💕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.
Valentine Day Gift Card Bonus
To make Valentines Day a little sweeter, we are offering a special gift
card bonus for a limited time.
When you purchase a gift card, we add 15% extra
value. Just add Valentine greeting in gift card message field.
For example, a $100 gift card becomes $115 to spend.
Offer valid through 02/15/2026.
The bonus value is not valid with other promotions or discounts. Gift
cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards. Bonus value is added at
the
time of purchase.
Vanilla planifolia Vine, Flower, and Cured Vanilla
Beans
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:
Vanilla dilloniana in Bloom - Rare Florida Native
Orchid
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.
Sunshine: I'm blazing into the 2026 Year of the Horse! Call me
Mister Fahrenheit. Don't stop me now! 'Cause I'm having a good time —
I'm a shooting star, leaping through the sky like a tiger, defying
the laws of gravity! 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.
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.
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top
Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help
Adenium Plant Facts
Botanical name: Adenium sp. Also known as: Adenium, Desert Rose, Impala Lily
USDA Zone: 9 - 10
Highligths
Adeniums blooming inside the Top Tropicals greenhouse
during the record freeze of February 2026 - protected from the cold, kept
above 40F, and fed with liquid Sunshine
Megaflor. They responded with a spectacular, synchronized winter bloom.
Quite a surprize!
✅ Simple rules that actually make them bloom and grow well
Light - The more light, the better the growth and
flowering. Full sun is ideal, but in very hot climates, filtered
bright light keeps plants looking healthier.
Water - Water well, then let soil dry on the surface.
Sitting in wet soil damages roots, but letting plants dry
out too often can push them into early dormancy.
Pot and shaping - Use a shallow pot with excellent
drainage. To
develop a sculptural caudex, lift the plant slightly each time you repot and
remove some of the
top soil so upper roots become exposed. Over time, this creates a thicker,
more prominent base.
Healthy adeniums start with the right foundation - a
fast-draining soil mix and careful watering only when
dry to avoid caudex rot.
Cold hardiness - Adeniums are tropical and do not
tolerate frost. Keep above 40 F. Brief drops to mid 30s may be tolerated if
dry, but cold and wet conditions can damage or kill the plant. In cooler
climates, bring indoors or
protect during cold nights.
Indoor winter care - Move plants indoors before cold
nights. Place in the brightest spot possible, ideally a south-facing window.
Or use
additional lighting. Water very lightly and less often, as growth slows. Do
not fertilize during dormancy. Some
leaf drop is normal in winter.
Freshly grafted adeniums in
dormancy - a crucial resting phase. Keep watering low (once a month) and
avoid overcare; this is the time to let them rest and etablish.
Feeding - Adeniums respond best to liquid fertilizer.
We apply Sunshine
Megaflor Booster with each watering throughout the year. During
dormancy, watering is reduced, so fertilizer use decreases accordingly.
Consistent, light feeding promotes strong roots, a thicker caudex, and
improved
flowering.
Pruning - For multiple blooms, regular pruning is
essential. After flowering, cut back long or leggy growth to stimulate
branching. Each new branch can produce more buds, leading to a much fuller
bloom in the next cycle.
Pruned vs. unpruned - the difference is clear. The four plants on the left
were trimmed 6 months ago, while the two on the right were not. Same
species,
very different results.
These Adeniums are screaming for pruning so they can bush out and produce
more blooms
Date: 7 Mar 2026
SUNSHINE
Boosters: The Professional Advantage
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top
Tropicals with
Smokey & Sunshine help
Sunshine Boosters for different types of plants
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
Schlumbergera - Christmas cactus - after boosting
flowers with Sunshine
Megaflor
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.
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.
Don't
let your garden wake up to an empty nutrition plate.
Smokey: Save your gas money for donuts. We're
shipping the boosters for free. 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.
Offer
valid through 03/14/2026. Free shipping offer is valid on
SUNSHINE Boosters liquid products only. Not valid on previous purchases and
cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, or discounts. Offer
subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Sunshine Boosters micro
elements and supplements - Superfood micro-element complex, Sunshine Epi
biostimulant and Sunshine Honey supplement for better fruit
❓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.
What Fertilizer to Use and How?
Green
Magic controlled release fertilizer keeps plants green during active
growth season - apply only once in 6 months.
Sunshine: Smokey, you saved my coffee tree. But what do I
do now so it stays happy?
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.