Date: 6 Feb 2026
💕How would you like to give a Valentine plant gift?
Choose the plant
If you already know what feels right, choose the plant now. Sweetheart Hoya is a favorite for a reason, and there are other Valentine plants to explore if you want options.
A good choice when you feel confident, love plants, or are gifting something meant to live indoors.
Let your Valentine choose
If timing, weather, or choice feels uncertain, a Gift Card keeps the moment simple. Your Valentine can choose the perfect plant when the time is right.
Especially helpful for gardeners up north, or when you want the gift to unfold later.
About shipping and timing
We ship live plants with care and pay close attention to weather along the way. If conditions are not right, we may hold a shipment briefly to keep plants safe.
If timing or weather makes you hesitate, a Gift Card is an easy way to give a Valentine gift now and choose the plant later, when conditions are perfect.
More Valentines Gift Plants
- Valentines plants from around the world that symbolize love, connection, and appreciation. 👉Learn
- Top nine plants of love, desire, and the senses: aphrodisiacs and sensory connections. 👉Learn
- Four popular plants of friendship, appreciation, and shared connection. 👉Learn
- Eight favorite plants of romance, affection, and emotional connection. 👉Learn
Date: 14 Feb 2026
🍭 From Vine to Bean: A Practical Guide
How to Grow Vanilla: quick how-to
Vanilla is not complicated, but it does have preferences. Start with a pot and regular, well-draining mix. It does not need anything exotic. Give it:
- Bright, indirect light
- Warm temperatures
- Good humidity
- Air movement
Most importantly, give it something solid to climb. A wooden trellis, a log, or a burlap-covered board works well. The surface should be porous so the aerial roots can grip.
As it grows, guide the vine gently. You can prune it to control size. Vanilla is slow to mature. That is normal.
The Bloom Secret
Vanilla does not bloom just because it looks healthy. It blooms when it feels secure.
This is a climbing orchid. It must attach firmly to a solid, porous support such as a wood log, trellis, or burlap-covered board. When the aerial roots grip and the plant reaches maturity, flowering becomes possible.
Once the flowers appear, they usually need to be hand pollinated to produce pods. Each flower stays open for only a short time, so timing matters.
How to pollinate vanilla: In this video, we show you exactly how to pollinate vanilla step by step
❓Vanilla care: quick FAQ
- Does Vanilla planifolia really produce vanilla
beans?
Yes. Vanilla planifolia is the commercial source of vanilla. After flowering, it can form long green pods (vanilla beans). The aroma develops later during curing. - What is the secret to getting vanilla to bloom?
Let it climb. Vanilla is a climbing orchid and usually will not bloom until its aerial roots attach firmly to a solid, porous support like a wood log, trellis, or burlap-covered board. - Do I need to pollinate vanilla flowers?
Yes. In most home growing conditions, vanilla flowers must be hand pollinated to produce pods. Each flower is open for only a short time, so timing matters. - Can I grow vanilla indoors?
Yes, if you can provide bright, indirect light, warmth, humidity, and a support to climb. A sunny room with filtered light and a trellis or log can work well. - What should I use for support?
Use a sturdy trellis, a wood log, or a burlap-covered board. The key is a porous surface that aerial roots can grip. Avoid chemically treated wood. Check out this very unusual way to grow Vanilla Orchid over a wall. - What potting mix should I use for Vanilla plant?
Start in a pot with a regular, well-draining potting mix such as Sunshine Abundance. As the plant matures, it relies more on its support and aerial roots than the soil. - What fertilizer should I use?
Sunshine Boosters Orchidasm is formulated specifically for orchids and will work perfecty for Vanilla orchid as well. - How big will it get?
As big as you let it. Train it and prune it. Vanilla grows according to the structure and space you provide. - How long until it flowers?
Typically a few years. Vanilla is a long-term project, but it is very rewarding once established.
For Collectors and Enthusiasts:
We also offer Vanilla dilloniana, a rare Florida native species with distinctive flowers.
One remarkable specimen of this species, grown by our friend Robert Riefer, became so vigorous over many years that it outgrew a 100 gallon container and was eventually moved into a 250 gallon pool on wheels.
The plants we offer are propagated from that very specimen:
That kind of growth reflects deliberate cultivation and ideal conditions - not something that happens unintentionally.
Vanilla grows according to the space and structure you provide.
For gardeners focused on producing real vanilla beans for the kitchen, Vanilla planifolia remains the right place to start.
Date: 18 Feb 2026
🔥 Blazing into the 2026 with hot jasmines
Smokey: It's jasmine, Tiger. A shrub. Not Wembley. Calm down.
💮 2026 Year of the Horse - and the Plant I Trust Most
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals
Every new year carries its own energy.
2026 is the Year of the Horse - a year of movement, fire, momentum, and bold decisions. It is not a quiet year. It pushes us forward.
When fellow gardeners ask me what to grow in a year like this, my answer
is simple:
Grow something that balances strength with grace.
For me, that plant is Jasmine Sambac.
In many cultures, Sambac represents devotion, purity, and deep affection. In the Philippines it is the national flower - Sampaguita - woven into garlands for weddings and sacred ceremonies. In Hawaii, it becomes leis - a symbol of welcome and connection - Pikake. In India, it perfumes temples and homes.
This is not just a fragrant shrub.
It is a plant tied to love, loyalty, and continuity.
The Horse runs forward.
Jasmine anchors the heart.
In a fiery year like 2026, I believe we need both.
And that is why I always return to Jasminum sambac.
✅ Why Jasmine Sambac?
Over the years I have grown thousands of plants, but very few have the staying power of Jasmine Sambac.
It is not just fragrant. It is intensely, unmistakably fragrant. One open flower can perfume an entire patio. In the evening, the scent becomes deeper and richer.
But what makes Sambac truly special is its adaptability.
It can grow as a compact patio shrub, a flowering hedge, or a climbing vine. It performs beautifully in containers. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade. The more light you give it, the more flowers it rewards you with.
And unlike many tropicals, Sambac does not bloom just once. With proper care, it flowers in cycles throughout the warm season.
For gardeners, that combination is rare: beauty, perfume, flexibility, and repeat bloom.
That is why it has remained one of the most wanted fragrant plants in cultivation.
Date: 23 Feb 2026
Macadamia Tree Care
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help
🌳 Growing Macadamia Tree
Macadamia is not a fragile tree, but it does have preferences. If you respect them from the beginning, the tree rewards you for decades.
- Start with the site. Drainage is everything. Macadamia will tolerate cool weather better if planted in a well-drained area. Avoid low spots where water sits after rain. If your soil is dense or clay-like, build a mound or improve drainage before planting.
- Choose full sun whenever possible for the best nut production.
- Planting location matters. A south or southeast exposure near a wall can create a warmer microclimate that buffers cold nights. Freeze plus wind is more damaging than temperature alone. Macadamia handles cold better when protected from winter wind.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the container, but no deeper than the root ball. Set the tree level with the surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk.
- Water regularly during the first three months while the tree establishes roots.
- Fertilize lightly. Macadamia does not respond well to over-fertilizing. Macadamias prefer mild liquid fertilizers, SUNSHINE Boosters Robusta is ideal for it. You may also use controlled release Green Magic every 6 months, it is especially formulated for hot climate. To keep leaves healthy deep green without yellowing, micro elements must be applied on regular basis, we recommend to always have handy Sunshine Superfood micro nutrients complex.
- Young trees should be protected if temperatures drop below freezing. Once established, they become far more resilient.
- Harvest timing: Nuts mature 6-7 months after flowering. Husk splits naturally when ready. Fallen nuts should be collected quickly.
- Flower and Nut Drop: Many gardeners panic when they see flowers or small nuts drop, but Macadamia naturally sheds excess fruit. It does not mean failure; the tree simply keeps what it can afford to feed.
- Macadamia is relatively low-maintenance, but watch for squirrels and rats. They love the rich nuts as much as humans do, so be sure to collect fallen nuts quickly.
- Root Sensitivity: Macadamia roots dislike disturbance. Transplant carefully. Avoid root damage.
- Macadamia is not a fast-return crop. It begins producing a few years and increases gradually. But once mature, it becomes a steady, reliable part of your garden.
Learn more: Macadamia - Hard Sweet Nut and Hardy Tree
🌱 Growing Macadamia in a Pot
- Container size: Start large. A 15-25 gallon pot is ideal for long-term growth.
- Drainage: Critical. Use a container with multiple drainage holes.
- Soil mix: Use a high-quality, well-draining container mix. Avoid heavy garden soil. Top Tropicals Abundance soil-less mix is specially formulated for pot growing
- Light: Full sun is best. Strong light improves flowering and nut production.
- Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top layer to dry slightly before watering again. Avoid constant saturation.
- Feed lightly and consistenly. SUNSHINE Boosters Robusta liquid fertilizer is safe to use with with every watering. During hot season you may add controlled release Green Magic every 6 months. It is essential to apply micro elements on Macadamias: Sunshine Superfood micro nutrients complex.
- Cold protection: If temperatures drop below freezing, move the container to a protected area such as a garage or greenhouse.
- Pruning: Prune lightly to control size and maintain airflow within the canopy.
- Expectations: Container trees may produce fewer nuts than in-ground trees, but they offer mobility and climate control.
- Smokey says: Container trees offer mobility and climate control so you never have to worry about a freeze!
✍️ More About Macadamia from Garden Blog
🚫 Common Mistakes When Growing Macadamia
-
Planting in poorly drained soil:
The most common mistake. Macadamia will decline quickly in heavy, waterlogged ground. If drainage is questionable, plant on a mound. -
Overwatering young trees:
Newly planted trees need consistent moisture, not constant saturation. Wet roots lead to root problems. -
Over-fertilizing:
Too much fertilizer causes weak growth and nutrient imbalance. Feed lightly and avoid heavy nitrogen applications. -
Planting too deep:
The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Do not bury the trunk. -
Ignoring micronutrients:
Macadamia is very prone to iron, zinc, and copper deficiencies. Yellowing leaves may signal a micronutrient issue. Applly Sunshine Superfood on regular basis. -
Expecting instant production:
Macadamia takes time. Early years build structure. Patience is part of success. -
Skipping cold protection for young trees:
Established trees are tougher, but young plants should be protected below freezing.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is Macadamia toxic to pets? While the nuts are a superfood for humans, they are toxic to dogs. If you have a dog that tends to forage in the garden, ensure you harvest fallen nuts promptly or fence the base of the tree during the drop season.
- Which varieties are best for the "Survivor" garden? Look for Macadamia integrifolia (smooth-shell) or hybrids like 'Beaumont' (M. tetraphylla x M. integrifolia). Hybrids often show slightly better cold tolerance and more consistent "home garden" production.
- How tall will my tree get? In the ground, an unpruned Macadamia can reach 20–30 feet. However, they respond very well to "heading back" (pruning the top) to keep them at a manageable 12–15 feet for easy harvesting.
- Do I need two trees for cross-pollination? Macadamias are self-fertile, meaning one tree will produce nuts. However, planting two varieties near each other often results in a significantly heavier "nut set" due to cross-pollination.
- Why are the leaves on my Macadamia prickly? Don't panic—this is normal! Some species, particularly M. tetraphylla, have serrated, holly-like leaves. This actually makes them a great "defensive" hedge against intruders or deer.
- When exactly should I harvest? The tree tells you when it's ready. Don't shake the tree; wait for the nuts to fall naturally. In Florida, this usually happens between August and November. If the green outer husk hasn't split yet, let them sit in a shaded, dry spot until they do.
- My tree has "clusters" of flowers but no nuts. What happened? Macadamias produce long racemes (flower spikes) with hundreds of tiny blooms. It is normal for 90% of these to fall off. The tree only keeps what it can afford to "feed." Boost your success by using a combination of Sunshine C-Cibus liquid fertilizer and SUNSHINE Superfood micro element supplement during the flowering stage to help the tree retain more fruit.
- Can I grow them from a nut I bought at the store? Unlikely. Commercial nuts are usually roasted or dried at high heat, killing the embryo. Even if a raw nut sprouts, it may take 10–12 years to fruit and the quality is a gamble. Buying a grafted tree saves you a decade of waiting.
We don’t just sell plants; we test them. The data from this February freeze proves that with the right selection and proper drainage, 'tropical' doesn’t have to mean 'fragile.' Don’t wait for the next cold front to find out what in your garden is vulnerable. It is time to replace those empty spots with proven survivors that offer both beauty and a premium harvest. If it can stand up to 25F in our fields, it’s ready for your backyard.
Coming in Part 2...
Smokey is already crunching the numbers on our next survivor, and Sunshine found another tree that stayed perfectly green in the wind. Stay tuned to see which fruit tree made the cut!
Date: 7 Mar 2026
SUNSHINE Boosters: The Professional Advantage
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help
Here is why SUNSHINE Boosters are the smart choice for your garden this spring:
- Amino Acid Stability: Unlike traditional fertilizers that use synthetic EDTA chelators, our formulas are amino-acid based. This means 100% of the nutrients are bioavailable and consumed by the plant, leaving zero toxic residues or salt build-up in your soil.
- Safe for Every Watering: Because our concentrations are scientifically balanced and mild, they are safe for daily use. This eliminates the "feast or famine" cycle of dry fertilizers and prevents accidental root burn.
- Pure Taste for Edibles: Our delicate formulas do not contain excess salts, urea, or ammonium salts that can ruin the flavor of your harvest. Your fruit and vegetables will retain their pure, natural taste.
- Pollinator Friendly: Our boosters are designed to be safe for honeybees and other beneficial insects, making them the responsible choice for an organic-style garden.
🌿For Potted Plants: Breaking the "Foodless" Cycle
Container-grown plants are trapped in soilless mixes (peat, bark, perlite) that are structurally great but naturally nutrient-deficient.
- Total Nutrition: Since pots lack the natural "buffet" of the ground, SUNSHINE Boosters™ provide every essential mineral the plant cannot find on its own.
- No Salt Build-up: Our amino-acid based formulas are consumed entirely by the plant, leaving zero toxic residue or root-burning salts behind.
- Daily Safety: Our mild concentrations eliminate the "feast or famine" cycle of dry fertilizers, making them safe for use with every single watering.
For In-Ground Plants: Unlocking the Soil
Even in the ground, plants often struggle to absorb what they need because soil compounds can "lock up" nutrients.
- Enhanced Solubility: SUNSHINE Boosters create a slightly acidic environment that helps dissolve stubborn salts in the soil, making them accessible to roots again.
- Precision Delivery: We provide mobile elements like Nitrogen precisely when the plant needs to push new spring growth.
🌿The Foliar Advantage: Direct-to-Leaf Delivery
Did you know a plant leaf can absorb nutrients even more efficiently than the roots? Foliar feeding is your "emergency button" for instant results.
- Quick Fix: Foliar applications with Sunshine Superfood are the fastest way to correct yellowing leaves or visible deficiencies.
- Metabolism Boost: Sprays like SUNSHINE-Epi act as a bio-regulator, helping plants recover from the stress of spring temperature swings.
- Better Fruit: SUNSHINE Honey is applied to leaves to naturally move sugars to the fruit, increasing sweetness and flavor.
🌿The Calcium Problem: Solved
As your plants wake up this Spring, they need structural strength. Think of Calcium as the "cement" that holds plant cells together. Without it, new spring growth is doomed to fail.
Signs Your Plant is Starving for Calcium:
- Deformed Leaves: New growth looks twisted, hooked, or curled.
- Blackened Tips: The very edges of young leaves turn white, then quickly blacken and die.
The Industry Secret: The "Missing" Mineral
Most fertilizers, both dry and liquid, completely skip Calcium. Why? Because it’s a chemical nightmare to keep stable in a concentrated solution. Most manufacturers rely on your irrigation water to deliver Calcium, but tap water is inconsistent and often fails to provide what a hungry, growing plant needs.
The SUNSHINE Boosters: Stable Calcium in Every Bottle
We have successfully stabilized Calcium directly into every single Sunshine Booster formula. Whether you are using Bombino, Robusta, or Megaflor, you are delivering a precise, stable dose of Calcium with every watering. No lockout, no sediment, and no relying on the "luck" of your tap water. Just strong, healthy cell walls and perfect spring growth.
🌿SUNSHINE-Epi: The Year-Round Bio-Regulator
Whether it’s the transition of spring, the extreme heat of summer, or the dry air of indoor wintering, SUNSHINE-Epi is your plant’s primary defense. This natural Brassinosteroid acts as a powerful immune booster, helping plants navigate stress wherever it comes from.
- Universal Stress Shield: Protects against temperature swings (both heat and cold), drought, and transplant shock.
- Vigorous Development: Dramatically improves root growth and speeds up the metabolism of young seedlings and cuttings.
- Eco-Safe: 100% non-toxic to humans, pets, and pollinators.
Note: While Epi is highly effective, it is a performance booster, not a substitute for proper care. It works best when paired with the right light, water, and a consistent feeding program. It won't bring a dead plant back to life, but it will help a struggling one find its footing.
Sunshine: Agreed. My charm covers the delivery cost.
No coupon code required: The free shipping is automatically applied at checkout.
Complete Nutrition: Stock up on Robusta, Superfood, and Epi for the Spring growth push.
❓Frequently Asked Questions: SUNSHINE Boosters™
-
What water should I use for foliar spraying?
Tap water works perfectly for most. However, if your water is very "hard" (leaving white mineral spots on leaves), switch to distilled water for a cleaner finish and better absorption. -
How long does a diluted solution last?
For maximum potency and to avoid nutrient degradation, try to use your diluted mixture within a few hours of preparation. Keep away from direct sun. Fresh is always best! -
Can I use SUNSHINE Boosters as a daily foliar spray?
Yes! You can mist your plants daily to maintain high vigor, but you must reduce the dosage (use half the recommended strength) to avoid over-feeding. -
Can I mix boosters with pesticides or fungicides?
It is best to apply them separately. Mixing fertilizers with chemical pesticides in one tank can trigger reactions that "lock out" nutrients or reduce the efficacy of the treatment. -
Will the liquid stain my patio or hands?
No. Unlike traditional fertilizers with heavy blue or pink dyes, our solutions are clear or very light-colored. If you spill it, simply rinse with water—no stains, no mess. -
Can I mix different SUNSHINE Boosters together in one sprayer?
Yes. All SUNSHINE Boosters are chemically compatible. You can combine a "growth" booster like Robusta with a "micro-element" complex like Superfood in the same water to save time. -
Are these products safe to use around my pets?
Absolutely. Our formulas are 100% non-toxic and amino-acid based. Just ask Smokey and Sunshine—they are perfectly safe for households with curious cats, dogs, and children. -
Can I use these boosters on indoor plants?
Yes. They are ideal for indoor use because they don't produce a "fertilizer smell" and won't cause salt crusting on your decorative pots or furniture. -
Is it safe to use on fruit and vegetables I plan to eat?
Yes. Because our formulas contain no urea, nitrates, or harsh salts, they don't leave a "chemical" aftertaste. They actually help improve the natural sugars and flavor profile of your harvest. -
What is the best temperature for foliar spraying?
Apply when temperatures are below 85°F. Early morning or late evening is best; this allows the leaves to remain wet longer, giving the plant more time to absorb the nutrients.
Smokey: Simple. Spray Sunshine Robusta every five days during active growth.
Sunshine: Five days? Smokey, I barely remember where I left my coffee mug five minutes ago.
Smokey: That is exactly why we use Green Magic.
Sunshine: Fertilizer for forgetful gardeners?
Smokey: Controlled release. Sprinkle once and it feeds the plant for six months.
Sunshine: Six months? I can have a very good nap in that time.
Smokey: Exactly. The plant keeps eating slowly while you keep napping.
Sunshine: Perfect. Remember, I will bring the coffee. You bring the donuts.
Smokey: And next week we will show you exactly how Green Magic works and why plants love it. Stay tuned.