores can do the trick. Or, repurpose textile items that you’ve got by cutting and using them as cushion covers.
5. Banana Plants
Banana plants usually thrive in warm places, right? If you live in a cooler climate, you can still have banana plants in your tropical backyard. Plant them in pots and bring them inside during winter and they’ll be happy.
They need sunlight and regular watering to flourish, but they’re relatively easy to grow. Banana plants are also affordable and they can reach impressive heights. Fill your corners with these plants or place them where they can give your space natural shade.
6. DIY Pallet Furniture
Of all the cheap tropical backyard landscaping ideas, pallet furniture is probably going to require the most effort, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible task. And it’s certainly worth it if you compare the prices of furniture sets designed for outdoor spaces with what you’ll end up spending on yours.
Build some seats, a coffee table, daybeds, or even outdoor bars with pallet wood that you sourced for free or at a low cost. Paint the wood to match your style or leave it bare for a natural look. To create a welcoming feeling and turn your furniture into statement pieces, add some bright patterned cushions or bamboo mats.
7. Tropical Flowers
With tropical flowers, it’s all in the name. Will your tropical backyard really be complete without “tropical” flowers? Many of these vibrant flower varieties are inexpensive and easy to grow. If you love gardening, you can grow them from seeds or seedlings. If you don’t, even adult flowers aren’t too expensive.
Add bold pops of color to your paradise with bright hibiscus, bird of paradise, canna lilies, and bougainvillea. Grow them in pots or hanging baskets or dedicate some flower beds in the ground to them. The flowers will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to bring life to your backyard.
8. Coconut Accents
Coconuts are so tropical that it’s almost a cliché. But they’re also inexpensive and incredibly versatile, so the slight cliché is worth it. Make large shells into bird feeders, candle holders, or wind chimes.
Smaller shells can keep small succulents or flowers. You can also use whole coconuts as accents throughout your space, from flower beds to tabletop centerpieces. These small touches can make a big difference in your tropical retreat.
9. DIY Hammock Corner
You’re not creating a tropical oasis to stand around or have business meetings, are you? Your space is supposed to be comfortable and relaxed, like a true getaway. Purchase an affordable hammock at a local store or online, or make your own with durable fabric and rope.
Hang it between sturdy trees or make a stand from wood or metal. A hammock corner becomes a focal point that’s perfect for afternoon naps or sipping on tropical cocktails.
10. Pebble or River Rock Borders
Enhance your outdoor space with pebble or river rock borders because cheap tropical backyard landscaping ideas are all about incorporating nature into your design.
Place the stones around flower beds, trees, and pathways. It’s a cheap way to help with drainage and prevent weeds, and it looks much better than mulch. You can mix different sizes and colors, and the good news is that it’s difficult to overdo it with pebble and river rock borders.
11. Gravel or Mulch Pathways
Gravel can give your space a coastal look with good drainage, while mulch offers a softer feel. Gravel lasts a lot longer than mulch, but mulch works beautifully with vibrant flowers and tropical greenery.
Choose either option to bring structure to your backyard by clearing your pathways, laying landscaping fabric, and spreading the material. They’re both very affordable and equally easy to install.
12. Mondo Grass Groundcover
Ground cover is often overlooked when it comes to cheap tropical backyard landscaping ideas, but it can make a significant difference. It adds that finishing touch and turns your regular backyard into a lush space. Mondo grass is one of the cheapest ground covers and it thrives in both sun and shade.
The leaves look like grass and they grow in dense clumps that add texture and softness to your landscaping. Use it as a border along your pathways or to fill the awkward spaces between your stepping stones. And if the ground under your tropical plants looks bare, cover it with mondo grass.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.