Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 7 Mar 2016

Black Pepper Vine - grow a real spice at home!

Q: What plants are used for commercial production of black pepper, red pepper, and green pepper? I started organic garden and would like to try growing pepper. I live in Georgia, will it survive here?

A: Pungent and aromatic Pepper is grown in Southern India since more than two thousand years, has always been much valued all over the world. Along with other spices from India and lands farther east, it changed the course of world history. Depending on harvest time and processing, peppercorns can be black, white, green and red (reddish-brown). So, the same fruit is also used to produce white pepper, red/pink pepper, and green pepper. The pungency is strongest in white pepper and weakest in green pepper, while black and green pepper are more aromatic than the white one.

The vine can be easily grown in a pot on a trellis, in mild (frost-free) climates it can be grown in the ground providing a tree support. Try growing this legendary plant and taste the real spice!

For more info, see article about Black Pepper.

See full list of spice and herbs

Date: 3 Aug 2024

How to always have your own Root Beer

Piper auritum - Root Beer Plant, Acuyo, False Kava-Kava

How to always have your own Root Beer

  • Piper auritum - Root Beer Plant, Acuyo, False Kava-Kava - is a close relative of Piper methysticum (Kava-Kava), and Piper nigrum (Black Pepper). It is very often confused with Kava-Kava, and probably has some similar medicinal effects.
  • This herb originated from Tropical America and grows also in the South Pacific.
  • Large-leaved perennial, known for its leaves, which are used for their spicy aromatic scent and flavor, some liken to root beer, others to anise-clove. It can be used for making a root beer-flavoted drink.
  • This species is easily identified by its huge leaves which can grow over a foot long in older specimens.
  • The leaves are chopped and used for flavoring, as well as used whole, as wrappings for meats, tamales, etc.


📚
Learn more about Piper plants

🛒 Grow your own Root Beer Plant

#Food_Forest #Remedies

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Date: 12 Apr 2026

Easter morning with Smokey and Sunshine

Easter morning with Smokey and Sunshine

Easter morning with Smokey and Sunshine

Easter morning with Smokey and Sunshine



Happy Easter to all who celebrate today - especially across Eastern Europe and Orthodox communities around the world.

Smokey and Sunshine are taking a well-earned break with coffee, sweet Easter bread, and a table full of spring color. Wishing you a day filled with peace, renewal, and quiet joy. And of course - the perfect time to plant flowers and fruit and bring new life into your garden.

🛒 Shop tropical flowers and plants

#PeopleCats

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Date: 29 Mar 2026

We picked 6 adeniums - youll probably want all 6: Adenium rainbow

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Caramel

Adenium Bumblebee

Adenium Bumblebee

Adenium Purple Plum

Adenium Purple Plum

Adenium Pineapple

Adenium Pineapple

Adenium Vanilla Gold

Adenium Vanilla Gold

Adenium Multi Berry

Adenium Multi Berry

We picked 6 adeniums - you’ll probably want all 6: Adenium rainbow 🌈

Some adeniums go bright. Some go deep.
And some land right in that rich, warm middle.
This set leans into those “dessert” colors - creamy, golden, purple, and everything in between.
And yes, some varieties even come with fruity or “tasty” names
!

💡 Soil and watering tip



Adeniums are succulents, so they need excellent drainage and prefer to stay on the dry side.
Water deeply, then let the soil dry out before watering again.
No constant moisture.
The potting mix is just as important. It should be very рыхлый and fast-draining, with plenty of conditioners like perlite, bark, or vermiculite.
We recommend using a Adenium Soilless Mix for best results.

🌸 Today's featured adeniums

  •  ✦ Caramel: Warm, rich tones with a smooth, creamy look.
  •  ✦ Bumblebee: Bold contrast with bright yellow and dark patterning - very eye-catching.
  •  ✦ Purple Plum: Deep purple shades with a deep, velvety feel.
  •  ✦ Pineapple: Fresh yellow tones that feel light and tropical.
  •  ✦ Vanilla Gold: Soft golden color with a clean, balanced form.
  •  ✦ Multi Berry: Blend of pinks and reds that gives it a layered, mixed-fruit look.

This kind of mix makes a collection feel warm and inviting - not just colorful, but full of depth.
And once you dial in soil and watering - everything else gets a lot easier.

🛒 Explore Exotic Thai Adeniums

📚 Learn more:

Plant Facts

Adenium sp.
Adenium, Desert Rose, Impala Lily
USDA Zone: 9-11
Plant with caudexLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunDry conditionsModerate waterYellow, orange flowersRed, crimson, vinous flowersUnusual colorBlue, lavender, purple flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersToxic or Poisonous

#Container_Garden #Adeniums #How_to #Discover

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Date: 28 Mar 2026

Mulberry stovetop sauce: quick-n-fun exotic recipes

Mulberry stovetop sauce

Mulberry stovetop sauce

Mulberry fruit

Mulberry fruit

🍴 Mulberry stovetop sauce: quick-n-fun exotic recipes

  • 🔵Simmer fresh mulberries with a spoon of honey.
  • 🔵Cook until they break down into a thick sauce.
  • 🔵Drizzle over yogurt or warm cake.


🌿 About the plant:


Mulberries are soft, juicy berries that range from sweet to wine-like in flavor depending on variety.

🏡 In the garden:


Fast growing and highly productive. Some varieties stay compact and work well in containers.

🛒 Choose from Mulberry varieties

📚 Learn more:

Plant Facts

Broussonetia papyrifera, Morus papyrifera
Paper Mulberry
USDA Zone: 9-11
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSemi-shadeModerate waterRed, crimson, vinous flowersOrnamental foliageSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

#Food_Forest #Recipes

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