Shady spots aren't a problem - they're an opportunity

Photo above: Niki and Cash, the Top Tropicals PeopleCats-in-residence, lounging in a lush indoor jungle

Most tropical gardens have at least one corner that gets morning light, filtered sun, or just bright shade - and that's exactly where Anthuriums thrive, along with many other shade-loving plants. That makes them ideal for spaces where other tropicals struggle.

Don't have a greenhouse? You don't need one. Anthuriums do beautifully on a shaded porch, in a screened lanai, or even indoors near a north or east-facing window. They're perfect for:

• Bathrooms with natural light
• Bright kitchens with indirect sun
• Shaded entryways or under eaves
• Hanging baskets under tree cover
• Mounting on cork or wood in humid areas

Even a small space can feel like a tropical conservatory with the right plant - and Anthuriums bring that look without being demanding. They grow slowly, stay manageable, and don't need constant pruning or repotting.

Best of all, they reward consistency. Keep them warm, give them some humidity, water when the top inch feels dry, and they'll stay healthy for years. No drama - just quiet, lasting beauty. If you've never grown tropicals in the shade, this is where to start.

Watch Top Tropicals videos about anthuriums

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Step Up Your Plants Before Fall

After a busy summer of growth, many potted plants are bursting out of their containers. Now is the perfect time to step them up into a slightly larger pot.

🌱 Why now in August?

Repotting before fall gives roots room to expand, while there’s still warmth for active growth. Plants have time to sprout new shoots, fill out, and build strength before cooler weather slows them down.

✂️ Trim and Shape

This is also your last chance to give plants a light trim. Pinching or cutting back helps them branch, bush out, and get denser — exactly what you want going into fall.

💚 Add Green Magic

When repotting, mix in Sunshine controlled-release Green Magic fertilizer to reduce transplant stress and boost new root growth. It helps plants settle in quickly and keep thriving.

👉 Watch our on how to step up your plant the right way, then check your pots — some of your summer growers are ready to move up!

⚠️ Important Note on Timing

This advice is for gardeners in warm climates or for anyone who still has at least a month of warm weather left. Tropical plants go dormant when temperatures drop below 75F, so planting in a larger pot at that time may cause root rot — roots stop growing in dormancy, and extra moisture in the soil can lead to rotting.

Watch repotting video

How to Repot a Plant Properly

1. Choose the Right Pot

   Pick a pot just a few inches larger than the old one.

   ✅ Make sure it has good drainage — tropical plants hate sitting in water. A pot without drainage holes can cause waterlogging and root rot.

2. Why plastic pots are better than fancy ceramic

   Ceramic pots may look pretty, but they are heavy, breakable, and often lack proper drainage. Plastic pots are lightweight, easier to handle, and — most importantly — if a plant is root-bound and stuck, you can simply cut the plastic pot to free it without harming the roots. For looks, slip the plastic pot inside a decorative cover pot.

3. Add Soil and Fertilizer

   Place fresh potting soil at the bottom. Mix in a good fertilizer — we use Sunshine Green Magic.

4. Remove the Plant

   Why turn it upside down? Gravity helps loosen the plant, and it slides out more easily without tugging.

   Never pull a plant by its head (stems or leaves). That can damage the crown and tear roots.

   If it doesn’t come out easily: lay the pot on its side and gently squeeze or tap the pot to dislodge the soil. If it is really stuck, cut the old pot instead of forcing the plant.

5. Check the Root System

   If roots are circling tightly (pot-bound), gently untangle or loosen the outside layer so they will grow outward into the new soil.

   Do not shake off or remove old soil from the root ball. Roots have tiny hairs that absorb water and nutrients, and damaging them will set the plant back. Keep the root mass intact and disturb as little as possible.

6. Set at the Same Level

   Place the plant in the new pot so it sits at the same soil level as before.
   👉 This is important: burying the stem too deep can suffocate it, while setting the plant higher than before may expose roots and cause drying. Keeping the level the same protects the root crown.

7. Fill and Firm

   Add more soil and fertilizer around the sides. Press lightly around the edges to remove air pockets.

8. Water Thoroughly

   Give it a deep watering to help roots settle.

9. Aftercare

   Don’t water again until the top inch of soil feels dry. Freshly repotted plants are vulnerable to soggy soil and root rot if kept too wet.

Watch the video how to repot properly

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Featured plant. Capsicum frutescens - Wiri Wiri Pepper

Capsicum frutescens - Wiri Wiri Pepper

A variety from Guyana, the Wiri Wiri pepper is the illustrious gem; hard sought and rarely found. This plant produces good yields of small 1/2"berry shaped hot peppers. Peppers grow upright, are very hot, and turn from green, to orange, to red when mature. What makes it so much different than any other hot pepper grown in the garden or bought at the store?
Hot? Yes, it is important that hot peppers are, but the people who really know, know that it is not just about heat, it is about flavor! And that is exactly what makes this little red gem so special. Guyanese dinners will only take one of those meals for you to never forget! The secret of their food is the flavor, and one of the cornerstone ingredients in many of their dishes is the Wiri pepper. The Guyanese population claim that it is not just a key ingredient to their diet, but also to why they are so good looking, live so long and have such great skin.

Read more about this plant...

Recovering Soursop after shipping and cold

From Irene & Marjorie, PA: We wanted to share our pics with you (after Summer). I attached also the photo of the way the tree looked before your advice (back in April). The big is the one we almost lost and you gave us these instructions and it came back. These were your instructions:
"The soursop is one of my favorite fruits and I was so sad to hear yours may be dead. Good news - the tree looks great! Yes, it does have some cold damage but I'm surprised it still has leaves on it at all! In cooler weather, they typically drop all of their leaves and stay that way until spring. You can remove the damaged leaves and it will resprout new growth with the warmer temperatures."

Taking care of Soursop after shipping
Soursop - Annona muricata trees are very sensitive to temperature drops. This always causes leaf loss. After shipping, do not water until the soil gets slightly dry; keep it in bright shade. No fertilizer until the plant shows active new growth. Be patient with your plant, and it should recover soon.
Soursop is an ultra-tropical tree and doesn't take any freeze. If you live in a cooler climate, keep the plant in a pot (the good news is, Annonas, in general, have a compact nature and are perfect for container culture). Bring the tree indoors during the cold period, providing bright light.
We have a very interesting article about growing and fruiting Soursop in an apartment. Check out 4534 Tropical Treasures Magazine # 7.

Shopping for gifts is not an easy chore!

6 important steps for successful Holiday Gift Plant Shopping

1. Make a list of friends and family members that absolutely require your special plant attention. Obviously, a live plant is the best present!
2. Set deadlines for shipping gift plants. Remember good timing is 50% of a good surprise!
3. Set a budget and call our Customer Service to help you pick the right plant that fits your needs and finances. Check out current sales and deals to get more for your dollar, and low cost offers.
4. Buy plants for plant lovers, or simply for those who appreciate the Nature, and the Beauty. Check out fragrant gift plants, fruit, and spice plants - these are always win-win! A gift certificate can be a great option so they can pick what they like, and it is not time sensitive!
5. Prepare. Remember that live plant requires some attention. Prepare pots, soil, and planting instructions beforehand so your beloved ones can enjoy a happy plant for a long time.
6. Don't forget about yourself! Take advantage of BOGO deals to get One for Present, One for Me! Personally, here at Top Tropicals, we all buy at least one plant for ourselves for each holiday!

Happy Holidays!