Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 6 Jun 2026

The easy orchid that blooms like a tropical sunrise: Epidendrum

Orange Reed Ground Orchid or Sunrise Orchid - Epidendrum

🌅 The easy orchid that blooms like a tropical sunrise: Epidendrum



Most people think orchids are fussy plants that belong in greenhouses or on windowsills. Epidendrum radicans - also known as Orange Reed Ground Orchid or Sunrise Orchid - proves otherwise. This colorful orchid grows in the ground, tolerates heat and humidity, multiplies easily, and can bloom for months with very little care.

🔥 Not your typical orchid



Unlike many orchids that grow on trees, Epidendrum radicans is a terrestrial orchid native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. It naturally grows on the ground and even among rocks.

Its upright reed-like stems are topped by clusters of brilliant orange flowers with golden-yellow highlights. A single mature stem can carry dozens of blooms, and large plantings resemble patches of miniature tropical sunrises.

🔥 Easy to grow, easy to share



Epidendrum thrives in Florida's heat and humidity and performs best in bright light and well-drained soil. In warm climates it often blooms throughout the year.

One reason gardeners love it is its ability to spread. The stems naturally produce roots along their length, making division and propagation remarkably easy. A single plant can eventually develop into a large, colorful colony.

🔥 A pollinator favorite



The vivid orange flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds and stand out brightly against green foliage. This makes Epidendrum a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and tropical landscapes.

🔥 Better than a flowering annual



Unlike annual flowers that must be replaced each season, Epidendrum returns year after year and gradually expands into larger clumps. It works well along walkways, patios, entryways, borders, and mixed tropical beds where its upright growth adds height and color.

🔥 The orchid that deserves more attention



Some plants become famous because they are difficult or rare. Epidendrum radicans deserves attention for the opposite reason.
It is colorful, dependable, beginner-friendly, and generous with flowers. Give it sunshine, good drainage, and a place to grow, and it will reward you with months of vibrant blooms that bring the warmth and energy of a tropical sunrise into your garden. 👉 More...

💡 #Fun_facts:

📌 The common name "Crucifix Orchid" comes from the tiny cross-shaped structure in the center of each flower.
📌 Unlike many orchids, it naturally produces roots along its stems, which is one reason it spreads and propagates so easily.
📌 In Florida, it's often used as a landscape orchid rather than a houseplant.

📚 Learn more:

Bamboo Orchid Plant Facts

Botanical name: Arundina graminifolia, Arundina affinis, Bletia graminifolia
Also known as: Bamboo Orchid, Bird Orchid
USDA Zone: 9 - 10
Highligths Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeShadeFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEpiphyte plantWhite, off-white flowersPink flowers
Get personalized tips for your region

· Epidendrum in Plant Encyclopedia
· Orange Reed Ground Orchid, Sunrise
· The "Fake" Bamboo That Blooms Like a Rare Orchid Year-Round
· The prettiest flower for shade
· Ground orchids: all-summer colors
· Why do we love Ground Orchids
· Terrestrial orchids
· What orchids can be grown in the ground
🎥 Ground orchids: all-summer colors for shady gardens

🛒 Shop Ground Orchids

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Discover

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 16 Jun 2026

This Hibiscus is called President for a reason

Hibiscus President

Hibiscus President

🌺 This Hibiscus is called President for a reason


By Tatiana Anderson, Top Tropicals plant expert

Almost 30 years ago, I arrived in Hawaii from a very non-tropical part of the world. Everything seemed exotic - fragrant plumerias, colorful bougainvilleas, palms swaying in the trade winds. But one plant captured my attention more than any other: Hibiscus President Red.

The flowers were enormous - literally the size of a hand. Bold, brilliant red. Impossible to ignore. It made such an impression that it became the very first tropical plant I ever bought from a nursery on Oahu.

Fast forward nearly three decades, and President Red surprised me again.

During Florida's historic February 2026 freeze, temperatures at our farm dropped to 25F for two nights, followed by nearly two weeks of unusually cold weather with temperatures lingering in the 40s. Many tropical hibiscus varieties were killed back to the ground. Some eventually returned from the roots, but looked rough for months.

President Red? It didn't blink an eye. No dieback. No visible damage. As soon as spring sunshine returned, it was growing and flowering as if nothing had happened.

I wouldn't call any tropical hibiscus "cold hardy," but President Red is clearly tougher than most. If you garden in a subtropical area where winter surprises occasionally happen, this variety has earned my respect.

And those giant, hand-sized red flowers are just as spectacular today as they were when I first saw them in Hawaii all those years ago.
👉 More...

Exciting Tropical Hibiscus varieties:
☄️ Hibiscus President Red - Giant Red Tropical Hibiscus
☄️ Hibiscus Apricot Brandy - Double Rose of Sharon
☄️ Hibiscus Double Red - Double Rose of Sharon
☄️ Hibiscus El Capitolio Tequila Sunrise
☄️ Hibiscus El Capitolio Bloody Mary
☄️ Hibiscus schizopetalus, Coral Hibiscus

🛒 Explore Hibiscus species and varieties

📚 Learn more:

Hibiscus Plant Facts

Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Also known as: Hibiscus, Chinese Rose, Japanese Rose, Tropical Hibiscus, Shoe Flower
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSemi-shadeFull sunKeep soil moistYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

· Hibiscus in Plant Encyclopedia
· Many faces of hibiscus
· Much more than fancy flowers: discover the many faces of hibiscus
· Tequila Sunrise Hibiscus breaks the rules
· Hibiscus El Capitolio Bloody Mary
· How to get rid of pests on Hibiscus?
· Skeleton Hibiscus with "crazy petals" - flower will blow your mind
· How to make your Hibiscus plants thrive and bloom
· How hibiscus plant acts like a chameleon
· Why this Hibiscus is changing color?
· You need this Cotton Candy
· The Tips of Hibiscus Flowers

#Hedges_with_benefits

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 3 Aug 2025

Four stages of Coffee Tree growth: a young potted plant, a mature tree in the ground, white star-shaped blooms, and a branch full of ripening red and green coffee cherries.

What is the most popular and easiest tropical fruit tree to grow indoors?

No doubt about it - it's the Coffee Tree.

  • Coffee is shade-loving and easy to grow with regular water
  • It grows into a dark green shrub or small tree (about 3 to 5 feet tall in a pot)
  • Its fragrant, star-shaped flowers resemble gardenias
  • The whole fruit is edible and turns green to yellow to red
  • The seeds are real "coffee beans" that can be dried, roasted, and ground at home.

Five Reasons to Grow a Coffee Plant

  • Perfect Indoor Fruit Tree: Thrives in filtered light and stays compact
  • Low Maintenance: Forgiving, adaptable, and ideal for new gardeners
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Glossy green leaves and clusters of white blooms
  • Homegrown Coffee: Yes, you can roast your own beans.
  • Year-Round Beauty: Evergreen with seasonal fragrance

Coffee Plant Care Tips

  • Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
  • Water: Keep soil lightly moist but not soggy. Let the top inch dry out before watering again.
  • Humidity: Loves higher humidity. Mist regularly or place on a pebble tray.
  • Fertilizer: Use a balanced, gentle fertilizer like Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus every few weeks during growing season.
  • Soil: Loose, rich, and well-drained. High in organic matter and slightly acidic. For potted plants, use a quality indoor tropical mix, such as Top Tropicals Abundance mix
  • Repotting: Refresh soil and size up the pot every 1–2 years to keep roots healthy.
  • Can I grow it outdoors?: Yes - bring it outside in warm months and back indoors before frost. It's best suited for USDA zones 10-11, but container growing gives you flexibility in cooler climates.
  • How long until I get beans?: Expect flowers and fruit within 3 to 4 years from seedling stage - often sooner if you start with a young tree.
  • What does the fruit taste like?: Mild and sweet-tart, like a mix between a cherry and a cranberry. You can eat it fresh.

How to Make Coffee from Your Own Tree

  • Harvest: Pick the ripe red cherries
  • Pop and Soak: Squeeze out the beans and ferment 1-2 days to remove pulp
  • Dry: Spread out to dry for 1-2 weeks until hard and papery
  • Husk: Remove the thin shell to reveal green beans
  • Roast: Use a dry skillet or oven until fragrant
  • Grind and Brew: Cool, grind, and enjoy the freshest coffee you've ever had.
    Learn more: How to make your own coffee from homegrown beans

Coffee Health Benefits

  • Rich in antioxidants - supports heart and brain health
  • Boosts focus and mental alertness
  • Supports metabolism and fat-burning

Why Coffee Makes the Perfect Gift Plant

  • Long-living and beautiful
  • Symbolic, useful, and personal
  • Great for coffee lovers, gardeners, and the "person who has everything"

Read Garden Blog about Coffee

Shop Coffee Plants

Date: 16 Jun 2023

10 tips how to care of tropical garden
during hot Summer

Cats in shade of tropical plants

Q: Do you have any special recommendations how to take care of plants during hot season, to reduce heat strees?

A: Tropical plants prefer temperatures of 70-90F, except for heat-adapted desert plants. High temperatures above 90F can cause slowed metabolism and signs of stress like wilting, yellowing, and leaf drop. Hot and humid conditions attract pests and fungal diseases. To keep your plants stress-free and healthy, during Summer:

1. Monitor temperature and signs of stress.
2. Provide shade to regulate heat exposure: use shade cloth or simply a sheet of fabric as needed to protect lush foliage from burns.
3. Choose heat-tolerant plant varieties.
4. Plant in groups and levels, with trees protecting smaller shade loving plants (see companion planting).
5. Water deeply in the morning or evening to prevent evaporation.
6. Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature.
7. Air: ensure good air circulation.
8. Trim damaged foliage and crowded branches.
9. Fertilize: use appropriate fertilization to improve plant heat tolerance. Remember, plants need lots of food during active growth period.
10. Remove weeds, pests, and diseases promptly.

See more articles on plant care

Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira

In the photo: Tibouchina multiflora (grandifolia) - Glory bush, Quaresmeira, one of the most impressive flowering plants for tropical gardens, with impressive, large velvet leaves and beautiful purple flowers. It blooms in both sun or shade!

Date: 8 Jun 2023

Repotting tropical plants

Orange cat with indoor plants

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

Q: When is the best time to repot tropical plants?

A: Repotting tropical plants is vital for their overall health and growth. The best time to repot them is during the Spring through early Summer, when they start active growth.

Start by selecting a well-draining soil mix that consists of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. Gather the necessary supplies, including a slightly larger pot, the soil mix, and a good fertilizer

Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, trim any damaged branches, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil mix. Be sure to position the plant with the growth point slightly above the soil level. Water the plant thoroughly but avoid overwatering. After repotting, find an appropriate location with suitable lighting conditions for your plant. Monitor the moisture levels and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.

Additionally, apply the appropriate Sunshine Boosters fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. Use Sunshine Boosters fertilizers for specific plant needs (Robusta for foliage, Megaflor for flowering, Ananas for pineapples, etc.). It is safe to apply Sunshine Boosters all year around. Keep a close eye on the plant for any signs of stress or issues and adjust your care routine as needed. Help the plant to cope with stress by spraying with solution of Sunshine Epi.

Enjoy the beauty of your thriving indoor tropical garden!

See more articles on plant cultivation

repotting a plant

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