Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

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🌞 How to help your plants survive a hot summer

Father's Day Event at Top Tropicals, Cat at checkout

Q: It's getting so hot that my plants stay droopy all day, how much water is enough water? Any advice how to help them to survive this heat?

A: Yes, it's official - summer has cranked up the heat, and your garden knows it. Blame it on the dreaded heat dome - a big ol' pressure lid in the sky that traps hot air like a pressure cooker. Basically, it's summer's version of putting your plants in an oven - without the cookies... But don't panic! With a little extra care (and water), you can help your leafy friends make it through the sizzle without going crispy. Here's how to beat the heat in your garden:

Eight rules during summer heat

1. Water early, and generously. Morning is the magic hour. Before the sun gets too intense, give your plants a slow, deep drink - like a spa treatment before a big day. Watering in the middle of the day? Bad idea. It's like pouring water on a hot frying pan - evaporates fast, and can even scorch leaves.

2. Mulch like you mean it. A nice 2-3 inch blanket of mulch keeps your plants' roots cool and the moisture locked in. Think of it as sunscreen and air conditioning for the soil. Pine straw, bark chips, shredded leaves - whatever you've got, pile it on.

3. Give them some shade. If your plants are looking like they're sunbathing without sunscreen, help them out. Use old sheets, umbrellas, shade cloth - whatever works. Even a light shade can make a big difference. New plants, veggies, and shade lovers like philodendrons will thank you.

4. Put down the pruners. Right now, your plants are in survival mode. Pruning in extreme heat can stress them out more. Let them ride out the heat wave before giving them a trim.

5. Don't move in this heat. If you're thinking of transplanting that poor little tree - hold that shovel. Moving plants during extreme heat is like moving house during a heatwave - everyone ends up grumpy. Wait until cooler weather rolls back in.

6. Pamper your potted plants. Pots heat up fast and dry out even faster. Move your container plants to shadier spots and check their soil often - don't let it go bone dry. They can't dig deeper for water, so you're their lifeline.

7. Know the signs of heat stress:
- Droopy in the day, perky at night? Normal. They're just hot, not dying. Keep watching.
- Crispy edges or curling leaves? They're too dry. Deep water, mulch, shade.
- Still wilted the next morning? That's a red flag. Time to step up the TLC - soak thoroughly and shield from the sun.

8. Don't forget about yourself! If your plants are feeling the heat, you probably are too. So wear a hat, slap on sunscreen, hydrate, and do your gardening early or late in the day.

Need help planning your garden's heatwave strategy? We're here for you, 7 days a week. Reach out to the Top Tropicals team and we'll get your plants through summer with style!

Stay cool and grow on,
Kristi V. - your Tropical Plant Expert 🌴

Explore Plants and Supplies

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Ten common greenhouse mistakes and how to avoid them. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Ten common greenhouse mistakes and how to avoid them

Greenhouse with tropical plants

Greenhouse with tropical plants

🏠 Ten common greenhouse mistakes and how to avoid them
  • 1. Overwatering

    • It's easy to overwater in a controlled environment. Many greenhouse plants need less water than you think. Overwatering can lead to root rot, yellowing leaves, and fungal issues. Monitor soil moisture regularly and adjust watering based on the plant type, season, and current weather conditions.
  • 2. Not enough light

    • Don’t block too much light - plants need full-spectrum light to thrive. Most greenhouse plants require as much light as possible to ensure healthy, vigorous growth. Lack of light causes leggy, weak plants and increases the risk of disease, pests, and fungal problems.
  • 3. Too much of sun and heat

    • Greenhouses with plastic covers can trap intense heat, and during sunny afternoons, plants may get “cooked”. Direct sunlight can quickly overheat and damage foliage. Use shade cloth during the hottest months or to protect light-sensitive plants and prevent heat stress.
  • 4. Overcrowding plants

    • Packing in too many plants reduces airflow, creating ideal conditions for disease and pest outbreaks. Give each plant enough space to breathe, grow, and receive light. Proper spacing also makes pest control and maintenance easier.
  • 5. Poor ventilation

    • Lack of airflow leads to overheating, humidity buildup, fungal disease, and weak growth. Use fans, roof vents, or roll-up sides to improve circulation and maintain healthy growing conditions.
  • 6. Skipping pest inspections

    • Greenhouses can trap pests in an ideal environment. Check plants regularly for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and fungus. Use systemic insecticides or organic treatments like neem oil at the first sign of trouble.
  • 7. No consistent schedule

    • Inconsistent watering, feeding, and lighting can stress your plants and reduce productivity. Set a simple routine, and monitor conditions daily - even a quick walkthrough helps catch problems early.
  • 8. Neglecting temperature and humidity control

    • Temperature and humidity can fluctuate dramatically between day and night. Use a thermometer (preferably with max/min memory) and a hygrometer to track conditions. Install heaters, shade cloth, misting systems, or dehumidifiers as needed.
    Modern WiFi-based sensors that monitor temperature and humidity 24/7 are convenient tools - you can keep tabs on your greenhouse right from your smartphone.
  • 9. Recycling old soil

    • Avoid reusing soil from plants that died, as it may harbor root diseases or pests. Always use fresh, high-quality soil for new plantings. Don't cut corners - healthy soil is key to healthy plants.
  • 10. Dirty tools, containers, and covers

Reusing dirty pots or tools spreads disease. Clean and disinfect containers, trays, and tools regularly. Use a diluted bleach solution to clean clear plastic or ground covers if they show mold or algae buildup.

#How_to

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Adenium Rainbow, Part 1. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Adenium Rainbow, Part 1

Adenium varieties

Adenium Rainbow, Part 1 🌈
  • 🌸 Our Desert roses at Top Tropicals - Adeniums - were planted in March - and the first video posted in April.

    • Now, in June, they have more and more blooms! We are sharing these amazing colors with you.
    To be continued, check back soon!⤵️
  • 🌸 Check out the varieties still in stock and grab yours before they’re gone. Some are already sold out, but you still have a chance to score amazing blooms!
  • 🌸 Why Collect Adeniums?

· Easy to grow indoors or out
  • · Thrive in sun, shade, and low humidity
  • · Drought-tolerant, low maintenance
  • · Not picky about soil
  • · Stunning blooms and unique caudex shapes

  • 🌸 How Many Varieties Exist?

· Over 200 hybrids at Top Tropicals
  • · 100+ varieties in stock now
  • · From doubles to red, purple, yellow, striped, dotted, rainbow, even black flowers - you'll want them all!


🌸 How to Grow a Big, Swollen Caudex - a simple trick with big results:
Each time you repot, raise the plant slightly to expose more of the upper roots. This encourages new root growth downward and helps form a thicker, more dramatic caudex.
  • · Use a well-draining mix
  • · Water only when dry - Adeniums love dry conditions
  • · Feed with Sunshine Megaflor Booster that supports both caudex and blooms
  • · Grow best in filtered bright light


📚 More about Adeniums:

🛒 Shop Adenium colors and hybrids

#Container_Garden #How_to #Shade_Garden #Adenium

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♥️ Best Mementos of Fathers Day Event

Father's Day Event at Top Tropicals, Cat at checkout

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Father's Day Plant Market! Your TopTropicals Team works hard in the field and is always happy to help with your garden needs, plant selection, delivery, and installation. Our friendly PeopleCats are always hard at work, guiding guests through the garden as they picked out the perfect plants to brighten their spaces.

See also on Facebook: Reels of the event and Video of Hand Pan Lady Performance at Top Tropicals 6-14-2025.

See more event photos

Father's Day Event at Top Tropicals, Happy Customer

Hand Pan Lady playing music at Top Tropicals Fathers Day Plant Market

Hand Pan Lady Performance at our Garden Center - see a short video of her wonderful music.

Hand Pan Lady Music Video

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Five best tropical fruits to naturally boost your energy. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Five best tropical fruits to naturally boost your energy

Five best tropical fruits to boost your energy

Five best tropical fruits to boost your energy

⚡️ Five best tropical fruits to naturally boost your energy

How to boost your energy without coffee, or taking medications and supplements? Naturally - from your #Food_Forest! These 5 tropical fruits are not only delicious but packed with nutrients that support natural, sustained energy.
  • 🔥 Banana - Packed with vitamin B6, potassium, and natural sugars, bananas provide a quick yet steady energy boost, perfect for pre- or post-workout fuel.
  • 🔥 Mango - Rich in natural sugars and B vitamins, mangoes help convert food into usable energy while also supporting digestion for better nutrient absorption.
  • 🔥 Jackfruit - Loaded with vitamin B1 (thiamine) and complex carbohydrates, jackfruit fuels the body steadily and supports healthy energy metabolism throughout the day.
  • 🔥 Avocado - A powerhouse of monounsaturated fats, B vitamins, and potassium, avocados help sustain energy levels and promote healthy circulation for optimal vitality.
  • 🔥 Macadamia Nut - Loaded with thiamine (B1) and healthy fats that support nervous system function and long-lasting energy without blood sugar crashes.


📚 Learn more:

🛒 Shop Energy-Boosting Plants for Natural Energy

#Food_Forest #Discover #Remedies #Bananas #Avocado #Mango #Jackfruit

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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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