TROPICAL GARDENING: How to grow Brugmansia (Angel Trumpet) in the ground outside.
Q: I
recently moved from New Jersey to Florida and I brought with me my Brugmansia that
I used to have as a house plant. Can I plant it in the ground now?
A:Angel Trumpet - Brugmansia - is a very popular container plant
valued for its large, stunning fragrant flowers. Originated from South
America, it will be happy to grow in tropical to subtropical climate outdoors.
These are a few useful tips to get the most out of this beautiful plant:
1) Light. Plant it in full sun - the more sun, the more flowers
you get, although Brugmansias tolerate shade. If the plant was previously
grown in container indoors, to avoid leaf burn, keep it protected with a shade
cloth or simply white sheet for a while and gradually open to adjust to full
sun.
2) Soil and fertilizer. Use fertile soil with lots of organic
matter (add compost to existing soil). It must be very well drained, Angel
Trumpet won't tolerate waterlogged conditions. Plant it on a little "hill"
elevated 3-4" above the surrounding area. Brugmansias are very heavy feeders. Once
the plant is established, fertilize on regular basis with Slow Release Fertilizer - a handful once a
month.
3) Water. Water daily until established. Once the root system is
well developed, the plant is drought tolerant and won't require too much
care. But at the beginning, watch the leaves - the lush foliage droops quickly
if the plant is thirsty.
4) Plan space. Brugmansia is a short tree, but it needs a lot of
room to spread branches with its heavy hanging flowers. Think 12" wide and
maybe almost as much tall.
5) Support. Being widespread plant, Brugmansia can be blown with
strong winds. Stake with strong support until established.
6) Propagation. Brugmansia is one of the few plants that
propagates with semi-woody cuttings; soft green cuttings usually have little
success. Other than that, it is pretty easy!
Avocado, Lychee and Mango setting
fruit... give them some FOOD!
Q:
Do I need to fertilize tropical fruit when they set fruit?
A:
It is traditionally believed that mango and other tropical
fruit shouldn't be fertilized during fruiting period. It
is true to an extent: you don't want fruit to burst from
fast excessive growing. Instead, try to feed fruit trees
wisely, because they still need proper nutrition to
produce flowers and fruit.
Our spring specials of Lychee, Avocado and Mango are full of buds and
some already set tiny fruit (see examples on the photo).
Here is the feeding plan for these plants once you receive
your mail order:
1) Once received the plant, pot it into container size of
the root ball and let establish for couple weeks. Use SUNSHINE-E to help the plant
recover from shipping stress and establish root system.
2) Apply SUNSHINE-Honey right before
flowering, and next time at setting fruit, to provide
sweeter and bigger fruit, eliminate fruit cracks and help
resist fungus and other fruit diseases.
3) Use balanced granulated fertilizer,
1 tsp per each gallon of soil. Apply once a month during
Spring-Summer season. This gives the plant balanced
macro-elements (NPK) necessary for overall plant health.
Do not use on fruit trees fertilizers with high Nitrogen
content.
4) Apply SUNSHINE SuperFood
micro-element booster to keep fruit trees vigorous,
develop strong root system and avoid deficiencies.
5) In case of signs of chlorosis (yellowing leaves with
darker veins), give the tree SUNSHINE-GreenLeaf and watch
the leaves turning green quickly.
After harvesting, don't forget to make another treatment
of SUNSHINE-Honey as a
preparation for the next year flowering and fruiting
season.
Date: 24 Jun 2018
Varieties of Guava
Q:
We were just in Australia where guava juice was available
in the markets. Pretty sure I can grow different varieties
of Guava's here, as I have 3 already, but wondering if it
would be psidium guajava or littorale as the best bet for
making the pink juice we enjoyed. Thanks so much, your
plants are so healthy when they arrive!
A:
Both species are used for commercial juice making. We grow
lots of Psidium littorale - Cattley
Guava, Strawberry Guava - and we make delicious juice. Psidium guajava - Tropical
Guava, Guajava - is less juicy, fruit is somewhat dry, but
it still has a great flavor; you may need to add water to
blended pulp. And sugar - add it to both kinds of fruit!
These aren't your typical tropicals - they're collector-grade Anthuriums grown for foliage and texture. Each one brings something
different, but they all thrive in the same kind of setting: shade or filtered
light, warmth, and humidity. Perfect for growing in containers indoors or
out.
Anthurium Black Dragon
This is the most dramatic of the trio. Upright, leathery leaves shift
from dark green to nearly black depending on light. Instead of bright flowers,
it produces a dark brown spadix and glowing red berries. A hybrid not found
in the wild, it's grown from seed - no two are exactly alike.
Best for: Indoor focal plant, shaded patio, black ceramic pot
This one's about scale. Broad, crinkled leaves with a cardboard-like
texture form a bold rosette. It can get huge with time - up to 6 feet across.
Perfect for gardeners who want the "instant jungle" look.
Graceful and rare, this species sends out narrow strap-like leaves that can
reach 5–6 ft long. Ideal for hanging baskets or mounting. Bonus: it
produces small pink fruit against deep green foliage.
Best for: Hanging displays, vertical planters, bright bathrooms
Height: Leaf length, not upright height - up to 6 ft
Light:
Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sun, especially mid-day. These
plants evolved in rainforest understory - think "dappled light under
trees."
Water:
Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Let the top inch dry before
watering. They hate wet feet.
Humidity:
These are tropicals - they'll do fine in 50-60% humidity, but thrive at
70%+. Use pebble trays or place near other plants. Bathrooms with windows work
great.
Soil:
Use an airy mix: orchid bark + perlite + peat or coco coir. Drainage is
key. Never use plain potting soil.
Fertilizer:
Feed with SUNSHINE Robusta every 2–4 weeks during warm seasons. It's
formulated for aroids and won't burn roots.
Potting:
Use shallow, wide containers. Repot only every 2–3 years, or when
roots crowd the pot. They don't like frequent disruption.
Temperature:
Ideal: 65–85 F. Short dips to the 30s F are tolerated by mature
plants, but avoid cold drafts.
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top
Tropicals with
Smokey & Sunshine help
Sunshine Boosters for different types of plants
Here is why SUNSHINE Boosters are the smart choice for your garden this
spring:
Amino Acid Stability: Unlike traditional fertilizers that
use synthetic EDTA chelators, our formulas are amino-acid based. This means
100% of the nutrients are bioavailable and consumed by the plant, leaving
zero
toxic residues or salt build-up in your soil.
Safe for Every Watering: Because our concentrations are
scientifically balanced and mild, they are safe for daily use. This
eliminates the "feast or famine" cycle of dry fertilizers and prevents
accidental root burn.
Pure Taste for Edibles: Our delicate formulas do not
contain excess salts, urea, or ammonium salts that can ruin the flavor of
your harvest. Your fruit and vegetables will retain their pure, natural
taste.
Pollinator Friendly: Our boosters are designed to be safe
for honeybees and other beneficial insects, making them the responsible
choice for an organic-style garden.
🌿For Potted Plants: Breaking the "Foodless" Cycle
Schlumbergera - Christmas cactus - after boosting
flowers with Sunshine
Megaflor
Container-grown plants are trapped in soilless mixes (peat, bark,
perlite) that are structurally great but naturally nutrient-deficient.
Total Nutrition: Since pots lack the natural "buffet"
of the ground, SUNSHINE Boosters™ provide every
essential mineral the plant cannot find on its own.
No Salt Build-up: Our amino-acid based formulas are
consumed entirely by the plant, leaving zero toxic residue or root-burning
salts behind.
Daily Safety: Our mild concentrations eliminate the
"feast
or famine" cycle of dry fertilizers, making them safe for use with every
single watering.
Even in the ground, plants often struggle to absorb what they need
because soil compounds can "lock up" nutrients.
Enhanced Solubility: SUNSHINE Boosters create a
slightly acidic environment that helps dissolve stubborn salts in the soil,
making them accessible to roots again.
Precision Delivery: We provide mobile elements like
Nitrogen precisely when the plant needs to push new spring growth.
🌿The Foliar Advantage: Direct-to-Leaf Delivery
Did you know a plant leaf can absorb nutrients even more efficiently than
the roots? Foliar feeding is your "emergency button" for instant results.
Quick Fix: Foliar applications with Sunshine
Superfood are the fastest way to correct yellowing leaves or visible
deficiencies.
Metabolism Boost: Sprays like SUNSHINE-Epi act
as a bio-regulator, helping plants recover from the stress of spring
temperature swings.
Better Fruit:SUNSHINE Honey is applied to
leaves to naturally move sugars to the fruit, increasing sweetness and
flavor.
🌿The Calcium Problem: Solved
As your plants wake up this Spring, they need structural strength. Think
of Calcium as the "cement" that holds plant cells
together. Without it, new spring growth is doomed to fail.
Signs Your Plant is Starving for Calcium:
Deformed Leaves: New growth looks twisted, hooked, or
curled.
Blackened Tips: The very edges of young leaves turn white,
then quickly blacken and die.
The Industry Secret: The "Missing" Mineral
Most fertilizers, both dry and liquid, completely skip Calcium. Why?
Because it’s a chemical nightmare to keep stable in a concentrated
solution. Most manufacturers rely on your irrigation water to deliver
Calcium, but tap water is inconsistent and often fails to provide what a
hungry, growing plant needs.
The SUNSHINE Boosters: Stable Calcium in Every Bottle
We have successfully stabilized Calcium directly into every single
Sunshine Booster formula.
Whether you are using Bombino, Robusta, or Megaflor, you are delivering a
precise, stable dose of Calcium with every watering. No lockout, no
sediment, and no relying on the "luck" of your tap water. Just strong,
healthy cell walls and perfect spring growth.
🌿SUNSHINE-Epi: The Year-Round Bio-Regulator
Whether it’s the transition of spring, the extreme heat of summer,
or the dry air of indoor wintering, SUNSHINE-Epi is your
plant’s primary defense. This natural Brassinosteroid acts as a
powerful immune booster, helping plants navigate stress wherever it comes
from.
Universal Stress Shield: Protects against temperature
swings (both heat and cold), drought, and transplant shock.
Vigorous Development: Dramatically improves root growth
and speeds up the metabolism of young seedlings and cuttings.
Eco-Safe: 100% non-toxic to humans, pets, and
pollinators.
Note: While Epi is highly effective, it is a
performance booster, not a substitute for proper care. It works best when
paired with the right light, water, and a consistent feeding program. It
won't bring a dead plant back to life, but it will help a struggling one
find its footing.
Don't
let your garden wake up to an empty nutrition plate.
Smokey: Save your gas money for donuts. We're
shipping the boosters for free. Sunshine: Agreed. My charm covers the delivery
cost.
No coupon code required: The free shipping is automatically applied
at checkout.
Complete Nutrition: Stock up on Robusta, Superfood, and Epi for the Spring
growth push.
Offer
valid through 03/14/2026. Free shipping offer is valid on
SUNSHINE Boosters liquid products only. Not valid on previous purchases and
cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, or discounts. Offer
subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Sunshine Boosters micro
elements and supplements - Superfood micro-element complex, Sunshine Epi
biostimulant and Sunshine Honey supplement for better fruit
❓Frequently Asked Questions: SUNSHINE Boosters™
What water should I use for foliar spraying?
Tap water works perfectly for most. However, if your water is very "hard"
(leaving white mineral spots on leaves), switch to distilled water for a
cleaner finish and better absorption.
How long does a diluted solution last?
For maximum potency and to avoid nutrient degradation, try to use your
diluted mixture
within a few hours of preparation. Keep away from direct sun. Fresh is
always best!
Can I use SUNSHINE Boosters as a daily foliar spray?
Yes! You can mist your plants daily to maintain high vigor, but you must
reduce the dosage (use half the recommended strength) to avoid over-feeding.
Can I mix boosters with pesticides or fungicides?
It is best to apply them separately. Mixing fertilizers with chemical
pesticides in one tank can trigger reactions that "lock out" nutrients or
reduce the efficacy of the treatment.
Will the liquid stain my patio or hands?
No. Unlike traditional fertilizers with heavy blue or pink dyes, our
solutions are clear or very light-colored. If you spill it, simply rinse
with water—no stains, no mess.
Can I mix different SUNSHINE Boosters together in one sprayer?
Yes. All SUNSHINE Boosters are chemically compatible. You can combine a
"growth" booster like Robusta with a "micro-element" complex like Superfood
in the same water to save time.
Are these products safe to use around my pets?
Absolutely. Our formulas are 100% non-toxic and amino-acid based. Just ask
Smokey and Sunshine—they are perfectly safe for households with
curious cats, dogs, and children.
Can I use these boosters on indoor plants?
Yes. They are ideal for indoor use because they don't produce a "fertilizer
smell" and won't cause salt crusting on your decorative pots or furniture.
Is it safe to use on fruit and vegetables I plan to eat?
Yes. Because our formulas contain no urea, nitrates, or harsh salts, they
don't leave a "chemical" aftertaste. They actually help improve the natural
sugars and flavor profile
of your harvest.
What is the best temperature for foliar spraying?
Apply when temperatures are below 85°F. Early morning or late evening
is best; this allows the leaves to remain wet longer, giving the plant more
time to absorb the nutrients.
What Fertilizer to Use and How?
Green
Magic controlled release fertilizer keeps plants green during active
growth season - apply only once in 6 months.
Sunshine: Smokey, you saved my coffee tree. But what do I
do now so it stays happy?
Smokey: Simple. Spray Sunshine Robusta every five days
during active growth.
Sunshine: Five days? Smokey, I barely remember where I left
my coffee
mug five minutes ago.
Smokey: That is exactly why we use Green Magic.
Sunshine: Fertilizer for forgetful gardeners?
Smokey: Controlled release. Sprinkle once and it feeds the
plant for six months.
Sunshine: Six months? I can have a very good nap in that
time.
Smokey: Exactly. The plant keeps eating slowly while you
keep napping.
Sunshine: Perfect. Remember, I will bring the coffee. You
bring the donuts.
Smokey: And next week we will show you exactly how Green
Magic works and why plants love it. Stay tuned.
Anthurium Black Dragon
Anthurium hookeri – Giant Bird's
Nest
Anthurium vittariifolium – Long
Leaf Anthurium
