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Index > Garden Blog

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How to help a weak tree to recover and thrive?

small and large lychee tree

Q: Look at my sad looking Lychee tree. Can you share with me any ideas about this tree condition?

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.

Sunshine Boosters: C-Cibus, Superfood, Epi

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Most useful Hibiscus plants

Grow your edible flower landscape in no time!

Cat with Karkade hibiscus

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

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

Hibiscus cannabinus (furcellatus) - Salad Hibiscus, Sleepy Hibiscus

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 tea Karkade

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

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

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

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.

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

Cat with bananas in refrigerator

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.

bananas and banana trees

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Event Special:
Yuca Root - Cassava - Tapioca - Manihot...

Yuca Root - Cassava - Tapioca - Manihot, plant

Reminder: now is the time to plant Cassava - Yuca Root!

It takes one year to grow a good root crop. This wonderful tropical root vegetable is grown as a handsome shrub and harvested for its root and leaves that are high in starch. The plant contains low levels of protein in the root and high levels in the green leaves. And Cassava fries are both delicious and healthy! Yum! (see the recipe)

Cassava fries

Yuca Root - Tapioca - Manihot, tubers

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Yuca root, Cassava, Manihot, Tapioca...
Food and Beauty

Manihot esculenta, Yuca Root

Q: Can you recommend a pretty plant for my edible garden? Something that is not only useful but also very ornamental.

A: Introducing the fabulous and flamboyant star of the garden - Manihot esculenta, better known as the Yuca Root! This tropical root vegetable plant is the epitome of botanical fashion, showing off its cheerful and showy foliage like it's walking the runway of a tropical paradise...

The most stunning variety is Variegated Yuca root. You won't find this rare and remarkable variety of Yuca root just anywhere! It's like the unicorn of the edible plant world, combining practicality with pure visual delight. Not only can you feast on its starchy goodness, but you can also proudly display it as a stunning ornamental piece in your garden.

This tropical root vegetable knows how to put on a show, making its home as a shrub in subtropical zones across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and South America. Its roots and leaves are the real stars of the show, packed with all that starchy goodness. But hold on, there's a little twist to this drama! The root contains low levels of protein, while the green leaves are practically gym buffs with high protein levels.

Now, we must address the elephant in the botanical room - the mistaken identity crisis. Some folks confuse our lovely Yuca Root with Yucca, but let's clear things up: Yucca is a no-go in the culinary world. It's a non-edible plant from the Agave family, and you definitely don't want to cook that up for dinner!

So there you have it, folks! The Yuca Root, a true superstar of both the kitchen and the garden. Delicious, eye-catching, and ready to add a dash of tropical charm to your life. Get one for yourself, and let the good times yuca-roll!

Manihot esculenta, Yuca Root, tree

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Fertilizing a Mango tree in container

Mango trees in pots and fertilizer

Q: I live in the area with cooler winters so I am keeping my mango tree in a pot. What fertilizer do you recommend for the best growth and fruit production?

A: If you're growing fruit trees in pots, using liquid fertilizers is a great choice. And when it comes to liquid fertilizers, ones that are based on amino acids are super cool because they're natural and plants can gobble up all the good stuff without any problems. So, if you have a mango tree, the absolute star in amino acid-based fertilizers is -

Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango

Your tree will be doing a happy dance with this stuff!

Sunshine booster mango tango fertilizer

Why Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are so popular?

Here are a few awesome reasons:

1. Speedy nutrients: Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are like a fast pass for plants. They get absorbed by the roots super quick, giving your fruit tree a speedy delivery of all the nutrients it needs. This is especially great for potted plants with limited soil space, like those yummy fruit trees.

2. Nutrients for all: Sunshine Boosters are like the fairy godmothers of nutrients. When you pour them around the base of your tree, they spread out evenly, making sure every bit of the tree gets its fair share of the good stuff. No nutrient deficiencies allowed!

3. The power of precision: Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers and other cool plant supplements let you become a master mixologist for your plant. You can measure and mix them just right, giving your tree the exact nutrients it craves. It's like creating a customized cocktail for your tree's taste buds. Try adding the magic works of SUNSHINE Microelement Supplement Kit - that improves hardiness, vigor, and production.

4. Leafy goodness: Sunshine Boosters have a secret talent - they can be sprayed directly on the leaves! It's like giving your tree a refreshing nutrient-packed spa treatment. The leaves slurp up those nutrients, bypassing any soil limitations. Talk about a VIP treatment!

Remember, while liquid fertilizers are awesome, they work best when you team them up with other good plant care practices. So don't forget to water properly, keep that soil in tip-top shape, and give your tree plenty of sunshine. With this dream team, your potted mango tree will thrive and grow like a champ!

mango trees in containers

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Three colors of flowers
for 4th of July

Blue, Red and White flowers for 4th of July

Q: Our anniversary is on the 4th of July. Do you have anything that might be a good gift? Maybe something flowering that has red, white and blue flowers... I know that is a lot to ask but maybe you have an idea?

A: We appreciate your intriguing question and extend our heartfelt congratulations on your approaching anniversary. Numerous tropical plants lend themselves beautifully to a captivating blend of red, blue, and white hues. Here are our top recommendations for the most delightful combination:

White: Jasmine sambac fragrant bush (var. Arabian Nights is our favorite, it's a free-bloomer and easy to grow)

Blue: Clitoria Vine, it is fast growing controllable vine, everbloomer. There is also a White variety of Clitoria, you can plant them together!

Red: Gloxinia, a smaller perennial that perfectly fits into this combination of three.

More flowers for white-blue-red colors:

White: Gardenias, Jasmines, Almond Bush, Brunfelsia, Clerodendrum Bridal Veil, fragrant Cashmere Bouquet, White Brazilian Plume Flower, Montanoa - Tree Chrysanthemum

Blue: Blue Sage Lead Flower, Blue Butterfly Clerodendrum, Weeping Blue Ginger, Duranta, Thunbergia erecta - Kings Mantle, and its white variety Alba, Blue Sky vine

Red: Cat Tail Acalypha, Dwarf Poinciana, Red Bottlebrush, Pavonia multiflora - Brazilian Candles (it's actually red-and-blue), Red Button Ginger - French Kiss, Brazilian plume, Firespike , Scarlet Flame Passion Flower, Quisqualis (has white and red flowers on the same plant).

Quisqualis Indica - Rangoon Creeper

Quisqualis Indica - Rangoon Creeper. Spectacular bloom, flowers change color from white to pink to red. Sweet fragrance. Very fast growing, perfect for covering a fence or pagoda.

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10 tips how to care of tropical garden
during hot Summer

Cats in shade of tropical plants

Q: Do you have any special recommendations how to take care of plants during hot season, to reduce heat strees?

A: Tropical plants prefer temperatures of 70-90F, except for heat-adapted desert plants. High temperatures above 90F can cause slowed metabolism and signs of stress like wilting, yellowing, and leaf drop. Hot and humid conditions attract pests and fungal diseases. To keep your plants stress-free and healthy, during Summer:

1. Monitor temperature and signs of stress.
2. Provide shade to regulate heat exposure: use shade cloth or simply a sheet of fabric as needed to protect lush foliage from burns.
3. Choose heat-tolerant plant varieties.
4. Plant in groups and levels, with trees protecting smaller shade loving plants (see companion planting).
5. Water deeply in the morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
6. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
7. Air: ensure good air circulation.
8. Trim damaged foliage and crowded branches.
9. Fertilize: use appropriate fertilization to improve plant heat tolerance. Remember, plants need lots of food during active growth period.
10. Remove weeds, pests, and diseases promptly.

Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira

In the photo: Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira, one of the most impressive flowering plants for tropical gardens, with impressive, large velvet leaves and beautiful purple flowers. It blooms in both sun or shade!

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Repotting tropical plants

Orange cat with indoor plants

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

Q: When is the best time to repot tropical plants?

A: Repotting tropical plants is vital for their overall health and growth. The best time to repot them is during the Spring through early Summer, when they start active growth.

Start by selecting a well-draining soil mix that consists of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. Gather the necessary supplies, including a slightly larger pot, the soil mix, and a good fertilizer

Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, trim any damaged branches, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil mix. Be sure to position the plant with the growth point slightly above the soil level. Water the plant thoroughly but avoid overwatering. After repotting, find an appropriate location with suitable lighting conditions for your plant. Monitor the moisture levels and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.

Additionally, apply the appropriate Sunshine Boosters fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. Use Sunshine Boosters fertilizers for specific plant needs (Robusta for foliage, Megaflor for flowering, Ananas for pineapples, etc.). It is safe to apply Sunshine Boosters all year around. Keep a close eye on the plant for any signs of stress or issues and adjust your care routine as needed. Help the plant to cope with stress by spraying with solution of Sunshine Epi.

Enjoy the beauty of your thriving indoor tropical garden!

repotting a plant

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Benefits of Canistel tree and fruit

Canistel

Q: What is so good about Canistel fruit? Should I plant a Canistel tree in my garden?

A: Canistel fruit, also known as Eggfruit, has several appealing qualities. It is highly regarded for its sweet, custard-like flavor and smooth, creamy texture. Additionally, canistel fruit is a good source of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious choice for those seeking a unique and tasty fruit experience.

Planting a Canistel tree can be beneficial for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows you to enjoy the delectable fruit it produces right in your own backyard, providing a fresh and unique addition to your homegrown produce.

Secondly, Canistel trees are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in warm climates, making them a suitable choice for tropical or subtropical regions.

Finally, by planting a Canistel tree, you contribute to the preservation and diversity of fruit-bearing trees, enriching the ecosystem and potentially attracting wildlife to your garden.

To learn more about Canistel tree, fruit, tasty recipes, and more - see this article:

Pouteria campechiana - Canistel, the curious heart-shaped Egg Super-Fruit

Canistel tree with fruit