Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 4 May 2024

How to find a plant name? Try Plant ID from TopTropicals - we know them all!

How to find a plant name? Try Plant ID from TopTropicals - we know them all!
How to find a plant name? Try Plant ID from TopTropicals - we know them all!

📷 Submit a picture of your mystery plant in comments to this post and we will put the name to it!

Lost in the jungle of unknown flora? Fear not! At TopTropicals, we're your guides through Nature's mysteries. Share a snapshot, and we'll unveil the identity of that mysterious plant in your garden.

  • 🔹 Captured a cool looking flower but don't know what it is?
  • 🔹 Own a rare plant but lost a tag?
  • 🔹 Simply want to be "know-it-all" and impress others with your plant knowledge?


We can help! At TopTropicals we know all the Tropicals.

In the photos above: Citoria ternatea, Strongylodon macrobotrys, Aetanthus nodosus, Cananga fruticosa, Butea monosperma.

Subscribe to always ID your plants:
🏵 TopTropicals - We Grow Happiness

Date: 6 May 2024

What are the health benefits of Gardening?

What are the health benefits of Gardening?
What are the health benefits of Gardening?

Therapeutic effect of gardening is not just a modern discovery. Throughout history, various cultures have recognized the mental and physical benefits of gardening...

🏺 In ancient Egypt, physicians prescribed walks through gardens for patients struggling with mental health issues.

🕯 During the Middle Ages in Europe, monastery gardens were designed not only for sustenance but also for meditation and relaxation.

🔮 Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.

😅 The physical activity involved in gardening also provides exercise, contributing to overall health.

🌳 So, whether you're tending to a small indoor herb garden or cultivating a vast outdoor plot, the act of gardening can be a powerful tool for both mental and physical wellness.

🛒 Shop tropical spice plants and herbs

#Edible_Forest #Remedies

🏵 TopTropicals

Date: 9 May 2024

How to get a HUGE crop

How to get a HUGE crop
🍇 How to get a HUGE crop of grapes, like in this post, or any other fruit crop?👆

🍝 Your answer is SUNSHINE C-Cibus - eco-friendly concentrated nutrition booster for fruiting plants.

  • 🟢 Helps to produce strong growth, high yield, larger fruit size.

  • 🟢 Improves quantity and quality of flowers and ability to set fruit. Encourages profuse blooming and reduces bud-flower-fruit drop.

  • 🟢 Can be used as often as with every watering and year around.

  • 🟢 Scientifically-balanced stable formula is organic Amino-acid based and has NO EDTA chelators to eliminate nutrients lockup; it does not affect crop taste.

  • 🟢 Great for edibles! Based on Organic Amino Acids.

  • 🟢 Pollinating insects friendly!

🐞🐝

🛒Get food for your Grape Vines

#Edible_Forest #Fertilizers #How_to

🏵 TopTropicals

Date: 10 May 2024

5 best plant gift ideas for any occasion

These plants are large, developed and beautiful NOW!

Chonemorpha  fragrans  -  Frangipani  vine

The Chonemorpha fragrans, also known as the Frangipani vine, is truly a botanical marvel. With its exquisite clusters of perfume-fragrant, large flowers and lush green foliage, this vine captivates with its beauty and charm. Not only does it adorn gardens with its elegant presence, but its intoxicating scent also fills the air, creating a sensory delight for anyone nearby. The leaves, reaching up to 12 inches in size, further enhance its appeal. As a large, woody vine, it requires sturdy support such as a fence or robust structure to thrive, adding to its majestic presence in any garden landscape or indoor setting.


Bunchosia  argentea  -  Peanut  Butter  Tree

Bunchosia argentea - Peanut Butter Tree - gets its name because its small fruits taste like peanut butter. Isn't that cool? This attractive small tree has clusters of yellow flowers that are followed by an abundance of dark red fruit. The rich, sweet flesh has a texture very similar to peanut butter. Yes, it tastes exactly like peanut butter! Sweet, soft pulp with a peanut flavor. One of the most fascinating exotic fruits, as amazing as Miracle fruit, Peanut Butter Fruit is loved by both kids and adults. The tree is small in size, grows only 10-15 ft, or can be kept as a bush. It starts fruiting within 2-3 years from seed! Keep it in a pot if you have limited space; it can be grown indoors, too. Very rare in cultivation.


Magnolia  Michelia  figo  -  Banana  Magnolia

Magnolia figo commonly known as the Banana Magnolia, is a botanical wonder. Its creamy yellow, banana-shaped flowers release a sweet, fruity fragrance that fills the air with a delightful aroma (slightly resembling banana), making it a standout among flowering shrubs. The glossy, deep green foliage provides an elegant backdrop to the striking blooms, further enhancing its visual appeal. Growing up to 10 feet tall, this dense and bushy evergreen shrub or a small tree adds a touch of sophistication to any landscape, whether as a focal point in a garden bed or a graceful accent in a container. As a very cold-hardy tropical plant, it thrives in zones as low as zone 8. Great container plant.


Cattley  Guava  tree,  Psidium  littorale

The Cattley Guava, scientifically known as Psidium littorale, is a delightful small tropical fruit tree that adds both beauty and flavor to any landscape. With its pretty round fruits - miniature guavas - this tree offers a unique culinary experience. The fruits boast a sweet and tangy flavor, making them perfect for jams, jellies, and desserts. You can make lots of guava juice just out of one tree! Cattley Guava is not only a tropical delight but also surprisingly cold-hardy plant. Great container fruit tree.


Gardenia  (Kailarsenia)  vietnamensis  -  Vietnamese  Gardenia

Kailarsenia vietnamensis - Vietnamese Gardenia, is a stunning botanical treasure. It stands out for its large, fragrant flowers and remarkable ease of cultivation. Unlike most gardenias that can be not easy to grow, this variety demonstrates resilience, tolerating overwatering, poor soils, and showcasing exceptional cold hardiness. The flowers are like beautiful artworks, and they give off a lovely smell that fills the air. Whether grown in containers or planted directly in the ground, this bushy beauty thrives, offering versatility and charm to any garden or indoor setting. Learn more about Vietnamese Gardenia.

Date: 26 May 2024

How to grow Bottle brush trees

Callistemon  -  Bottle  Brush  Tree

Q: Please recommend me a cold hardy flowering tree that doesn't need much care.

A: Growing bottle brush trees (Callistemon spp.) can be a rewarding experience, as they are known for their striking, brush-like flowers and ability to attract pollinators. Here are some detailed tips to help you successfully grow and maintain these trees.

Hardiness

Bottle brush trees are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 8-11. They thrive in warm climates and can tolerate some light frost, but severe cold can damage or kill the plant.

Planting Location

Sunlight: Bottle brush trees require full sun to thrive. Ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil. While they are relatively tolerant of poor soil conditions, a sandy or loamy
Space: Consider the mature size of the tree when planting. Some species can grow quite large, so provide enough space for them to spread without being crowded by other plants or structures.

Attracting Pollinators

Bottle brush trees are popular with pollinators. Their bright, nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, particularly hummingbirds. This makes them an excellent choice for a garden designed to support local wildlife.

Blooming and Fertilization

Bottle brush trees typically bloom in late spring to early summer. However, in mild climates, they may have sporadic blooms throughout the year.
Fertilization: While bottle brush trees do not require heavy fertilization, applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can promote healthier growth and more abundant blooms. Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. During the year, use |find_name=Sunshine Boosters Megaflor(Sunshine Megaflor)| - it is safe to use with every watering, year around.

Watering

During the establishment period, keep the soil moist. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells.

Pruning

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. This also encourages bushier growth.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of bottle brush trees in your garden. Their vibrant flowers and attraction to pollinators make them a delightful addition to many landscapes.

Callistemon  -  Bottle  Brush  Tree