Date: 8 Jun 2023
Repotting tropical plants
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
Q: When is the best time to repot tropical plants?
A: Repotting tropical plants is vital for their overall health and growth. The best time to repot them is during the Spring through early Summer, when they start active growth.
Start by selecting a well-draining soil mix that consists of equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite. Gather the necessary supplies, including a slightly larger pot, the soil mix, and a good fertilizer
Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, trim any damaged branches, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil mix. Be sure to position the plant with the growth point slightly above the soil level. Water the plant thoroughly but avoid overwatering. After repotting, find an appropriate location with suitable lighting conditions for your plant. Monitor the moisture levels and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Additionally, apply the appropriate Sunshine Boosters fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. Use Sunshine Boosters fertilizers for specific plant needs (Robusta for foliage, Megaflor for flowering, Ananas for pineapples, etc.). It is safe to apply Sunshine Boosters all year around. Keep a close eye on the plant for any signs of stress or issues and adjust your care routine as needed. Help the plant to cope with stress by spraying with solution of Sunshine Epi.
Enjoy the beauty of your thriving indoor tropical garden!
Date: 21 Dec 2022
Heat [Cat] Pack for Winter shipping
In the photo: James Coconuts and Riki are purrfectly hot People!
Not too warm on the way to your home? No problem! Heat Pack will help your plants to have a safe and warm trip from Top
Tropicals to your house.
Heat Pack maintains warm temperature while shipping, and is good for 20+ hours. It is a must if temperature drops below 40F in your area. Large orders require 2-3 packs. When ordering large 3-7 gal size plants (especially sensitive ultra-tropical plants), you may need 1 pack per plant. Contact us for more information on particular species.
Alternatively, we can
include a warm cat!
(subject to limited supply)
Date: 2 Oct 2022
A Miracle for every special
garden:
Synsepalum - Miracle Fruit
...Every tropical plant lover wants to have this plant in their collection. And there are at least three good
reasons for it:
1) it is a true miracle fruit
2) It enjoys growing in a pot, stays compact and brings you miracle berries nearly year
around
3) it can be grown indoors as it has very low water and light needs.
Miracle fruit is one of the strangest tropical fruits. The most unusual thing about it is the effect it has on one's taste after this miraculous berry has been consumed. The "miracle" is that if lemon or other sour food is eaten after the miracle fruit, the sour tastes sweet, as if sugar has been added. That kind of magical experience is unforgettable! The interest in this plant is so high that anyone who has a plant always finds eager volunteers to test its sweetening properties. A natural chemical in the fruit masks the tongue's sour taste buds so that lemons taste like lemonade or lemon pie, or lemon candy; beer tastes like Malta drink, sour strawberries taste super sweet, and a grapfruit tastes delicions and not bitter! What causes the miracle? The fruit has a unique taste changing glycoprotein that inhibits tastebuds' perception of sour taste. The sweet sensation lasts for half an hour to a few hours...
Date: 21 Jun 2022
Sweet Potatoes - healthy food for every kitchen
by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
"Oh my, what is this luxurious vine? These large, bright flowers! Looks
like the Morning Glory and... is not like anything!"
"You want to know what this is? This is my favorite breakfast, lunch and
dinner. For breakfast - sweet, but healthy porridge, for lunch - a wonderful
side dish, and at last this plant makes a wonderful dessert after dinner!"
I didn't expect sweet potatoes to be represented by such a beautiful plant!
So my old good friend introduced me to this supposedly ordinary, but
spectacular and useful edible plant. Yet it is very fast growing and easy! Here is
the story...
Date: 29 May 2022
Plant Horoscope - Taurus
By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
...Taurus is the second astrological sign in the modern zodiac. This sign is associated with several myths
and bull worship from several ancient cultures. It was the first sign of the zodiac established among the Mesopotamians, who called it "The Great Bull of Heaven"...
Taurus, like other earthly signs, refers to plants in a peculiar way. This
is not to say that he does not love them, and how can he not love the grass that feeds him or trees in the shadow of which he rests during the
midday hours? Yes, he loves them. Well, just need someone else to grow all these
flowers and trees, someone else look after them, making sure that they are
always in good condition and would be apt to give Taurus full portion of
sensual pleasures!..