Calathea Zebrina: Nature's Zebra Striped Star

Prepare your plants for Winter with Sunshine Boosters

We usually stop using dry slow-release fertilizers from November to March. However, liquid Sunshine Boosters, which are natural plant food, can be used all year. They help your plants survive winter. When it gets colder, we water less, so the fertilizer decreases too. The plants only use what they need. To learn more about how Sunshine Boosters work and why they're safe and helpful, check out this blog: Using Sunshine Booster during Winter.

Apart from giving your plants nutrients during winter, you also can improve their ability to handle the cold. Try the Sunshine Boosters supplement kit for tropical plants. Follow the schedule and use three different supplements: SUNSHINE Superfood, SUNSHINE Epi, and SUNSHINE-Power-Si. Read more about treatment with Sunshine boosters supplement kit.

Growing Barbados Cherry in container

Cat Horoscope
Libra Zodiac Cats 09/23-10/23

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

Scooby, the Libra Cat

How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats...More >>

Cats that change their minds...

...Like all representatives of the Libra sign, the temperament of Libra cats is characterized by variability... They frequently change their preferences, which can range from their food to their activities. What they love one day, they might completely ignore the next. One day Libra Cats can help you to plant flowers, next day or week, or until the wind changes, they fast dig out all that you planted on previous days…and so in everything!... Speaking of their preferences, all Libra cats have an affinity for plants... Continue reading >>

Shaka, the Libra Cat

Most useful Hibiscus plants

Grow your edible flower landscape in no time!

Who doesn't adore hibiscus flowers? We usually think of the fancy Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in all its colorful glory or the Exotic Garden Hibiscus. But guess what? There's a whole bunch of other hibiscus species out there that are not only drop-dead gorgeous but also surprisingly practical. They can jazz up your garden and your dinner plate! Today, we're dishing out a sneak peek at a few of these charming hibiscus varieties. These beauties aren't just a treat for your taste buds; they're also a gardener's dream. They practically grow themselves and are always wearing a smile!

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel
Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus
Hibiscus cannabinus (furcellatus) - Salad Hibiscus, Sleepy Hibiscus
Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus
Hibiscus variegated Snow Queen
Hibiscus schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus

Tea or Salad Hibiscus

Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus. Leaves are acidic, rich of vitamin C, good for salads and teas.

Hibiscus cannabinus (furcellatus) - Salad Hibiscus, Sleepy Hibiscus. Vinous flowers open in the morning, and by 3-4 pm they convolve into a curious fico-like knot. Very similar to acetosella, only with green leaves, this edible hibiscus is great for salads, rich of vitamin C. Seeds, flowers, and leaves are also used for making delicious tea. Very fast growing, forms a large bush.

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade: the most delicious, fruity Jamaican Hibiscus tea. It makes our favorite Summer drink!

Hibiscus with a smile :)

Hibiscus variegated Snow Queen. Green foliage is dramatically splashed with bright white which provides striking contrast to the large red flowers. A festival of color!

Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus. Flowers open pure white and change color over a three-day period until they are deep pink and then as they die assume a dark "blue-pink" hue. The three distinct colors appear on the bush simultaneously as the blooms color cycle independent of one another. Quite large blossoms are up to 5 inches across!

Hibiscus schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus. A weeping tree hibiscus, rare and hard to find and every gardener wants it! Grows rapidly and blooms freely. Flowers look like parachutes and can be recognized by the fringed and lacy petals which are bent backward.

Go Bananas!
10 good reasons to plant bananas in your garden

Adding banana plants to your subtropical garden or plant collection can enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor and indoor space, provide fresh and nutritious fruits, and offer a fun gardening experience with relatively low maintenance requirements. It's a delightful way to connect with nature and enjoy the benefits of homegrown produce.

1. Tropical Ambiance: Banana plants bring a touch of the tropics to your subtropical garden. Their large, lush leaves create a lush and exotic atmosphere that can transform your garden into a tropical paradise.

2. Homegrown Flavor: Growing your own banana trees allows you to enjoy the freshest, most flavorful bananas right from your garden. Homegrown bananas often have a superior taste compared to store-bought varieties.

3. Nutritional Benefits: Bananas are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. By cultivating your own banana trees, you gain access to a nutritious and healthy snack option right in your backyard.

4. Quick Results: Banana plants are known for their fast growth. In subtropical climates, they can produce fruit in as little as one to two years. This means you don't have to wait long to savor the fruits of your labor!

5. Low Maintenance: Banana trees are relatively low-maintenance once established. They require regular watering, but their hardy nature makes them a relatively easy addition to your garden. They are not messy in a landscape.

6. Versatility: Bananas offer versatility in your garden. You can choose from dessert bananas for snacking, cooking bananas like plantains for culinary experiments, or even ornamental banana varieties to enhance your garden's aesthetics. There are so many varieties to enjoy! You can't find this big selection in a grocery store.

7. Sustainable Living: Growing your own bananas reduces your reliance on store-bought produce, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. It also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with transporting fruits to market.

8. Educational Value: Cultivating banana plants can be an educational experience for both adults and children. It offers insights into tropical horticulture and can foster an appreciation for gardening and botany.

9. Landscaping Appeal: Beyond their fruit-bearing potential, banana plants add visual interest to your garden. Their unique form and striking leaves make them an excellent choice for landscaping and providing shade in your outdoor space.

10. Resilience: While bananas thrive in tropical conditions, many banana varieties are hardy enough to withstand cooler climates, making them a durable addition to your garden.

Cat Horoscope
Virgo Zodiac Cats 08/22-09/23

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats...More >>

Purrrrfect office companions!

Are you someone who occasionally finds themselves in a state of disarray, struggling to maintain a tidy living space and manage your time effectively? Do you often find yourself behind schedule, struggling to fulfill your plans punctually? If this sounds familiar, let the Virgo Cat lend a helping paw to restore order and rhythm to your life... The Virgo Cats are more than just a pet; it's a dedicated companion that excels at instilling structure and cleanliness...
Eventually, you will realise that they want to accompany you to the office to be your office mate. This is why Virgo cats spread themselves over your laptop or sit deliberately in front of the screen - it is not because they need your attention, but because they (and you!) need to get to work...

In the photo: introducing a new member of Top Tropicals PeopleCats family - Jacques, September cat by point of entry. He is only 5 months old and still learning how to be an office cat... but he already has very daring plans!

Time to plant some Winter Bloomers!

Winter is upon us, but for tropical gardeners, it's the perfect time to enjoy. As the days grow shorter and the heat of summer subsides, Fall planting brings its own advantages. It's not so hot now, making it the ideal moment to dive into the enchanting realm of winter flowering plants. Don't miss out on the opportunity to add some tropical gems to your plant collection and keep the spirit of summer alive all winter long.

Plant them now to enjoy winter flowers!

In the photo: in full bloom now - Justicia carnea - Pink Brazilian Plume, Jacobinia. Spectacular pink flowers, butterfly and hummingbird attractor. The plant is relatively cold hardy to light freeze and grows back from roots even if leaves are damaged.

We remember 9/11. We must never forget.

As September 11th arrives once again, our hearts are heavy with memories of the fateful day that forever changed our nation. We remember the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the enduring resilience of our country.
As we pay tribute to the past, we recommit ourselves to building a brighter future. Remember to focus on the beauty that surrounds us every day - the kindness of a stranger, the laughter of loved ones, the warmth of a sunrise. In these simple moments, we will find solace and inspiration.

NEW VIDEO:
My new Jaboticaba fruit tree from Top Tropicals

By Scott Riddle

For those new to plant mail orders, common questions arise: Can live plants be shipped successfully? What's the secret to safe packaging and a secure journey?
Scott Riddle, our California customer, is here to spill the beans on his Jaboticaba tree mail order experience! Join him as he unveils the plant, step by step, and reveals the journey it took.
If you are thinking about buying a live plant online and want to know the secrets of safe shipping, proper packaging, and post-transit care, this video is a must-watch! Get all your burning questions answered in this comprehensive, firsthand account.

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