Garden Blog - Top Tropicals
Date:
Our honest advise on Holiday Gift Plants
Q: Any suggestions on gift plants? With Holidays around the corner, I've been thinking of getting a present for my grandma, she lives in FL and is an experienced gardener. I also have a friend that lives in CA, also warm climate, but she doesn't have a green thumb. Any "easy" plants I can try for her?
A:
Live plant is a perfect gift, as we all know. However when
ordering a plant online as a present, for a happy
experience, you should have three things to consider:
1) Gardener's experience. Planting instructions are
included with every order, and usually success is there if
you follow them. But all plants go through shipping stress
(some more, others less) and need time, patience and love
to recover. Also, a plant will need a new home after
shipping: a pot and a good soil mix. It would be wise if
you add potting mix with a gift
order; the plant should be planted in a permanent pot as
soon as possible, but normally can wait a day in a packing
bag until its new owner gets a pot, if it is not ready
yet.
2) How easy the plant is? If buying a plant for a
beginner, chose something easy, as well as showy. Adeniums - Desert Roses, Jasmines, Clerodendrums, Cordylines are always a good
choice. Calatheas, Gingers and
Heliconias are always showy, even when not in bloom.
Spice trees and herbs are
fun, easy to grow and one can enjoy their aroma right away
without waiting on them growing bigger. Miracle Fruit is an awesome
present, it comes with detailed instructions how to grow
the Miracle!
3) How easy the plant ships? Some plants can be
easy in cultivation, but they don't take shipping well.
After being in a dark box for a few days, most plants
usually recover well in experienced hands. When making a
present, you want something showy, not just a stick to
arrive. Besides Adeniums and Jasmines, many fruit trees
usually take shipping without a problem - such as Mango or Sapote trees. You may not
want to start with Avocado, Papaya, Carambola, or Cacao - unless they go to
an experienced grower - these may take some time and skill
to etanblish. Fig trees are super easy in
shipping, but figs may drop leaves in Winter - for this
same reason, you may think twice about deciduous plants
like Sugar Apples, Grapes, Mulberries or Persimmons to be sent as
gifts. On the other hand, if you are sending a deciduous
tree to a gardener who can appreciate the variety, this
may be a good choice - dormant plants take shipping with
less stress!
Holiday special: On the picture: Adenium Xmas Santa. A Holiday Special Desert Rose with Christmas-colored flowers - deep-red and white.
Still not sure which plant to choose? You may buy a Top Tropicals Gift Certificate, it ships well and has no expiration date!
Date:
Virgo - 8/23-9/22. Virgo is an EARTH sign ruled by the planet Mercury, which also rules Gemini.
Virgo is traditionally the Goddess of the Grain, and is associated with autumn. Her plants often have finely divided leaves or stems, subtle odors, or small, brightly-colored flowers. The most beneficial plants for Virgo are high in potassium and help to calm the nerves.
In its rulership of Virgo, Mercury governs the abdomen and the lower intestinal tract and the entire digestive process. Herbs associated with Virgo assist in digestion (as do Cancer herbs) and help to reduce flatulence. The relaxing, calming scents help Virgo release stress and worries.
Virgo Zodiac lucky plants: Amorphophallus, Anethum graveolens (Dill), Barringtonia, Bolusanthus, Dioscorea, Grewia asiatica (Falsa), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Karkade), Iboza riparia, Lagerstroemia speciosa (Queens Crape Myrtle), Laurus nobilis (Bay Leaf), Lippia, Melissa, Catnip, Mint, Arugula, Piper betle, Piper sarmentosum, Psychotria, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Banisteriopsis, Papaya, Mesua ferrea (Ironwood), Momordica, Euterpe oleracea (Assai Palm), Jacaranda, Magnolia officinalis, Pimenta dioica (Allspice), Osteospermum, Petrea, Plumbago, Clitoria, Eranthemum, Litchi, Cashew, Pecan, Nut trees, Cherries, Lavender, Myrtles, Sansiveria, Aloe vera, Blackberry, Honey suckle, Satureja, Vitex, Mulberry, Elaeocarpus, Clausena lansium (Wampi), Feronia elephantum (Bel Fruit).
For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.
Date:
Taurus - 4/20-5/20. Taurus is an EARTH sign ruled by the planet Venus.
Venus is the planet that represents desire and beauty, regarded as the female embodiment of sexual love and human appetite, so Taurus plants often have gorgeous flowers and enticing fragrances and, occasionally, red fruit. It rules the internal sexual organs, the nose and sense of smell.
Because Taurus rules the throat and ears, the best plants for the Bull are often soothing to the throat, or may calm the digestive system after overindulging in the finest foods. Taurus is related to those things we want and value. It harmonizes various body systems, and influences the complexion and facial appearance. Also under Venus's dominion are the abdomen, kidney, thymus, and breasts. Venus-governed herbs are soothing and help to regulate the body's metabolism through the endocrine system. Taurus herbs are traditionally used to attract money and resources. Earthy Taurus sign is all about building a stable and comfortable foundation and can help you generate greater abundance and prosperity in your life.
Taurus Zodiac lucky plants - Aglaia, Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang), Artabotrys (Climbing Ylang-Ylang), Cerbera, Night blooming jasmine, Chonemorpha, Erblichia, Euodia, Hiptage, Iboza (Musk Bush), Anise, Lavender, Lonchocarpus Lilac Tree, Nutmeg, Parijat, Camphor Basil, Osmanthus, Funeral tree, Quisqualis, Satureja (Kama Sutra Mint Tree), Viburnum, Carissa, Murraya, Curry Leaf, Bunchosia (Peanut butter fruit), Eucalyptus, Lily, Vitex agnus castus (Blue Chaste Tree), Alstonia scholaris (Sapthaparni), Papaya, Maple, Jasmine, Guaiacum, Camellia, Ephedra, Fuchsia, Geranium, Spider lily, Gardenia, Magnolia, Plumeria, Paeonia, Verbena, Clerodendrums, Apple, Pear, Apricot, Peach, Plantain, Olive, Grape, Pomegranate, Mango, Neem Tree, Cherry, Cypresses, all Berries, Raspberry, Asparagus, Mint, Clove, Roses, Stagshorn fern, Catnip.
For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.
April 22 Earth Day discount - 15% off fragrant plants! Earth Day is more than just a single day â€" April 22, 2016. It's bigger than attending a rally and taking a stand. Plant one tree at a time to make our Planet better! This Earth Day and beyond, let's make big stuff happen. - See more at: www.earthday.org
Check out our Fragrant Plants for 15% off! 1-day deal only!
Date:
Virgo - 8/23-9/22. Virgo is an EARTH sign ruled by the planet Mercury, which also rules Gemini. Virgo is traditionally the Goddess of the Grain, and is associated with autumn. Her plants often have finely divided leaves or stems, subtle odors, or small, brightly-colored flowers. The most beneficial plants for Virgo are high in potassium and help to calm the nerves. In its rulership of Virgo, Mercury governs the abdomen and the lower intestinal tract and the entire digestive process. Herbs associated with Virgo assist in digestion (as do Cancer herbs) and help to reduce flatulence. The relaxing, calming scents help Virgo release stress and worries.
Virgo
Zodiac lucky plants: Amorphophallus, Dill,
Barringtonia, Bolusanthus, Dioscorea, Grewia asiatica
(Falsa), Hibiscus Karkade, Iboza riparia, Lagerstroemia
Queens Crape Myrtle, Laurus nobilis (Bay Leaf), Lippia,
Melissa, Catnip, Mint, Arugula, Piper betle, Piper
sarmentosum, Psychotria, Clove, Banisteriopsis, Papaya,
Mesua ferrea (Ironwood), Assai Palm, Jacaranda, Pimenta
dioica (Allspice), Petrea, Plumbago, Clitoria, Eranthemum,
Litchi, Cashew, Pecan, Nut trees, Cherries, Lavender,
Sansiveria, Aloe vera, Blackberry, Honey suckle, Satureja,
Vitex, Mulberry, Elaeocarpus, Feronia elephantum (Bel
Fruit). On the photo: Sauromatum venosum - Voodoo Lily.
For links to these plants and other signs information, see
full Plant Horoscope.
Date:
Cleanest fruit?
"Dirty" fruit: According to the Environmental Working Group research, Strawberries are top the list of the 12 "dirtiest" fruits and vegetables grown commercially. Spinach is the second, followed by (in order of contamination) nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes and sweet bell peppers. Each of these foods tested positive for pesticide residues and contained higher concentrations of pesticides than other produce. This causes of course chronic health implications. Children are of special concern as younger bodies have greater susceptibility to pesticides than adult bodies, the report emphasizes. Pesticides may induce chronic health complications in children, including neuro- and behavioral problems, birth defects, allergies, asthma, and even cancer...
"Clean
15": Avocados lead 2018's clean fruits and
veggies list, that also includes: mangoes, papayas, pineapples, kiwi, sweet corn, cabbage,
onions, frozen sweet peas, asparagus, eggplant, honeydew
melon, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli.
Obviously, home grown fruit and vegetables are even
better. Such fruit as Custard Apples, Sapodilla, Sapote, Jackfruit, Dragon Fruit, Passion Fruit and other rare
varieties of tropical fruit, are even better for you
because they are not grown commercially, and the choice
from your own organic garden is the healthiest for
yourself and your family!
Plant them today and get your cleanest fruit tomorrow!
Check out all tropical fruit trees and all tropical spice plants.
Date:
Taurus - 4/20-5/20.
Taurus is an EARTH sign ruled by the planet Venus.
Venus is the planet
that represents desire and beauty, regarded as the female embodiment of sexual
love and human appetite, so Taurus plants often have gorgeous flowers and
enticing fragrances and, occasionally, red fruit. It rules the internal sexual
organs, the nose and sense of smell.
Because Taurus rules the throat and
ears, the best plants for the Bull are often soothing to the throat, or may
calm the digestive system after overindulging in the finest foods. Taurus is
related to those things we want and value. It harmonizes various body systems,
and influences the complexion and facial appearance. Also under Venus's
dominion are the abdomen, kidney, thymus, and breasts. Venus-governed herbs are
soothing and help to regulate the body's metabolism through the endocrine
system (see Libra). Taurus herbs are traditionally used to attract money and
resources. Earthy Taurus sign is all about building a stable and comfortable
foundation and can help you generate greater abundance and prosperity in your
life.
Taurus Zodiac lucky plants: Aglaia, Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang),
Artabotrys (Climbing Ylang-Ylang), Cerbera, Night blooming jasmine, Chonemorpha,
Erblichia, Euodia, Hiptage, Iboza (Musk Bush), Anise, Lavender, Lonchocarpus
Lilac Tree, Nutmeg, Parijat, Camphor Basil, Osmanthus, Funeral tree, Quisqualis,
Satureja (Kama Sutra Mint Tree), Viburnum, Carissa, Murraya, Curry Leaf,
Bunchosia (Peanut butter fruit), Eucalyptus, Lily, Vitex agnus castus (Blue
Chaste Tree), Alstonia scholaris (Sapthaparni), Papaya, Maple, Jasmine, Guaiacum,
Camellia, Ephedra, Fuchsia, Geranium, Spider lily, Gardenia, Magnolia,
Plumeria, Paeonia, Verbena, Clerodendrums, Apple, Pear, Apricot, Peach, Plantain,
Olive, Grape, Pomegranate, Mango, Neem Tree, Cherry, Cypresses, all Berries,
Raspberry, Asparagus, Mint, Clove, Roses, Stagshorn fern, Catnip.
For links to these plants and other signs information, see full Plant
Horoscope.
Date:
Australia Planting 1 Billion Trees To Fight Climate Change
Australia plans to plant 1 billion new trees to fight climate change, by
the year 2050. That is a lot of trees and is the first real effort the
country has made toward combating climate change. The only real problem is finding
enough space to plant that many trees...
A billion trees is a billion trees, and even with a team of 30,000
people planting a tree per day for the next 31 years, the final tally would still
only be 339,450,000 trees. Australia will need a tree army to get that many
trees planted by 2050... Read the whole story...
How about planting just one tree today and save the World one step at a time?
On the photo: Callistemon, Australian native tree.
Date:
10 trees to graduate
A new law hopes to fix deforestation and teach young people about
environmental stewardship. Students in the Philippines now have a final requirement
in order to graduate from school: they must plant 10 trees. The new law,
which came into effect on May 15, 2019, will apply to graduates from elementary
and high schools, and college or university.
With 12 million kids graduating from elementary school, 5 million from
high school, and 500 thousand from university every year, that means 175
million trees will be planted annually! Over the course of a generation, that
will mean 525 billion trees, although Alejano has said that even if only 10
percent of the trees survived, that's still an impressive 525 million in a
generation!
It sounds like the Philippines has introduced a wonderful program that
other countries would do well to emulate. Anything that gives young people a
sense of connection and responsibility for the natural environment bodes well
for its future... Continue reading...
See Tropical Treasures article: How to Plant a Tree (pdf file)
.Date:
Multi-grafted "fruit cocktail" trees
Q: We love your website and products. Do you have mango trees with different types grafted on one? We live in Hawaii and have space for an interesting mango.
A: Here is the truth about multi-grafted mangos. It is the same issue as with multi-grafted citrus (so-called "fruit cocktail trees"). In most cases, multi-grafted fruit trees look beautiful and healthy for the first couple years if that long. What happens next - the most vigorous variety will take over others and eventually all other grafts will die off or those branches stay retarded without sufficient production. There is a solution though, if you have limited space and still want to have several varieties to enjoy. Plant 2-3-4 desired varieties into 1 hole! Of course production of each tree will reduce due to the crowded situation, but overall crop will be as much as from one big tree. And you will have all kinds of tastes to enjoy! Very often trunks of such trees grow in together, but because of having separate root systems, all trees will remain equally strong and vigorous.
Check out our Mango varieties.
Date:
Fruitful Fruit and SuperFood...
Q: I have a large fruit garden here in Florida with many mango trees, avocadoes, guavas, and other tropical fruit. Last year hurricane Irma and flooding killed a few avocado trees, but mangos and guavas survived OK, but the sad part is, very few flowers this year and almost no fruit setting. I noticed on your website your Superfood and Sunshine-Honey boosters that supposedly help fruiting? But I am afraid it is too late now as your instructions say first application must be in early Spring? I wish I discovered earlier that my trees wouldn't want to fruit this year...
A:
First of all, it is never late to give the food! You may
start applications of SUNSHINE products at any time
of the year. The best results will be achieved once you
treat your plants on regular basis throughout the whole
year cycle of metabolism.
Couple weeks ago we started harvesting our 2 guava trees.
These two are the same variety (Variegated Honeymoon),
planted within 20 ft from each other and growing in the
same conditions. The only difference was, one was treated
with SUNSHINE-Honey and SUNSHINE-SuperFood, and another
one didn't get any treats in order to have a control
plant.
Results are very interesting, see the picture. Both trees
were heavily covered with fruit. However the one with
treatments developed fruit that is much larger, much
sweeter and juicier, and the most interestingly - with
less seeds, almost no seeds!
To answer your question: yes, you can start feeding your
fruit trees right now. It is still a Springtime. Many
mango varieties have late season; even early varieties may
delay their fruiting if flowering triggered by
miscro-elements. Guavas have very long season and most
varieties can have multiple crops throughout Summer-Fall.
Here is a simple and affordable feeding schedule to
help your fruit garden recover from last year hurricane
stress, and establish reliable production:
1) SUNSHINE-E - for boosting
metabolism - once a month
2) SUNSHINE-Honey - for bringing
sugars to the heart of the tree and boosting fruit
sweetness and quality - now and in 2 weeks
3) SUNSHINE-SuperFood - for
overall health, recovering from hurricane and fixing root
damage from flood - now and every 2 weeks throughout warm
season.
4) You may apply regular balanced fertilizer NPK as
usual (we apply once a month, a handful per in-ground
tree)
It's that simple. Just try and watch your trees produce
again!
Check out all SUNSHINE boosters... We offer FREE shipping on them, so you can make your plants happy!






