A: Tabernaemontana is a plant that may take some time to establish itself, and leaf chlorosis often becomes a common issue when the root system is not well-established. This symptom is indicative of Iron deficiency, and possibly other micro-element deficiencies, such as Boron or Molybdenum, which become more apparent when the plant receives excessive water. This problem tends to intensify as temperatures drop, particularly when a combination of cool and wet conditions prevails. It's worth noting that your potting mix seems to be appropriate for this plant.

In light of these circumstances, we recommend the following steps:

1) Reduce watering during the cooler season, especially when daylight hours are shorter. Allow the top layer of the soil to dry before watering again.

2) Consider supplementing with microelements using a product like  Sunshine Superfood. You can apply this as a foliar spray and mix it with your watering can.

3) Maintain your regular fertilizing program throughout the winter months, but ensure that you use only liquid amino-acid fertilizer, such as  Sunshine Megaflor. Follow the instructions on the label for the correct dosage and apply it with each watering, even during the winter. Since you will be reducing amount of water, the amount of fertilizer also will be adjusted accordingly.
Important: do not use any dry fertilizers during winter months (Nov-March).

Regarding the fragrance of the flowers, they typically emit a mild, sweet scent, although it may not be as potent as that of gardenia or jasmine. The strongest aroma usually becomes more prominent during warm (but not excessively hot) and humid conditions, particularly in the morning hours. As the plant grows larger and healthier, the fragrance should become more intense because the flowers produce more essential oil when the plant is robust. You may also apply Sunshine Honey supplement to improve flower quality and fragrance strength.

A: Meet the Calathea Zebrina - Zebra Plant, the zebra-striped sensation straight from the Brazilian rainforests. This charismatic plant is like a piece of living art for your home! The Calathea Zebrina isn't just a houseplant; it's a conversation starter and a slice of jungle magic right in your living room. Get ready to embrace the zebra-stripes and let your home's wild side shine!

Zebra Stripes with a Twist:
With its bold dark green stripes on a velvety light green canvas, the Zebra Plant adds a touch of nature's whimsy to any room. It's like having a zebra with a green thumb as your housemate. The underside of the leaves are purple and not always visible because leaves grow horizontally (although some will curve or grow more upright).

Low-Light Lover:
Not only is it easy on the eyes, but it's also easy to care for. The Zebra Plant thrives in low light conditions, so you don't need to rearrange your whole house just to keep it happy. It even tolerates a little over-watering which all of us tend to do with house plants.

Green with Envy:
This plant may make your other houseplants a bit envious with its captivating appearance. Its zebra stripes aren't just a fashion statement; they're a botanical masterpiece. Keep it even greener with Sunshine Robusta plant food - safe to use year around!

A Slice of Serenity:
In a world that's always in a hurry, the Zebra Plant is a gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate nature's beauty, and bring a touch of tranquility to your space.

A: From the photo (left), we see a few potential issues. The problem might be due to a combination of factors such as a heavy potting mix with poor drainage, over-watering, an underdeveloped root system sensitive to these conditions, leaf burn, and a lack of nutrients.

Suggestions for fixing the problem

1. Soil mix. First, assess the quality of the soil. If the plant has been in the same pot for a while, the soil at the bottom may have become compacted, leading to poor drainage. If this is the case, carefully remove the root system from the existing soil (by removing excess soil around the roots without disturbing the roots themselves). Repot the tree into fresh, well-draining potting mix with good drainage characteristics, which typically contains materials like bark and perlite. Ensure that the new pot is exactly the size of the root ball; using a significantly larger pot can lead to soggy conditions that harm the roots.

2. Light. Place the potted tree in an area with filtered light, avoiding direct sunlight throughout the day.

3. Water. Control the watering. During this recovery period, your plant will need very limited water until it shows signs of improvement and new growth. After repotting, water it thoroughly just once, and avoid watering again until the top layer of soil becomes dry. Then, water as needed. Avoid keeping the soil consistently wet, especially during rainy periods. Protect the plant from excessive rain.

4. Supplements. Consider applying Sunshine Superfood micro-elements following the label instructions, once a month. Additionally, using Sunshine Epi bio-stimulant, sprayed every other week, can help the plant recover from stress and encourage growth. You can also use Sunshine C-Cibus at half the recommended concentration with each watering. Hold off on any other fertilizers until the plant has sufficiently recovered and begins to show signs of new growth.

5. Transplanting. If you plan to transplant the tree into the ground, it's advisable to wait until spring when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 65F for at least two weeks.

6. Temperature. Keep the tree in a warm environment. When temperatures drop below 50F, bring it indoors.

These steps should help the tree recover, grow healthy leaves, and establish a better root system, preparing it for successful transplantation into the ground or a larger container, ensuring a happy and productive life ahead.

A: The Barbados cherry, like other tropical cherry varieties, is exceptionally well-suited for cultivation in containers.

Barbados cherry grows into a dense bush, demands minimal pruning, and begins bearing fruit at a young age. Our plants, which are propagated from cuttings, initiate the flowering and fruiting process in the very same year. They produce fruit almost year around. This year we've had three big crops: April, July and October (still fruiting now!) besides sporadic fruiting throughout the warm season.

You can cultivate Barbados cherry in a pot, commencing with a 1-3 gallon container and gradually increasing the size each year. Below is a photo of a fully developed tree in the ground, for reference. This tree is approaching its third year of growth. When grown in a container, it maintains a more compact size, with the largest container needed likely being between 7 to 15 gallons. Regular pruning can be employed to keep it smaller.

Photo above: Barbados Cherry bush in the ground

Barbados cherry (Malpighia) possesses a distinct growth pattern that sets it apart from other tropical cherry varieties - Eugenias. Malpighia's branches can assume peculiar shapes, even at angles of up to 90 degrees. Therefore, pruning to achieve the desired shape is advantageous.

Additionally, you may want to explore the Dwarf Barbados cherry, a miniature cherry variety ideal for container cultivation, with cascading growth habit. Although its fruits are slightly smaller than those of the regular variety, they are notably sweeter.

Photo above: Dwarf Barbados Cherry fruit

When it comes to ensuring the health and vitality of your potted Barbados cherry plants, maintaining a consistent nutrient supply is crucial. Implementing a regular fertilization regimen is essential to promote robust growth, consistent flowering, and bountiful fruit production. For optimal results, we recommend using Sunshine Boosters, which are specially formulated to enhance the development of fruits and edibles. These boosters are derived from organic amino acids, making them environmentally friendly and safe for year-round use. By incorporating Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus into your plant care routine, you can ensure that your container-grown Barbados cherry plants receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive and flourish.

Photo above: Dwarf Barbados Cherry in the ground

A: Growing your own pineapple is pure bliss. Watching the transformation from a small crown into a luscious fruit is immensely rewarding. Every tropical gardener should experience the joy of growing this tropical gem and relishing its sun-kissed sweetness straight from the garden. Pineapples are easy to grow and can fruit in containers too, so if you live in a colder climate, no problem! They will take very little space in your greenhouse or sunroom. Just remember to feed your pineapple plants with Sunshine Boosters so they will feed you the biggest and the sweetest fruit! Sunshine Boosters are natural, organic-amino-acid based plant nutrients that are perfect for any edibles.
There are several varieties of pineapples in commercial cultivation. Below are the most interesting cultivars. Discover the pineapple paradise!

Elite Gold: Bursting with tropical flavor and vibrant gold flesh, Elite Gold dazzles with its unique taste and ornamental beauty.

Florida Special: Perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity, this variety thrives in warmer climates, gifting you a taste of Florida's sunshine.

Sugar Loaf: Irresistibly sweet with a hint of citrus, Sugar Loaf's compact size makes it an ideal choice for container gardening.

White Jade (Spineless Sweet): Exceptionally sweet and without spines, White Jade pampers you with a delectable, thorn-free harvest.

Lava Burst (Burgundy Variegated Rainbow): This visually stunning ornamental pineapple variety boasts striking burgundy and green leaves, resembling a rainbow of colors. Its fruit edible but small; its exceptional beauty adds a touch of exotic elegance to any garden or indoor space. Lava Burst is a delightful conversation starter and a captivating addition to your plant collection, making it a favorite among pineapple enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal.

Embrace the sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of savoring homegrown, mouthwatering pineapples - nature's sweetest gift!

Read more about Pineapples: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit.

A: Your concern about shipping plants in hot weather is valid. For sensitive plants, we'll delay shipping until conditions are more favorable in your area. However, there are plenty of heat-tolerant tropical plants that handle shipping well with minimal stress. These plants adapt easily when planted during the hot summer months. Simply follow the included planting instructions, gradually acclimate them to full sun, and they should thrive.

Certain flowering tropical plants, such as Allamandas, Calliandras, Caesalpinias, Adeniums, and Clerodendrums, are excellent options for shipping and establishing during the summer. Flowering vines like Jasmines also adapt well. Consider using Sunshine Booster fertilizers to promote robust growth, they are safe to use right after planting.

Additionally, many fruit trees flourish in heat. Mangoes, Avocados, Pomegranates, Pineapples, Loquats, Eugenias - Tropical cherries, Bananas, Jackfruits, Dragon Fruit, and Olive trees are great choices for summer planting. Noni trees are hardy survivors and usually ship and grow well during the summer, in spite of their lush tropical leaves.

Feel free to check with us about the specific plant you plan to order for its suitability in summer shipping. We're here to take care of your green babies and address your year-round planting needs!

Pitaya, Yellow Dragon Fruit, Selenicereus megalanthus

Jasminum sambac Maid of Orleans thrives and blooms in hot sun

Kalanchoe synsepala Magnificent - Walking Cup Kalanchoe, spectacular plant, loves dry and hot conditions

A: The Cyathea cooperi, known as the Australian Tree Fern... Deep within the enchanting rainforests of Australia, this botanical marvel flourishes, captivating all who lay eyes upon it. Its true magnificence lies in its intricate fronds, delicate yet resilient. Unfurling like the wings of a mythical creature, they gracefully arch outward, showcasing a mesmerizing symphony of emerald green.

As sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, its fronds become a living canvas for nature's creativity. But this tree fern is more than just a visual marvel. Its significance stretches far beyond its aesthetic appeal. The Australian Tree Fern is a vital component of its ecosystem, providing shelter and sustenance for a myriad of creatures. Its high-reaching canopy offers refuge to an array of birds, insects, and small mammals, creating a microcosm of life within its majestic embrace.

For centuries, the indigenous peoples of Australia have revered the Cyathea cooperi for its medicinal properties and cultural significance.

As the seasons unfold, the tree stands as a testament to resilience. It withstands the downpour of tropical rain, enduring the wrath of winds, and gracefully survives the scorching heat of summer. Through it all, it remains a symbol of endurance, an emblem of nature's ability to adapt and flourish.

Young leaves of Australian Tree Fern are very exotic looking...

Australian Tree Fern recently planted in front of the office of our Bfarm is getting the best Sunshine Boosters plant food - Robusta - from the Robuster injector; it grows super fast, we should see it in its full beauty soon!

A: This is what we recommend for fertilizing during rainy season:

For in the ground plants

If there are frequent rains, it's not necessary to use any fertilizers except for slowly soluble ones. During rainy periods, use a slow release fertilizer. Simply scatter 3 oz per 100 square ft. You can adjust the amount based on your specific area and number of plants.

Additionally, for foliar treatments, use Sunshine SuperFood microelement supplement and Sunshine Epi biostimulator.
When you water next time, regardless of whether it rained or not, resume using liquid Sunshine Boosters.

For potted plants

When you water your potted plants, use liquid Sunshine Boosters. Every 1 or 2 weeks (we recommend weekly), apply Sunshine Garden Series (the same type you are using when watering) for foliar treatment. Use the same dosage as you would for watering. By following these recommendations, you can ensure that your plants receive the appropriate nutrients during the rainy season.