Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date:

How to make bonsai with Shaving Brush Tree. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Shaving Brush Tree bonsai - Pseudobombax ellipticum

Shaving Brush Tree bonsai - Pseudobombax ellipticum

Shaving Brush Tree bonsai - Pseudobombax ellipticum

Shaving Brush Tree bonsai - Pseudobombax ellipticum

Shaving Brush Tree bonsai - Pseudobombax ellipticum

Shaving Brush Tree bonsai - Pseudobombax ellipticum

How to make bonsai with Shaving Brush Tree

Creating a bonsai from a Shaving Brush Tree Pseudobombax ellipticum is a fun and rewarding project. This unusual plant, with its fat trunk and wild, pom-pom-like flowers, makes one of the most eye-catching bonsai you can grow. It's not your typical bonsai tree - it's a conversation piece that looks like something from a fantasy world! With a little patience, it becomes a living sculpture that blooms with flair.
  • Start with young plant with a fat trunk (caudex) and interesting shape.
  • Use shallow pot with fast-draining cactus mix.
  • Prune branches to create structure and shape.
  • Trim roots gently when repotting every 2-3 years.
  • Water well during growing season, keep almost dry in winter.
  • Give full sun to keep compact and encourage blooms.
  • Fertilize lightly: with slow release plant food in spring-summer or year around with liquid fertilizer like Sunshine Boosters.
  • Be patient - bonsai is a slow grower but worth it for the amazing flowers.


🛒 Start your own Shaving Brush Bonsai

📚 Learn more:
Why is it called Shaving Brush?

#How_to #Container_Garden #Trees

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Why every collector wants the Gothic Black Dragon Anthurium. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Black Dragon Anthurium

🐉 Why every collector wants the Gothic Black Dragon Anthurium
  • 🌑 A living shadow

    • Anthurium Black Dragon is one of the most prized centerpieces of the Top Tropicals plant collection. This rare and exotic hybrid is celebrated for its deep, dark foliage that looks as if it were painted with charcoal or ink. It belongs to the coveted "dark foliage" group of anthuriums - a favorite among collectors for its dramatic, gothic elegance.
  • 🌑 It changes color with light

    • This plant changes color like magic! What sets Black Dragon apart is its ability to transform. In bright filtered light, the leaves darken dramatically - almost jet black. But in lower light, they fade to a mysterious greenish-maroon. It's like having two plants in one, depending on how you position it.
  • 🌑 Its spadix and spathe are weapons of style

    • Unlike many anthuriums that flaunt bright reds or whites, Black Dragon keeps it sleek and sinister with a brown spadix and dark-brown spathe - adding a sense of surreal drama when it flowers. But wait to see the real show when is sets fruit - cascades of bright red berries!
  • 🌑 Tropical but tough

    • Though exotic-looking, it's surprisingly resilient. With the right humidity and warmth (typical of most anthuriums), it's a slow but steady grower - ideal for collectors who want something dramatic yet manageable indoors.
  • 🌑 A collector's hybrid, not found in the wild

Black Dragon is likely a man-made hybrid created by crossbreeding dark-leaved species like Anthurium watermaliense or Anthurium forgetii. It doesn’t grow in the wild, which makes it even more of a sought-after trophy in aroids circles.

🛒 Get your own Black Dragon

📚 Learn more:
The most unique plant in your collection

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Nature_Wonders
🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Adenium with classic elegance of an Amaryllis. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Adenium Black Amaryllis

Adenium Black Amaryllis

🌹Adenium with classic elegance of an Amaryllis

📸 Photo of Adenium Black Amaryllis opening flower for the previous post 👆

The petals darken with age, with the outer border turning almost black within a few days.

🛒 Shop adeniums

#Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Adenium

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Dramatic and regal: is it Adenium or Amaryllis? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Adenium Black Amaryllis

Adenium Black Amaryllis

⭐ Dramatic and regal: is it Adenium or Amaryllis?
  • 🖤 Black Amaryllis Adenium has many layers of rich, dark red petals with a striking multi-colored border in shades of red, pink, and dark red - almost black.
  • 🖤 The intricate layering and bold color contrast give the flower a dramatic, almost regal appearance, resembling the classic elegance of an amaryllis.
  • 🖤 Its complex beauty makes it a powerful and captivating addition to your garden, combining the best features of both flowers. See photos of the actual Adenium Caramel in next post 👇


🛒 Get your Black Amaryllis Adenium

📚 More adeniums

#Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Fun_Facts #Adenium

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Big color in a small tree: Maroon jacaranda and why Jacaranda trees are so popular. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Maroon jacaranda - Jacaranda jasminoides

👏 Big color in a small tree: Maroon jacaranda and why Jacaranda trees are so popular
  • 💜 Jacaranda jasminoides (Maroon Jacaranda) is a charming, compact tree that brings a touch of drama to small gardens and patios. It grows 10-12 feet tall, with a bushy habit that makes it perfect for tight spaces or even containers.
  • 💜 What really steals the show are its deep maroon to dark purple trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring through summer. In warm climates, it may surprise you with blooms at other times too!
  • 💜 The fine, fern-like leaves add a delicate, lacy texture to the overall look.
  • 💜 This jacaranda loves full sun but will tolerate a bit of shade, and it is happiest in fertile, well-drained soil. Water it regularly when it is young or during dry spells, but once established, it is fairly easygoing. It s best suited for USDA zones 9 to 11, and while mature plants can handle brief cold snaps down to 20F, younger ones appreciate a little extra protection when the temps dip.
  • 💜 Whether in the ground or in a pot, the Maroon Jacaranda is a low-maintenance beauty. A little pruning here and there keeps it tidy, and its elegant blooms make it a standout wherever it s planted. In warm places it may keep its foliage year-round, giving you a long-lasting touch of tropical color. A great pick for anyone who wants big color in a small footprint!


📚 Learn more:

🛒 Shop Jacaranda trees

#Trees #Container_Garden

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Who can handle a quarter of a million plants? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

🌸 Who can handle a quarter of a million plants?

Orchids come in many shapes, sizes and colors. There are approximately between 25,000 species as well as over 250,000 of hybrids. It's one quarter of a million! Learn about these amazing plants from our orchid expert Robert Riefer:
📱

🛒 Explore orchids and epiphytes

#Fun_Facts #Shade_Garden #Container_Garden

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Bleeding Heart Vine surprised everyone this year! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Bleeding Heart Vine - Clerodendrum thomsoniae

💞 Bleeding Heart Vine surprised everyone this year!
  • ❣️ Bleeding Heart Vine (Clerodendrum thomsoniae) is not just a winter bloomer! Despite the common belief that it blooms only in winter, this beauty actually flowers year-round in warm climates, putting on a continuous display of red and white "hearts". It bloomed in winter, then in spring, and now - it's a summertime - it is still full of flowers!
  • ❣️ The "bleeding heart" look comes from the striking contrast between the white calyx and the deep red flower inside - like a heart bursting with color.
  • ❣️ It's a vigorous vine, perfect for trellises, arbors, or containers. It can even be trained as a shrub!
  • ❣️ Grows best in bright filtered light or partial sun, and appreciates regular watering - but it's not fussy.
  • ❣️ Pollinator magnet! The blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies, adding motion and life to your garden.
  • ❣️ Tough and tropical - i'’s hardy, low maintenance, and stays evergreen in frost-free areas.
  • ❣️ It's not shy, not seasonal, and definitely not boring!


📚 Learn more from previous posts:

🛒Get your own Bleeding Heart

#Butterfly_Plants #Shade_Garden #Fun_Facts #Hedges_with_benefits #Container_Garden

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Creamy petals of Adenium Caramel. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

🍦 Creamy petals of Adenium Caramel

📸 Photos of Adenium Caramel for the previous post 👆

🛒 Shop adeniums

#Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Adenium

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

It looks so tasty - you want to paint this masterpiece! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

🍰 It looks so tasty - you want to paint this masterpiece!
  • 🍰 Adenium Caramel is one of our favorites at Top Tropicals! It features soft, creamy petals with delicate hints of peach and coral, creating a warm, caramel-like color.
  • 🍰 The smooth, gradual transition between shades adds to the flower's elegant appearance.
  • 🍰 Its soft and inviting colors make it a sweet and sophisticated addition to your garden, like a delicate treat that brightens your space. See photos of the actual Adenium Caramel in next post 👇


🛒 Get your own Caramel Adenium

📚 More adeniums

#Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Fun_Facts #Adenium

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

Charming Elephant Ears: Alocasia vs Colocasia. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Alocasia and Colocasia

🐘 Charming Elephant Ears: Alocasia vs. Colocasia - which one is better?

Alocasias and Colocasias, or Elephant Ears, are both remarkable and popular plants that can bring a tropical exotic touch to your garden, pond, or pool area. Why are they so popular - and which one should you choose?
  • 🍀 Why gardeners love Elephant Ears

  • ✔️ Tropical appeal: Bold, architectural foliage creates a lush, exotic atmosphere.
  • ✔️ Striking leaves: Huge heart- or arrow-shaped leaves in green, purple, black, or variegated tones.
  • ✔️ Versatile placement: Ideal for containers, garden beds, water features, or borders.
  • ✔️ Low maintenance: Thrive in part shade with moist soil and occasional fertilizer.
  • ✔️ Big impact: Some varieties reach over 6 ft tall, adding strong vertical structure.


🍀 Alocasia vs. Colocasia - what's the difference?
  • 🟢Leaf shape: Alocasia = upright, arrow-shaped; Colocasia = drooping, heart-shaped.
  • 🟢Leaf texture: Alocasia = glossy; Colocasia = more matte.
  • 🟢Stem color: Alocasia = green; Colocasia = often purplish.
  • 🟢Light and soil: Alocasia prefers bright, indirect light and good drainage; Colocasia loves shade and wet soil.
  • 🟢Cold tolerance: Colocasia is generally more cold-hardy and water-tolerant.


📚 Learn more:

🛒 Go big with giant leaves!

#Shade_Garden #Container_Garden

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals
< Previous pageNext page >Most recent entryBlog table of contents