Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

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Fun Fact: Long Leaf Anthurium. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Fun Fact: Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

🔍 Fun Fact: Long Leaf Anthurium

💎 Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium. This rare rainforest gem flaunts leaves that can stretch up to 6 feet long, creating a stunning cascading effect when grown in hanging baskets. Plus, it surprises with bright pink, showy fruits that add a vibrant splash of color to its dramatic foliage!

#Fun_Facts #Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Shade_Garden

🛒 Order Anthurium veitchii

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

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Fun Fact: King Anthurium. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Fun Fact: King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium

Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium

👑 Fun Fact: King Anthurium

🔖 Crowning its title, Anthurium veitchii - King Anthurium - boasts leaves up to 3 feet long! Majestic houseplant! Very hard to find, rare plant.

#Fun_Facts #Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Shade_Garden

🛒 Order Anthurium veitchii

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Yearning for Jungle Vibes? Discover the Giant Birds Nest Anthurium - look at the size of this monster! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Yearning for Jungle Vibes? Discover the Giant Birds Nest Anthurium - look at the size of this monster!

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest fruit

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest fruit

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest fruit

Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest fruit

Yearning for Jungle Vibes? Discover the Giant Bird’s Nest Anthurium - look at the size of this monster!
  • Anthurium x hookeri - Giant Bird's Nest - is one of the most wanted tropical jungle plants. It has impressive foliage: enormous, wrinkly leaves with a unique cardboard-like texture that can grow up to 7 feet long! The bright red berries add to the show.
  • Jungle allure: perfect for creating a lush, tropical atmosphere with its striking and bold presence.
  • Ideal for spacious areas: thrives in places with good natural light and ample space, making it a standout feature.
  • Easy care: low-maintenance epiphyte, requires very little water.
  • Tolerates low light conditions, perfect for a shade garden.
  • Conversation piece: eye-catching texture adds visual interest and depth to your plant collection with its distinctive leaf surface. The size of the leaves is unbelievable!
  • Suitable for indoor and outdoor settings.
  • Air purifying: helps improve air quality, making it a functional and beautiful addition to your home.
  • Tropical statement: brings a piece of the jungle into your environment, transforming it into a green oasis.


🛒 Order Giant Birdnest

#Nature_Wonders #Container_Garden #Shade_Garden

🏵 TopTropicals

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Gemini - 5/21-6/20. Ruled by the mutable, changeable planet Mercury (also patron of the art of medicine), Gemini is an AIR sign. Plants ruled by Mercury tend to have ferny or highly-divided leaves or stems (like the bronchi of lungs), hairy or fuzzy leaves (related to the cilia in the lungs), or subtle odors.

Gemini rules the lungs, shoulders, arms, and hands. Its plants help to strengthen the lungs and respiratory system, relax the nervous system, strengthen ears and hearing, the tongue and speaking, the vocal cords, lungs and thyroid, as well as the shoulders, arms, and hands. Gemini has so much going on mentally that they may need a little help to digest all the information they're constantly absorbing. Herbs that have clean, pure flavor not only help physical digestion, but assist spiritual and mental intake as well.

Gemini Zodiac lucky plants: Ferns, Blechnum, Tree ferns and Cyatheas, Fern Tree, Aralias, Jackfruit and Breadfruit, Paulownia, Anthurium, Philodendron, Philadelphus, Clerodendrums, Anise, Lavender, Myrtle, Nut trees, Macadamia, Ficus, Piggyback plant - Tolmiea menziesii, Aloe vera, Fig, Honeysuckle, Azalea, Mint Tree Satureja, Vitex, Ironwood, Mulberry, Osmoxylon, Acalypha, Allamanda, Aphelandra, Iboza, Ruda, Kiwi, Caesalpinia, Cyphomandra, Monstera, Kalanchoe, Magnolia, Oregano, Ocimum, Naranjilla, Zamia, Delionix, Acacias, Calliandra, Patchoili, Palms, Geranium, Grevillea, Eucalyptus.

For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

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Wounded Warrior Project donation

Thanks to your memorial day orders! In honor of the memory of fallen brothers and sisters in battle, Top Tropicals sent a substantial donation of 5% of Memorial Day Promotion sales to Wounded Warrior Project. Reference ID: 43810379. Thank you everybody for your orders and participation!

Gemini Zodiac lucky plants

Gemini - 5/21-6/20. Ruled by the mutable, changeable planet Mercury (also patron of the art of medicine), Gemini is an AIR sign. Plants ruled by Mercury tend to have ferny or highly-divided leaves or stems (like the bronchi of lungs), hairy or fuzzy leaves (related to the cilia in the lungs), or subtle odors.

Gemini rules the lungs, shoulders, arms, and hands. Its plants help to strengthen the lungs and respiratory system, relax the nervous system, strengthen ears and hearing, the tongue and speaking, the vocal cords, lungs and thyroid, as well as the shoulders, arms, and hands. Gemini has so much going on mentally that they may need a little help to digest all the information they're constantly absorbing. Herbs that have clean, pure flavor not only help physical digestion, but assist spiritual and mental intake as well.

Gemini Zodiac lucky plants: Ferns, Blechnum, Tree ferns and Cyatheas, Fern Tree, Aralias, Jackfruit and Breadfruit, Paulownia, Anthurium, Philodendron, Philadelphus, Clerodendrums, Anise, Lavender, Myrtle, Nut trees, Macadamia, Ficus, Piggyback plant - Tolmiea menziesii, Aloe vera, Fig , Honeysuckle, Azalea, Mint Tree Satureja, Vitex, Ironwood, Mulberry, Osmoxylon, Acalypha, Allamanda, Aphelandra, Iboza, Ruda, Kiwi, Caesalpinia, Cyphomandra, Monstera, Kalanchoe , Magnolia, Oregano, Ocimum, Naranjilla, Zamia, Delionix, Acacias, Calliandra, Patchoili, Palms, Geranium, Grevillea, Eucalyptus.

For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

Date:

TopTropicals

Gemini - 5/21-6/20. Ruled by the mutable, changeable planet Mercury (also patron of the art of medicine), Gemini is an AIR sign. Plants ruled by Mercury tend to have ferny or highly-divided leaves or stems (like the bronchi of lungs), hairy or fuzzy leaves (related to the cilia in the lungs), or subtle odors.

Gemini rules the lungs, shoulders, arms, and hands. Its plants help to strengthen the lungs and respiratory system, relax the nervous system, strengthen ears and hearing, the tongue and speaking, the vocal cords, lungs and thyroid, as well as the shoulders, arms, and hands. Gemini has so much going on mentally that they may need a little help to digest all the information they're constantly absorbing. Herbs that have clean, pure flavor not only help physical digestion, but assist spiritual and mental intake as well.

Gemini Zodiac lucky plants: Ferns, Blechnum, Tree ferns and Cyatheas, Fern Tree, Aralias, Jackfruit and Breadfruit, Paulownia, Anthurium, Philodendron, Philadelphus, Clerodendrums, Anise, Lavender, Myrtle, Nut trees, Macadamia, Ficus, Piggyback plant - Tolmiea menziesii, Aloe vera, Fig , Honeysuckle, Azalea, Mint Tree Satureja, Vitex, Ironwood, Mulberry, Osmoxylon, Acalypha, Allamanda, Aphelandra, Iboza, Ruda, Kiwi, Caesalpinia, Cyphomandra, Monstera, Kalanchoe , Magnolia, Oregano, Ocimum, Naranjilla, Zamia, Delionix, Acacias, Calliandra, Patchoili, Palms, Geranium, Grevillea, Eucalyptus.

For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

Date:

Where does the tea come from? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Where does the tea come from?

Camellia sinensis - Tea Leaf

Camellia sinensis - Tea Leaf

☕️ Where does the tea come from? Tea Leaf Plant!
  • 🍃 Camellia sinensis - Tea Leaf. Yes, tea comes from a camellia!
  • 🍃 Tea Leaf is a small evergreen tree, usually pruned back to shrubs in cultivation.
  • 🍃 In the fall and winter, the plant will produce small white flowers with a lovely fragrance.
  • 🍃 Tea is the second most commonly drank liquid on earth after water. It has numerous medicinal benefits mainly due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
  • 🍃 To grow Tea Leaf Plant, make sure to pick an area of your landscape where it does not flood or remain wet during our rainy season. Camellia sinensis do not like wet feet at all. They prefer well-drained, sandy and slightly acidic soil.


📚 Learn more: Tea Leaf Plant and Tea Harvesting Recipes

🛒 Shop Tea Leaf Plant

#Food_Forest #Recipes

🏵 TopTropicals

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Leo Zodiac lucky plants

Leo - 7/23-8/22. Naturally, Leo is a FIRE sign ruled by the brilliant Sun. Leo's plants are usually large and gold or orange in color, have heart-shaped leaves or a radiating shape, or have association with victory (like the Bay Leaf). Leo loves this colorful and special spice, which is known for amplifying prosperity and abundance.

The part of the body ruled by Leo the Lion is the heart. Plants related to Leo are primarily associated with the cardiac system, but also with the spine, the thymus gland, and the eyes. They strengthen and tone the heart, regulate blood pressure, raise the spirits and have an uplifting effect. Keep in mind that all cardio-active medicinal herbs should be used only in consultation with a qualified professional.

Leo Zodiac lucky plants: Sunflower tree, Delonix, Hibiscus, Abutilon, Mahoe, Hawaiin Sunset Vine (Stictocardia), Campsis, Passion flower, Calendula, Mexican Flame Vine, Bay Leaf, Safflower, Mint, Rosemary, Ruda - Ruta graveolens, Marigolds, Sunflowers, Palm trees, Lemon and orange trees, Grapefruit, Dieffenbachia , Croton, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Tarragon, Kaligottu (Stereospermum chelonoides), Bel Fruit, White Madaar, Peppers, Pineapple, Coconut, Anise, Heliotrope, Gingers, Lavender, Ashoka Tree, Dombeya, Jacquemontia, Lychee, Mulberry, Philodendrons, Macaranga, Anthuriums, Aphelandra, Orchid trees, Leonotis.

For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

Date:

Edible Landscape

Four must-have herbal edibles for your instant Food Forest

Kitten with veggies in a basket

Q: What attractive and useful edibles or herbs can I grow in my yard landscape without needing dedicated garden beds?

A: When we think of an "herb garden," parsley and chives often come to mind -plants that aren't particularly showy and typically require a dedicated vegetable garden, space, and regular maintenance. However, creating a food forest in your yard doesn't have to be a complex project. Useful edibles and medicinal herbs can also be exotic and beautiful, enhancing the charm of your landscape. Here are some examples of unusual tropical edibles that are not only stunning ornamentals but also bring delicious goodness to your kitchen.

1. For drinks: Jamaica Tea flower - Karkade Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel, Roselle

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel, Roselle, or Jamaica Tea flower (Karkade Tea) - yes, many hibiscus species are edible!
- Flowers of Roselle hibiscus are used to make a tea "Agua de Flor de Jamaica". To be exact, those are flower bracts around flowers and seed pods.
- Medical studies show that it lowers blood pressure and has diuretic effects.
- The pleasant flavor is similar to a cranberry juice and it's so good, you may not even want to add any sugar. We make this cold tea every day - perfect for hot summer.
- Karkade Hibiscus grows into a large bush within just one season from seed! Lots of flowers to harvest will last you the whole winter. It can be treated as annual in cooler areas due to its fast growth and same-year harvest. Thrives in full sun.
- Short video: &feature=youtu.be">how to make hibiscus tea

2. For medicine: Aztec Sweetleaf - Lippia

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf

Lippia dulcis - Aztec Sweet Herb, Sweetleaf is a wonderful fragrant groundcover.
- Fragrant Mexican herb with incredibly sweet and aromatic leaves.
- The fresh leaves can be eaten from the plant like candy or tossed into fruit salads for an unusual addition, or used for making a healing tea.
- It has been used since the time of the Aztecs for coughs and colds.
- The sweetness tastes great, and can be used by diabetic patients. We add this herb to Karkade or Mint tea as a sweetener, instead of sugar or honey.
- Grows like a ground cover, in shade or semi-shade, great perennial container plant.

3. For salads and stews: Longevity Spinach, or Cholesterol spinach

Gynura procubens - Longevity Spinach, or Cholesterol spinach

Gynura procubens - Longevity Spinach, or Cholesterol spinach is a perennial spinach, and once you plant it, you have it for many years, and can grow many more easily from cuttings!
- Longevity Spinach is one of the Superfoods, and there are many claims that it lowers cholesterol.
- We use Longevity Spinach in our cooking all the time and so far we are all alive, so it works! :)
- Longevity spinach can be eaten raw in salads or cooked wherever you would use a regular spinach.
- Grows as a large spreading herbal bush, in full sun. - See some recipes with more pictures

4. For meat wraps: Vietnamese Pepper or Wild Betel Leaf

 Piper sarmentosum - Vietnamese Pepper, Lalot, Wild Betel Leaf, 
Chaa-plu

Piper sarmentosum - Vietnamese Pepper, Lalot, Wild Betel Leaf, Chaa-plu adds wonderful peppery flavor to meats and is great for wrapping meats and cooking in the oven, on a stove or grill. We use it all the time, wrapping ground beef of turkey and putting wraps on a grill or on a frying pan, very easy!
- Vietnamese Pepper leaves are eaten raw in salads or cooked with other greens or dishes.
- The leaves are used as food wraps in Vietnam. It is used medicinally in India and SE Asia.
- It is also chewed with Betel Nut as a tonic and medicine, very similar to Betel Leaf (Piper Betel) which is very popular tonic in Indian culture.
- Vietnamese Pepper grows as a vining herbaceous shrub or ground cover, in both sun or shade, and spreads with runners so you can have plenty if you want to have more. Can be grown in container and indoors, too. - Check out recipes of meat wraps for grilling

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Re-Leaf discount extended!

The prettiest plants of the month

Aphelandra sinclairiana - Panama Queen

Aphelandra sinclairiana - Panama Queen

We thank everyone who made a purchase in the past few days, you made a big difference! We continue clearing debris and rebuilding our greenhouses. Thanks to your support, we will be able to get our plants ready for winter! This is what we are doing this month:

rebuilding woodframes for greenhouses
installing new shade cloth and plastic
cutting fallen trees
getting new equipment that suffered from flood
adding rock in the nursery to be ready for the Fall Festival

You help us - we help you!
Ask for more RE-LEAF specials when you visit our Garden Center!

Hurricane Ian re-leaf discount extended

For 10% off your entire order, use this code:

IANRELEAF

Use this code on top of our fantastic deals and make it a super deal:
As low as $5 sale of selected items
Secret Garden - 50% off

Min order $100. Exp. 10-08-22.

Hedychium flavum x coccineum Dr. Moy - Variegated Hardy Ginger Lily

Hedychium flavum x coccineum Dr. Moy - Variegated Hardy Ginger Lily