Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 28 Nov 2024

Did you know this about Hoyas?

Hoya calycina - Papua Sweet Scent

😶 Did you know this about Hoyas?



*Wax Plants: Hoyas are often called wax plants because of their thick, glossy leaves and waxy flowers.

*Sweet Scented Blooms: Their star-shaped flowers not only look like candy but also emit sweet, often vanilla-like or chocolatey scents, especially in the evening.

*Epiphytic Nature: Many Hoyas grow as epiphytes in their natural habitats, meaning they live on other plants or trees, getting nutrients from the air and rain.

*Longevity: Hoyas can live for decades and may even be passed down as heirlooms. Some specimens are over 100 years old!

*Nectar Drops: Their blooms produce tiny drops of nectar, a treat for pollinators (and sometimes houseplant owners).

*Hundreds of Species: There are over 500 species of Hoyas, ranging from tiny-leafed varieties to ones with massive leaves or even fuzzy foliage.

*Sun-Loving Flowers: While the plants tolerate lower light, Hoyas flower best with bright, indirect light or even some direct sun.

*Low-Maintenance: They’re perfect for forgetful gardeners since they prefer to dry out between waterings.

*Climbing or Trailing: Hoyas can either climb with the help of trellises or cascade beautifully as trailing plants.

*Flowering Age: Hoyas are patient! Some won’t bloom until they’re a few years old, but the wait is worth it.

*Resilient Peduncles: Never cut off the “flower stems” (peduncles) - Hoyas rebloom from the same spot year after year.

*Exotic Origins: Native to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, they thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.

*Lucky Charm: In some cultures, Hoyas are considered symbols of love and are gifted as housewarming or wedding presents.

🎥 Hoya calycina - Papua Sweet Scent was discovered in Papua New Guinea in 1913. The flower is very fragrant and can infuse your entire house in a beautiful lilac scent.

😍 Do you have a favorite Hoya species in mind? Share in comments!

📚 More from previous post:


Our favorite houseplants - hoyas

🛒 Shop hoya plants

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Fun_facts

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Date: 27 Nov 2024

Why is Jujube Tree called the Tree of Happiness?

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba) fruit

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba) fruit

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba)

Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba)

🙂 Why is Jujube Tree called the Tree of Happiness?

  • 😇 The Jujube Tree (Ziziphus jujuba) is often called the "Tree of Happiness" and is one of the #Nature_wonders.
  • 😇 Nutritious Fruit: The Jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba) produces small, sweet, and slightly tangy fruits that are enjoyed by both children and adults.
  • 😇 Hardy and Easy: This small, spreading tree with drooping branches grows quickly and thrives in poor, dry, and even moderately saline soils. It requires minimal care to flourish.
  • 😇 Medicinal Uses: Every part of the Jujube tree, from its leaves to its bark and fruit, has medicinal properties. The fruit is known for its stress-relieving and immunity-boosting benefits.
  • 😇 Thousands of Years in cultivation: Widely cultivated in China and India, jujubes have been grown for over 4,000 years. China has more jujube trees than any other type of fruit tree.
  • 😇 Symbolism:


    - The name Ziziphus comes from the Persian zizfum or Arabic zizouf.
    - The tree is associated with Ziziphus spina-christi, the Christ's Thorn Jujube, which provided the thorns for the biblical crown of thorns.
    - In Indian legends, the Jujube tree is said to be blessed with a boon: no matter how badly it is cut, it will never die, and a single root will cause it to regrow.
    - Revered in India, the Jujube is known as the "Tree which removes sorrow" and is often offered to the god Siva.
  • 😇 Greek Mythology: Some horticulturists draw a comparison between the Jujube tree and the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Like Sisyphus' boulder that endlessly rolls back down, the Jujube tree regrows tirelessly, symbolizing resilience, perseverance, and renewal.


📚 Learn more:


The tree of Happiness that removes sorrow

🛒 Plant Jujubу - Tree of Happiness

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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Date: 2 Dec 2024

Cyber Monday Week Specials

Cyber Monday Week Specials

Cyber Monday Week Specials



🐈 This week only, we are offering rare plants at unbeatable prices - including exclusive varieties we usually never discount! Don't miss your chance to add these unique treasures to your collection at a fraction of the cost, including selected superior varieties of Avocado and Olive trees!

🐶 But hurry, these deals won't last long! Check out our Cyber Deals to see which rare finds are available for Cyber Monday Week only, while supplies last. Plus, enjoy free and discounted shipping to sweeten the deal!

🛒 Shop Cyber Deals

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Date: 6 Dec 2024

What are the best varieties of Lychee Tree?

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - fruit on a tree

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - fruit on a tree

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - fruit

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - fruit

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - fruit

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - fruit

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - tree

Lychee (Litchi sinensis) - tree

💖 What are the best varieties of Lychee Tree?

  • 🍓 The three most popular Lychee varieties are Brewster, Mauritius, and Sweetheart (sometimes referred to as Hak Ip). Brewster and Mauritius are the most reliable producers and are commonly used commercially, while Sweetheart is more of a backyard specialty. Although it produces fewer fruits, the fruit are significantly larger than other varieties.
  • 🍓 Brewster: Medium to large, round fruit and a sweet, slightly tart flavor, Brewster is highly productive and ideal for fresh eating.
  • Mauritius: Medium to large, round fruit with thick skin. It has a sweet, delicate flavor and is one of the earliest varieties to ripen.
    Choose Brewster or Mauritius if you want a reliable producer with an average fruit size.
  • 🍓 Sweetheart: True to its name, Sweetheart is prized for its exceptional sweetness. It has the largest fruit of all varieties, with a thick rind and juicy, flavorful interior.
  • Some growers consider Hak Ip to be just another trade name for Sweetheart, although it is sometimes marketed as a separate variety.
    Opt for Sweetheart if you prefer larger fruit but don't mind a smaller harvest.
  • 🍓 Keep in mind that Lychee trees typically produce every other year, with heavy crop years alternating with low production years or no fruit at all.


📚 Learn more from previous post:


What is the best fruit in the world? How to grow your own Lychee tree.

🛒 Shop Lychee varieties

#Food_Forest

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Date: 5 Dec 2024

This is why its called Heaven Lotus Tree - fragrant and edible!

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, flower

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, flower

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, tree

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, tree

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, flower

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, flower

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, flower close-up

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, flower close-up

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, fruit

Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus, fruit

💐 This is why it's called Heaven Lotus Tree - fragrant and edible!

  • Gustavia augusta - Heaven Lotus - is a stunning, small tropical tree from Brazil that looks like it stepped right out of a tropical paradise. The spectacular, perfumed flowers resembling Lotus are as beautiful as they are unique.
  • These large, striking blooms with white-and pink petals and a magic sweet fragrance are so eye-catching that the central crown almost looks good enough to eat!
  • Straight, often unbranched trunk, with a single cluster of leaves at the top, gives it a palm-like vibe. As it grows older, it may sprout a few large branches, each with its own leafy crown. The leaves are huge - no other tree around has leaves quite as big, except maybe a palm. They're long, narrow at the base, and broad at the top, making them a real showstopper.
  • The rounded, pear-shaped fruit grow directly on the trunk (a trait called cauliflory, see earlier post) and contains delicious yellowish-orange pulp that can be boiled and resemble meat in taste. The leaves, when boiled into a decoction, are said to cure intoxication.
  • Truly an exciting, one-of-a-kind tree, a gem for collectors! Can be grown in containers.


🛒 Enjoy your own Heaven Lotus Tree

#Container_Garden #Trees #Nature_Wonders #Perfume_Plants

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