Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 24 May 2019

Synergy of SUNSHINE, biostimulants, and macro-micro

TopTropicals.com

Q: I've heard that plants grow better and bigger with SUNSHINE boosters and when using Myco-Mix instead of regular soil mix. Do they work like fertilizers? If I use a Myco-mix, do I still need a fertilizer?

A: SUNSHINE boosters are not fertilizers, they are natural plant hormones, or biostimulants, as well as Myco-Mix which is a naturally occurring compound or microbes. Biostimulants are becoming increasingly attractive to folks interested in sustainable agriculture, and very popular for plant growth or pest resistance. A plant biostimulant is not a fertilizer because it provides no nutritional value to the plants. But, it can promote greater nutrient and water use efficiency, increase resistance to pests and diseases, reduce abiotic stresses, and in turn, lead to plant growth and health.

To answer your question, you can not replace regular fertilizers (NPK) and micro-elements with plant boosters and stimulants. However, fertilizers and microelements will work more efficiently when used in combination with biostimulants. Together they create a synergy, so plants use the most of fertilizer's potential, and will grow a lot better, faster, and healthier.

4 components for the best growing results

1. SUNSHINE boosters. They are a must during the juvenile stage of plant development - seedlings and cuttings. They are especially important for recovery of weak or stressed plants (boosting their immune system).
2. SuperFood microelements
3. NPK fertilizers. Select from water-soluble and smart-release types and make sure do not exceed the recommended concentration. Lower dose and more frequent use is always better for a plant.
4. Specialized soilless mixes: Myco-Mix (with biostimulant Mycorrhiza) for exclusive growing projects and special/unique plants, Professional potting mix for potted plants, and Propagation mix for seeds and cuttings.

TopTropicals.com

Date: 5 Apr 2025

Go Bananas - up to 20% OFF Banana Trees!

Now through 4/15 - Limited Time Only!

Banana  varieties  collage

Banana Health Benefits

Bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition - rich in potassium for heart health, and packed with vitamins B6 and C to boost energy and immunity. They come from fast-growing, easy-care trees that thrive in warm climates or containers. Whether eaten fresh, blended, or baked, bananas are a naturally sweet and tasty treat you can grow yourself!

Ready to turn your garden into a tropical paradise and grow your own delicious bananas? Now's your chance - use our offer below!

A Banana for Every Space and Taste

At Top Tropicals, we've got over a dozen top banana varieties - from exotic ornamental beauties like Blood Leaf and Siam Ruby to edible showstoppers. Edible varieties range from popular, heavy-producing types like Double Mahoi to rare collector favorites like Ice Cream (Blue Java) - the kind you'll never find at the grocery store. We also carry dwarf varieties that grow just 4 feet tall but still produce full-sized fruit - perfect for containers, patios, and small spaces. Collect them all - edible, ornamental, dwarf, rare - and enjoy the fun, flavor, and beauty of growing your own banana grove.

From Collectors to Beginners - We've Got Your Banana

"Growing bananas is like growing sunshine. They bring energy, beauty, and fruit to your doorstep." - said Dr. Richard Campbell, tropical fruit expert and co-creator of the condo mango concept.

Growing bananas is easy, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly. With Sunshine Boosters plant food, these tropical favorites grow fast and can start producing as soon as next season! Whether you live in the South or up North, in a house or an apartment - you can grow your own bananas in the garden, on a balcony, patio, or lanai and enjoy the taste of the tropics at home.

Special Offer

Get instant 10% off all bananas for 1 week only, plus extra 10% OFF sitewide with code below for qualified orders.

Additional 10% off your entire purchase (including any other plants), saving total of 20% on your Banana trees:

GOBANANAS

Min order $150, excluding S/H. Exp. 4-15-25

Hurry, offer ends April 15th!

Banana  Truly  Tiny

Learn More About Banana Varieties:

- Top Ornamental Banana Varieties - Which One Belongs in Your Garden?
- Best Edible Bananas to Grow - Sweet, Unique, and Delicious!
- How Many Banana Varieties Can You Grow? (More Than You Think!)

Sunshine  Boosters  fertilizers  for  Banana  trees

In the photo above: Sunshine Boosters are the best fertilizers for ornamental (Sunshine Robusta) and edible bananas (Sunshine C-Cibus).

Date: 20 Jan 2026

Smokey and Sunshine

Anthropomorphic
Sunshine: Newsletter?
Smokey: Yes.
Sunshine: Another article?
Smokey: No.
Sunshine: Advice?
Smokey: Also no.
Sunshine: Just plants?
Smokey: Just plants. New arrivals and top picks by our horticulturist
Sunshine: Perfect. I just enjoy the plants and coffee. Hope everyone reading does too.

Shop new arrivals

Date: 21 Mar 2026

Today: Spring Equinox Plant Festival 🌿

Smokey  the  tuxedo  cat  holding  Sunshine's  coffee  while  Sunshine  carries 
 a  large  stack  of  donut  boxes  in  a  tropical  nursery  with  lush  plants  and  an 
 equinox  sale  poster
Sunshine:Smokey, hold my coffee. Donuts are coming. Big day today.

Smokey: Under control. Try not to drop half of them.

Both: Friends, come over today.

Everything is ready for today at our Spring Equinox Plant Festival. The garden is full and we would love to see you. Come over today and enjoy it with us. SEE FULL EVENT DETAILS

Date: 25 Apr 2026

♥️ Mother’s Day: More Than a Gift

Smokey  cat  with  glasses  showing  mango  tree  to  mother  cat  in  garden
Mom: You grew this… for me? You remembered my favorite…
Smokey: I did.
Mom: You never forget what matters. It’s beautiful.
Smokey: Not as much as you. Happy Mother’s Day.
Sunshine: You raised him right. It shows.

Some things stay with you from your mom.

A favorite fruit. A smell from the garden. The way she showed you how to care for something and stick with it.

At the time, it felt small. Later, you realize it wasn’t. It turns into something real - a tree, a habit, a way of doing things you still follow.

Mother’s Day is simply a reason to tell your mom you remember. To say thank you for what she taught you, and to show your love.

It does not have to be complicated. Just something that makes it clear you were paying attention.

If you are thinking what to give, start simple.

A fruit she loves. A plant she will enjoy watching grow. Something alive, not just something that sits on a shelf.

It does not have to be big. What matters is that it means something to her.

And maybe, years from now, it becomes one of those things that stays.

We put together a few plants that make good Mother’s Day gifts.

Fragrant flowers. Fruit trees she can enjoy year after year. Easy growers that do not require much effort.

If she has a favorite, start there. If not, pick something simple and reliable.

🛒 Shop Gift plants