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The fern that dreams are made of The fern that dreams are made of. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

The fern that dreams are made of

Dreaming of Platycerium elephantotis - Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern

Dreaming of Platycerium elephantotis - Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern

🐘 The fern that dreams are made of. Literally.

Ever dreamed of an elephant with fern ears? Well... now it exists. And it hangs on your wall.
Platycerium elephantotis - the Elephant Ear Staghorn Fern that's big, bold, and totally mind-blowing.
Check it out in the next posts➡

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Nature_Wonders

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Have you ever seen a Half-n-Half Parrot's Beak? Just landed: Half-n-Half Parrots Beak - rare variegated form! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Have you ever seen a Half-n-Half Parrots Beak?

Gmelina philippensis variegata - Half-n-Half Parrots Beak

🦜 Have you ever seen a Half-n-Half Parrot's Beak?

‼️ Just landed: Half-n-Half Parrots Beak - rare variegated form! Limited quantities - first time ever!
  • 🐦 We just got our hands on a super rare twist of a beloved classic - Half n Half Parrot's Beak! This is not your average Gmelina philippensis. It's a variegated version you've probably never seen before, and it's ready to steal the show!
  • 🐦 Classic Parrot's Beak is already a fan favorite with its whimsical, hanging branches and cartoonish yellow blooms that really do look like parrots mid-laugh. Now imagine all that - with variegation!
  • 🐦 Why is it special? Because each leaf is half green, half creamy-white - a stunning two-tone effect . It's got the same iconic yellow parrot-beak flowers, but with a brand-new flair.
  • 🐦 Compact growth and ivy-shaped foliage make it ideal for bonsai. The leaves reduce beautifully with training. Develops character as it ages: spiny branches, textured bark, and an artistic form perfect for styling.
  • 🐦 Fast grower with a naturally tidy canopy, it produces eye-catching yellow flowers shaped like parrot beaks, hanging in chain-like racemes. This rare form is perfect for collectors, bonsai lovers, or anyone who wants a showpiece plant that sparks conversation.
  • 🐦 Note: Gmelina is pronounced "Melina" - the G is silent, but the plant is anything but!


📚Check out the Classic Parrot Beak in earlier post and in the Video

🛒 Limited quantity available - grab your Half n Half before they’re gone!

#Butterfly_Plants #Hedges_with_benefits #Nature_Wonders

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Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show Disocactus ackermanni, also called the Red Orchid Cactus, puts on a jaw-dropping show with huge, blazing red flowers that can reach 6 inches wide! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show

❤️ Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show

  • 🌺 Disocactus ackermanni, also called the Red Orchid Cactus, puts on a jaw-dropping show with huge, blazing red flowers that can reach 6 inches wide! It's a cactus that acts nothing like one - and then bursts out in flowers the size of your hand!

  • 🌺 It blooms from Spring through Summer and steals the spotlight every time. The plant grows like a lush, green fern with flat stems that drape and cascade like a living chandelier.

  • 🌺 It may be a cactus, but it loves water and shade - more diva than desert. Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, this epiphyte thrives in a hanging basket and turns heads wherever it grows.

  • 🌺 Why collectors search for it? Because it's rare, eye-catching, and just plain fun to grow. No spines, no drama - just bold flowers and easy charm. This is one of those plants that visitors always ask about. If you're a collector, it's not a want – it's a need.


🛒 Get the Red Orchid Cactus everyone talks about

📚 More about exotic epiphytic cacti:
Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night
Pseudorhipsalis (Wittia) amazonica - Blue Flame
Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa - Orchid Cactus, Curly Locks

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Nature_Wonders

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Date:

Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show Disocactus ackermanni, also called the Red Orchid Cactus, puts on a jaw-dropping show with huge, blazing red flowers that can reach 6 inches wide! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show

Disocactus ackermanni - Red Orchid Cactus

❤️ Which epiphytic cactus puts out the biggest bloom show
  • 🌺 Disocactus ackermanni, also called the Red Orchid Cactus, puts on a jaw-dropping show with huge, blazing red flowers that can reach 6 inches wide! It's a cactus that acts nothing like one - and then bursts out in flowers the size of your hand!
  • 🌺 It blooms from Spring through Summer and steals the spotlight every time. The plant grows like a lush, green fern with flat stems that drape and cascade like a living chandelier.
  • 🌺 It may be a cactus, but it loves water and shade - more diva than desert. Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, this epiphyte thrives in a hanging basket and turns heads wherever it grows.
  • 🌺 Why collectors search for it? Because it's rare, eye-catching, and just plain fun to grow. No spines, no drama - just bold flowers and easy charm. This is one of those plants that visitors always ask about. If you're a collector, it's not a want – it's a need.


🛒 Get the Red Orchid Cactus everyone talks about

📚 More about exotic epiphytic cacti:
Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night
Pseudorhipsalis (Wittia) amazonica - Blue Flame
Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa - Orchid Cactus, Curly Locks

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Nature_Wonders

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Is the Sausage Tree from Africa edible? Despite the tempting name, the sausages that grow on the Sausage Tree don't actually taste like the sausages you're thinking of, but. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Is the Sausage Tree from Africa edible?

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata, fruit

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata, fruit

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata, fruit

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata, fruit

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata, fruit

Sausage Tree - Kigelia pinnata, fruit

🌭 Is the Sausage Tree from Africa edible?

Despite the tempting name, the sausages that grow on the Sausage Tree don't actually taste like the sausages you're thinking of, but... in a nutshell, they are still edible! Let's dive into the details...
  • 🌭The Sausage Tree (Kigelia pinnata, also known as Kigelia africana) is a striking tropical tree native to sub-Saharan Africa, renowned for its large, sausage-shaped fruits that can grow up to 2 feet long and weigh up to 15 pounds.
  • 🌭While the Sausage Tree's fruit is technically edible, it is toxic when raw. To safely consume the fruit, it must undergo specific processing methods:


    • Drying: The fruit is dried thoroughly to reduce toxicity.
    Roasting or Baking: These methods help neutralize harmful compounds.
    Fermentation: In some cultures, the fruit is fermented, often with sugarcane juice or honey, to create traditional beverages like muratina in Kenya.
  • 🌭Even with these preparations, caution is advised. It's essential to consult with local experts or traditional practitioners before attempting to consume Sausage Tree fruit.
  • 🌭Various parts of the tree, including the fruit, bark, and leaves, have been used to treat ailments such as ulcers, skin infections.
  • 🌭In some African cultures, the fruit is associated with fertility and is used in rituals. The tree's presence is often considered auspicious.
  • 🌭Although the Sausage Tree might not be winning any awards for your dinner table, it's definitely a showstopper in the yard. Think of it as the ultimate conversation starter and the weirdest, most fascinating collectible you'll ever grow!


🛒 Grab your Sausage Tree now - impress your guests!

📚 Learn more about Sausage Tree:
Meet the tree everyone's talking about: sausages growing on a tree!

#Nature_Wonders #Trees #Discover

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

Have you ever seen a Bridal Bouquet Plumeria this size? In the photo: This beauty is right at our front door! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Have you ever seen a Bridal Bouquet Plumeria this size?

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

👀 Have you ever seen a Bridal Bouquet Plumeria this size?

📸 In the photo: This beauty is right at our front door! We planted it a few years ago, and after a tough winter frost damaged it, it bounced back stronger than ever. Now, it's grown into a dense, clumping bush that's impossible to miss! People passing by often stop to admire it and ask what it is. It's truly a miracle plant!
  • 💮 Bridal Bouquet Plumeria - Plumeria pudica - is evergreen, unlike most plumeiras, that drop leaves in winter. It has vibrant, fiddle-shaped leaves! It's a tropical beauty that stays ornamental even when it's not in bloom.
  • 💮 Plumeria pudica blooms almost non-stop with large clusters of 3" white flowers with small yellow centers, forming a beautiful bouquet on the plant. It's like having your own tropical garden show every day!
  • 💮 Unique Growth Habit: This plumeria is versatile - it can grow as a small tree or as a dense, clumping bush, making it perfect for small yards or patios. The plant can be shaped to fit the space, growing rapidly and upright.
  • 💮 Low Maintenance: Easy to care for and tolerant of drought, Plumeria pudica thrives without the need for special attention. It's resistant to insects and fungus, unlike other plumerias. Simply plant and enjoy!
  • 💮 We have in our collection very interesting variety of Plumeria pudica from Thailand. It has variegated leaves! Plumeria pudica variegata - Snow Bridal Bouquet, or White Arrow Leaf - has variegated leaf margins. Like regular Plumeria pudica, it is evergreen, never drops leaves, and grows into a beautiful, dense multi-stem bush. Great for container culture.


🛒 Shop Bridal Bouquet - Plumeria pudica

📚 Learn more:
Plumeria pudica variegata, Snow Bridal Bouquet - the most unusual Plumeria

#Container_Garden #Nature_Wonders #Trees

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Date:

A French Emperor's Hat Blooming in Your Garden? Napoleon's Hat (Napoleonaea imperialis), a unique and charming plant that's sure to stand out in your garden! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

A French Emperors Hat Blooming in Your Garden?

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

Napoleon's Hat - Napoleonaea imperialis

🎩 A French Emperor's Hat Blooming in Your Garden?
  • 🎩 Napoleon's Hat (Napoleonaea imperialis), a unique and charming plant that's sure to stand out in your garden!
  • 🎩 Napoleon's Hat lives up to its name with large, saucer-shaped flowers that bloom straight from the leaf axils or even directly from the trunk! Talk about making a statement.
  • 🎩 The hat-shaped, brightly colored flowers smell like butterscotch! Yes, your garden will smell like a candy shop🍬
  • 🎩 It's Kola's Cousin! The reddish seeds resemble kola nuts and even have a similar taste, giving you a fun, "false kola" experience.
  • 🎩 An instant conversation starter, Napoleon's Hat is a quirky, fragrant addition to your garden - perfect for those looking for something a little different.


🛒 Plant Napoleon's Hat and show off with the most bizarre flower!

#Fun_facts #Trees #Nature_Wonders

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This mysterious plant will make pink butterflies fly in your stomach! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

This mysterious plant will make pink butterflies fly in your stomach!

Kalanchoe x Pink Butterfly

💖 This mysterious plant will make pink butterflies fly in your stomach!
  • 💖 Kalanchoe x Pink Butterfly - Variegated Mother of Thousands... This exceptional plant, originally gifted to us by horticulturist Mark Hooten, quickly became one of the highlights of our rare plant collection.
  • 💖 The Kalanchoe x Pink Butterfly is a true standout, known for its unique, stable variegated "sport" - meaning it has a lower chlorophyll content, allowing vibrant, bright pink pigments to shine through. This makes it one of the most colorful succulents you'll encounter!
  • 💖 The plant produces an abundance of tiny, butterfly-like plantlets along its leaves. Unlike other Kalanchoe plants, it has lost the ability to root from these plantlets, making it even more intriguing.
  • 💖 Pink Butterfly is incredibly easy to care for, drought-tolerant, and thrives in both sun and shade, making it the perfect exotic houseplant for any space.
  • 💖 This variegated form is a mutation of an older hybrid, the origin of which is a bit mysterious. The original hybrid, Kalanchoe x houghtonii, was a cross between Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Kalanchoe delagoensis. Over time, a variegated sport of this hybrid emerged, giving rise to the beautiful Kalanchoe x Pink Butterfly we see today.
  • 💖 A must-have for any succulent collector, this plant will not only bring a splash of color to your home but also a touch of rarity!


🛒 Add Kalanchoe x Pink Butterfly to your rare plant collection

#Container_Garden #Nature_Wonders #Shade_Garden

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We didn't know if this hairy thing was a fern or a cactus We didn't know if this hairy thing was a fern or a cactus. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

We didnt know if this hairy thing was a fern or a cactus

Rhipsalis x pilocarpa - the Hairy Stemmed Jungle Cactus

🙄 We didn't know if this hairy thing was a fern or a cactus... But everyone wanted it
  • 🌿 Looking for something unique? Rhipsalis x pilocarpa - the Hairy Stemmed Jungle Cactus - is an incredibly rare, "hairy-fruited wickerware cactus" from Brazil that's bound to wow any plant lover.
  • 🌿 With its spidery, fuzzy stems reaching up to 20 inches and delicate white to peach-colored flowers, this plant is bound to wow anyone who sees it. After blooming, it even produces pink or red berries covered in fine bristles, adding to its charm.
  • 🌿 What makes the Hairy Stemmed Jungle Cactus a must-have? It's easy to grow, thriving in warm, humid conditions with minimal watering. Perfect for USDA Zones 9-11, it makes an exotic addition to your garden or home.
  • 🌿 But be quick – this rare beauty is vulnerable in the wild, making it even more special in your collection!


🛒 Add this special to your collection

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Nature_Wonders #Discover

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Why this tree is so popular in Asia: health benefits of Chinese Olive Superfruit Why this tree is so popular in Asia: health benefits of Chinese Olive Superfruit Chinese Olive Tree (Canarium album) is a time-honored Superfruit tree that packed with nutrients, history, and amazing flavor. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why this tree is so popular in Asia: health benefits of Chinese Olive Superfruit

Chinese Olive - Canarium album

Chinese Olive - Canarium album

👍 Why this tree is so popular in Asia: health benefits of Chinese Olive Superfruit
  • 🫒 Chinese Olive Tree (Canarium album) is a time-honored Superfruit tree that packed with nutrients, history, and amazing flavor.
  • 🫒It has been celebrated in Asia for over 2,000 years - for good reason.
  • 🫒 The olive-like drupes are packed with essential amino acids, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, they’re rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and other powerful bioactive compounds.
  • 🫒 Enjoy the fruit raw, pickled, candied, or cooked into soups and stews. It can even be dried as a snack, brewed into herbal teas, or roasted like a nut.
  • 🫒 With its unique flavor and ancient reputation in Asian medicine and cuisine, the Chinese Olive is both a conversation piece and a functional food tree for your garden.


🛒 Plant Chinese Olive - add timeless wellness and culinary magic to your garden

#Food_Forest #Nature_Wonders #Discover

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