Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 16 Sep 2024

What is the most medicinal Indian fruit tree?

Phyllanthus acidus - Otaheite Gooseberry, Amlak, tree

Phyllanthus acidus - Otaheite Gooseberry, Amlak, fruit

Phyllanthus acidus - Otaheite Gooseberry, Amlak, fruit

What is the most medicinal Indian fruit tree?
  • Phyllanthus acidus - Otaheite Gooseberry, Amlak - is very close related to the famous Phyllanthus emblica (Amla, Amlaki), however it is much hardier plant.
  • Known as Amritphala in Sanskrit, which literally means the fruit of heaven or nectar fruit. It is so called because it is rich in many desirable properties, including medicinal.
  • Small to medium in size tree, under 20 feet, very bushy and pretty.
  • Fruits are borne in loose clusters, which hang from the tree trunk and main branches. Fruits are very acidic and tart, and esteemed for jellies, preserves and pastries.
  • There are no commercial plantings; only in home gardens.
  • The Amla fruit paste is a major ingredient of Chavyanprash, a popular Ayurvedic tonic. It is the richest source of vitamin C. Phyllanthus acidus is called Ari Nelli in Tamil, and the Phyllanthus emblica (Amlaki) is Muzhu Nelli in Tamil. Muzhu Nelli is even richer in Vitamin C etc.


🛒 Plant your own Amlak Tree

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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Date: 16 Sep 2024

What is the Jasmine Oil made of?

What is the Jasmine Oil made of?

  • 🌞 French Perfume Jasmine, or Poets jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is the most popular jasmine in the world as it is the source of the original Jasmine essential oil.

  • 🌞 There are two varieties - with single flower (Jasminum x grandiflorum - it has larger size flower and is more rare) and double flower ( Jasminum officinale Flore Pleno). They are very hard to tell apart when not in bloom as the leaves look the same, but the flowers differ (see video).

  • 🌞 Essential oil of this jasmine is one of the most important components in perfumery.

  • 🌞 Grown in the perfume fields of Southern France.

  • 🌞 Semi-evergreen to deciduous vine with lots of fragrant white flowers in spring, summer, and fall.

  • 🌞 Drought tolerant and hardy, it has good tolerance to a wide range of temperatures and is easily maintained in pots.

  • 🌞 Jasmine associates nicely with climbing roses, honeysuckle or clematis, but it looks superb grown on its own.


🎥 The difference between the double and single flower varieties.

🛒 Shop French Perfume Jasmine

#Hedges_with_benefits #Perfume_Plants

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Date: 16 Sep 2024

What is the Jasmine Oil made of?

French Perfume Jasmine, Poets jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

What is the Jasmine Oil made of?
  • 🌞 French Perfume Jasmine, or Poets jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is the most popular jasmine in the world as it is the source of the original Jasmine essential oil.
  • 🌞 There are two varieties - with single flower (Jasminum x grandiflorum - it has larger size flower and is more rare) and double flower ( Jasminum officinale Flore Pleno). They are very hard to tell apart when not in bloom as the leaves look the same, but the flowers differ (see video).
  • 🌞 Essential oil of this jasmine is one of the most important components in perfumery.
  • 🌞 Grown in the perfume fields of Southern France.
  • 🌞 Semi-evergreen to deciduous vine with lots of fragrant white flowers in spring, summer, and fall.
  • 🌞 Drought tolerant and hardy, it has good tolerance to a wide range of temperatures and is easily maintained in pots.
  • 🌞 Jasmine associates nicely with climbing roses, honeysuckle or clematis, but it looks superb grown on its own.


🎥 The difference between the double and single flower varieties.

🛒 Shop French Perfume Jasmine

#Hedges_with_benefits #Perfume_Plants

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Date: 15 Sep 2024

10 common mistakes to avoid with mail order plants

10 common mistakes to avoid with mail order plants
⚠️ 10 common mistakes to avoid with mail order plants

Continued from previous post 👆

  • ⏺6. Placing the plant in the wrong environment

  • It's important to give your plant the right temperature, light, and humidity based on its natural habitat. We grow tropical plants. They won't survive in areas with freezing temperatures.

  • ⏺7. Not trimming damaged branches.

  • Transit can cause minor damage to leaves or branches. Trimming these parts can help the plant recover faster.

  • ⏺8. Expecting immediate growth

  • Plants need time to adjust after the trip. Give them a chance to settle for a few weeks before expecting new growth or blooms.

  • ⏺9. Fertilizing too soon

  • Do not fertilize your plant right after arrival. Let it get established first - usually a few weeks - before adding fertilizer to avoid stressing the plant.

  • ⏺10. Not checking for pests

Always inspect new plants for pests. Shipping stress can lead to infestations, so a close check is vital.

🌷By avoiding these mistakes and following the planting instructions included with your order, you'll be on the right path to creating your tropical paradise. Take care of your new plant, and it will thrive, rewarding you with vibrant growth for years to come.

#How_to

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Date: 15 Sep 2024

10 common mistakes to avoid with mail order plants

10 common mistakes to avoid with mail order plants
⚠️ 10 common mistakes to avoid with mail order plants

⁉️ Q: How to get happy and healthy plants from mail order? Will they survive the trip and grow well after transportation? What mistakes should I avoid?

A: At Top Tropicals, we have over 20 years of experience shipping plants. We know how to pack them properly and ensure the safest journey possible. We ship the biggest and healthiest plants, and our customers are often amazed at how great they look after a few days in a dark box. But receiving a healthy plant is only half the adventure. Now that the plant is in your hands, it's up to you to keep it thriving. The first couple of weeks after shipping are critical. With the right care, your new plant can reward you with beautiful flowers and fruit for years to come. Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when buying plants by mail order.

  • ⏺1. Not unpacking plants immediately

  • Leaving plants in the box too long can cause stress or damage. Unpack them as soon as they arrive to let them breathe and adjust.

  • ⏺2. Ignoring acclimation

  • Plants need time to adjust to their new environment. Don't place them in full sun or extreme conditions (heat, wind) right away.

  • ⏺3. Overwatering right after arrival

  • Many people water their new plants too much. Plants often need time to recover from transit, and too much water can cause root rot.

  • ⏺4. Stepping up too soon

  • Repotting immediately in a large pot can cause root rot. Plant in a pot just the size of a root ball, step up only after the plant is showing new growth.

  • ⏺5. Ignoring the plant's needs

Research the specific needs of your plant before it arrives. Light, water, and soil requirements vary greatly, and misunderstanding them can lead to issues.

⬇️ Continued in next post 👇

#How_to

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