Anthurium, Heliconia, orchids, Strelitzia and other Zingiberales are tropical cut flowers that are valued for their unique inflorescences, vibrant colours and suitability for high-end floral markets. However, their postharvest performance is limited by rapid water imbalance, microbial blockage, carbohydrate depletion, oxidative stress, chilling injury and species-specific senescence responses. Recent advances in vase-life improvement are reviewed, with emphasis on findings from tropical flowers. This is distinguished from the wider field of cut-flower research. The literature reveals a trend from single purpose preservative solutions to integrated systems that cover hydration, carbohydrate supply, antimicrobial action, antioxidant protection and temperature management. Recent developments include low-cost holding solutions, salicylic acid and ascorbate treatments, essential oils and plant extract, biostimulants, modified atmosphere packaging, waxing, nanomaterials and image-based quality monitoring. Research specific to the tropics indicates that water relations and chilling sensitivity are especially important in Anthurium and Heliconia, whereas orchids respond strongly to microbial control, modified atmospheres and antioxidant strategies. Natural products and nanomaterials are promising, but their commercial adoption requires standardised doses, toxicological assessment, residue evaluation and validation under supply chain conditions. Future progress will rely on cultivar-specific protocols, combination treatments, non-destructive sensing, life-cycle assessment, and data-driven optimisation.