We got a letter that we must share!

To the folks at Top Tropicals,
This is not really a question, more of a statement of gratitude. Top Tropicals has been my go to resource for everything tropical plant related for more than a decade... You have always been a source of information, knowledge and of course, beautiful plants. And now, more than ever, in these stressful times, I find myself returning to the world of plants that I love so much. Staying out of the public and away from friends and familiar places is hard on many of us. I guess they are calling it "social distancing" and I understand the sensibility of it all. So I take great comfort in spending relaxing time with my other friends and family, my plants. The weather is getting warmer, Spring is in the air, and I choose to not worry about things I can't change and instead I will devote time, energy and love to my special plants. Thank you Top Tropicals for being there for all of us gardeners and plant lovers. I look forward to browsing your newsletters each week to see pictures of the People Cats and to pick out my next best friend!
Sincerely, Becky M. - Woodland Hills, CA

Datura: a fragrant treat for tropical or indoor garden

Q: A few years ago I purchased Datura from you and it was doing well. As a matter of fact I took cuttings and propagated new plants. Now they have markings on the leaves and I do not know what it is. Any remedy?

A: Generally, Datura is a bi-annual plant, unlike its close relative perennial Brugmansia that grows for many years. Which means, Datura is short-lived (2-3 years maximum for the same plant) although it seeds easily and is a very fast grower, reaching from seedling to 4-5 ft size in a matter of couple months.
At this time of the year, markings on the leaves may be a result of normal aging (the plant may already exhausted its natural cycle) in combination with a cool weather that affects the leaves and overall look.
Here at Top Tropicals we especially love this plant and keep up with propagating new plants every few months. Propagation may be by means of seeds or cuttings, but seeds are always better for stronger, longer-lasting Datura specimens. A lot of times you will notice little baby seedlings around the Mother plant, even if you think all seeds has been harvested.
Just continue growing younger plants from seeds, and Datura will always be with you in your garden to bring you joy of showy scented flowers. It makes a great houseplant too!

Read more about Datura...

The Rolls Royce of House Plants: Medinilla

...This is an extremely showy tropical plant with bunches of bright pink blooms that will flower for months on end. What a stunning and colorful plant! Showy should be its middle name. It is one of those plants that truly evokes feelings of elegance and drama...
Medinilla apoensis - Philippine Pink is particularly rare and hard to find in the trade. The flowers on this particular Medinilla is not hidden underneath so it is not necessary to grow it in a hanging basket like so many other species. It is a tall upright grower that will flower throughout the summer. For all you obsessed collectors out there, do not hesitate. This Medinilla is not in many US collections. The plants we have right now are at least 1-1.5 feet tall and are blooming size. Wink wink ;)

Jack-edak - Cheena

...While pure Jackfruits develop bulbs which are somewhat larger by comparison, those of the Jackfruit/Chempedak hybrid Cheena (which I call "Jack-edak"), are more numerous and have a much smaller ratio of inedible "packing material" around them than the pure Jackfruits. They're also easier to cut open, having much less dripping latex than regular Jackfruits. The tightly packed bulbs are tender, juicy, and basically fiber-less, having a flavor we find very similar to really good Sugar Apples, yet even richer and more complex. My son has used it for making what several friends have described as the best chutney of all-time!..

Trimming Mussaenda bush

Q: My wife and I bought a Dona Evangelina from you this year. It thriving and has grown to 6-8 ft. It has become top-heavy and in wind, it falls over. Main stems have split twice but still continues to grow. I usually prune Dona Luz back to 3-4 ft and am wondering how much you would advise me to lop off your plant. Any advise will be appreciated.

A: Mussaendas, indeed, have very fragile stems that break often, especially in Florida wind storms. The good news is, these plants grow vigorously once established.
You did a good job trying to tie together the split stems and in fact, cracks do grow back together as long as the dressing is tight. Try to use green tape or even electric tape to tighten the broken spot.
However, do such repairs only if it is critical for a plant. When possible, simply cut off the broken branch and give the plant a chance to grow a new stronger branch. You may trim the bush pretty short. Mussaendas respond well to pruning which promotes more side growth and makes the plant bushier.
Keep in mind that during cold weather, Mussaenda may drop all leaves and go into dormancy until spring.

RECOMMENDED FERTILIZERS:
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster