Building a Family and a Jungle with Flagami Tropicals

In the heart of Miami, Raul Del Palacio’s love for plants began with the humble act of growing beans as a child. Little did he know, this simple fascination would bloom into something much greater—a thriving tropical landscaping business known as Flagami Tropicals. What started as a childhood hobby has now grown into a labor of love, driven by a deep connection to the earth, his family, and his dream of cultivating his own personal jungle.

For Raul, that dream started to come to life with coconuts. He’d collect coconuts from around the city, nurture them into palm trees, and from there, his obsession with tropical plants took root. Over time, his collection swelled to over 500 tropical plants, including rare and exotic varieties, all grown from cuttings and seeds.

But life has a way of shifting priorities. When Raul found out he was going to become a father, he realized that it was time for a change. His family was adding a baby boy, and they knew they couldn’t afford to stay in Miami much longer. The cost of living was high, and Raul needed to find a way to provide for his growing family.

That’s when the idea for an unusual yet heartwarming solution came to him. Raul decided to leverage his love for plants to fund his family’s future. He created a baby registry, but with a twist. “I told people, instead of just donating money or buying gifts, how about we trade?” he recalls. “I’ll give you one of my rare plants, and you give us baby clothes, diapers, whatever you feel in your heart to offer.”

It was a bold and unconventional move, but it worked. Raul found himself trading some of his most prized plants—plants he had spent years cultivating—for strollers, car seats, and baby essentials. “It was a sacrifice,” he admits, “but it was worth it. We needed those things for our baby, and knowing that my plants were going to people who appreciated them made it easier.”

Raul’s registry became a community effort, with friends, family, and even strangers pitching in to help. The generosity he experienced helped him save enough money, not only to support his newborn son but also to make a big move—literally. With his remaining plants, Raul took on a few more landscaping jobs in Miami, selling his prized collection to fund their relocation to Orlando.

For Raul, plants will always be important. They’re a part of who he is, and they’ve shaped his life in more ways than one. But the experience of trading his plants for baby supplies and moving his family to a more affordable city gave him a new perspective.

“As much as I love my plants, I realized that plants will always grow back. But moments with my son? I can’t ever get those back,” he says, his voice full of emotion. “That’s what matters most to me now—spending time with my son and being the father he deserves.”

Today, Flagami Tropicals has expanded beyond its Miami roots. Raul continues to work in tropical landscaping, specializing in creating lush, vibrant outdoor spaces with the same passion he had when he first started growing beans as a boy. He’s still building his jungle—this time, alongside his son.

If you’re looking to bring the vibrant beauty of tropical plants to your home or landscape, visit Raul del Palacio’s website at www.flagamitropicals.com. Whether you’re seeking rare plants, expert advice, or a breathtaking custom garden design, Flagami Tropicals has the experience and passion to help you create your own tropical paradise. Explore our selection today and let us help your vision take root!