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How to overwinter tropical plants indoors

Mandevillas indoors

10 key tips for successful overwintering

Q: I have two Mandevillas that thrived on my balcony all summer. Now that cold weather is approaching, I've moved them indoors to bright spots, but they're dropping and wilting leaves. How can I keep them healthy until spring? Should I fertilize them? Can Mandevillas grow indoors year-round?

A: First, keep in mind that the plants we call "indoor plants" or "house plants" are all tropical. However, not all tropical plants are suitable for indoor living. Some, especially shade-loving ones, thrive in indoor conditions, which is why we refer to them as "house plants" (philodendrons, monsteras, calatheas, peperomias, and many others, including some succulents). Others are less adaptable to the lower light and humidity typical of indoor spaces, but with a little extra care, you can overwinter them inside and move them back outdoors in spring. Mandevillas are no exception! Even tropical trees, including fruit trees, can tolerate a few months indoors if given the right conditions for semi-dormancy. Below are the 10 key tips for successfully overwintering tropical plants indoors.

1. Maximize Light: The more light, the better. There's no such thing as too much indoor light. If windows aren't enough, use LED grow lights, which stay cool and won't dry the air. Rotate plants every few days to prevent uneven leaf loss.

2. Reduce Watering: Less light and cooler temperatures mean plants need less water. Allow the soil to dry between waterings, and avoid overwatering - combination of cold + wet is especially harmful.

3. Maintain Moderate Temperatures: Most tropicals are happy with daytime temperatures around 75F and nights at 50-60F. In sunrooms or greenhouses, some can handle 45F if watering is kept to a minimum.

4. Boost Humidity: Avoid placing plants near heaters or vents that dry the air. Misting daily helps, or place pots on trays filled with water and pebbles to raise humidity around them.

5. Monitor for Pests: Check leaves weekly to catch insect problems early, as pests can cause serious damage or even kill the plant indoors.

6. Fertilize Smart: Use ONLY liquid, amino-acid-based fertilizers like Sunshine Boosters throughout winter; they won't burn roots since their dosage adjusts with reduced watering. Avoid dry, granulated, and EDTA-based fertilizers during winter and dormancy.

7. Use Micro-Nutrients: Along with macro-elements (fertilizers), supplement with micro-elements like Sunshine Superfood and bio-stimulants such as Sunshine Epi to build strong plants with robust immune systems, better able to withstand unfavorable conditions and resist diseases.

8. Hold Off on Pruning: Leaf drop and leggy growth are normal responses to winter. Wait until spring to prune, when new growth starts, to encourage branching and healthy foliage.

9. Don't Repot Yet: During dormancy, roots slow their growth. Repotting too soon risks root rot. Wait until spring when new growth appears to transplant into a larger container. Typically, roots grow in proportion to the above-ground parts.

10. Let Them Rest: Winter is a natural resting period. Avoid forcing growth - your plants will reward your patience with vibrant leaves and flowers when spring returns.

Cat Indoor Garden

Date:

How to grow Jackfruit in a pot:
the biggest fruit in the world

Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus

Q: Can I grow Jackfruit in a pot?

A: Yes, you can! Jackfruit trees, despite producing the largest tree-borne fruit in the world - up to 80 pounds and 36 inches long - can thrive and fruit in containers. The tree has a clever feature: it grows fruit only at the base of the trunk, allowing you to manage its height and size. With regular pruning, the tree can stay compact at just 6-7 feet tall, making it perfect for pot culture.

1. Getting started: pot sizes and growth tips

Start with: A 3-7 gallon container.
As it grows: Gradually increase to a 15-25 gallon pot by the time it reaches fruiting size (2-4 years).
Pruning is key: Keep the tree topped at 6-7 feet to focus its energy on fruit production.
Fertilize regularly: Use high-quality plant food like Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus to promote healthy growth and fruit development. C-Cibus is the best natural plant food for fruit and edibles.

2. Fun facts about Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus

Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus

A mature Jackfruit tree can produce 200 pounds of fruit per year.
The fruit consists of large, sweet, yellow bulbs with a banana-like aroma.
Seedlings start fruiting within 3-4 years, with fruits ripening in just 4-6 months after flowering.

3. Cold tolerance of Jackfruit trees

Though often thought of as ultra-tropical, mature trees can withstand light frost for short periods without major damage. Keeping Jackfruit in pots also offers an easy way to move them indoors during cold spells if you're in a cooler climate.

4. Secrets for successful Jackfruit production

- Frost-free temperatures are essential.
- Use rich, organic soil with compost, manure, or peat moss.
- Maintain moist soil with regular watering.
- Constant pruning to keep the tree under 7 feet promotes healthy fruiting.
- Apply fertilizer and microelements regularly for better fruit quality.

By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the world's biggest fruit right from your patio!

Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus

Learn more:
About Jackfruit
How to grow the biggest fruit on Earth
Cheena - Jackedack

Videos:
Jackfruit Fruit
Jackfruit Tree. The Biggest fruit on the Planet Earth!
Cheena Jackedak

Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus

Jackfruit - Artocarpus heterophyllus

Date:

What is camphor made of?

Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

🟢 What is camphor made of?
  • 🌱 Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) - is your aromatic ally in the garden!
  • 🌱 This charming relative of the cinnamon tree is known for its glossy oval leaves that can grow up to 5 inches long.
  • 🌱 Not only does it boast a lovely canopy, but it’s also the source of camphor, a fragrant compound used in medicines and mothballs.
  • 🌱 The leaves and branches can be used to create aromatic saunas and medicinal baths, filling your space with a soothing scent.
  • 🌱 This cold-hardy, slow-growing tree is tough enough to withstand various conditions while developing a dense canopy that provides excellent shade.
  • 🌱 Camphor Tree is a delightful addition that brings a touch of nature's fragrance to your home. While it's little known among gardeners, this underappreciated gem deserves a spot in every landscape for its unique qualities and benefits!


🛒 Plant your own Camphor tree

#Nature_Wonders #Perfume_Plants #Trees

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Date:

What is Cinnamon made of?

Cinnamon tree, or Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum

Cinnamon tree, or Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum

Cinnamon tree, or Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum

Cinnamon tree, or Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum

🍀 What is Cinnamon made of?
  • 🪵 Cinnamon tree, or Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum - this tree is the source of the famous Cinnamon! Cinnamon is a very popular culinary spice and is also used in candy, gum, incense, toothpaste and perfumes. The oil is used in medicine. Leaves are very fragrant and used as tea.
  • 🪵 Ancient Origins: Cinnamon has been used for over 4,000 years, with its earliest references found in ancient Egyptian texts, where it was used in embalming practices.
  • 🪵 Spice of Kings: In ancient Rome, cinnamon was so valuable that it was worth more than gold, and emperors like Nero famously burned large quantities at funerals to showcase their wealth.
  • 🪵 Medicinal: Cinnamon is known for its health benefits, including its ability to lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria and fungi.
  • 🪵 Culinary: This aromatic spice is not just for sweet dishes; it enhances savory dishes, stews, and even some meats, bridging sweet and savory flavors.
  • 🪵 Two Main Varieties: There are two primary types of cinnamon - Ceylon Cinnamon (true Cinnamon) and Cassia Cinnamon. Ceylon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor, while Cassia is more robust and commonly found in supermarkets.
  • 🪵 Aroma Activation: The distinct aroma of cinnamon comes from a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which not only provides flavor but also has potential antimicrobial properties.
  • 🪵 Historical Trade Routes: The demand for cinnamon spurred exploration and trade routes, leading to significant historical events like the Age of Discovery and conflicts over spice control.
  • 🪵 The Spice of Life: Cinnamon is believed to improve brain function and memory, making it a popular choice for students and those looking to boost cognitive performance.


❗️ And the most importantly - you can grow your own Cinnamon Tree right now!

🛒Grow your own Cinnamon tree

#Nature_Wonders #Perfume_Plants #Trees

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Date:

hat is the most spectacular variegated ginger?

Variegated Spiral Ginger - Costus arabicus (amazonicus) variegata

😵 What is the most spectacular variegated ginger?
  • 🌀 Variegated Spiral Ginger - Costus arabicus (amazonicus) variegata - is a tropical stunner originally from South America but adored in Hawaii and Florida
  • 🌀 This ginger's eye-catching, spiraling stems are streaked with striking white variegation, topped with elegant pure white flowers with yellow centers.
  • 🌀 The pure white blooms are truly a piece of art! Perfect for shade gardens (but also can take sun), this plant thrives in moist soil and loves plenty of water.
  • 🌀 If you're looking to add a bit of drama and elegance to your garden, this beauty is a must-have!


📚 Learn more about gingers from previous posts:

🛒 Shop Gingers

#Hedges_with_benefits #Trees #Butterfly_Plants

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Date:

Do you have a spot for pure white and elegant?

Bauhinia acuminata - Dwarf White Orchid Tree

🕊 Do you have a spot for pure white and elegant?
  • 🤍 Bauhinia acuminata - Dwarf White Orchid Tree - is a true gem for any garden! This charming small tree flaunts pure white, orchid-like flowers that bring a delicate beauty to sunny or semi-shaded spaces.
  • 🤍 Despite its smaller size, it's a standout with its lovely, five-petaled blooms and graceful, rounded leaves.
  • 🤍 Ideal for compact gardens or even containers, the Dwarf White Orchid Tree creates a tropical, elegant atmosphere while being easy to care for.
  • 🤍 With its bright, long-lasting blooms, this tree is sure to capture your heart!


📚 Learn more about Orchid trees from previous posts:

🛒 Shop Orchid Trees

#Hedges_with_benefits #Trees #Butterfly_Plants

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Date:

Top 10 fruit youll ever need for your health benefits:

Loquat

Loquat

😼 Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits:
#10 Loquat
🍑
  • 🟡Loquat are very popular and are eaten fresh or used in making jams, jellies, pies, and fruit salads.
  • 🟡Loquat is rich in vitamin A, supporting eye health. It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • 🟡The fiber in loquats aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.


📚 More about Nescafe from previous posts:

🛒 Plant a Loquat Tree

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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Date:

Top 10 fruit youll ever need for your health benefits:

Surinam cherry

Surinam cherry

😼 Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits:
#8 Loilita (Surinam) Cherry
🍒
  • 🟡Surinam cherry is rich in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and skin health.
  • 🟡Its antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect against free radical damage.
  • 🟡It contains fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
  • 🟡Surinam cherries are used in jams, sauces, and desserts or eaten fresh.

Variety Lolita has dark, almost black fruit that is large, super sweet, and has no aftertaste unlike regular red fruit variety.

📚 More about Surinam Cherry from previous posts:

🛒 Plant a Lolita Tree

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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Date:

Let's grow green again - together!
20% OFF post-hurricane discount

Cat in a tree

"We rise by lifting others." - Robert Ingersoll

Dear Valued Customers,

We're reaching out to let you know that Top Tropicals made it through Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and we are fully back up and running. While these storms caused some damages to our facilities and brought down trees, we were fortunate that our plants and inventory remained safe and beautiful. After a lot of cleanup and repairs, we are excited to resume shipping your orders as scheduled!

Thank you for your kind messages and continued support during this time. If you were unaffected by these hurricanes, we invite you to support us as we restore our nursery and raise fallen trees.

Every order, no matter the size, makes a difference in our recovery.

For those who lost plants and trees to the storms, we've included a 20% discount code below to help you start fresh. Let's grow green again - together!

Thank you for being part of our community! Use the code:

SUPPORT

This code saves 20% off all orders over $150 (excluding S/H).
Exp. 10-31-24

Additional deals:

Koelreuteria paniculata - Golden Rain Tree

In the photos: Koelreuteria paniculata - Golden Rain Tree, is a winter bloomer that is starting flowering now and throughout the winter. It one of the most spectacular trees of subtopics that is actually very cold hardy, drought resistant, wind-resistant and fast growing - nice solution for a shade tree. According to ancient Chinese manuscripts, the Golden Rain Tree 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. 2024 is a year of Dragon... Let's please the Dragon and plant this tree this year so it will protect us from hurricanes in the future!

Koelreuteria paniculata - Golden Rain Tree

Date:

Never late to learn new things

Never late to learn new things
😳 Never late to learn new things...

"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done." - Thomas Jefferson

  • 📸 James Coconuts is learning how to graft Avocado Trees.


  • Share your cats in comments!
  • 📸 🐈🐈🐈👇


🐾 More #PeopleCats in our Garden:
PeopleCats.Garden 

#Quotes

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