Let's be honest - coffee prices are climbing, supplies are tightening, and that morning cup isn't getting any cheaper. But right now, our Coffea arabica trees are covered in green berries, quietly ripening toward harvest time. Soon, they'll turn red - and that's when it's go
time.
This isn't just a pretty plant. It's a compact, shade-loving fruit tree that thrives indoors and adds year-round tropical beauty to any space. Even your cat will approve
🐱🐾.
We Cut Open a 37 lb Jackfruit - You Won't Believe What's Inside! A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.
We Cut Open a 37 lb Jackfruit - You Wont Believe Whats Inside!
🍈 We Cut Open a 37 lb Jackfruit - You Won't Believe What's Inside!
📱
🍈 Cutting into a 37-pound Jackedak Jackfruit with Chiane and Ashley!
🍈 Join us at Top Tropicals as we explore one of the largest fruits on Earth - the mighty Jackfruit. From sweet, tropical fruit to edible seeds and even a meat substitute known as the "rag" - this fruit does it all!
✔️Learn how to cut and clean a jackfruit
✔️See which parts are edible (you might be surprised!)
✔️Discover why it's a favorite for vegan pulled pork
These aren't your typical tropicals - they're collector-grade Anthuriums grown for foliage and texture. Each one brings something
different, but they all thrive in the same kind of setting: shade or filtered
light, warmth, and humidity. Perfect for growing in containers indoors or
out.
Anthurium Black Dragon
This is the most dramatic of the trio. Upright, leathery leaves shift
from dark green to nearly black depending on light. Instead of bright flowers,
it produces a dark brown spadix and glowing red berries. A hybrid not found
in the wild, it's grown from seed - no two are exactly alike.
Best for: Indoor focal plant, shaded patio, black ceramic pot
This one's about scale. Broad, crinkled leaves with a cardboard-like
texture form a bold rosette. It can get huge with time - up to 6 feet across.
Perfect for gardeners who want the "instant jungle" look.
Graceful and rare, this species sends out narrow strap-like leaves that can
reach 5–6 ft long. Ideal for hanging baskets or mounting. Bonus: it
produces small pink fruit against deep green foliage.
Best for: Hanging displays, vertical planters, bright bathrooms
Height: Leaf length, not upright height - up to 6 ft
Light:
Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sun, especially mid-day. These
plants evolved in rainforest understory - think "dappled light under
trees."
Water:
Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Let the top inch dry before
watering. They hate wet feet.
Humidity:
These are tropicals - they'll do fine in 50-60% humidity, but thrive at
70%+. Use pebble trays or place near other plants. Bathrooms with windows work
great.
Soil:
Use an airy mix: orchid bark + perlite + peat or coco coir. Drainage is
key. Never use plain potting soil.
Fertilizer:
Feed with SUNSHINE Robusta every 2–4 weeks during warm seasons. It's
formulated for aroids and won't burn roots.
Potting:
Use shallow, wide containers. Repot only every 2–3 years, or when
roots crowd the pot. They don't like frequent disruption.
Temperature:
Ideal: 65–85 F. Short dips to the 30s F are tolerated by mature
plants, but avoid cold drafts.
Shady spots aren't a problem - they're an opportunity
Photo above: Niki and Cash, the Top Tropicals PeopleCats-in-residence, lounging in a lush indoor
jungle
Most tropical gardens have at least one corner that gets morning light,
filtered sun, or just bright shade - and that's exactly where Anthuriums thrive, along with many other shade-loving plants. That makes them ideal for spaces where other
tropicals struggle.
Don't have a greenhouse? You don't need one. Anthuriums do beautifully
on a shaded porch, in a screened lanai, or even indoors near a north or
east-facing window. They're perfect for:
Bathrooms with natural light
Bright kitchens with indirect sun
Shaded entryways or under eaves
Hanging baskets under tree cover
Mounting on cork or wood in humid areas
Even a small space can feel like a tropical conservatory with the right
plant - and Anthuriums bring that look without being demanding. They grow
slowly, stay manageable, and don't need constant pruning or repotting.
Best of all, they reward consistency. Keep them warm, give them some
humidity, water when the top inch feels dry, and they'll stay healthy for years.
No drama - just quiet, lasting beauty.
If you've never grown tropicals in the shade, this is where to start.