Our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for visiting our Plant Festival March into Spring - on Saturday. It was delightful to
see so many of you exploring the array of plants, finding ones that spoke to
you, and ultimately making purchases that brought joy and life into your homes
and gardens. The early birds received amazing Artistic Gift Bags by Onika
Amell.
Your support means the world to us! It's moments like these that remind us
of the beauty and wonder that nature brings into our lives...
Q: Is Chinese New Year the same as Vietnamese Tat? I want to buy a Vietnamese Micky Mouse plant and I am wondering if this would be also a lucky plant for the Year of the Dragon?
A: Vietnam, as well as other parts of Asia, is celebrating the Lunar New Year of the Dragon, which falls on February 10. Vietnam and neighboring China share 10 of the zodiac calendar's 12 signs: the rat, tiger, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The Vietnamese traditional Tet market in Hanoi is covered in hues of red and gold, colors that represent good luck and fortune. One of the most significant plants is the golden-flowered Ochna. But there are several other plants associated with the Lunar New year, as well as Dragon Year.
Green Wooden Dragon has specific favorite plants, including all species of Dragon fruits, Lychee or First Dragon’s Eye (Litchi sinensis), Longan or Second Dragon’s Eye (Euphoria longana), Creeping Philodendrons, and the Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria
paniculata).
Golden Rain
Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata). According to ancient Chinese manuscripts,
the Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is crucial for Dragons, as it is believed to be
connected to their existence, guarding and complementing each other. Growing these plants is considered auspicious and is
believed to safeguard the Dragon family.
The most celebrated flower in Vietnam, Ochna integerrima, called in Vietnam Hoa Mai or Mai Vang, blooms profusely on the occasion of Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Ixora odorata - exclusive flower with fine perfume
Q: I see you have a very special plant - Ixora odorata with fragrant flowers, I've heard that the fragrance is heavenly. Is it easy to grow? Can I plant
it as a hedge, like a regular ixora bush?
A: Indeed, Ixora odorata is quite special. It's a must-have for any tropical plant enthusiast, often likened to esteemed fragrance collectibles like Ylang Ylang or the Joy Perfume Tree. While it shares the genus with the common Southern landscape plant, Ixora, cultivating Ixora odorata requires some special attention. We wouldn't recommend using this rare
exotic as a hedge; it's best suited as a centerpiece or specimen in your garden. The effort is certainly rewarded, as the sweet fragrance of its flowers is truly remarkable, reminiscent of Jasmines. Here are some tips for growing Ixora odorata:
1. Temperature. Ixora odorata is sensitive to cold and can't withstand even light frost. Protect it by growing it in a container that can easily be brought indoors during cold weather. 2. Soil. Like all ixoras, Ixora odorata prefers acidic soil. This is easily achieved since it's typically grown in a pot. High-quality potting soil, such as Sunshine Abundance, tends to have a lower pH (acidic), has low pH (acidic). 3. Light. Unlike most ixoras, Ixora odorata prefers shade to filtered sunlight, unlike most ixoras that are full sun plants. 4. Water. Ixora odorata prefers drier conditions during winter, so reduce watering in the winter months. In summer, regular watering is necessary, as it won't tolerate drying out. 5. Insect control. Ixora odorata can be susceptible to insects during winter. Keep an eye out for mealybugs during winter. Monitor the leaves, especially underneath. 5. Prune after flowering. 6. Fertilizer. Feed Ixora odorata with Sunshine Boosters Megaflor for most profule flowering and healthy waxy leaves.
Ixora odorata blooms in winter, making it a delightful addition to your home during the colder months. What can be better having this perfume factory! It's a true gem that's
worth the extra care and attention - it deserves to be pampered!
We bring our Ixora odorata indoors during winter. It is happy to sit in a large bathtub with a skylight above it. It flowers all winter long, filling the air with light perfume not only in the bathroom and bedroom, but in the whole house. And of course, cats love it too!
Plant Festival "March into Spring!"
Saturday, March 2, 9 am - 4 pm
Save the date! On March 2, 2024, join us for our vibrant Plant Festival, "March into Spring!"
Dive into a world of lush greenery, blooming delights, and rare fruit trees
at our garden event. Discover unbeatable sales, exclusive deals, delightful
gift bags, and receive free plants with every purchase.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to embrace the beauty of spring and
elevate your garden to new heights!
Highlights of the event:
30% OFF online prices, one day only!
(excluding 15 gallon material and rare plants) Gift bags - for first 25 customers with $50 order Secret Garden: Super savings area 50-70% off $5 and $10 plants Raffle Free plant with any purchase as a token of our appreciation
Valentine Sweetheart Hoya:
a must gift for your Valentine
Q: What plant can you recommend for a Valentines
Day present?
A: There is a perfect plant specifically for
Valentine's Day! When it comes to finding the ideal plant for an occasion, it
doesn't get better than this one. The Sweetheart Hoya, also known as Valentine Hoya or Hoya kerrii, is not
only easy to grow but also easy-ship, making it the most user-friendly of all
houseplants. Its popularity has soared in recent years, thanks to its unique
and quirky "heart" shaped leaves that appeal to everyone and bring smiles to
faces. In addition to these charming leaves, the Sweetheart Hoya produces
fragrant, beautiful flowers resembling tiny red stars. These flowers are not only
stunning but also waxy, durable, and long-lasting.
Caring for the Sweetheart Hoya is a breeze, requiring only minimal
attention. It can likely thrive with just one good watering a month - that's how
hardy it is. While this plant prefers a reasonably well-lit room for optimal
growth, it can still fare well in shadier spots, making it a versatile
addition to any home or office. Don't wait till the last moment, get your
Valentine's present now - the best one ever!
We have large developed plants, ready to bloom! Buy one (for her/him) - get one free, for
yourself!
Q: We just moved to Florida and our yard is
currently just plain grass. I want to add some beautiful tropical plants, but I'm not sure
where to start. Can you suggest easy-to-care-for plants that look nice in winter, preferably with flowers? Considering it's Winter
time and some trees look dormant... But I can't wait to start my tropical garden!
A: Florida residents are blessed to have mild
winters, and many tropical and subtropical plants enjoy this climate year around. Just be mindful of your location's specific conditions (sun-shade, wet-dry, cold sensitive or hardy). Here
are some recommendations for easy-to-grow, evergreen plants that love
Florida and look great even in winter. They'll establish well during cooler months, add a splash of color to your garden with their flowers, and even treat you with fruit!
Do you remember that Sunshine Boosters fertilizers can be applied year-round?
As natural fertilizers, their scientifically created formulas provide
perfectly balanced nutrition for your plants throughout the year. Follow the
instructions on the labels and apply Sunshine Boosters with every watering. Give your plants extra boost
during winter months! The fertilizer amount is balanced, adjusting
proportionally to the water amount, which is tailored to the plant's winter needs. Unlike
dry fertilizers, Sunshine Boosters can be used all year without fear of
burning plants with excessive nutrient lockup.
Take advantage of the winter sale and stock up on this perfect plant
food. You'll need plenty by Spring when your plants begin active growth! Use the
code below for 20% off all Sunshine Boosters products. Hurry up, the sale will end in a few
days!
In the photo above: This picture was taken on Christmas Eve, December
24, 2023. The little garden by our B-farm office, irrigated automatically
with
Sunshine Boosters using
the Robuster injector, is thriving in spite of cool nights. Look at this
crazy banana, it is taller than the building, we honestly have never seen a
banana of that size! The solution we are using there is Sunshine Robusta; now available for pick up in 2.5 gal jugs!
Ten
New Year Resolutions:
Diversity in Tropical Garden
1. Diversity. Grow different plants. Add more types of tropical
plants to your garden for a colorful and diverse look.
2. Save Water. Use water wisely by installing drip systems,
collecting rainwater, and using mulch to keep the soil moist.
3. Improve Soil. Make your soil healthier by adding compost or
manure regularly. Healthy soil promotes robust plant growth and enhances
overall garden resilience.
4. Deal with Pests Smartly. Keep pests in check with a plan - use
natural solutions and check your plants often. Preventing program is easier
than dealing with infestations.
5. Right Fertilizing. Feed your plants with Eco-frintdly
fertilizer such as
Sunshine Boosters (safe to use year around). If you use slow-release
fertilizers - apply in right amounts, from March to November.
6. Trim Regularly. Keep your garden tidy and healthy by pruning
and removing dead or sick parts of the plants.
7. Companion Planting. Explore which plants work well together to
enhance nutrient uptake, fight pests and provide shade for those species
that need it.
8. Right Climate and Zone Pushing. Pick plants that love your
climate, considering sunlight, temperature, and humidity. For more sensitive
tropical plants, work on a plan for cold protection: grow them in pots or set up
temporary covers.
9. Teach Others. Share your gardening knowledge with the
community. Propagate your plants from seeds, cuttings, divisions - and share them
with friends and neighbors. Remember: live plant is the best gift, and love is
sharing!
10. Make a Relaxation Spot. Create a cozy corner in your garden
with comfy seating or hammock, shade, and maybe a water feature for a peaceful
retreat.
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we
take,
but by the moments that take our breath away."
- Maya Angelou -
"...Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they
are not going to be around forever... ...Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe,
because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side... ...Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that
is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a
cent... ...Remember to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all - mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when
it comes from deep inside of you... ...Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that
person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give
time to share the precious thoughts in your mind... ...And always remember, life is not measured by the number of
breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
(A Life message from George Carlin after he lost his wife)
1. Throw out nonessential numbers, including age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay them. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
Q: Can I buy tropical plants mail order during
winter? I have a warm sunroom for plants but it is pretty cold outside, is it a
problem for shipping plants?
A: If you are thinking of getting a tropical
plant to brighten up your winter, but worried it might get too cold during
delivery, no worries! We have a simple solution for you - the Heat Pack.
The Heat Pack,
or Shipping Warmer, ensures that your plants stay warm and safe
during their journey from Top Tropicals to your home. It keeps a cozy temperature
for up to 72-96 hours (depending on outside temperature), making it a
must-have if the weather drops below 40F in your area.
For larger orders, you might need 2-3 packs, and if you're ordering big
3-7 gallon plants, especially the extra-sensitive ones, consider using one
pack per plant. Reach out to us for more details about specific plant species.
Hold locations. Also note that the carriers we use - FedEx and UPS -
keep their boxes in temperature controlled rooms during transportation (unless
it's a ground service). To ensure the box is not sitting on your cold porch
all day, you may use temperature controlled FedEx Hold locations at FedEx
stores, Walgreens, many Dollar General Stores and others. See more information on Hold locations.
Don't let the cold weather spoil the excitement of getting your new
plants - grab a Heat Pack and keep them snug!
