Happy 4th of July from the tropics! Whether you're staying local or
escaping for the long weekend, it's the perfect time to enjoy your garden, start
something new, or grab that plant you've been eyeing. Red Desert Roses, white fragrant Gardenias and
Jasmines, rare Blue
Ginger - tropical blooms are showing off right now, and we are
celebrating with a hot summer sale: 20% off everything with code HAPPY4TH25,
plus extra savings on combined DEALS and
BOGO! Add some color to your summer and let your garden do the
fireworks!
Use the code below to save 20% on your entire
order:
In the photo above: Bauhinia madagascariensis, Red Butterfly Orchid Tree - dazzles with
bright red flowers striped in gold. A rare, fast-growing tropical that brings
serious color to your garden, it is one of the most striking Orchid trees you
can grow. It thrives in sun and rewards with nonstop color.
When northern gardens fade into gray, our tropicals wake up. Winter is
color season here - and even if you live up north, you can still enjoy these
same flowering trees indoors or on a sunny patio.
From the fiery Royal
Poinciana to the golden Tabebuia and
violet Jacaranda,
these eight trees prove that winter can bloom anywhere
How to Care for Winter-Flowering Trees
We're often asked, at Top Tropicals, “Can I really grow tropical
trees in winter?”
Yes — with the right light and care, you can.
Here’s what works best both outdoors and indoors, according to our
expert, Tatiana Anderson.
🌡️ Fall Planting Guide
Let’s talk about timing, because that’s the part most people
get nervous about.
Everyone asks: “Isn’t it too cool to plant now?” —
and the answer is no!
Fall and early winter are actually the best months for tropicals in Zones 9
to 11.
Here’s why: the air has cooled off, but the soil is still warm.
Roots love that combination. They quietly spread underground while the rest
of
the plant takes a break.
By spring, those roots are ready to feed a burst of new growth — and
that’s when you’ll see the first big flush of flowers.
Pick a sunny spot that gets plenty of light — six to eight hours
if you can.
Loosen the soil and mix in compost or pine bark so it drains well.
Dig a hole about twice as wide as the pot and just as deep.
Set the plant level with the ground, backfill, and water it deeply to
settle everything in.
Then add mulch — two or three inches is plenty — but keep it
away from the trunk so it can breathe.
Tatiana’s tip: “Fall planting builds roots while everyone
else is resting. By spring, your tree wakes up ready to grow.”
🌳 Outdoor Care (Warm Climates Zones 9–11)
Now, let’s talk about what happens after planting — because
real gardening starts once the plant is yours. Tropical trees thrive on
routine: steady sunlight, deep watering, and just a bit of attention.
Water them about once a week when the weather is mild, more often if
it’s dry or windy.
Always check the soil first — if it feels dry two inches down, go
ahead and water.
Mulch helps more than most people realize — it keeps roots cool in
summer and warm in winter, and it saves you from watering as often.
Now, for those of you in Zone 9, here’s the truth: your trees can
take a chill, but they don’t love surprises.
A quick night in the upper 20s F won’t hurt mature plants, but young
ones appreciate a little help — a frost cloth or being planted at the
south side.
And don’t underestimate the wind. Cold, dry gusts can burn leaves
faster than frost.
Use fences, hedges, or taller shrubs as windbreaks, and take advantage of
microclimates — those warm pockets next to the house, brick patios, or
corners that get extra afternoon sun.
Tatiana’s tip: “A tropical garden in Zone 9 isn’t
about fighting nature — it’s about cooperating with it. Find the
warm corners, protect from the cold wind, and your trees will thank you with
flowers all winter.”
🏚️ Indoor & Patio Care (Cooler Climates)
For our northern friends — yes, you can grow tropicals indoors!
You just need good light, warm air, and a little attention.
Pick a large pot, with drainage holes and a light tropical soil mix.
Place it in a bright window — south or southwest if you can —
or under grow lights for about 12–14 hours a day.
Keep temperatures between 65 and 85 F, and water when the top inch of soil
dries out.
Misting helps keep leaves clean and adds humidity.
Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so all sides get sun. In summer, move
your plant outdoors gradually so it can enjoy real sunlight — then
bring it back in before nights drop below 40 F.
Tatiana’s tip: “Don’t be afraid of growing trees in
pots. They adapt beautifully — just select the right trees and pay
attention to their needs.”
Aquarius - 1/22 -
2/18.
Aquarius is an AIR sign ruled by odd-ball Uranus.
The water-bearer's plants will often grow in unusual places and may vary in
appearance. They often have purple or blue flowers, or may have unusual
colors.
The most healing and beneficial plants for Aquarius are the ones that help
circulation, relax the nervous system, or promote inspiration. When Uranus
was discovered, it replaced Mercury as ruler of Aquarius. Physiologically,
Uranus rules the bioelectrical impulses that power the body's nervous system
(nervous tension and nervous exhaustion brought on by powerful changes in the
environment are related to both Mercury and Uranus). Physically, Aquarius
rules the lower legs, the calves, and the ankles, and the electrical impulses
that travel through the body's nervous system. The nervous system itself is
ruled by Mercury, and Uranus is said to be a "higher octave" of Mercury. Since
Uranus was discovered after the correspondences with plants had been
established, the herbs used in Aquarius are Mercury herbs. Always difficult to
pinpoint, quirky Aquarius appreciates the unusual and complex flavor of star anise. Use this star-shaped spice when you wish to bring happy
surprises into your life.
Plant Horoscope. Sagittarius Zodiac lucky plants: Fig and Baobab
Sagittarius
- 11/22 - 12/21. Sagittarius is a FIRE sign
that is ruled by the large and optimistic planet Jupiter.
Archer's plants tend to be large in size and fairly
conspicuous, with a pleasant odor. They may have large, or
elongated leathery leaves and showy flowers.
The best plants for Sagittarius will support the body's
largest glandular organ, the liver. The planet Jupiter
also rules the hips, thighs, lower spine, and the
autonomic nervous system, as well as the process of growth
and preservation. Herbs related to Jupiter have
traditionally been used to treat lower back problems
(including sciatica and lumbago), arthritis, and
rheumatism. Herbs with a high silica content are related
to Sagittarius (they promote a positive frame of mind), as
are plants with large taproots and trees that produce
fruit and nuts. Illnesses of Jupiter are said to arise
from immoderate consumption. Basil is an herb that's both
expansive and cheerful - just like Sagittarius - and its
reputation as a money attractor resonates with this sign's
generous nature as well. Use this happy herb when you want
to infuse your life with fun and prosperity!
Large Grafted Mango Trees - Plant Now Before
Winter!
"Next Time We'll Specify - A TREE!" - Smokey and
Sunshine Plant a Giant Mango
🌡️ Why plant now?
Fall is the perfect time to plant tropical fruit trees. The
soil is still warm, the air is mild, and your trees can quietly build strong
roots. By spring, they’ll already be settled and ready to grow
fast.
Imagine walking outside next summer and picking your own
mangoes from a tree you planted this fall!
How to Care for Winter-Flowering Trees
