Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 3 Feb 2019

Aquarius Plant Horoscope

TopTropicals.com

Aquarius - 1/22 - 2/18. Aquarius is an AIR sign ruled by odd-ball Uranus.
The water-bearer's plants will often grow in unusual places and may vary in appearance. They often have purple or blue flowers, or may have unusual colors.
The most healing and beneficial plants for Aquarius are the ones that help circulation, relax the nervous system, or promote inspiration. When Uranus was discovered, it replaced Mercury as ruler of Aquarius. Physiologically, Uranus rules the bioelectrical impulses that power the body's nervous system (nervous tension and nervous exhaustion brought on by powerful changes in the environment are related to both Mercury and Uranus). Physically, Aquarius rules the lower legs, the calves, and the ankles, and the electrical impulses that travel through the body's nervous system. The nervous system itself is ruled by Mercury, and Uranus is said to be a "higher octave" of Mercury. Since Uranus was discovered after the correspondences with plants had been established, the herbs used in Aquarius are Mercury herbs. Always difficult to pinpoint, quirky Aquarius appreciates the unusual and complex flavor of star anise. Use this star-shaped spice when you wish to bring happy surprises into your life.

Aquarius Zodiac lucky plants:

Anise, Orchid, Golden rain - Koelreuteria paniculata, Bird of Paradise, Heliconia, Petrea, Mandevilla, Jasminum, Kiwi, Persimmon, Loquat, Olive, Alocasia, Colocasia, Citrus, Apple, Peppers, Gingers, Carambola, herbs spicy with an unusual flavor, White Pothos, Ivy, Shami - Prosopis cineraria, Neem, Medinilla, Sheesham Tree, Catnip, Passion fruit, Valerian, Aloe, Myrrh, Kava-kava, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, Coffee, Cola nut, Nepenthes, Vanilla Orchid, Strongylodon - Jade vine, Tacca - Bat Lily, Eranthemums, Agapanthus, Orchid trees, Bolusanthus, Chamaedorea metallica, Clerodendrum ugandense, Clitoria, Duranta, Guaiacum, Jacaranda, Lavanda.

For other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope.

Date: 24 Jun 2018

How to raise a fallen tree and how to tell if it can be saved

4 steps how to check and save a tree:
1. Checking. To make sure a fallen tree can be restored, check:
a) Roots: If less than a half of root ball is out and has been exposed less than a week, the tree has more chances to recover.
b) Trunk: scratch-test the bark, if it is green underneath, then the tree is alive and worth saving.
2. Trimming. Before lifting, trim the tree. Bush the crown approximately half-way, keeping round shape. If the tree has only an upright trunk left, cut off the broken top. It may bush out from the top.
3. Lifting and securing. Using towing strips or strong thick rope, pull the tree up. For larger trees, you may use a power of a pick up truck (we use our golf carts). Hammer 48"metal stakes ($5 from Home Depot) 3-4 ways around the tree, at 45 degrees, 5 ft away or more depending on tree size, and secure the tree with a strong rope. Make sure to check rubbing points from now on and loosen as needed to avoid bark damage and creating braking points.
4. Maintenance. Water the tree on regular basis and give it a few weeks for new buds to appear in case it lost all its leaves. Some trees may take a few months to recover. Keep the stakes at least for a year.

Watch the NBC video.

Date: 24 Jun 2024

How to grow your own Carambola

How to grow your own Carambola How to grow your own Carambola
⭐️ How to grow your own Carambola

Star Fruit
- Carambola Tree (Averrhoa carambola). Growing this tree is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy this unique and delicious fruit right at home.

  • 🌟 Star power: slice it, and you get perfect star-shaped pieces for impressing guests or adding some sparkle to your fruit salad. Bright yellow and shiny, the fruit adds a pop of color to any dish. Great in salads, smoothies, desserts, or even as a garnish. Endless possibilities!

  • 🌟 Nature's candy and low-calorie treat: a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors packed with juicy goodness, a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Guilt-free snacking with hardly any calories. Snack away!

  • 🌟 Health benefits: Star fruit is loaded with Vitamin C. Good source of dietary fiber, keeps things moving smoothly. Packed with antioxidants to help fight off those pesky free radicals.

  • 🌟 Cultivation of the tree is easy:


  • ▪️ Loves full sun. Plant it in a sunny spot for the best fruit.
  • ▪️Keep warm and protect from winds. Thrives in warm, tropical climates, but can take some light frost winters as long as protected from winds, wind-free is the key!
  • ▪️Prefers well-drained soil. Keep it happy with good drainage.
  • ▪️Regular watering but doesn't like soggy feet.
  • ▪️Space saver: compact tree that doesn't take up much space. Perfect for smaller gardens. Dwarf varieties available, good for containers.
  • ▪️Fast grower: grows quickly. You'll be harvesting star fruit in no time!
  • ▪️Pretty blooms: produces lovely pink flowers. Adds beauty to your garden even before the fruit comes.
  • ▪️Home harvest: enjoy fresh, home-grown star fruit. Pick them right off the tree!
  • ▪️Fast-fruiting: seedlings start fruiting within 3 years from seed. Grafted or air-layered trees fruit right away.


📚 Learn more: Carambola tree is the Star of the orchard

🛒 Shop Start Fruit varieties

#Food_Forest

🏵 TopTropicals

Date: 29 Oct 2025

Grow your own brain food: Avocado and Cocoa

Avocado and Cocoa recipes

Avocado and Cocoa recipes

Chocolate tree fruit (Cocoa, Cacao beans) - Theobroma cacao

Chocolate tree fruit (Cocoa, Cacao beans) - Theobroma cacao

Avocado fruit

Avocado fruit

☕️ Grow your own brain food: Avocado and Cocoa

  • Avocado and cocoa aren't just a delicious combo - they’re also great for your brain. Studies show that Avocado's healthy fats improve blood flow and memory, while Cocoa’s flavonoids boost attention, mood, and overall cognitive performance. Together, they help protect brain cells from inflammation and aging.
  • Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats and lutein, nutrients that support sharp thinking and long-term brain health. Cocoa, meanwhile, enhances circulation in the brain and has been linked to lower risk of stroke and dementia. So, growing your own avocado and cacao trees means growing your own natural brain boosters right in your garden.
  • Try blending the two in simple treats like avocado chocolate mousse or a smoothie with banana and almond milk - creamy, rich, and packed with brain-loving nutrients.


🍽 Delicious Avocado-Chocolate recipes:

  • 🍵 Avocado Chocolate Mousse


    To make this, simply blend ripe avocado, unsweetened cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), and a splash of vanilla for a rich, creamy mousse that feels indulgent yet guilt-free.
  • 🍵 Avocado Chocolate Smoothie


    This is perfect for breakfast and to make it, combine avocado, cocoa powder, banana, almond milk, and a touch of nut butter for a thick, chocolatey breakfast smoothie.
  • 🍵 Avocado Brownies


    This one is for the sweet tooth lovers, use mashed avocado in regular brownie batter, add cocoa powder, and bake for fudgy, nutrient-dense brownies.
  • 🍵 Chocolate Avocado Pudding Pops


    To make this bite-size snack, blend avocado, cocoa powder, dates (or honey), and coconut milk, then freeze in molds for refreshing delights.


🛒 Plant your own Chocolate tree (Cocoa, Cacao), and Avocado tree for long lasting brain power

📚 Learn more:
#Food_Forest #Remedies #Discover #Recipes

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Date: 17 Jan 2026

Ti plant leaf color meaning

Hawaiian Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa)

Hawaiian Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa)

🌈 Ti plant leaf color meaning



The Hawaiian Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) is more than just a colorful tropical accent. Across Polynesian, Hawaiian, and Southeast Asian cultures, the color of ti plant leaves has long been associated with different meanings, moods, and uses - both symbolic and practical.
  • 🌈 Green leaves
  • Green ti plants are linked to peace, balance, and steady growth. Traditionally, they were planted around homes for protection and good fortune. In the garden, green varieties are usually the toughest and most shade-tolerant.
  • 🌈 Red and deep burgundy leaves
  • Red ti plants are associated with strength, power, and protection. In Hawaiian tradition, red ti leaves were believed to ward off negative energy and were often used in ceremonies. Garden-wise, deeper reds usually mean more sun exposure and stronger pigmentation.
  • 🌈 Pink, magenta, and multicolor leaves
  • These colorful ti plants symbolize joy, celebration, and creativity. They are often used as ornamental focal points and in festive plantings. Variegated and pink types tend to prefer brighter light to keep their colors sharp.
  • 🌈 Purple and dark-toned leaves
  • Purple ti plants are linked to mystery, spirituality, and transformation. Their dramatic color comes from high anthocyanin levels and usually intensifies in bright light with good nutrition.
  • 🌈 Yellow or light variegation
  • Yellow tones often represent optimism and new beginnings. Plants with lighter variegation may grow a bit slower and need protection from harsh sun, but they add a softer contrast in tropical landscapes.
  • 🌈 One practical note
Leaf color is influenced not just by variety, but also by light, temperature, and nutrition. Fading color usually means too little light or depleted soil, while rich, bold tones signal a happy plant.

Ti plant colors tell a story - part cultural tradition, part plant health, and part personal style in your garden.

🛒 Ti plants rainbow: collect them all

📚 Learn more:

Plant Facts

Cordyline fruticosa, Cordyline terminalis
Hawaiian Ti Leaf
USDA Zone: 9-11
Large shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeShadeFull sunRegular waterOrnamental foliageUnusual colorPink flowersSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time

#Container_Garden #Hedges_with_benefits #Shade_Garden #Discover #Horoscope

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