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Why this cactus is called Blue Flame

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus

Why this cactus is called Blue Flame 🔥
  • 🔥 Pseudorhipsalis amazonica - Blue Flame Cactus - is a spectacular bloomer!
  • 🔥This is a rare, spineless, epiphytic cactus from the rainforests of the Amazon jungle.
  • 🔥 The flowers emerge along the leaf edges from late spring through early summer. They have a distinctive blue tip on the magenta flower, just like a blue flame!


🛒 Order Blue Flame Cactus

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How soon will Persimmon tree fruit?

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

🍑 How soon will Persimmon tree fruit?
  • 🍑 Persimmons (Diospyros sp.) are fast-fruiting trees, perfect for gardeners seeking quick results.
  • 🍑 Grafted varieties begin producing fruit immediately, even on young, container-grown trees as small as 2-3 feet tall, often flowering in their first year.
  • 🍑 When planted in the ground, persimmons grow into compact, space-efficient trees that reliably produce a bountiful harvest every year.


📚 Learn more from previous post:
Native American Persimmon
Persimmons: best varieties for container culture
How to grow Persimmon tree

🛒 Shop Persimmon Trees

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Did you know this about Hoyas?

Hoya calycina - Papua Sweet Scent

😶 Did you know this about Hoyas?

*Wax Plants: Hoyas are often called wax plants because of their thick, glossy leaves and waxy flowers.

*Sweet Scented Blooms: Their star-shaped flowers not only look like candy but also emit sweet, often vanilla-like or chocolatey scents, especially in the evening.

*Epiphytic Nature: Many Hoyas grow as epiphytes in their natural habitats, meaning they live on other plants or trees, getting nutrients from the air and rain.

*Longevity: Hoyas can live for decades and may even be passed down as heirlooms. Some specimens are over 100 years old!

*Nectar Drops: Their blooms produce tiny drops of nectar, a treat for pollinators (and sometimes houseplant owners).

*Hundreds of Species: There are over 500 species of Hoyas, ranging from tiny-leafed varieties to ones with massive leaves or even fuzzy foliage.

*Sun-Loving Flowers: While the plants tolerate lower light, Hoyas flower best with bright, indirect light or even some direct sun.

*Low-Maintenance: They’re perfect for forgetful gardeners since they prefer to dry out between waterings.

*Climbing or Trailing: Hoyas can either climb with the help of trellises or cascade beautifully as trailing plants.

*Flowering Age: Hoyas are patient! Some won’t bloom until they’re a few years old, but the wait is worth it.

*Resilient Peduncles: Never cut off the “flower stems” (peduncles) - Hoyas rebloom from the same spot year after year.

*Exotic Origins: Native to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, they thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.

*Lucky Charm: In some cultures, Hoyas are considered symbols of love and are gifted as housewarming or wedding presents.

🎥 Hoya calycina - Papua Sweet Scent was discovered in Papua New Guinea in 1913. The flower is very fragrant and can infuse your entire house in a beautiful lilac scent.

😍 Do you have a favorite Hoya species in mind? Share in comments!

📚 More from previous post:
Our favorite houseplants - hoyas

🛒Shop hoya plants

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When Bamboo blooms with orchid flowers

Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia), Bird Ground Orchid

🔤 When Bamboo blooms with orchid flowers 👀
  • ⭐️ The Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia), or Bird Ground Orchid, is a showstopper with its elegant, pinkish-purple flowers perched on tall, cane-like stems that look strikingly like bamboo.
  • ⭐️ These towering plants can grow to hip height or even taller, bringing a bold, exotic vibe to your garden. Their resemblance to bamboo isn't just in the stems – the long, alternating leaves add to the illusion.
  • ⭐️ At the top of the canes, delicate flowers bloom one at a time, keeping the show going for weeks. Each flower, about 2-3 inches wide, features soft white petals and a vibrant purple-pink lip, reminiscent of the beautiful Cattleya orchids.
  • ⭐️ These blooms can appear almost year-round, with a peak in summer, adding a touch of tropical elegance to your landscape.
  • ⭐️ This stunning plant is perfect for those who want a unique and low-maintenance addition to their shade garden that always reaches for the sky!


📱 Ground orchids: all-summer colors for shady gardens

📚Learn more from previous posts:

🛒Shop Ground Orchids

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What dos Sugar Apple look like and how does it taste?

Annona squamosa - Sugar apple

🟢 What dos Sugar Apple look like and how does it taste?

😋 Annona squamosa - Sugar apple, is considered by many to be the most delicious tropical fruit. The fruit is a true treat, with pulp that resembles creamy custard, offering a flavor experience that’s hard to beat.

🕺 This very small, compact tree is perfect for containers or small yards, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners. It starts fruiting within just three years from seed and is remarkably easy to grow and undemanding.

📚 More about Anonnas in previous posts:
Guanabana - the most delicious Annona fruit
Top 10 fast-fruiting trees: #1. Annona
Why everyone wants the Sugar Apple?
The best tropical fruit tree for container growing, and the fastest to fruit: Annona
Spiny Hedgehog fruit: what does it taste like?

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What plant can bloom profusely in full shade in Winter

Philippine violet (Barleria cristata)

⭐️ What plant can bloom profusely in full shade in Winter
  • 🍬 Philippine violet (Barleria cristata) - is a blooming star for a shade garden! It is a cheerful, fuss-free shrub that can brighten up shady spots with its trumpet-shaped flowers.
  • 🍬 Standing about 3-4 feet tall, it fits perfectly as a hedge or can be trimmed into neat shapes for a tidy look.
  • 🍬 Its flowers, in lovely shades of lilac purple, mauve, white, or even striped, burst into clusters from November to mid-December, adding a pop of color when many plants take a rest.
  • 🍬 Each flower lasts a couple of days, only to be replaced by fresh blooms from its many buds. The fallen petals create a gorgeous purple blanket around the plant, making it a visual treat even on the ground.
  • 🍬 This plant thrives in both sun and full shade! It doesn't ask for much - just a little pruning now and then to keep it bushy and happy.
  • 🍬 Add this eye candy to your shade garden, and let these Winter flowers steal the show!
  • 🍬 Philippine violet is also a perfect exotic plant for container culture or even an indoor collection.


🛒Shop Barleria varieties

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How mini is Mini Monstera?

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma - Mini Monstera, Monstera Ginny, or Dwarf Monstera

Rhaphidophora tetrasperma - Mini Monstera, Monstera Ginny, or Dwarf Monstera

😎 How mini is Mini Monstera?
  • 🍀 Rhaphidophora tetrasperma - often called Mini Monstera, Monstera Ginny, or Dwarf Monstera, is a rare collectible for plant enthusiasts.
  • 🍀 This beautiful vining plant hails from Thailand and resembles the popular Monstera deliciosa, with similarly split leaves that stay very compact and manageable. The plant can be maintained under 3-4 ft with pruning, even more compact that famous Baby Swiss Cheese Monstera we mentioned earlier.
  • 🍀 Mini Monstera makes an excellent houseplant, thriving in bright, indirect light and easy to care for. Its foliage changes as it matures, adding to its appeal.
  • 🍀 Ideal for a pot or trained up a trellis, this plant brings a tropical vibe to any indoor space, staying lush, green, and full of character!


👍 Do you grow Monstera indoors? Share in comments⬇️

🛒 Order Mini Monstera Ginny

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What is the most unusual Plumeria?

Plumeria pudica variegata - Snow Bridal Bouquet, White Arrow Leaf

Plumeria pudica variegata - Snow Bridal Bouquet, White Arrow Leaf

👽 What is the most unusual Plumeria?
  • 🍀 We have in our collection very interesting variety of Plumeria pudica from Thailand. It has variegated leaves!
  • 🍀 Plumeria pudica variegata - Snow Bridal Bouquet, or White Arrow Leaf - has variegated leaf margins.
  • 🍀 Like regular Plumeria pudica, it is evergreen, never drops leaves, and grows into a beautiful, dense multi-stem bush. Great for container culture.


🛒Order Plumeria pudica variegata - limited quantities

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Six colorful plants for your indoor garden

Sanchezia stenomacra - Blood Red Feather

Sanchezia stenomacra - Blood Red Feather

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium

Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant, Phaya-Yor

Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant, Phaya-Yor

Aeschynanthus speciosus - Lipstick Plant

Aeschynanthus speciosus - Lipstick Plant

Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira

Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira

Calathea zebrina - Zebra Plant

Calathea zebrina - Zebra Plant

🌈 Six colorful plants for your indoor garden

🎶 Q: I've read your post about growing tropicals indoors and you got me inspired! Can you recommend something unusual, colorful and bright, preferably with flowers, that I can grow as house plants?

🌸 A: House plants don't have to be boring and just green! Below are a few excellent choices for your indoor garden that will brighten your sunroom. Just make sure to follow the 10 key tips for growing tropical plants indoors.
  1. Sanchezia stenomacra - Blood Red Feather - spectacular red feathery blooms and and soft, fussy leaves.
  2. Anthurium vittarifolium - Long Leaf Anthurium - super rare, an eye stopper, with long leaves up to 2 ft long, and bright pink fruit.
  3. Clinacanthus nutans - Snake plant, Phaya-Yor - exotic flower from Thailand resembling snake's open mouth.
  4. Aeschynanthus speciosus - Lipstick Plant - popular house plant with bright showy orange blooms.
  5. Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira - can be grown outside in Southern gardens, as well as in a pot indoors. Showy purple flowers, velvet leaves are wonderfully soft 6-8" in diameter!
  6. Calathea zebrina - Zebra Plant - the brightest zebra-striped large leaves up to 1 ft long.


  7. 👍 What flowering plants do you grow in shade? Share in comments⬇️

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What flower is perfect for coastal gardens

Iris Neomarica caerulea

🏖 What flower is perfect for coastal gardens
  • 💙 Neomarica caerulea - Iris is a graceful gem with a royal twist!
  • 💙 The variety Regina, discovered in Brazil lounging by the ocean, was introduced by plant enthusiast Sid Gardino, who named it after his wife, Regina - talk about romance!
  • 💙 This beauty thrives in shady spots and sandy soil, making it perfect for gardens near the coast, thanks to its salt tolerance.
  • 💙 With its elegant blue-violet blooms and sword-like leaves, Iris Regina adds a splash of tropical charm to your garden, all while asking for very little in return. It's the kind of plant that makes your garden look fabulous without breaking a sweat!


🛒 Plant your own beautiful Iris

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