Date: 5 Nov 2024
How much water is too much?
"Always over-water your plants: just improve their soil drainage!" - Murray Corman, horticulturist, rare tropical fruit tree expert.
Q: I always tend to overwater my plants. How often should I water container plants and how to determine if it's too much water?
A: One of the most common challenges in tropical plant care, including houseplants, is overwatering, particularly in container gardening. So, how much water is too much?
The rule of thumb: let the soil dry out a bit before watering again, and never water if the soil feels wet to the touch. For indoor plants with saucers underneath, ensure they don't sit in standing water by removing any excess from the saucer after watering. However, remember that the watering schedule alone isn't the only key to success!
Improve drainage. Surprisingly, water itself isn't harmful to plants, no matter how generous your watering is. The real issue is poor drainage, which leads to stagnation and bacterial buildup, ultimately causing root rot.
In the nature. If you've traveled to places like Hawaii or explored tropical jungles, you might have noticed plants thriving between rocks with minimal soil, receiving a near-constant fine mist of rain. Conversely, swamps support very few trees - only bog or water plants adapted to wet conditions can survive there. The lesson? It's not the water, it's the growing medium!
The Soil Solution: for potted plants, always use a high-quality potting mix with excellent drainage properties. This should include ample "soil conditioners" such as perlite, vermiculite, and pine bark. At our nursery, we use a professional soil mix called Abundance. Learn more about potting soil.
Pot size matters. And the last but not least: if you tend to overwater your potted plants, consider using the smallest container size that comfortably fits the root system. A pot that's too large can mean excess wet soil, increasing the risk of root rot. With proper fertilizer program, container plants don't need to much soil to thrive.
Photo above: Datura Metel
Date: 6 Nov 2024
What is your favorite Pineapple variety?
Pineapple Florida Special
🌞 What is your favorite Pineapple variety? A Sunshine State Delight: Florida Special!
- 🍍 One of our favorites here in Sunshine State is Pineapple Florida Special
- 🍍 Bred by the Libby fruit company for Florida's unique climate, the Florida Special Pineapple once thrived across 240 acres in Immokalee before Libby sold to Nestle.
- 🍍 This variety produces medium to large, golden-yellow fruits with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Known for its resilience, it can withstand temperatures down to the mid-30s without internal damage, making it a great choice for subtropical gardeners.
- 🍍The plant's compact size, reaching 2-3 feet, makes it perfect for containers, patios, or garden beds. Its spiny green leaves form a striking rosette, adding tropical flair to any space. Whether grown for its juicy fruit or ornamental appeal, the Florida Special brings a slice of paradise to your garden!
- 🍍 Enjoy it fresh, in smoothies, or as a tasty addition to tropical dishes.
📚 Learn more about pineapples from previous posts:
Three must-have fruit for every tropical garden
The most luscious Hospitality Fruit
🛒 Order Pineapple Florida Special
#Food_Forest
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Date: 5 Nov 2024
How Heliconias add tropical vibe to your garden
Heliconia
🐠 How Heliconias add tropical vibe to your garden
Heliconia is a fantastic addition to any garden with its bold, tropical vibe! Known for its striking, colorful bracts in red, orange, or yellow, it attracts pollinators like hummingbirds. This low-maintenance plant thrives in warm climates, adds height and texture to landscapes, and grows well in partial shade or full sun. Plus, it's perfect for creating lush privacy screens or vibrant focal points.
📚 Learn more from previous post:
How to grow Lobster Claw
🛒 Plant Heliconias and gingers
#Hedges_with_benefits #Shade_Garden
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Date: 30 Nov 2024
What is the sweetest Passionfruit?
Passiflora nitida, Bell Apple, Water Lemon fruit
Passiflora nitida, Bell Apple, Water Lemon flowers
🌸 What is the sweetest Passionfruit?
- 🍋 Passiflora nitida, also called Bell Apple or Water Lemon, is a rare gem among passion fruits, native to the lush Amazon jungle. Its orange-yellow fruits are much sweeter than typical passion fruits, with succulent, non-acidic pulp that’s irresistibly flavorful.
- 🍋 This tropical vine thrives in lowland regions from Costa Rica to Brazil, growing rapidly in warm climates.
- 🍋 Fruits: Small (up to 2 inches), orange-yellow, and incredibly sweet, best enjoyed fresh.
- 🍋 Flowers: Striking blue and red blooms, resembling those of P. laurifolia and P. quadrangularis.
- 🍋 Growth: A vigorous, fast-growing vine suited for tropical conditions; frost protection is essential.
- 🍋 Uses: Often eaten fresh but also a key ingredient in the refreshing drink "Purple Passion."
- 🍋 #Fun_Facts: Despite its sweet, crowd-pleasing taste, this fruit remains a relatively unknown delight, making it a treasure for tropical fruit enthusiasts.
🛒 Plant Water Lemon Passion Fruit
#Food_Forest
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Date: 18 Dec 2024
Happy sunny flowers with lush tropical foliage for shady spots
Barleria micans - Giant Yellow Shrimp
⭐️ Happy sunny flowers with lush tropical foliage for shady spots
Barleria micans - Giant Yellow Shrimp is a bright, pollinator-friendly shrub with stunning summer blooms!
- ☀️ Foliage: Lush, dark green, tropical-looking leaves.
- ☀️ Flowers: Showy yellow blooms in summer, often covering the plant.
- ☀️ Pollinator Magnet: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- ☀️ Growth: Grows 4–5 ft tall; thrives in filtered sun or shade with regular water.
- ☀️ Soil & Climate: Does well in rich, well-drained soil; heat and humidity tolerant.
- ☀️ Seasonal Charm: Winter bloomer for Zone 10+.
🛒 Plant Giant Yellow Shrimp
#Butterfly_Plants #Shade_Garden #Hedges_with_benefits
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