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Index > Garden Blog

Date:

NEW VIDEO:
What Fertilizer to Use and How?

How to use Sunshine Boosters video

It's springtime - your plants are growing and need more food! Now is the perfect time to fertilize. Our customers have been stocking up on fertilizers and asking lots of questions.
In addition to our recent article What Fertilizer to Use Now and How? Five important keys to healthy plants, we're excited to share this short video on how to use Sunshine Boosters.

Our PeopleCats actively participated in the production with real hands-on (paws-on) involvement. Enjoy the show - and your happy plants!

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Cat with fertilizers

Date:

Why do you need Sunshine Boosters?

Why do you need Sunshine Boosters?

👍 Why do you need Sunshine Boosters?
  • 👍Ever wanted to grow plants that reward you with lush foliage, cheerful flowers, or abundant fruit without the hassle?

  • Sunshine Boosters is your answer. These are natural liquid fertilizers for all kinds of plants and edibles.
    And they are super easy to use!
    All you need is a watering can, water, and a measuring cup.
  • 👍 Sunshine Boosters are pet-safe and eco-friendly because they're made with organic amino acids - and you can use them year-round.
  • 👍 Sunshine Boosters come in different formulas, or "flavors," to match your plant’s needs:

  • - For lush, green foliage
    - For fruit trees, including mango and citrus
    - For boosting blooms - from fragrant flowers to orchids and bromeliads
  • 👍 Sunshine Boosters offer both essential plant food and supplements - micro-elements and growth stimulants - just like vitamins for people!


📱 Watch this video in high quality on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/B49E230OCkA

🛍 Get Sunshine Boosters and make your plants happy

#Fertilizers #How_to

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Date:

What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?

Sunshine Boosters Microelement Supplements

Sunshine Boosters Microelement Supplements

🍲 What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?
Part 3. Micro elements
  • ✔️ Microelement Supplements Are a Must

  • Besides macronutrients (daily plant food), plants need additional microelements, just like humans need vitamins. Be sure to apply these supplements along with your regular plant food:
  • ✔️ For Green Leaves and Health

  • Sunshine SuperFood - Complex Microelement Supplement: a must for healthy plants and beautiful, green leaves. Apply once a month.
  • ✔️ For Stress Relief

  • Did you know that plants get stressed out too? Too much sun, to wet, too dry, too cold, or simply bugged by insects!
    Sunshine-Epi - Brassinosteroid Plant Hormone: essential for plants recovering from stress (shipping, transplanting, drought, insect damage, cold stress, etc.). Apply as needed.
  • ✔️ For Sweeter, Bigger Fruit

  • Sunshine Honey - Fruit Sugar Booster: application on fruit trees will make fruit bigger and sweeter by directing sugars to the fruit from other plant parts, and helps to prevent bud drop. Apply 4 times a year: at bud setting, flowering, fruit setting, and after harvesting.
  • ✔️ For Better Resistance

Sunshine Power Si - Silicon Protector - enhances resistance to insects, diseases, drought, and frost, while boosting growth. Apply once a month, along with Sunshine SuperFood.

🛍 Shop Sunshine Boosters

#Fertilizers #How_to

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Date:

What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?

Sunshine Megaflor - Bloom Booster

Sunshine Megaflor - Bloom Booster

Sunshine C-Cibus - Crop Booster

Sunshine C-Cibus - Crop Booster

Sunshine Pikake - Fragrant Plant Booster

Sunshine Pikake - Fragrant Plant Booster

Sunshine Mango Tango for Mango and Avocado trees

Sunshine Mango Tango for Mango and Avocado trees

Sunshine Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster

Sunshine Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster

🍲 What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?
Part 2. Macro elements, or everyday plant food


Sunshine Booster for different types of plants can be applied as often as with every watering.
  • ✔️ For Rapid Growth

  • Sunshine Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster: general fertilizer for both foliage plants and small starters that need an extra boost.
  • ✔️ For Flowers

  • Sunshine Megaflor - Bloom Booster: boosts flowers on established plants; and Sunshine Pikake - Fragrant Plant Booster: best for fragrant flowers.
  • ✔️ For Fruit Trees

  • Sunshine C-Cibus - Crop Booster: contains all necessary elements for fruit trees and their production.
    Sunshine Mango Tango - specifically formulated for Mango and Avocado trees, and Sunshine Citron - ideal for citrus trees.
  • ✔️ For Tender Perennials

  • Sunshine Orchidasm - Orchid Total Feed and Sunshine Ananas - Pineapple and Bromeliad Booster: mild formulas for these tender perennials.
  • ✔️ Microelement Supplements Are a Must


Besides macronutrients, plants need additional microelements, just like humans need vitamins. We will explain in details about micro-elements in our next post 🔽

🛍 Shop Sunshine Boosters

#Fertilizers #How_to

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?

Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers

Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers

🍲 What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?
Part 1. What are important keys to healthy plants


Q: It's early Spring this year. Should I start fertilizing my plants sooner than usual?
  • ✔️ A: Most fertilizer instructions recommend fertilizing tropical plants from March to November. This is because plants don't need as much food during the cooler months when many go dormant, and excess nutrients can burn the roots if not absorbed. However, for the most effective fertilizer program and healthy plants, consider these points:
  • ✔️ Sunshine Boosters Year-Round


  • Liquid amino-acid-based fertilizers like Sunshine Boosters are safe to use year-round. Since watering is reduced in cooler weather, the intake of water-soluble fertilizer is also lower, providing plants with just the essential nutrients for their minimal needs.
  • ✔️ Dry Fertilizer Schedule


  • Be cautious with dry fertilizers. Apply them only during active growth in the hot season.
  • ✔️ Temperature Is Key


  • If March is still cold, delay dry fertilizer use. However, if nighttime temperatures in February stay above 65F, you can start a dry fertilizer program using slow-release, granulated plant food.
  • ✔️ What Fertilizers to Use and How


Check out our Sunshine Boosters selection for different types of plants and choose the right type for your needs. These can be applied as often as with every watering. We will explain in details about every type of fertilizer in our next post🔽

🛍 Shop Sunshine Boosters

#Fertilizers #How_to

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date:

What Fertilizer to Use Now and How?
Five important keys to healthy plants

Sunshine Boosters Selection

Q: It's early Spring this year. Should I start fertilizing my plants sooner than usual?

A: Most fertilizer instructions recommend fertilizing tropical plants from March to November. This is because plants don't need as much food during the cooler months when many go dormant, and excess nutrients can burn the roots if not absorbed. However, for the most effective fertilizer program and healthy plants, consider these points:

1. Sunshine Boosters Year-Round

Liquid amino-acid-based fertilizers like Sunshine Boosters are safe to use year-round. Since watering is reduced in cooler weather, the intake of water-soluble fertilizer is also lower, providing plants with just the essential nutrients for their minimal needs.

2. Dry Fertilizer Schedule

Be cautious with dry fertilizers. Apply them only during active growth in the hot season.

3. Temperature Is Key

If March is still cold, delay dry fertilizer use. However, if nighttime temperatures in February stay above 65F, you can start a dry fertilizer program using slow-release, granulated plant food.

4. What Fertilizers to Use and How

Check out our Sunshine Boosters selection for different types of plants and choose the right type for your needs. These can be applied as often as with every watering:

For Rapid Growth
Sunshine Robusta - Rapid Growth Booster: general fertilizer for both foliage plants and small starters that need an extra boost.

For Flowers
Sunshine Megaflor - Bloom Booster: boosts flowers on established plants; and Sunshine Pikake - Fragrant Plant Booster: best for fragrant flowers.

For Fruit Trees
Sunshine C-Cibus - Crop Booster: contains all necessary elements for fruit trees and their production. Sunshine Mango Tango - specifically formulated for Mango and Avocado trees, and Sunshine Citron - ideal for citrus trees.

For Tender Perennials
Sunshine Orchidasm - Orchid Total Feed and Sunshine Ananas - Pineapple and Bromeliad Booster: mild formulas for these tender perennials.

5. Microelement Supplements Are a Must

Besides macronutrients, plants need additional microelements, just like humans need vitamins. Be sure to apply these supplements along with your regular plant food:

For Green Leaves and Health
Sunshine SuperFood - Complex Microelement Supplement: a must for healthy plants. Apply once a month.

For Stress Relief
Sunshine-Epi - Brassinosteroid Plant Hormone: essential for plants recovering from stress (shipping, transplanting, drought, insect damage, cold stress, etc.). Apply as needed.

For Sweeter, Bigger Fruit
Sunshine Honey - Fruit Sugar Booster: application on fruit trees will make fruit bigger and sweeter by directing sugars to the fruit from other plant parts, and helps to prevent bud drop. Apply 4 times a year: at bud setting, flowering, fruit setting, and after harvesting.

For Better Resistance
Sunshine Power Si - Silicon Protector - enhances resistance to insects, diseases, drought, and frost, while boosting growth. Apply once a month, along with Sunshine SuperFood.

Need Help? Our Plant Experts Are Ready to Assist!

Microelements and supplements for 
plants

Date:

Unlock Your Carefree Tropical Paradise:
Discover Our Useful Succulent Sale!

Red plumeria flower

Beautiful flowers and Edibles

It's no secret that everyone's dream plant is the one that requires little to no care yet still blesses us with the beauty of flowers or the bounty of fruits. Does such a plant exist? Some might say, "Sure, get a plastic one!" But the truth is, some tropical plants, which typically need a lot of water and nourishment, can thrive with minimal effort.

Dive into our Useful Succulent Sale, where you'll find plants like the enchanting Plumerias, the striking Adeniums (Desert Roses) and Starfish Flower, fragrant Epiphyllums (Queen of the night), delicious Dragon Fruits, and exotic Barbados Gooseberries that promise a low-maintenance slice of paradise. These hardy succulents need just sunshine, occasional watering, and a splash of our liquid Sunshine Boosters for flourishing flowers and fruits. Take advantage of our INSTANT 15% discount on all these splendid succulents - one week only!

Instant 15% discount to start your carefree tropical garden today!

No code required!

No min order. Exp. 2-25-25

Reminder: use our FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING for qualified orders

Dragon fruit cat

Dragon Fruit, or Pitaya - a striking member of the cactus family known for its spectacular night-blooming flowers and vibrant fruit. This climbing cactus can stretch up to 30 feet, producing fruit with flesh in shades of white, red, or magenta. Rich in antioxidants, it offers health benefits such as reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. A staple in both traditional and modern cuisine, it's featured in products from major brands like Tropicana and Snapple. According to the legend the fruit was created thousands of years ago by fire breathing dragons.

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night - exotic cactus from tropical rainforests with large, meaty leaves and spectacular, huge white flowers that bloom nocturnally, filling the night with their powerful fragrance. A truly mesmerizing addition to any Southern or indoor garden.

Stapelia gigantea - Starfish Flower

Starfish Flower (Stapelia gigantea), or Zulu Giant - Large, up to 12" wide flowers in shape of Star Fish. The plant looks like a cactus, but it's really not, belonging to Milkweed family. Makes a stunning container plant and a conversation piece!

Date:

How to grow Mandevilla: Practical Guide to Growing Mandevilla Vine

Mandevilla amabilis
Thai Rose

Mandevilla amabilis Thai Rose

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson on a trellis

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson on a trellis

Mandevilla amabilis
Thai Rose

Mandevilla amabilis Thai Rose

Mandevilla Stars and Stripes

Mandevilla Stars and Stripes

🌺 How to grow Mandevilla: Practical Guide to Growing Mandevilla Vine
  • 🌺 Mandevilla is a tropical vine known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the warm months. This fast-growing climber thrives in warm climates and adds a stunning display of color to gardens and patios.
  • 🌺 Difference Between Mandevilla and Dipladenia

  • The names Mandevilla and Dipladenia are often used interchangeably, creating confusion. While they are closely related, there are key differences. Mandevilla is a vigorous woody vine with large, stiff leaves, ideal for trellises and fences. Dipladenia, on the other hand, has a more compact growth habit with smaller, smooth leaves. Dipladenia can be also trained on a trellis but also thrives in hanging baskets or as a compact specimen plant. As a bushier type of Mandevilla, its smaller, more compact varieties are excellent for mixed containers.
  • 🌺 Growing in the Ground

💋Soil. Mandevilla prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand ensures good drainage and fertility. Both Mandevilla and Dipladenia require acidic soil. If your native soil contains limestone, consider growing them in containers with a peat-based potting mix to maintain a lower pH.
  • 💋Light. Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight promotes the best blooms.

  • Water Mandevilla regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. During hot months, water deeply a few times a week. Reduce watering in cooler seasons.
  • 💋Feeding and Encouraging More Blooms: Feed Mandevilla with Sunshine Boosters Megaflor with every watering to encourage more blooms. Prune lightly after flowering to promote new growth and continuous flowering.

  • 🌺 Most Interesting Varieties

  • Mandevilla flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, mauve, pink, white, and even yellow. For vibrant color and impact, consider these varieties:

💋Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’ – A classic pink variety with large flowers and vigorous growth.
  • 💋Mandevilla ‘Sun Parasol’ Series – Offers compact plants in deep red, pink, or white, great for containers or small spaces.
  • 💋Mandevilla ‘Crimson Red’ – Deep red blooms stand out against glossy green foliage.
  • 💋Dipladenia ‘Stars and Stripes’ - features striking red-and-white striped blooms.

  • In Florida, Sun Parasol and Alice du Pont perform exceptionally well, thriving in the heat and humidity while providing season-long blooms.

  • 🌺 Pests and Problems

  • Mandevilla is relatively pest-resistant but can attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To manage pests:

💋Spray with a neem oil solution weekly if pests are present.
  • 💋Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids naturally.
  • 💋Remove affected leaves and rinse plants with a strong stream of water.
  • 💋Watch for fungal diseases in humid climates; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.


🌺 Growing Mandevilla in Pots and Winter Care
Mandevilla grows beautifully in containers, making it a great option for cooler climates where it can be brought indoors for winter.
  • 💋Pot Growing Tips:

· Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration.
  • · Choose a pot at least 12-16 inches in diameter, with several drainage holes, for vigorous growth.
  • · Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding waterlogged conditions.


💋Winter Care:
  • · In regions with frost, move potted Mandevilla indoors to a bright, cool location (50-60°F).
  • · Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during cooler season.
  • · Prune lightly before bringing indoors to maintain shape and size.
  • · Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in early spring before active growth begins, refreshing the soil and upgrading to a slightly larger container if needed.


With the right care, Mandevilla provides stunning, long-lasting blooms and thrives in gardens or pots, making it a versatile and rewarding addition to any space.

📚 Learn more from previous post:
How to overwinter Mandevilla indoors

🛒 Shop flowering vines

#How_to #Container_Garden #Hedges_with_benefits

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Date:

How to get mango trees to bloom and set fruit

Cat with mango fruit

Q: Is there any way to make a mango tree set more fruit? My mango trees bloomed like crazy last year but most of the flowers dropped and I had only a few fruit. What do I need to do to get more fruit?

A: Mango trees flower from late Winter to Spring, with the peak blooming season varying based on variety. During this time, mango trees produce hundreds of small, fragrant flowers in large panicles. A healthy mango tree can produce anywhere from 500 to 2,000 flowers per panicle. However, only a small fraction of the flowers will be successfully pollinated and develop into fruit, depending on the tree's size and health.

To support healthy flowering and fruit set, mango trees need dry weather, as excessive moisture can inhibit pollination and fruit development. During flowering period, it's important not to overwater, as the tree is less active in water uptake.

Avoid dry fertilizers during flowering since the tree is focused on reproduction rather than vegetative growth. Continue applying Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango liquid fertilizer to support the tree's overall health and vigor which will encourage fruit quantity and quality. Sunshine Boosters deliver essential nutrients in optimum amounts, proportionally to water intake.

Ensuring a dry, sunny environment and mild fertilizer Mango Tango will help the tree set fruit successfully.

Mango tree flowering

Photo above: Our Mango garden in Sebring, FL is in full bloom now! Early spring in Florida started in January 2025. Surprisingly, all our mango varieties decided to start blooming: - early, mid- and late- season cultivars. It's a stunning view! Check out a short Video.

Photo below: 2024 fruiting trees. We use Sunshine Mango Tango year around.

Mango tree fruiting

Date:

How to get mango trees to bloom and set fruit

Mango trees flowering

🪚 How to get mango trees to bloom and set fruit
  • 🥭 Our Mango garden in Sebring, FL is in full bloom now! Early spring in Florida started in January this year. Surprisingly, all our mango varieties decided to start blooming: - early, mid- and late- season cultivars. It's a stunning view!
  • 🥭 Mango trees flower from late Winter to Spring, with the peak blooming season varying based on variety. During this time, mango trees produce hundreds of small, fragrant flowers in large panicles. A healthy mango tree can produce anywhere from 500 to 2,000 flowers per panicle. However, only a small fraction of the flowers will be successfully pollinated and develop into fruit, depending on the tree's size and health.
  • 🥭 To support healthy flowering and fruit set, mango trees need dry weather, as excessive moisture can inhibit pollination and fruit development. During flowering period, it's important not to overwater, as the tree is less active in water uptake.
  • 🥭 Avoid dry fertilizers during flowering since the tree is focused on reproduction rather than vegetative growth. You may continue applying Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango liquid fertilizer to support the tree's overall health and vigor. Sunshine Boosters deliver essential nutrients in optimum amounts, proportionally to water intake.
  • 🥭 Ensuring a dry, sunny environment will help the tree set fruit successfully.


📚 Learn more from previous posts about #Mango varieties

🛒 Check out new Mango varieties - just arrived!

#Food_Forest #Mango

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