Which dry fertilizer to use - slow release or controlled release?
dry top dress fertilizer
controlled release fertilizer Green Magic
🌳 Which dry fertilizer to use - slow release or controlled release?
❓ Q: You offer two kinds of dry fertilizers - Slow Release Trop Dress and Controlled Release Green Magic. What is the difference, and which one should I use? I used your water-diluted Sunshine Boosters with every watering, but now that I’ll be away for a few months, I just want to give my garden a long-lasting fertilizer.
✔️ A:Top Dress Slow Release Fertilizer is used for quick greening-up. Although it’s called “slow release,” the nutrients become available fairly fast. It contains soluble nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) that dissolve with rain or irrigation, acting within a week or a few weeks depending on temperature and rainfall. It’s great for giving your plants a quick boost of “fast food.”
We use Top Dress mainly for in-ground plants. It can be used in pots only during warm weather and active growth, but not in cooler months, as it may burn roots. Since we introduced Green Magic, we mostly use Top Dress only for garden beds and landscapes.
✔️ Green Magic Controlled Release Fertilizer is a true long-term, controlled-release fertilizer. Thanks to its PolyOn Technology coating, it provides steady, consistent feeding for 5-6 months. Unlike regular dry fertilizers that dump all nutrients at once, Green Magic releases them gradually - no burn, no guesswork, just steady nutrition.
Green Magic ideal for potted fruit trees, ornamentals, and houseplants. One handful keeps your plants fed for half a year. We use it for all container plants when potting up or refreshing soil every six months. It can also be used for in-ground plants if you want the best, most consistent results. Green Magic: try it out! (Sample here)
January kaleidoscope: Top Tropicals plants... and cats
Plants in Winter
Q: My plants Mango and Sapodilla (I got from Top Tropicals) got cold frost recently up to the roots recently in a cold wave in NJ. The leaves are dry. The plant was kept in a green house. But the heater was off for a night. During that time the in the pot got frozen. Will the plants survive? Will they come back during spring?
A: Unfortunately, the chances are slim. It is hard to determine now if they will survive. Those plants can take a very short cold. They might survive when the root system was not frozen solid. To ensure your plants cold protection in the future, this is what we recommend:
1) Use temperature alarm. Nowadays they're very cheap, they can send a message to your email or cell phone.
3) Heaters like any other piece of machinery may fail. Redundancy is the keyword. Instead of one large heater use two of smaller capacity. If one fails, then second one will prevent catastrophic failure
4) Insulation. Extra layer of insulation helps greatly.
5) If you leave for vacation, then plan ahead. Have somebody to watch over your greenhouse. Move plants or at least the most sensitive ones inside of your house if possible.
Meet Top Tropicals Team. Part 1 - PeopleCats!
Did you know that here at Top Tropicals we care not only about plants, but also animals? Most of our PeopleCats and PeopleDogs either came to us from nowhere in hope of survival, or have been rescued. TopTropicals is proud to support all of our People. A portion of every dollar you spend on a plant purchase goes to our Cat Community maintenance, food and other needs of these Little People. We will keep you updated with more pictures and videos on our PeopleCats (that also includes one dog Bob). They all are members of our Team, helping us to grow plants for you, pack them and send to you from our Shipping Department. Visit our Facebook, YouTube Channel and LIKE all of our People!
Plant Horoscope. Capricorn Zodiac lucky plants: Bamboo and Peach
Capricorn - 12/22 - 1/19.
An EARTH sign ruled by the planet Saturn. Capricorn's plants usually have few flowers, or small flowers, are knobby or woody, and may have an unpleasant smell or taste. Saturn rules plants with long lives and slow growth, so plants with annual rings are also associated with the Goat.
Physiologically, Saturn rules the systems that give the body its structure and form: the skeletal system, and the skin, teeth, joints, and knees, so plants that are high in calcium can be very beneficial. Those can be woody plants and shrubs that show annual rings, as well as some poisonous or narcotic plants. Saturn plants are useful in treating arthritis and rheumatism. Traditional Capricorn appreciates a spice that is powerful but familiar. Black pepper adds flavor and a bit of heat to both food and life, creating movement without too much change.
Dragon Fruit Plant Care – Tips
from the Garden Expert
Dragon fruit is one of those plants that look exotic but are surprisingly
easy once you know the basics. Here is what works best in the garden:
Soil: They hate wet feet. A sandy, fast-draining soilless-mix
is
your friend. If water sits around the roots, rot comes fast.
Watering: Deep watering is better than frequent sips. Let the
soil dry between
waterings. In rainy season they cope well, but in pots you need to be
careful.
Sunlight: Full sun is great, but in very hot places a touch of
afternoon shade keeps them happy.
Support: They are natural climbers. A wooden post, concrete pole,
or trellis will give them something to grab and makes harvest easier.
Fertilizer: Feed lightly but often. A gentle liquid like Sunshine
C-Cibus liquid booster with every watering, or Green
Magic controlled release fertilizer
every 5-6 months. It encourages strong roots, lush growth, and lots of
flowers.
Pruning: Trim off tangled or weak stems. This guides energy into
strong branches that will flower and fruit.
Think of it as training a cactus vine into a small tree. Once it settles
in, it almost takes care of itself — and pays back with fruit you
can’t buy in stores.
🌱 Dragon Fruit
Plant Care – Outdoors and Indoors
Outdoors: Dragon fruit thrives in USDA Zones 10–11
year-round. In warm
regions like Florida, Texas, California, and Hawaii, you can grow it outside
in the ground. Give it fast-draining soil, full sun with a little afternoon
shade in the hottest months, and
a sturdy trellis or post to climb. Deep watering with drying periods in
between keeps roots healthy. A yearly pruning shapes the plant and boosts
flowering.
Indoors or Patio Pots: Gardeners in cooler zones can still enjoy
dragon fruit in containers. Use a large pot with sandy, well-draining mix or
soilless-mix
and a pole for support. Place the pot in the brightest
spot — a greenhouse, sunroom, or patio that gets 6+ hours of light
daily.
Move pots inside when temperatures drop below 40F. Even indoors, a healthy
plant can bloom and fruit if it has enough light and warmth.
❓
Dragon Fruit FAQ
How soon will a dragon fruit start producing?
Cuttings can flower and fruit in as little as 2–3
years. Seed-grown plants take longer, often 4–6 years. Large developed
specimens can start flowering and fruiting within a year or even the same
season.
Do I need more than one plant for pollination?
Some varieties are self-fertile, others need a second plant
for cross-pollination. Even self-fertile types usually set more fruit with a
partner nearby.
How big do they get?
In the ground, dragon fruit can climb 15–20 ft if you
let it. With pruning and a trellis, you can keep it shaped like a small
tree, 6–8 ft tall.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. A large container with sandy mix or soilless-mix
and a pole for climbing works well. Indoors it will need
bright light or a grow lamp.
What does a dragon fruit taste like?
Sweet and juicy, like a blend of blackberry and raspberry.
Varieties differ: flesh can be white, pink, deep red, or purple, wrapped in
skins of red, pink, or yellow. White flesh is mild and refreshing, red flesh
is sweeter, and yellow flesh is the sweetest with a honey-pineapple flavor.
What zones can I grow dragon fruit outside?
USDA Zones 10–11 are best for year-round outdoor
planting. In cooler areas, grow it in containers and bring inside for
winter.
How often should I water?
Deep water, then let the soil dry. Too much water causes
root rot. Think “desert cactus with a taste for rain.”
Is dragon fruit easy to grow?
Yes. Pitayas grow like cactus trees on strong supports, but
they are easy to care for — little water, sun or semi-shade, and they
thrive.
How long do they live?
A healthy dragon fruit cactus can produce for 10 years or
more with proper care.
What are the health benefits?
Dragon fruit is high in fiber, supports digestion, and is
low in calories. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it good
for immunity and overall wellness. Many gardeners enjoy it as a healthy
snack or in smoothies.
Randia formosa - Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree with Flowers and Ripe Fruit
You know how some plants just surprise you?
That's Randia formosa - the Blackberry
Jam Fruit Tree. At first, it just looks like a cute little gardenia-type
shrub. Glossy leaves, sweet white flowers. Nice enough. But then the fruit shows
up… and you crack one open and go, “Wait - this tastes like jam?!”
And not just any jam - like real, fresh blackberry jam. No sugar, no
cooking. Just soft black pulp inside this golden little fruit. It's weirdly
satisfying. One of those things you make everyone taste just to see their
face.
What's even cooler is how easy it is. This thing starts blooming and
fruiting when it's barely 2 feet tall. You can grow it in a pot on your porch,
or even inside if it gets enough light. And while most of your other plants
take the winter off, this one keeps going - flowers, fruit, the whole show.
If you've got a spot with filtered light and a little curiosity, it's
absolutely worth a try. Honestly, it's just… fun.
This rare South American evergreen shrub checks all the boxes: fragrant,
compact, easy, and edible.
✅ Grows in pots ✅ Indoors ✅ Small yards
Randia formosa – Blackberry Jam Fruit Tree – FAQ
What is Randia formosa?
Randia formosa,
also known as Blackberry Jam Fruit or Jasmin de Rosa, is a compact tropical
shrub that produces fragrant white flowers and small yellow fruits filled with
soft, black pulp that tastes remarkably like blackberry jam. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family, the same as Gardenia and Coffea.
Why gardeners love Randia
Delicious jam-flavored fruit – no sugar needed.
Compact grower – perfect for patios and indoor spaces.
Fast results – blooms and fruits within 1–1.5 years.
Big yield in a small pot – 25–30 fruits at once!
Fall–Winter performer – keeps going when others stop.
Kid favorite – fun to grow, fun to eat.
What does the fruit taste like?
The pulp inside the fruit tastes just like fresh blackberry jam - sweet,
tangy, and rich. It is edible fresh, without any processing or sweeteners,
and is loved by both kids and adults.
How big does the plant get?
In the ground, Randia formosa typically reaches 4 to 5 feet tall.
In containers, it usually stays smaller, around 3 to 4 feet, making it
perfect for small gardens, patios, or indoor growing.
How soon will it fruit?
Very quickly! This is one of the fastest fruiting tropicals. Plants begin to flower and produce fruit within two years from seed.
Еstablished plants in 3 gallon containers may begin fruiting at just 2 feet tall.
Does it need full sun?
No. It actually prefers filtered light or partial shade, especially in hot
climates. Leaves tend to look healthier and greener when grown in dappled light.
Can I grow Randia formosa indoors?
Yes! Its compact size and shade tolerance make it an excellent choice for bright indoor spaces. Just be sure to provide good air
circulation, high humidity if possible, and avoid cold drafts.
How cold-hardy is it?
Mature plants can tolerate temperatures down to about 26F for short period of time, but young plants are more
sensitive and should be protected from frost. It is best grown outdoors in USDA zones 9b and up or kept as a container plant that can be brought indoors in winter.
What kind of soil does it need?
Randia formosa requires acidic, well-draining soil. Avoid alkaline
soils, which may cause leaf chlorosis (yellowing with green veins).
How often should I water it?
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. It is sensitive to overwatering, especially in
cooler weather. During winter, reduce watering. Underwatering may cause sudden
leaf drop - but the plant usually recovers quickly once watered again.
What fertilizer does it need?
Yes. Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants.
Regular applications of micronutrients (especially iron and magnesium) help prevent chlorosis.
Foliar sprays can also be helpful. Apply Sunshine C-Cibus Booster or Green Magic controlled release fertilizer to keep your plant happy:
Blackberry Jam Fruit is a heavy feeder!
When does it flower and fruit?
This plant can bloom and fruit for several months, often from summer
through winter. It is known to bloom off-season, making it a fun and productive plant when others are dormant.
Are the flowers fragrant?
Yes, the white star-shaped tubular flowers have a light, sweet
fragrance, similar to gardenias but less intense. The flowers open at night.
Is it self-pollinating?
Yes. A single plant can set fruit on its own, although insect activity can improve fruit set.
Are there any common problems?
The most common issue is chlorosis, which shows up as yellowing
leaves with green veins - usually due to overwatering, poor drainage, or
alkaline soil. It's fixable with acidification and micronutrients. The plant may also drop leaves suddenly if underwatered but tends
to bounce back.
Is this plant related to Gardenia?
Yes. It is in the same plant family (Rubiaceae) as Gardenia and Coffee. That's why the flowers look similar and why it tolerates similar care needs.
Can it be used for bonsai or miniature tree styling?
Yes, due to its slow growth and branching habit, Randia formosa can be shaped into a miniature tree form and is quite attractive when trained.
Is it drought-tolerant?
Once established, it shows moderate drought tolerance. However, young plants need regular watering and are more vulnerable to drying out.
Dragon Fruit Plant Care – Tips
from the Garden Expert
