Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 16 Mar 2026

🌱 💪 Green Magic + SUNSHINE Boosters: A Complete System for Strong Plant Growth

By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top Tropicals with Smokey & Sunshine help

Nearly  dead  houseplants  (Dracaena,  Syngonium,  and  Spathiphyllum) 
 recovering  and  growing  vigorously  after  treatment  with  Green  Magic 
 fertilizer  and  Sunshine  Robusta  plant 
 booster.

Green Magic recovery test with SUNSHINE Robusta support: Dracaena, Syngonium, and Spathiphyllum revived from severe stress and growing vigorously.

☀️🌱 Sunshine Boosters: Complete Plant Nutrition

Sunshine Boosters provide complete plant nutrition, including Calcium and micronutrients that plants need for strong growth. Because nutrients are delivered in liquid form, plants can absorb them quickly and respond almost immediately.

The Practical Problem

Liquid feeding works well, but it requires frequent application. In real gardens, many growers simply do not have time to add liquid fertilizer with every watering.

Green Magic: The Foundation

Green Magic solves this problem by providing steady background nutrition through controlled-release fertilizer. It feeds plants gradually, so they continue receiving nutrients even between liquid feedings.

Why This Combination Works

Together, this system provides both complete nutrition and steady feeding. Sunshine Boosters supply fast nutrients and Calcium, while Green Magic maintains a stable nutrient supply between feedings.

✍️ How to Feed Your Plants

📅 Step 1 – Start of the Growing Season

  • Apply Green Magic around the root zone every 6 months.

    In ground:
    • Small Shrubs (1–3 feet): Use approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup per plant
    • Established Trees: Use 1/2 lb to 1 lb of product per 1 inch of trunk diameter.
    • Small In-Ground Ornamentals: A common "spoon" rate is roughly 1 teaspoon per gallon of estimated root volume (or per sq. ft. of surface area).
    • Spread evenly around the dripline. Avoid piling the granules against the base or trunk of the plant. For best results, lightly rake the granules into the top 1–2 inches of soil.
    Container plants:
    • Apply 1 tea spoon per 1 gal of soil (mix in with soil) every 6 months during active growth period, or with every re-potting.
  • Water normally after application.
  • Adjustment for Temperature. Because Green Magic is temperature-controlled, adjust your rate if your local climate is extreme:
    • Cooler Climates (<60°F average): Increase the rate by 20% to ensure enough nutrients are released.
    • Hot Climates (> 80°F average): Decrease the rate by 20% to prevent over-releasing as the heat speeds up the process.

☀️🌿 Step 2 – Active Growing Season

  • Apply Sunshine Boosters during the growing season.
  • Regular feeding (maintenance): Mix with tap water according to the ratio on the label. For SUNSHINE Robusta use 25 ml (5 tsp)per gallon of water and spray leaves every 5-7 days during active growth.
  • Correction feeding ("medicine" dose): if plants show visible nutrient deficiencies, combine SUNSHINE Robusta with SUNSHINE Superfood and spray every 5–7 days until new growth appears healthy. All SUNSHINE Boosters products are compatible and can be mixed with water in the same sprayer.
  • Best time to spray: early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler and leaves can absorb nutrients efficiently.
  • Important: spray both the top and underside of leaves for maximum absorption.

Tacca  plant  (bat  flower)  showing  strong  vegetative  growth  and  flower 
 bud  development  in  the  same  season  after  feeding  with  Green  Magic 
 fertilizer.

Tacca (bat flower) showing vigorous growth and producing flower buds in the same season after feeding with Green Magic.
Swipe left/right to see all data ↔️

📊 Seasonal feeding schedule with Green Magic and Sunshine Boosters.

Season Product Method Goal
Spring (March) Green Magic Soil Surface 6-month steady nutrient base.
Growing Season Sunshine Boosters Foliar (Every 5-7 days) Calcium & Bio-available growth power.
Late Summer Green Magic Soil Surface Replenish foundation for Fall.
Winter Sunshine Epi Foliar/Drench Cold tolerance and shipping recovery.

Quick Dose Reference

  • Green Magic: 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon of soil volume.
  • Sunshine Boosters: 25 ml (5 tsp) per 1 gallon of water.
  • Pro Tip: Always spray in the early morning or late evening to prevent leaf scorch and ensure maximum absorption through the stomata.

❓Frequently Asked Questions: Plant Nutrition & Fertilizer

General Fertilizer Concepts

Why is the "Spring Fertilizer Rush" a problem?
Most gardeners apply a large amount of traditional fertilizer once in March. This creates a "roller coaster" effect where plants get a sudden spike of nutrients followed by weeks of starvation. This leads to inconsistent growth and potential "fertilizer burn."

What is "fertilizer burn"?
Traditional fertilizers are made of soluble salts. When too many salts accumulate around the roots, they actually pull water out of the plant tissues (osmosis), dehydrating the plant and damaging sensitive root tips and leaf edges.

Is there a difference between "Slow-Release" and "Controlled-Release"?
Yes.

  • Slow-Release: Relies on natural factors like moisture and soil microbes to break down. It is often unpredictable.
  • Controlled-Release: Uses engineered polymer membranes (like Polyon) to release nutrients at a specific, predictable rate based primarily on temperature.

Green Magic & Temperature

How does temperature affect my fertilizer?
Most fertilizers are lab-tested at 75°F. In hot climates (90°F+), the nutrients release much faster. A "6-month" fertilizer might only last 3 months in the summer heat.

How should I adjust Green Magic for my local weather?

  • Cooler Climates (<60°F): Increase the application rate by 20%.
  • Hot Climates (> 80°F): Decrease the application rate by 20% to prevent over-releasing.

The Calcium Gap

Why doesn't Green Magic contain Calcium?
Calcium salts are highly soluble and can destabilize the polymer coating used in controlled-release granules. Therefore, most high-quality granules leave Calcium out. You can provide Calcium by using SUNSHINE Boosters

Why is Calcium so important for new growth?
Calcium is the "bone" of the plant, building strong cell walls. Unlike other nutrients, it is immobile—the plant cannot move it from old leaves to new ones. If you don't provide a constant supply, new leaves and fruit will emerge distorted or weak.

Advanced Science & Troubleshooting

What makes Sunshine Boosters "Bioavailable"?
Unlike most liquid fertilizers that use EDTA chelators, Sunshine Boosters are amino-acid based. They use organic acids and glycine to escort minerals into the plant, allowing it to incorporate nutrients into its proteins almost immediately.

Will these fertilizers affect the taste of my fruit?
No. Sunshine Boosters are made from pharmaceutical-grade components and contain no urea or harmful salts, ensuring your harvest (like Mangoes or Avocados) has a pure, natural flavor without a chemical aftertaste.

Avocado Plant Facts

Botanical name: Persea americana, Persea gratissima
Also known as: Avocado, Alligator Pear, Aguacate, Abacate
USDA Zone: 9 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEdible plantSubtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
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✨ Green Magic - 15% Off This Week

Give Your Plants a Strong Start This Spring
Green Magic - 15% OFF.

Build the foundation for the entire growing season with a steady, long-lasting nutrient base.

No coupon needed. The discount is automatically applied at checkout.
Offer valid through 03/21/2026. Discount applies to Green Magic products only. Not valid on previous purchases and cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Offer subject to change without notice.
Sunshine: So Green Magic feeds the plant for months. Does that mean I can forget about Sunshine Boosters?

Smokey: Not quite. Green Magic is the steady base diet. Sunshine Boosters are the weekly power drink during active growth.

Sunshine: Ah. Like my regular meals and donuts on top.

Smokey: Exactly. Plants eat slowly from Green Magic, and once a week they get a fresh boost.

Sunshine: Sprinkle once, then boosters every week. The plant grows, I drink coffee, and nobody forgets anything important.

Smokey: Except where you left the donuts.

Sunshine: Smokey... nobody forgets donuts. Ever

🛒 Feed your plants

✍️ Learn more about fertilizers

Date: 25 Apr 2024

Top Tropicals is now in Telegram!

Cat  texting  telegram

Welcome to our new Telegram Channel!
We finally did it, and excited to connect with all of you on this amazing platform. After using Telegram for a few years for both business and personal communications, we realized it is a winner of the modern Social Media!

In Top Tropicals Telegram Channel you will find much more than on our website or Newsletter: Fun Plant Facts, Nature Wonders, Amazing Plant Videos, Gardening How-to Tips, Exotic Recipes, Contests, Sweepstakes, Give-aways and so much more. Plus, of course, your favorite PeopleCats!

Telegram is a messaging app with a focus on speed and security, it's super-fast, simple and free. You can use Telegram on all your devices at the same time - your messages sync seamlessly across any number of your phones, tablets or computers. It's perfect for sharing your comments, photos, videos, even making calls.

You can watch news, browse your interest, message to friends and colleagues, save your files, create groups, make phone calls, and the most amazing thing - Telegram works where nothing else works, no WiFi or cell service! It proved to be more reliable than any other apps and (surprise!) even works in airplane without wifi connection - proved!

The platform has its own cloud and offers limitless storage. And the last and not least - it's ad-free! Telegram is free and will stay free - no ads, no subscription fees, forever. It's a clean, clear and easy to use for all ages and applications. Try it yourself and discover how easy and pain-free it is!

Telegram is for everyone who wants fast and reliable messaging and calls.
See you in Telegram!

Date: 9 Apr 2023

Discovering the Amazing Guava Fruit Tree

Guava  fruit  collage

A Gardener's Delight:
How to grow Guava Tree, delicious recipes and more...

Imagine stepping into your garden, plucking a fresh, juicy guava off a tree, and savoring its sweet, tropical flavor. Sounds delightful, doesn't it? Guava trees are not only a wonderful addition to any garden but also offer an array of delicious and nutritious fruits. Let's explore the fascinating world of guava fruit trees, dive into the different species, and share some tasty ways to enjoy this remarkable fruit.

If you're blessed with a warm climate, find a sunny spot with well-drained soil for your tree. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells, and keep it well-fed with a balanced fertilizer. Pruning is essential for maintaining a bushy, healthy tree that'll reward you with an abundance of fruits...

Guava  tree  fruiting  in  a  pot

Date: 26 Jan 2026

Why Turmeric was named the 2026 Herb of the Year

Turmeric - Curcuma

Turmeric - Curcuma

🌷 Why Turmeric was named the 2026 Herb of the Year



🌷 Turmeric was named the 2026 Herb of the Year by the International Herb Association, and it is easy to see why gardeners are paying attention. This tropical plant from the ginger family is best known for its bright orange underground rhizomes, used for centuries as a spice, natural dye, and traditional remedy.

🌷Native to India, Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is closely related to Ginger and Cardamom. Its rhizomes are a staple in curry and widely used in Asian, African, and Caribbean cuisines. In recent years, turmeric has also gained attention for potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Spice Turmeric Plant Facts

Botanical name: Curcuma longa
Also known as: Spice Turmeric, Longevity Spice, Indian Saffron, Tumeric
USDA Zone: 8 - 11
Highligths Small plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyPink flowersSpice or herb plantDeciduous plantEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.Subtropical plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short time
Get personalized tips for your region


🌷 Herb, spice or flower?



• Botanically, turmeric is a spice, since it comes from the plant’s rhizomes rather than its leaves. In the kitchen, however, it often functions like an herb. Fresh turmeric can replace powdered turmeric in most recipes and delivers brighter flavor and color.
• Beyond edible Turmeric, there are many Curcuma hybrids grown purely for ornament. These selections produce striking, long-lasting flower spikes in shades of pink, white, orange, red, and purple, rising above lush tropical foliage. Ornamental curcumas are popular as patio plants and indoor accents, adding dramatic color and texture even where they are grown strictly in containers.

🌷 Growing turmeric anywhere - even in cool climates



Although Turmeric is a tropical perennial, it grows very well in containers, making it suitable for gardeners everywhere. When grown in pots, turmeric is treated as a warm-season plant that can be moved indoors as temperatures cool.

🌷 How to grow Turmeric



Turmeric is a compact, but bold plant, reaching 3-4 feet tall and wide, so it needs a roomy container. It prefers:

• Rich, well-drained soil
• Slightly acidic conditions (around pH 6–6.5)
• Consistent moisture
• Warm temperatures and bright, indirect light

The plant produces flowers that do not set seed, so turmeric is grown entirely from rhizomes.

🌷 Harvesting and using Turmeric



As the season ends, turmeric naturally goes dormant and the leaves yellow and dry. This signals harvest time. Dig the rhizomes, clean them, and dry them in a cool, shaded place.

Rhizomes can be:
• Boiled, dried, and ground into powder
• Frozen whole and grated as needed
• Pickled for long-term storage

Some healthy rhizomes can also be saved and replanted the following season, making turmeric both productive and renewable.

Compact, bold, and useful, turmeric proves that tropical plants can thrive well beyond the tropics - especially when grown in pots.

🛒 Plant Curcuma for both flowers, spice and herb

📚 Learn more :


Turmeric (Curcuma) in Plant Encyclopedia
Curcuma - the tropical tulip with a secret spice twist
Curcuma: one plant, two powers - color and spice!
How Curcuma Turmeric keeps blood pressure in balance.
Turmeric Curcuma: Grow Your Own Brain Boosters
The most interesting edible gingers?

#Food_Forest #Container_Garden #Remedies #Discover

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Date: 18 May 2026

Want Massive Mulberry Harvests? Do These 5 Things Before May Ends

Mulberry Dwarf Everbearing, on a tree

Mulberry Dwarf Everbearing, on a tree

Mulberry Dwarf Everbearing

Mulberry Dwarf Everbearing

🍇 Want Massive Mulberry Harvests? Do These 5 Things Before May Ends



Don’t let your mulberry tree fool you. While they are incredibly low-maintenance, what you do in May dictates your summer harvest. Avoid these common mistakes for a bumper crop of juicy berries.

Mulberry trees are famously bulletproof, handling intense heat and pumping out massive crops with little care. But May is the month that decides it all. Right now, they are pouring energy into fruit development. A few simple mistakes this month can quietly sabotage your harvest.

Fortunately, maximizing your crop is easy if you follow these five simple rules:

1. The Deep Soak Rule


While established mulberries tolerate drought, moisture stress causes them to drop young berries early. Drop the sprinkler—frequent, shallow watering only wets the surface. Instead, give the tree a slow, deep soak that penetrates the root zone. Check the soil two inches down; if it’s dry, water thoroughly.

2. Lock it in with Mulch


Late spring heat evaporates soil moisture fast. Apply a 2-to-4-inch layer of pine bark or compost to keep roots cool and suppress weeds. Crucial rule: Leave a 4-inch gap around the base of the trunk. Piling mulch against the bark traps moisture and invites devastating fungal rot.

3. Don't Over-Fertilize


Mulberries are naturally vigorous. If you feed them this month, use a balanced, slow-release organic plant food. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers. Excess nitrogen triggers a massive explosion of green leaves, causing the tree to completely forget to grow fruit.

4. Put the Pruning Shears Away


Heavy spring pruning clips off active fruiting wood and decimates your harvest. Mulberries are also notorious "bleeders" - cutting now causes them to lose significant sap, stressing the tree during fruit set. Only remove dead or damaged wood. Save major shaping for winter dormancy.

5. Exploit the Softwood Cuttings Window


Want more trees? May is prime time for softwood cuttings. Cut a few 6-inch flexible green stems, strip the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and tuck into moist potting mix in partial shade. They root incredibly fast!

Mulberry Plant Facts

Botanical name: Morus sp.
Also known as: Mulberry
USDA Zone: 8 - 11
Highligths Large tree taller than 20 ftSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunWatering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyEdible plant
Get personalized tips for your region

🛒
Choose from Mulberry varieties

📚 Learn more:


Mulberry (Morus hybrids) in Plant Encyclopedia
Mulberry yogurt swirl: Quick-n-Fun exotic recipes
Why gardeners say this is the best Mulberry ever
What are the best Mulberry varieties

#Food_Forest #Discover #How_to

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