In the photos: Typical Scorpio cat Sonya, born 11-4-2010.
How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of
birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for
cats...More >>
Love all around them, be
they cats, other animals, or humans...
Scorpio Cats exhibit a profound passion for life and love, extending not
only to their own romantic affairs but also to the relationships of those
around them, be they cats, other animals, or humans. These feline individuals
thrive on being intricately involved in everything...
Scorpio Cats are inclined to assert dominance in any situation...
Scorpio Cats are known for their intense focus. Once they set their
sights on something, they pursue it relentlessly, demonstrating fearlessness and
a confrontational spirit...
One of the most distinctive traits of Scorpio Cats is their unwavering
fidelity and loyalty. You've heard stories of cats separated from their
families who travel miles to get back to them? They were probably all
Scorpios!..
Scorpio Cats harbor a fondness for tall flowering shrubs and fragrant
creepers with large blossoms. They possess a unique connection to scents, and
while ordinary cats may recoil from potent odors, Scorpio Cats exhibit a
particular affinity for select aromatic plants. For instance, while most cats are drawn to Catnip
(Nepeta cataria) and Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), Scorpio Cats go wild
for the fragrances of
Patchouli and
Chinese Perfume Plant (Aglaia odorata). Even female perfumes containing oils
from these plants bring the Scorpio Cat bliss, as they savor the scent and
affectionately attend to the "mistress" of this aroma...
Plumeria
Orange KLS stands out with a rare mix of five colors - peach, yellow,
orange, white, and crimson - all blending into one vivid bloom. Fragrant and
eye-catching, it’s a truly unique plumeria.
Practical Growing Tips (Keep It Simple)
Sun: Full sun is key. 6+ hours daily for best
blooms.
Soil: Fast-draining mix. In pots, use cactus mix or add
perlite and sand. The best soil for Plumerias is a
50:50 mix of
Abundance potting soil with coarse sand.
Watering: Water well, then let soil dry out before
watering again.
Containers: Excellent for pots. Easier control and
mobility.
Airflow: Good airflow keeps plants healthy and
clean.
Spacing: Give each plant room - better shape and more
flowers.
Blooming plumeria plants in pots after rain.
Winter Care (Very Important)
Temperature: Protect from freeze. Below 40F they need
protection.
Dormancy: Leaves drop in winter. This is normal.
Watering: Almost dry during dormancy.
Indoors: Move containers inside if frost is
expected.
Light: Bright spot is enough. No need for full sun in
dormancy.
No feeding: Do not fertilize during winter rest.
Restart: Resume watering when new growth appears in
spring.
Potted plumeria in bloom.
About Plumeria Rust (Florida Reality)
If you are growing plumerias in Florida, you will likely see plumeria rust
at some point. It shows up as orange powdery spots on the
underside of leaves and can cause leaves to yellow and drop early. It is
driven by high humidity and is most common in the fall, right before the
plant naturally starts dropping its leaves.
It looks alarming, but it is mostly a cosmetic issue and does not harm the
plant long term. Good airflow, full sun, and avoiding overhead watering help
reduce it. If needed, you can remove affected leaves or use a simple
fungicide (in our experience, the most effective one for Plumeria rust is
Southern Ag Garden Friendly Fungicide), but in most cases the plant
grows
right through it and comes back clean with fresh growth.
White and
Yellow Plumerias are the most fragrant.
Plumeria Fragrance - Bring It Anywhere
That scent does not have to stay in the garden. Fresh plumeria flowers can
be brought inside and placed in a small bowl of water they will float and
gently perfume the room. You can make a simple lei, keep a few blooms
on a table, or even place a flower in your car on a hot day - the warmth
releases the fragrance.
Bowl with Plumeria flowers
creates a scented space anywhere
Red Plumeria is not just fragrant, it is one of the
most spectacular trees when in full bloom
Build Your Plumeria Paradise - Save
10%
Get 10% off with coupon code PLUMERIA2026
on plumeria trees.
Offer valid through 04/15/2026.
Discount applies to plumeria plants only. Not valid on previous purchases
and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Offer
subject to change without notice.
Date: 12 Jan 2025
How to protect tropical plants in Winter
Winter tips and podcast
Photo above: wrapping plants with frost cloth
Winter can be tough on plants, especially on tropical varieties. But with a little preparation, you can protect your garden and keep your plants safe from the cold. Here's how:
Winter Care Tips for Tropical Plants
Cut watering: Reduce watering to prevent root rot. Cold + wet = dead roots.
Water before frost: Thirsty plants are more vulnerable. Water them before a cold night to prevent damage.
Wind protection: Wind is more harmful than temperature drops. Plant near structures like houses or trees for shelter.
Prepare for long cold periods: If cold weather lasts for hours, use all available protection, including Christmas lights and propane heaters.
Don't use dry fertilizer in winter: Heavy fertilizing encourages tender growth, which is more susceptible to cold damage. Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are safe to use year around as their intake is controlled by reduced watering. Use fabric covers, not plastic: Plastic can cook plants in the sun, while fabric allows better ventilation.
Photo above: we cover our plants in the nursery with a thin synthetic fabric (sintepon) called "frost cloth" or "strawberry cloth". It is light, breathable and allows light and water to go through unlike plastic that creates heavy water pockets.
Prepare for Cold Nights
Wrap plants: On cold nights, cover individual plants or trees with sheets or blankets to shield them from wind chill.
Use Christmas lights: A simple string of lights can add extra warmth, protecting your plants during frosty nights.
Use propane heaters: For added warmth in a larger area, place a propane heater near your plants. Make sure to follow safety guidelines and keep the heater at a safe distance from flammable materials. This can help maintain a few extra degrees of warmth, especially in more open garden spaces or temporary greenhouses. Always ensure proper ventilation to avoid harmful gas buildup.
Photo above: we use both propane and kerosene heaters at the nursery
Large Collections? Build a Temporary Greenhouse
Affordable winter greenhouse: For large plant collections, you don't need an expensive greenhouse. A mobile carport with plastic or fabric covering, costing around $200, can house up to 100 plants!
Photo above: Temporary wrapping around plant collection with a plastic or frost cloth protects from a windchill. It may also win you a few degrees even without a heater. In this particular case, according to our temp sensors, with 30F outside, it was 41F inside this "dome", no heaters used.
Southern Exposure and Garage Storage
Southern windowsills: Compact tropicals can thrive on southern-facing windowsills, getting plenty of sunlight during the day.
Move plants inside: If you have larger collections, move them into a well-lit garage for the colder nights or longer periods.
Photo above: using Christmas lights around plants while wrapping with frost cloth.
Key Factors for Survival
Cold duration: Tropical plants can survive brief cold spells but long durations, even above freezing, can be deadly.
Wind-chill: Wind chill can be harsher than the temperature itself.
Exposure: Southern-facing slopes hold heat longer, making them ideal for your plants.
Humidity: Proximity to lakes or oceans can create a milder micro-climate.
Gradual temperature Drops are safer. Plants adjust better to slow temperature changes than sudden cold blasts. Gradual cooling allows plants to prepare, reducing the risk of damage.
Strengthen Plant Hardiness
Health and maturity: Well-established, healthy plants are more cold-hardy. Boost plant immunity: Use products like SUNSHINE-Epi to improve cold resistance. Apply it before and during cold snaps to protect your plants. Healthy plant is hardy. Make sure to fertilize your plants on regular basis - healthier and stronger plants are more cold hardy.
With these steps, you can protect your plants and help them survive the winter months. Stay
warm and keep your garden thriving!
Podcast with Horticulturist Mark Hooten:
How to Protect Tropical Plants in Winter
TopTropicals.com - the World's leading authority on tropical plants - is now in Telegram. If you grow a tropical garden or indoor collection of rare plants, this is your channel!
Join to get exclusive updates on tropical gardening:
Fun Facts and Nature Wonders 🌺 How to make your plants flower and stay happy 🥭 How to get the biggest fruit crop 🏆 Sweepstakes and Contests Butterfly and Container Garden Food Forest ⚜️ Perfume Plants 🍲 Exotic Recipes and Remedies ...and of course, your favorite - 🐾 PeopleCats in the Garden!
Q:
I have recently moved from New Jersey to Florida (Orlando
area) and I am so excited to start my own Tropical
Paradise Garden! A few years ago I visited Hawaii and saw
many beautiful colorful Bougainvilleas as well as fragrant
Frangipani. Do they grow well in Florida? These are
flowers of my dream!
A:
Both Bougainvillea and Plumeria grow well in most
parts of Florida, especially South and Southwest.
Bougainvillea can tolerate some light freeze and can be
seen in the streets of Central Florida (young plants
require some cold protection for the first year), so it is
a very good candidate for your new garden. Keep in mind
that unlike in Hawaii, where they bloom year around,
Bougainvilleas tend to have a distinctive flowering season
which in Florida is winter time - these plants enjoy dry
weather that triggers their bloom. To enjoy Bright
bougainvillea flowers for a long time, apply balanced fertilizer, prune
regularly (this promotes flowering on new growth) and keep
established plants on a dry side. Dwarf cultivar Pixie is super compact and
can be grown in pots or in a small garden without any
pruning! See photo of Pixie on the left. Plumerias, all-time perfume
favorites and symbols of Hawaii, are also residents of
many gardens and collections throughout state of Florida.
Their cold hardiness is close to the one of Bougainvillea,
however keep young plants protected from frost. There are
also many new exciting cultivars including multiple
"rainbow" colors, and several dwarf varieties, some of
them are evergreen - Plumeria obtusa. Plumerias
are very undemanding and can stay happy and blooming in a
pot and without regular watering. Give them as much sun as
possible, and enjoy the fragrance for many months!
Practical Growing Tips (Keep It Simple)
Winter Care (Very Important)
Build Your Plumeria Paradise - Save
10%
