Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 21 May 2025

How to produce my own vanilla?

💡 How to produce my own vanilla?



Secrets of Vanilla pollination finally revealed!
Vanilla is the World's most popular flavor and one of the most expensive spices and flavorings.
Every tropical gardener wants to have a vanilla plant and of course the most common question they ask - how to make my vanilla produce vanilla for me? In this video we will show you how:
📱

🛒 Shop Vanilla Bean Orchids

📚 Learn more:
· Where does Vanilla come from?
· The secret of how to make Vanilla Orchid bloom

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Food_Forest #How_to

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Date: 13 Mar 2016

Growing Vanilla Orchid

Q: I want to buy Vanilla orchid and I wonder if I can grow it in my bathroom by the skylight.

A: Growing Vanilla orchid is no different than other orchids. It is very simple. All that the plant needs is a good light, good air humidity, and good porous support.

Light. Grow Vanilla orchid in a very bright light, but protected from direct hot sun.

Air humidity.The higher the air humidity, the better your plant will grow. Many people grow orchids in a bathroom where these plants can enjoy occasional "humidity treats" after showers.

Growing media. Vanilla orchid cuttings are rooted very often in a regular potting mix with high content of pine bark and/or Perlite, Coconut Husk Chips. Once the little plant is well-rooted and starts developing, it will need a special porous surface to climb on and to attach to with developing aerial roots. A log covered with porous bark is used often. Another option is a piece of wood wrapped with a burlap fabric. In the Nature, this plant climbs up high onto trees and attaches to the bark with aerial roots - at this point, it doesn't need those terrestrial roots any more which may even die off. Climbing a porous support is absolutely necessary for your vanilla for setting buds, flowering and producing vanilla beans. If you are lucky to live in frost-free climate, plant you vanilla by a tree that will provide a shady canopy and a great natural climbing surface (bark). You may see the flowers as soon as within 1-2 seasons!

Date: 4 Feb 2026

Top nine plants of love, desire, and the senses: aphrodisiacs and sensory connections

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Coffee - Coffea arabica

Coffee - Coffea arabica

Fig tree fruit (Ficus carica)

Fig tree fruit (Ficus carica)

Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin

Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Cacao - Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao)

Cacao - Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao)

💖 Top nine plants of love, desire, and the senses: aphrodisiacs and sensory connections



Across cultures, love has also been expressed through taste, scent, warmth, and shared ritual. These tropical plants were valued not just for beauty, but for how they awaken the body and deepen connection.

💘 1. Cacao


Cacao - Chocolate Tree (Theobroma cacao) - has one of the strongest global associations with love. Revered by the Aztecs as a “food of the gods”, it was consumed to increase desire and emotional bonding. Chocolate contains compounds linked to feelings of pleasure and infatuation, making cacao a natural Valentine symbol.

Chocolate Tree Plant Facts

Botanical name: Theobroma cacao
Also known as: Chocolate Tree, Cacao, Cocoa Tree
USDA Zone: 10 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyYellow, orange flowersWhite, off-white flowersPink flowersEdible plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Chocolate Tree gift

💘 2. Vanilla Orchid


Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) is both an orchid and one of the most sensual plant aromas known. Historically paired with cacao in love remedies, vanilla represents intimacy, warmth, and attraction. Its fragrance alone carries powerful emotional associations.

Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean Plant Facts

Botanical name: Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla fragrans
Also known as: Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Bean, French Vanilla, Vanilla Orchid
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyYellow, orange flowersEdible plantSpice or herb plantFragrant plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
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👉 Vanilla orchid gift

💘 3. Ginger


Ginger symbolizes heat, vitality, and passion. Used worldwide to stimulate circulation and warm the body, it represents spark, chemistry, and physical energy.
👉 Ginger gift

💘 4. Cinnamon


Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) has long been associated with attraction and stimulation. Its warm, lingering aroma makes it a classic plant of desire, comfort, and emotional warmth.

Cinnamon Plant Facts

Botanical name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Cinnamomum verum
Also known as: Cinnamon
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyOrnamental foliageEdible plantSpice or herb plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeFlood tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Cinnamon gift

💘 5. Pomegranate


Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has long symbolized love, fertility, and union, with its many ruby-red seeds representing abundance and deep connection. In ancient traditions, it was linked to goddesses of love and marriage and remains a symbol of passion balanced by continuity and commitment.

Pomegranate Plant Facts

Botanical name: Punica granatum
Also known as: Pomegranate, Granada, Grenade, Pomegranate, Granada, Anar, Granaatappel, Pomo Granato, Romeira, Melo Grano
USDA Zone: 8 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryRed, crimson, vinous flowersThorny or spinyEdible plantDeciduous plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Pomegranate gift

💘 6. Coffee


Coffee (Coffea arabica) represents connection through shared ritual. Sacred to African Sufis for its stimulating properties, coffee symbolizes conversation, alertness, and social bonding rather than purely romantic love.

Coffee Plant Facts

Botanical name: Coffea arabica
Also known as: Coffee
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall tree 10-20 ftSemi-shadeShadeKeep soil moistWhite, off-white flowersEdible plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Coffee tree gift

💘 7. Fig Tree


Figs (Ficus carica) have ancient associations with fertility, sensuality, and indulgence. Their voluptuous form, sweet flesh, and rich texture made them symbols of desire and abundance in many cultures.

Fig Tree Plant Facts

Botanical name: Ficus carica
Also known as: Fig Tree, Brevo
USDA Zone: 7 - 10
Highligths Plant used for bonsaiSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryOrnamental foliageEdible plantDeciduous plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeFlood tolerant plantSeaside, salt tolerant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Fig tree gift

💘 8. Betel Leaf and Betel Nut


Betel Leaf (Piper betle) is a powerful symbol of love, respect, and partnership across South and Southeast Asia. It is exchanged in courtship, weddings, and ceremonies, representing acceptance and shared experience. Its heart-shaped leaves reinforce its Valentine symbolism.
Betel nut (Areca catechu) - traditionally used as a stimulant and aphrodisiac, betel nut represents intensity, ritual, and sensory awakening. In this context, it is best presented as a cultural symbol rather than a casual love plant.

Betel Leaf Plant Facts

Botanical name: Piper betle
Also known as: Betel Leaf
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Vine or creeper plantSemi-shadeShadeFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryOrnamental foliageSpice or herb plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Betel gift

💘 9. Patchouli


Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) represents deep attraction and emotional grounding. Its earthy, musky scent has long been associated with intimacy and physical presence. Unlike sweet florals, patchouli symbolizes mature, rooted love that lingers.

Patchouli Plant Facts

Botanical name: Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon patchouli, Pogostemon heyneanous
Also known as: Patchouli, Pucha-pat
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyOrnamental foliageSpice or herb plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Fragrant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

👉 Patchouli gift

🛒 Explore gift plants
🎁 Get a Gift Card

📚 Learn more:


Valentines day Best Gift Plant Ideas
Cacao: fruit of Money and Love
How to plant vanilla orchid
Most interesting edible gingers
Plants of Love: Aphrodisiacs of the plant world
How to increase libido?
How to Grow Your Own Cinnamon Tree
Healing drops of blood: why Pomegranate is a superfood
Don't drink your coffee until you see this!
The fruit tree that every garden must have: Figs
How to grow your own Pepper plants. Five most valuable Pipers
How to grow Patchouli indoors
Valentine’s plants from around the world that symbolize love, connection, and appreciation
Eight favorite plants of romance, affection, and emotional connection
Four popular plants of friendship, appreciation, and shared connection

🎥 Secret Sex Life of Vanilla Orchid: how to produce your own vanilla

#Shade_Garden #Container_Garden

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Date: 20 Mar 2026

Just in time for spring: Nun Orchid blooms for months!

Phaius tankervilleae, Chinese Ground Orchid, Nut Orchid

Phaius tankervilleae, Chinese Ground Orchid, Nut Orchid

Phaius tankervilleae, Chinese Ground Orchid, Nut Orchid

Phaius tankervilleae, Chinese Ground Orchid, Nut Orchid

Phaius tankervilleae, Chinese Ground Orchid, Nut Orchid

Phaius tankervilleae, Chinese Ground Orchid, Nut Orchid

Just in time for spring: Nun Orchid blooms for months! 🌹

🌷 What a wonderful treat after a long cold winter: Nun Orchid (Phaius tankervillea) is putting on a full show right now in the garden - and it’s been going strong since February.

🌷 These plants were already loaded with buds before our Record 25F Florida Freeze, so I moved the two pots into the garage to protect them. Totally worth it - they came through beautifully and didn’t miss a beat.

🌷 Now they’re in full bloom and should keep going well into April. This is one of those rare orchids that just keeps going.

🌷 Unlike most orchids, Nun Orchid grows in regular soil. Big lush leaves, tall flower spikes, and it’s perfectly happy in filtered light - great for patios, containers, or a shady spot in your garden.

What’s blooming in your yard today?

🛒 Plant beautiful Nun Orchid

📚 Learn more:

Chinese Ground Orchid Plant Facts

Botanical name: Phaius tankervilleae
Also known as: Chinese Ground Orchid, Nun Orchid
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Moderate. Water when top soil feels dryRed, crimson, vinous flowersWhite, off-white flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsFragrant plant
Get personalized tips for your region

💋 Phaius tankervilleae – Chinese Ground Orchid in Plant Encyclopedia
💋 Why is it called Nun Orchid
💋 How to grow Ground orchids
💋 When Bamboo blooms with orchid flowers
💋 The prettiest flower for shade
💋 Ground orchids: all-summer colors
💋 Why do we love Ground Orchids
💋 Epidendrum radicans - Orange Reed Ground Orchid, Sunrise
💋 Terrestrial orchids
💋 What orchids can be grown in the ground

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden

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Date: 13 Sep 2025

🌸 Meet the Most Colorful Ground Orchids

Collage  of  ground  orchids  –  Phaius  tankervilleae  (Nun  Orchid), 
 Spathoglottis  varieties  (purple,  yellow,  white,  pink),  Arundina  graminifolia
    (Bamboo  Orchid),  and  Epidendrum  species  (orange,  pink,  red  Reed 
 Orchids)

Ground Orchids – Spathoglottis, Phaius, Arundina, Epidendrum

  1. Chinese Nun Ground Orchid (Phaius tankervilleae)
  2. Yokohama Ground orchid Kate (Bletilla striata x formosana)
  3. Tropical Punch, Sorbet Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis plicata)
  4. Bamboo Orchid (Arundina graminifolia)
  5. Snow Angel, Coconut Cloud Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis alba)
  6. Orange Reed Ground Orchid (Epidendrum radicans Sunrise)
  7. Lemon Kiss, Sorbet Ground Orchid (Spathoglottis chrysanta)
  8. Pink Reed Ground Orchid, Violet Queen (Epidendrum radicans Fuchsia)
  9. Lavender Reed Ground Orchid (Epidendrum elongatum x radicans)
  10. Red Raspberry Reed Ground Orchid (Epidendrum radicans Red Glow)

Orchids have a mystique that sets them apart — elegant, exotic, almost unreal in their perfection. But let’s be honest, not everyone has luck with the fancy ones that cling to trees or need greenhouse tricks.

Ground orchids are different. They grow in regular garden soil, bloom in sun or shade, and come in all sorts of shapes and colors. They’re the orchids you don’t have to fuss over.

Nun Orchid (Phaius tankervilleae) – Ever wonder why it’s called the Nun Orchid? The flowers really do look like the white veil and brown habit nuns used to wear. The plants send up spikes 3–4 ft tall with 10–20 fragrant blooms that open one after another for weeks. I like them best tucked under trees where they just keep spreading year after year.

Spathoglottis – The nonstop bloomer – If you want flowers that just don’t quit, this one’s it. Spathoglottis clumps up and throws spikes of purple, pink, or yellow that last for weeks, then keep coming back through the summer. In warm spots they’ll bloom almost year-round. Honestly, it’s one of the easiest orchids you’ll ever grow.

💲 Special Offer – 20% off Ground Orchids!

Get 20% OFF ground orchids with code

ORCHID2025

Min order $100. Excluding S/H, valid online only, cannot be combined with other offers.

Hurry, offer expires September 17, 2025!

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