Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

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What jasmine has a stronger scent than Sambac? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What jasmine has a stronger scent than Sambac?

Jasminum molle, Indian Jui, Jasminum auriculatum

🎆 What jasmine has a stronger scent than Sambac?
  • ⭐️ Once you smell it, you’ll never forget it! If you are looking for a jasmine that truly stands out, Jasminum molle (also known as Indian Jui or Jasminum auriculatum) is one of the best-kept secrets among fragrant plants.
  • ⭐️ An uncommon jasmine with an unforgettable scent, with a rich, gardenia-like perfume that rivals the world-famous Jasmine Sambac, this stunning species deserves a special place in your collection.
  • ⭐️ Extraordinary fragrance: The satin-white flowers release an intense, sweet scent that fills the air - one of the strongest among all jasmines.
  • ⭐️ Multiple growth habits: Naturally bushy and fast-growing, it can be shaped into a dense shrub, grown in containers, or even allowed to climb slightly on a trellis. It also makes a great hedge.
  • ⭐️ Versatile and hardy: Adapts well to full sun or part shade, wet or dry soil. Fairly cold-hardy, it can handle a light frost with no damage.
  • ⭐️ Seasonal blooms: While blooming peaks in summer, flushes of flowers can appear again in fall or even winter, often in clusters that cover the plant.
  • ⭐️ Cultural significance: In India, this jasmine is sacred to the Goddess Devi and widely used in religious ceremonies, garlands, perfumes, and hair adornments.
  • ⭐️ Medicinal uses: Traditional remedies use jasmine oil for hair and skin health, and the roots for treating skin conditions.
  • ⭐️ With small, dark green leaves and powdery white blooms, Jasmine Molle is a top choice for gardeners who love richly fragrant plants. It's easy to grow, low maintenance, and incredibly rewarding. Whether in a pot, a border, or a spiritual garden, this jasmine is more than just a plant - it's an experience.


🛒Bring sacred fragrance into your garden

📚 Lean more about #Perfume_Plants

#Perfume_Plants #Hedges_with_benefits

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Why is my palm tree turning yellow? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why is my palm tree turning yellow?

Green and yellow palm

Green and yellow palm

🌴 Why is my palm tree turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves are a common concern with palms and can be a sign of several issues, most commonly: nutrient deficiency and pests or disease. Additionally, leaf yellowing may be a sign off overwatering or poor drainage, underwatering, or cold damage.
  • ✔️Nutrient deficiency

    • Nutrient deficiency is the most frequent cause of palm issues. Palms are heavy feeders, and even a slight imbalance can lead to yellowing. Lack of nitrogen, magnesium, iron, or potassium is the leading cause.
  • ✔️Signs of nutrient deficiencies:

▫️Magnesium and Iron deficiency is one of the top culprits, especially in sandy soils. It causes older fronds to turn yellow with green veins.
  • ▫️Potassium deficiency causes yellow or orange spots on older fronds.
  • ▫️Nitrogen deficiency leads to overall pale yellowing, especially in new growth.

  • ✔️How to fix?

    • Use a slow-release fertilizer with high Nitrogen content, like Green Magic, that includes all these elements; with 16-6-11 grade and 6 months release, it turns plants green very quickly! You can also use a balanced liquid fertilizer like Sunshine Robusta. Additionally, a supplement of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) and micro-element supplement containing chelated Iron can help, like Sunshine Superfood (amino-acid based natural product).
  • ✔️Pests and Diseases

    • Pests and fungal diseases can lead to yellowing. Check for signs of scale, mites, or fungal and bacterial problems, especially if yellowing is uneven or spotted.
  • ✔️Signs of pests:

▫️Thrips cause silvery-yellow streaks or mottling
  • ▫️Spider mites, especially in dry conditions, cause yellow speckling
  • ▫️Scale insects can suck sap and weaken fronds
  • ▫️Mealybugs often found in leaf bases and crowns

  • ✔️How to fix?

    • Inspect your palm regularly and treat pests early with neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil.
  • ✔️Lethal yellowing

    • Lethal yellowing is a serious disease caused by a phytoplasma, a type of bacteria-like organism. It affecting mostly Coconut palms and some other species like Phoenix (Date) palms. It causes premature fruit drop, yellowing of fronds starting from the lower ones, and eventual death of the tree.
  • ✔️How to fix?

    • Unfortunately, there's no cure, but early removal of infected trees can slow the spread. Disease-resistant coconut varieties are available.
  • ✔️Other causes

▫️Overwatering or Poor Drainage: Too much water can suffocate roots and lead to yellowing. Make sure the soil drains well and let it dry slightly between waterings.
  • ▫️Underwatering: Dry soil for too long will stress the palm. Water deeply but infrequently.
  • ▫️Cold Damage: Exposure to cold temperatures can turn fronds yellow or brown, especially in tropical varieties.


✔️In most cases, leaf yellowing isn't fatal, but it's a sign your palm needs attention. Focus on balanced feeding, proper watering, and pest checks to keep your palm healthy and green. Trim only fully dead fronds - yellow ones still provide nutrients to the palm. With proper care, your palm should green up again.

🛒 Shop garden supplies

#How_to #Fertilizers

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Father's Day Celebration at Top Tropicals on June 14, 2025

Fathers Day Celebration at Top Tropicals on June 14, 2025

Father's Day Celebration at Top Tropicals on June 14, 2025

🎊 Father's Day Celebration at Top Tropicals on June 14, 2025 🎉
  • 🎉 A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Father's Day Plant Market! We loved seeing so many familiar faces, welcoming new friends, and sharing the joy of nature together.
  • 🎉Our friendly #PeopleCats were hard at work, guiding guests through the garden as they picked out the perfect plants to brighten their spaces. The energy was vibrant, and the smiles were endless!
  • 🎉If you see yourself or your friends on the photos, save or forward to share the memories! We wish you the best of luck with all your new plants, and we can't wait to see you again at our next event. Happy planting!
  • 🎉Your TopTropicals Team works hard in the field and is always happy to help with your garden needs, plant selection, delivery, and installation: Kristi, Jamie, Onika, Damien, Chiane, Ashley, Beatriz, Fermin, Mark... and the #PeopleCats! 🌈


📸 See more photos of the Event

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Botanical oddball - an alien ribbon plant with a sense of humor. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Botanical oddball - an alien ribbon plant with a sense of humor

Homalocladium platycladum - Centipede Fern, Tapeworm Ribbonbush

🐸 Botanical oddball - an alien ribbon plant with a sense of humor
  • 🐍 Homalocladium platycladum - Centipede Fern, Tapeworm Ribbonbush that we mentioned earlier - this leafless wonder grows long, flat, jointed stems that look like green ribbons or, yes, tapeworms. But here's the twist: it also produces charming little flowers that surprise anyone expecting nothing but weird stems!
  • 🐍 Low-maintenance and high-impact, it thrives indoors or out, in bright shade to partial sun.
  • 🐍 The flowers are real! Tiny, greenish-white to pink blooms appear along the joints - subtle but fascinating.
  • 🐍 Conversation piece? 100%. Whether in a pot or in the ground, people will ask what it is - and you’ll love telling them.
  • 🐍 If you like your plants with a sense of humor and mystery, this one is for you.


🛒 Shop Tapeworm Plant now - get ready for double takes!

#Nature_Wonders #Shade_Garden #Container_Garden

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Give your plants their Green Magic treat. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Give your plants their Green Magic treat

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer in jars

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer in jars

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer in a bag

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer in a bag

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer label

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer label

🍀 Give your plants their magic treat

Bring your plants back to life with Green Magiс Fertilizer (16-6-11) - professional formula for container-grown fruit trees and ornamentals.

📊 What's in it? Guaranteed analysis:

Macro-nutrients:
Total Nitrogen (N) – 16.00%
Available Phosphate (P₂O₅) – 6.00%
Soluble Potash (K₂O) – 11.00%

Micro-nutrients:
Magnesium (Mg) – 1.3% (Water Soluble Magnesium 1.3%)
Sulfur (S) – 6.4% (Combined Sulfur)
Copper (Cu) – 0.07% (Water Soluble Copper)
Iron (Fe) – 0.32% (Chelated Iron)
Manganese (Mn) – 0.13% (Water Soluble Manganese)
Molybdenum (Mo) – 0.011%
Zinc (Zn) – 0.07% (Water Soluble Zinc)

⚙️ How to use:
Apply 1 tea spoon per 1 gal of soil (mix in with soil) every 6 months during active growth period, or with every re-potting.

🛒 Watch the magic begin

#Fertilizers #How_to
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How to make plants green quickly? Green Magic - the fertilizer that truly works like magic! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How to make plants green quickly? Green Magic - the fertilizer that truly works like magic!

Green Magic controlled release fertilizer

🌳 How to make plants green quickly? Green Magic - the fertilizer that truly works like magic!
  • 💚 Watch your plants come back to life and thrive with this professional-grade, controlled-release fertilizer - Green Magic. Even struggling plants can turn lush and green again!
  • 💚 What makes it special? Green Magic uses poly-on technology to release nutrients slowly over 6 months - no root burn, no guesswork. Just steady, balanced feeding with all the essential macro and micro-elements your plants need.
  • 💚 Ideal for container-grown fruit trees and ornamentals. One dose lasts for six months!
  • 💚 How to use: Just mix 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon of soil every 6 months or during re-potting. That's it!
  • 💚 Give it a try - your plants will thank you!


🛒 Buy once, feed for 6 months!

#Fertilizers #How_to
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Last minute gift shopping:
Gift Card with 15% BONUS VALUE

Top Tropicals Gift Card

Live plants make perfect gifts! Let Dad choose the plants he likes.

Order now and the gift card automatically will be 15% larger face value, for example:
You pay $100, we'll issue a $115 gift card
You pay $200, the card will be of $230 value.
Make sure to use words "Happy Fathers Day" in message field to qualify for the bonus value!

Offer valid through 6/15/2025.
The Gift Card has no expiration date.
The Gift Card can be used to buy plants, seeds, and garden supplies.

Get the offer!

Please vote for Top Tropicals!
2025 Fort Myers Community's Choice

2025 best of Fort Myers Garden Centers - Community's Choice

We are excited to share with you that Top Tropicals is nominated for the 2025 best of Fort Myers Garden Centers - Community's Choice! This prestigious nomination is hosted annually by the News-Press, and Top Tropicals is thrilled to be in the top 5 garden centers!

From June 11th to June 25th, you can support us by voting for your favorite nursery and have a chance to WIN $250 just by participating! Simply follow the link to vote - look for us under Shopping / Garden Centers.

Vote for Top Tropicals!

We truly appreciate your continued support and are committed to being your go-to source for rare plants, helping make all your plant dreams come true!

Date:

Father's Day Sale!

Happy Father's Day Cat

This Father's Day, celebrate with a food forest - don't just mow, grow! Plant something meaningful that will not only bring joy today but also provide delicious fruit, edibles, and fragrant blooms for years to come. Whether you're a father or celebrating one, this is the perfect day to plant and nurture a garden that will thrive, just like the love you share with your family. Plant today to enjoy the fruits of your labor tomorrow!

Use the code below to save 15% on your entire order:

FATHERS25

Min order $150. Excluding S/H. Exp. 6-15-25

Reminder: use our FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING for qualified orders

Shop Now

Mango trees in pots

Join our local event:
June 14, 2025 - Father's Day Plant Market, 9 am - 4 pm

Join us on Saturday June 14 for Father's Day Plant Market
- Kids, bring your dads and surprise them with the gift of a tree! Let them pick any tree they like and plant it together.
- Fathers, bring your kids and teach them how to connect with nature - show them how to plant a tree and grow something lasting!
Stroll through our lush gardens, meet the friendly PeopleCats, and enjoy a fun day for the whole family. Our team will help you choose the perfect plants for your space and guide you every step of the way.

Event Highlights:

30% OFF online prices
FREE plant with any purchase (including Guava)
Gift bags for first 25 customers with $50+ order
$5-10 specials
$10-20 Large Banana Trees - many varieties!
Exciting raffle prizes
Green Magic fertilizer FREE samples
Live music by the Famous Hand Pan Lady!

Event discounts valid at both locations:

Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL

Explore the Event

Top Tropicals Plant Market

Date:

Why every collector wants the Gothic Black Dragon Anthurium. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why every collector wants the Gothic Black Dragon Anthurium

Black Dragon Anthurium

🐉 Why every collector wants the Gothic Black Dragon Anthurium
  • 🌑 A living shadow

    • Anthurium Black Dragon is one of the most prized centerpieces of the Top Tropicals plant collection. This rare and exotic hybrid is celebrated for its deep, dark foliage that looks as if it were painted with charcoal or ink. It belongs to the coveted "dark foliage" group of anthuriums - a favorite among collectors for its dramatic, gothic elegance.
  • 🌑 It changes color with light

    • This plant changes color like magic! What sets Black Dragon apart is its ability to transform. In bright filtered light, the leaves darken dramatically - almost jet black. But in lower light, they fade to a mysterious greenish-maroon. It's like having two plants in one, depending on how you position it.
  • 🌑 Its spadix and spathe are weapons of style

    • Unlike many anthuriums that flaunt bright reds or whites, Black Dragon keeps it sleek and sinister with a brown spadix and dark-brown spathe - adding a sense of surreal drama when it flowers. But wait to see the real show when is sets fruit - cascades of bright red berries!
  • 🌑 Tropical but tough

    • Though exotic-looking, it's surprisingly resilient. With the right humidity and warmth (typical of most anthuriums), it's a slow but steady grower - ideal for collectors who want something dramatic yet manageable indoors.
  • 🌑 A collector's hybrid, not found in the wild

Black Dragon is likely a man-made hybrid created by crossbreeding dark-leaved species like Anthurium watermaliense or Anthurium forgetii. It doesn’t grow in the wild, which makes it even more of a sought-after trophy in aroids circles.

🛒 Get your own Black Dragon

📚 Learn more:
The most unique plant in your collection

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Nature_Wonders
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Big color in a small tree: Maroon jacaranda and why Jacaranda trees are so popular. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Big color in a small tree: Maroon jacaranda and why Jacaranda trees are so popular

Maroon jacaranda - Jacaranda jasminoides

👏 Big color in a small tree: Maroon jacaranda and why Jacaranda trees are so popular
  • 💜 Jacaranda jasminoides (Maroon Jacaranda) is a charming, compact tree that brings a touch of drama to small gardens and patios. It grows 10-12 feet tall, with a bushy habit that makes it perfect for tight spaces or even containers.
  • 💜 What really steals the show are its deep maroon to dark purple trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring through summer. In warm climates, it may surprise you with blooms at other times too!
  • 💜 The fine, fern-like leaves add a delicate, lacy texture to the overall look.
  • 💜 This jacaranda loves full sun but will tolerate a bit of shade, and it is happiest in fertile, well-drained soil. Water it regularly when it is young or during dry spells, but once established, it is fairly easygoing. It s best suited for USDA zones 9 to 11, and while mature plants can handle brief cold snaps down to 20F, younger ones appreciate a little extra protection when the temps dip.
  • 💜 Whether in the ground or in a pot, the Maroon Jacaranda is a low-maintenance beauty. A little pruning here and there keeps it tidy, and its elegant blooms make it a standout wherever it s planted. In warm places it may keep its foliage year-round, giving you a long-lasting touch of tropical color. A great pick for anyone who wants big color in a small footprint!


📚 Learn more:

🛒 Shop Jacaranda trees

#Trees #Container_Garden

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