Bring the Islands Home: Plumeria
History: The genus Plumeria is named in honour of 17th-century French botanist and Catholic monk Charles Plumier, who traveled to the New World documenting many plant and animal species. Plumeria is also used as a common name, especially in horticultural circles.
The name "frangipani" comes from a 16th-century marquis of the noble Frangipani family in Italy, who created a synthetic plumeria-like perfume. Common names for plants in the genus vary widely according to region, variety, and whim, but frangipani or variations on that theme are the most common.
In Mesoamerica, plumerias have carried complex symbolic significance for over two millennia, with striking examples from the Maya and Aztec periods into the present. Among the Maya, plumerias have been associated with deities representing life and fertility, and the flowers also became strongly connected with female sexuality. Nahuatl-speaking people during the height of the Aztec Empire used plumerias to signify elite status, and planted plumeria trees in the gardens of nobles.
In the Philippines, where plumerias were introduced early in the 1560s from Mexico, plumerias are associated with graveyards, since the strong smell of the flowers were used to mask the "smell of death". This association spread into neighboring regions in Ternate and into Malaysia and Indonesia. In these two countries, plumerias are still often associated with ghosts and cemeteries. Yangsze Choo in her novel The Night Tiger for example described it as is "the graveyard flower of the Malays". Plumerias often are planted on burial grounds in all three nations. They are also common ornamental plants in houses, parks, parking lots, and other open-air establishments in the Philippines. Balinese Hindus use the flowers in their temple offerings.
In several Pacific islands, where plumerias were introduced in the late 19th century, such as Tahiti, Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, New Zealand, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, Plumeria species are used for making leis. In Hawaii, the flower is called melia. In modern Polynesian culture, the flower can be worn by women to indicate their relationship status—over the right ear if seeking a relationship, and over the left if taken.
Plumeria alba is the national flower of Laos, where it is known under the local name "champa" or "dok champa". It is also used as the logo of Lao Airlines, the national airline of Laos.
In eastern India and Bangladesh, plumeria is traditionally considered as a variety of the champak flower, the golok chapa, meaning the champaka that resides in the heavenly home of Sri Krishna, a Hindu god at the highest realm of heaven. In Sri Lanka it is known as "Araliya" or "Temple Flower". The flower, considered sacred, is also known by the names gulancha and kath golap.
Indian incenses scented with Plumeria rubra have "champa" in their names. For example, nag champa is an incense containing a fragrance combining plumeria and sandalwood. While plumeria is an ingredient in Indian champa incense, the extent of its use varies between family recipes.
In the Western Ghats of Karnataka, the bride and groom exchange garlands of cream-coloured plumeria during weddings. Red-colored flowers are not used in weddings in this region. Plumeria plants are found in most of the temples in these regions.
In Sri Lankan tradition, plumeria is associated with worship. One of the heavenly damsels in the frescoes of the fifth-century rock fortress Sigiriya holds a five-petalled flower in her right hand that is indistinguishable from plumeria.
In Eastern Africa, frangipani are sometimes referred to in Swahili love poems.
Some species of plumeria have been studied for their potential medicinal value.
Courtesy of wikipedia
Small Steps, Big Shifts
It All Begins Here
How Tropical Plants Can Turn Your Spaces Into a Personal Vacation Escape
There’s something magical about stepping into a space filled with tropical plants. The air feels fresher. The colors seem richer. And suddenly, even if you’re miles from the nearest beach, you get that unmistakable sense of being on vacation. The good news is that you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy that feeling every day. With the right plants, you can transform your home and outdoor areas into a lush, resort‑inspired retreat.
Tropical Plants Create Instant Vacation Vibes
Tropical plants have a way of engaging the senses. Their oversized leaves, bold textures, and vibrant colors evoke warm climates and relaxed living. They soften hard edges, add movement, and create a sense of abundance that feels worlds away from everyday routines.
A few reasons they work so well:
Large, dramatic foliage mimics the look of resort landscapes.
Natural humidity regulation makes indoor spaces feel fresher.
Vibrant greens and exotic shapes trigger that “escape” feeling.
Layered planting styles create depth and a sense of immersion.
Creating a Tropical Oasis Indoors
You don’t need a sunroom or greenhouse to bring the tropics inside. Many tropical plants thrive in typical household conditions.
Indoor Tropical Plants
Monstera deliciosa – Iconic split leaves and a laid‑back vibe.
Bird of Paradise – Architectural, bold, and capable of producing stunning blooms.
Philodendron varieties – Easygoing and lush.
Areca or Parlor Palm – Instantly transportive and great for corners.
Plumerias – Lush green leaves and fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
Design Tips for an Indoor Getaway
Cluster plants in groups of three or five to mimic natural growth.
Mix heights and textures for a layered, jungle‑like effect.
Use woven baskets, ceramic pots, or natural wood to enhance the tropical aesthetic.
Add soft lighting — warm bulbs, lanterns, or string lights amplify the resort feel.
A Vacation That Never Ends
Creating a tropical environment at home isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about cultivating a space that encourages relaxation, joy, and a sense of escape. With a few thoughtful plant choices, you can enjoy that vacation feeling every time you walk through your door.
What if you could…
It All Begins Here
Imagine this: You’ve just returned from a vacation so blissfully relaxing that the stress of everyday life feels like a distant memory. The soothing sound of waves gently lapping at your feet as you search for sea glass and shells becomes a cherished soundtrack that lingers in your mind long after you leave the beach. The warm ocean breeze filling your bungalow creates an ambiance so perfect that you wish you could bottle it up and take it home.
But then, reality strikes. It’s time to board the plane, and as you step back into your routine, the vibrant memories begin to fade. You walk through your front door, and it hits you: a part of your soul remains behind, basking in the sun and enveloped by the rhythmic dance of the tide. The tan you proudly flaunted slowly starts to fade, and before you know it, you’re back to the monotonous cycle of work, home, and sleep—a routine that leaves you longing for that warm escape.
But what if you didn’t have to let go? What if you could infuse your everyday life with the essence of those tropical days and the soothing energies of the islands? I’m not just talking about collecting a few shells; I mean something deeper. Imagine the sights, and scents of the tropics woven into your life, allowing you to hold onto that vacation feeling forever.
That feeling, that soothing mindset, is what Aloha Habitat is all about. We help you bring that essence into your home and outdoor spaces, so that coming home feels like stepping directly into a vacation.