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Index > Garden Blog

Date:

Ten steps to Happy Gardening in 2023

Beginning of the year checklist

Lagerstroemia flowering tree on crossroads

To assist our customers in creating a happy and enjoyable gardening experience this year, we consulted with our horticulturist to compile a list of ten recommended items. Here are the results...

1. A favorite. Get yourself a favorite small flowering plant that is compact, manageable, and easy. Such as Ground Orchid. Keep it in a pot or plant in the ground by the entryway where it can be seen often and enjoyed.
2. A fruit of your labor. You need at least one (or one more) fruit tree for your garden, or for container culture if you live in colder climate. Growing and especially harvesting tropical fruit will make you happy. The Winner of the last year was Cherry Lolita - an easy, compact fruit tree that can produce almost year around. Some fruit trees will fruit right away!
3. Be exclusive. A rare plant is a must for every gardener. It can be a useful gem such as Noni Tree or an unusual-looking like a Bat Lily - Tacca. Show your friends and neighbors something different they have never seen!
4. Make it cool. Finally plant that shade tree by your driveway. Yes it takes time to grow, but the sooner you plant it, the sooner you get that shade! There are some fast growing species, some only take a couple of years to the mature size.
5. Beauty. If you have an ugly fence or unwanted view in your yard, cover it with a flowering vine. Look at the beauty every day and make your life better. Replace a boring standard hedge with colorful flowering shrubs that will make you smile.
6. Scent. Add some fragrant plants to your landscape and inhale their healing magic.
7. Tropical. For a shady corner, select a showy tropical with lush foliage such as Philodendron or Monstera, or all time favorite Banana. Get a feel of tropics.
8. Happiness of giving. Buy a gift plant for someone you care about but don't know how to thank them. Live plant is the best expression of love and gratitude. If you are unsure what plant to pick, ask our Team or simply buy a Gift Certificate that will never expire - let them chose the plant they like.
9. Food for all. A set of quality liquid fertilizers is a must - try Sunshine Boosters that can be used year around. They will make your plants healthy, strong, fast growing, cold hardy and disease-resistant. You can choose formulas for different plant types from our selection, or simply buy online a Nutrition Kit of 8 bottles that will cover all your needs and save you 50% on fertilizer cost!
10. Share. Subscribe your friend to TopTropicals Newsletter so they can get a weekly Piece of Tropics in their mailbox. Cool Cat Photos come as a bonus!

Sunshine boosters Robusta and C-Cibus with a bunch of bananas

Make sure to always have on hand at least 2 main formulas of Sunshine Boosters - Robusta for vegetative growth, and C-Cibus that will satisfy plant needs for both fruit production and profuse flowering

Date:

Fertilizing indoor plants in Winter

Sunshine boosters for indoor palnts

What is the best fertilizer for indoor plants?
Can I fertilize house plants in Winter?

The best fertilizer for indoor plants is liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters (TM). It is amino-acid based, natural, and is safe to use with every watering and year around. Unlike dry fertilizers that are not recommended to use during Winter, Sunshine Boosters formula is mild and scientifically balanced. Your houseplants will consume exactly as much nutrients as they need even during cooler months of less active growth. Sunshine boosters will not burn roots and won't create nutrient lockup (excessive salts that often caused by dry fertilizers). Sunshine Boosters is a perfect food for all kinds of plants, and different boosters available for different plant types (flowering, fruiting, even for orchids). Check out Sunshine Boosters selection.

Arundina graminifolia - Bamboo Orchid, Bird Ground Orchid

Grow Purple! In the photo: Arundina graminifolia - Bamboo Orchid, Bird Ground Orchid - Winter flowering orchid that grows in regular soil. These plants are in bloom right now, picture taken this week!

Date:

Fertilizing in Fall:
Plants need food too!

Sunshine boosters products collage

Q: I know that I am not supposed to fertilize plants in winter. But I just bought several ground orchids from you, they are blooming now and I wonder if I can give them some food to support their bloom energy? When should I do the last application of fertilizer? I will keep them in a sun room during Winter until Spring.

A: Traditionally, end of October to November is the time when we give the last dose of fertilizer to our tropical plants. Liquid fertilizers, and especially amino-acid based Sunshine Boosters, are safe to apply year around. This means, you can continue feeding your plants with Sunshine Boosters through the Winter without risk of over-feeding or burning roots. Why?
The answer is very simple: even with their metabolism slowed down in Winter, plants will use all that food.
Sunshine Boosters have special mild formulas that are scientifically designed and based on Amino Acids. Plants will use all essential elements from the solution as needed.
Liquid fertilizer is diluted in water, and will be applied only when you water the plant. During Winter, water needs are lowered = watering times are less frequent, with less amount of water = the plants will get less water and less fertilizer accordingly.

Importance of micro elements
in combination with plant food during winter

winter chlorosis on Kumquat leaves

In the photo: winter chlorosis on Kumquat leaves that is very hard to treat and should be prevented instead

Keep in mind that feeding your plants regularly during Winter will help to avoid "winter chlorosis" and other deficiency problems. So called "cool-temperature-induced chlorosis" (CTIC) is especially common in Spring on young, actively growing leaves. Unless chlorosis is prevented by micro-element applications, affected leaves may remain in this condition for the rest of the growing season.

Make sure to select proper type of fertilizer for your over-wintering plants. We have special formulas for foliage, flowering plants, fruit trees, young seedlings, even for for orchids and bromeliads. Check out our selection!

Cats looking for food in grocery bags

Date:

Ground Orchids for every Home
10% OFF 3 days only!

ground orchids

Ground orchids are the easiest and the most rewarding flowers for a tropical garden. They grow in regular garden soil or potting mix, take both sun and shade and bloom nearly year around. And look at these colors! Watch the video:

Ground orchids:
all-summer colors for shady gardens

ground orchid video

10% OFF your entire order!

Top Tropicals has the largest selection of beautiful ground orchids of all kinds of colors, at low prices. Check them out today, while supply lasts! They sell fast!
To make it affordable for everyone, we are offering additional 10% discount coupon so you can collect them all! Hurry up, this offer expires in 3 days! For 10% off any order over $150, use this code:

ALLORCHIDS

Exp. 2022-07-28. Min order $150.

Cats and ground orchids




Ground orchids - new arrivals!

See all new arrivals


Spathoglottis Rainbow - Sorbet Ground Orchid
6609 Spathoglottis Rainbow - Sorbet Ground Orchid
Grown! in
4-6" pot, blooming size

$27.95


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Spathoglottis Snow Angel - Coconut Cloud Ground Orchid
5410 Spathoglottis Snow Angel - Coconut Cloud Ground Orchid
Grown in
4-6" pot, blooming size

$27.95


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Spathoglottis Tropical Pineapple - Sorbet Ground Orchid
6844 Spathoglottis Tropical Pineapple - Sorbet Ground Orchid
Grown in
4-6" pot, blooming size

$27.95


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Tropicals

Date:

Callisia fragrans, Golden Tendril:
Holistic Medicinal Plant

Callisia fragrans

by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

...This beautiful, low-maintenance plant has been living in our homes for over two hundred years. The name of Callisia speaks for itself - Callisia from the Greek is kallos meaning beauty and fragans means fragrant. It is not only an easy ornamental plant for both garden and indoor collection, it has wide medicinal use in Europe. Its active biological substances that can fight infections, stimulate metabolism, strengthen immunity and circulatory system...
...Moreover, the leaves and flowers of Callisia fragrans are edible, the plant has been used as a food source in tropical countries. The rhizomes are also edible and can be boiled or roasted... Every garden or indoor plant collection should have this easy and useful plant!..
CONTINUE READING >>

Callisia fragrans




Lots of new arrivals!

See all new arrivals


Hog Plum tree, Red Hog Plum, Spondias 
purpurea
1193 Hog Plum tree, Red Hog Plum, Spondias purpurea
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$67.95
  
Sale $42.95


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Megaskepasma erythrochlamys - Brazilian 
plume
1377 Megaskepasma erythrochlamys - Brazilian plume
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95


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Rollinia deliciosa - 
Biriba
2753 Rollinia deliciosa - Biriba
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$89.95


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Vitis rotundifolia - Muscadine Grape Isons Black
3552 Vitis rotundifolia - Muscadine Grape Isons Black
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$42.95


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Date:

New video: Royal Poinciana
The most beautiful tropical shade tree

Royal Poinciana video

"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)
One of the most conspicuous flowering trees seen in the tropics, Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) has bright fiery red/orange blossoms cover its mimosa type leaves which close up and go to sleep for the night. This large tree, which naturally assumes a spreading umbrella shape, is now found in gardens, parks, and planted along streets throughout the tropics. In late spring, as the new leaves appear, the tree is covered with masses of five-petalled red flowers resembling orchid flowers. Blooming is followed by long, flattened, leathery dark brown or black seed pods. Delonix requires full sun and adequate space to take its characteristic form....
Read Article about this tree.

Royal Poinciana tree

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Royal Poinciana tree flowers




The most spectacular
tropical flowering trees

See full list of flowering trees


Bombax ceiba - Red Kapok 
tree
3272 Bombax ceiba - Red Kapok tree
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$42.95
  
Sale $37.95


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Saraca indica - Ashoka 
Tree
1405 Saraca indica - Ashoka Tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$62.95


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Tabebuia caraiba - Yellow trumpet tree
1306 Tabebuia caraiba - Yellow trumpet tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$47.95


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Plumeria Witsanu Gold, grafted
5771 Plumeria Witsanu Gold, grafted
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot, grafted

$42.95


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Acacia farnesiana - Sweet 
Mimosa
3247 Acacia farnesiana - Sweet Mimosa
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95


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Melia azedarach - Chinaberry 
tree
2978 Melia azedarach - Chinaberry tree
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95


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Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus
2091 Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$42.95


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Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal 
pot
2853 Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$72.95
  
Sale $67.95


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Erythrina caffra - South African Coral tree, Caffra
3326 Erythrina caffra - South African Coral tree, Caffra
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, very large plant

$37.95
  
Sale $17.95


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Erythrina livingstoniana - Cry Baby 
Tree
6730 Erythrina livingstoniana - Cry Baby Tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$42.95
  
Sale $17.95


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Date:

Memorial Day Sale

"...How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes..."
- Maya Angelou -

Memorial Day

On May 30, people across the nation will make it a point to remember and honor the many sacrifices of military service members who have given their lives for our country. Celebrate this important day with us by planting a tree in memory of our heroes - and here is your 22% discount:

MEMORIAL22

Min order $150. Exp Monday, 5-30-22.

Royal Poinciana

In the photo: Royal Poinciana, one of the most impressive trees of Tropics and Subtropics.

Memorial Day Tree Specials

- with additional instant discount -


Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot 2853 Magnolia (Michelia) champaca - Joy Perfume Tree, Champaka, 3 gal pot
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$72.95
  
Sale $67.95


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Tropicals

Terminalia catappa - Tropical Almond
2266 Terminalia catappa - Tropical Almond
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$57.95
  
Sale $52.95


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Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia
1176 Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


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Tropicals

Ice Cream Bean tree, Inga feuille (edulis)
1114 Ice Cream Bean tree, Inga feuille (edulis)
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


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Tropicals

Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
1046 Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$27.95
  
Sale $22.95


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Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
2014 Datura Metel - Horn-of-Plenty
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$32.95
  
Sale $22.95


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Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense (Red 
Flower)
5293 Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense (Red Flower)
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$52.95
  
Sale $47.95


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Miracle Fruit, Large Leaf variety, Synsepalum subcordatum
3146 Miracle Fruit, Large Leaf variety, Synsepalum subcordatum
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$69.95
  
Sale $59.95


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Senecio confusus - Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxus chenopodiodes)
1189 Senecio confusus - Mexican flame vine (Pseudogynoxus chenopodiodes)
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Sale $32.95


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Tropicals

Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red
1373 Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike, Red
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$32.95
  
Sale $27.95


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Ilex paraguariensis - Yerba 
Mate
5428 Ilex paraguariensis - Yerba Mate
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Sale $27.95


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Medinilla cumingii (myriantha) - Malaysian 
Orchid
4095 Medinilla cumingii (myriantha) - Malaysian Orchid
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, very large plant

$42.95
  
Sale $32.95


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Date:

Top Story: The little mango tree that could

Mango Tree

By Ed Jones, the Mango Guy

"...Until you dig a hole, you plant a tree, you water it and make it survive, you haven't done a thing. You are just talking..."
- Wangari Maathai -

This is the story of the little mango tree that could. From the beginning, it has been a fighter and has come through its latest battle with a few scars, but it is still going...
...On January 30, the unthinkable happened. Cold weather was coming. We had a low of under 25F on that Sunday morning...
...Then, on April 4, 2022 we had a very bad hail storm... Hail stones up to 3" fell for 20 minutes...
Learn more about what happened and see this mango tree today... What helped it to survive and also what will help it to grow back into a beautiful tree?

For information on how to shape your mango trees, see this video:

Annona - Golden Sugar Apple youtube video

Subscribe to our Channel:

Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!


REAL DEALS:
More specials
with instant 30% OFF!

Real Deal PeopleCats

No min order. Exp. 5-22-22.


Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree1213 Tithonia diversifolia - Sunflower tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$32.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $23.07


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Jackfruit tree Super Thai (Artocarpus 
heterophyllus)
4334 Jackfruit tree Super Thai (Artocarpus heterophyllus)
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$72.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $51.06


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Tropicals

Persimmon tree Native American, Low chill, Diospyros virginiana
3500 Persimmon tree Native American, Low chill, Diospyros virginiana
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$37.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $26.57


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Tropicals

Bauhinia variegata purple - Orchid Tree
2728 Bauhinia variegata purple - Orchid Tree
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$42.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $30.07


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Vernonia fulta - Tropical Aster, Ironweed, 
Bitterleaf
5647 Vernonia fulta - Tropical Aster, Ironweed, Bitterleaf
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$32.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $23.07


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Tropicals

Monstera deliciosa (Philodendron pertusum) - Swiss cheese 
plant
2988 Monstera deliciosa (Philodendron pertusum) - Swiss cheese plant
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $26.57


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Tropicals

Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian 
Candles
2710 Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian Candles
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$32.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $23.07


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Jasminum mesnyi - Japanese Jasmine
1120 Jasminum mesnyi - Japanese Jasmine
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $26.57


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Alocasia Imperial Red
6785 Alocasia Imperial Red
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant

$37.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $26.57


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Justicia Fruit 
Cocktail
2100 Justicia Fruit Cocktail
Grown in
6"/1 gal pot

$17.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $12.57


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Kopsia arborea (pruniformis) - 
Pin-Mala
2509 Kopsia arborea (pruniformis) - Pin-Mala
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$22.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $16.07


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Alpinia x purpurata - Hot Pink Cone 
Ginger
6020 Alpinia x purpurata - Hot Pink Cone Ginger
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot

$37.95
  
Flash sale 30% OFF:  $26.57


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Date:

New Video:
The Hong Kong Orchid Tree

Bauhinia blakeana

"...Edging the golf course of the club was a glorious sweep of glowing purple. Even before I was near enough to identify the trees, the rich, heady perfume which filled the air told me they were Bauhinias. The sight left me breathless and it was then I realized how difficult was the attempt I was making to describe in mere words the trees I know better how to paint..." (D. Cowen, "Flowering trees and shrubs of India")

Bauhinia blakeana - Hong Kong Orchid Tree, is the most beautiful of all orchid trees, and the most wanted one. It has the largest flowers, brightly colored. Winter bloomer. These trees start flowering in very small size, when only 2-3 ft tall!
Certainly seeing flowering Bauhinia blakeana is one of the best things a plant collector will love about winter. It truly is the most beautiful orchid tree!

Read more: Bauhinias: Orchid trees with Butterfly flowers
Spectacular Hong Kong Orchid Tree - Eye Candy and "Clever Leaf"

WATCH NEW VIDEO >>

Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!

Date:

Five Favorite Winter Bloomers

#5. Parrots Beak

Gmelina philippensis - Parrots Beak. An extraordinary fountain-like shrub with pendant branches, large long leaves and exotic flowers comprised of yellow blossoms which emerge at the end of a tube-like structure of overlapping bracts. The flower resembles parrot's beak!

#4. Royal Queens Wreath

Petrea - Royal Queens Wreath, Tropical Wisteria. Spectacular tall clusters of purple flowers similar to those of Wisteria come in racemes reaching over 1 foot long!

#3. Chinese Hat

Holmskioldia sanguinea - Bronze Chinese hat. Rare variety with orange-bronze flowers. Unique flowers are the main interest: each is a narrow tube backed by a broad, circular calyx, just like an oriental hat!

#2. Jacaranda

Jacaranda - all-time favorite winter flowering tree. Hypnotizing bluish-purple, trumpet-like flowers create the magical image of the tree...

#1. Royal Poinciana

Delonix regia - Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant. one of the most popular tropical trees covered with bright red orchid-like flowers from late winter through early summer. A must for any tropical garden, this tree however requires space since it spreads its branches 30-40 ft wide or more.