Date: 24 Jul 2023
Easy,
stress-free plants
for Summer planting
Q: With the rising temperatures, I'm concerned about shipping my plants safely. Can they withstand the heat during transit? Also, is it okay to plant them in the ground now, or should I wait for cooler Fall weather?
A: Your concern about shipping plants in hot weather is valid. For sensitive plants, we'll delay shipping until conditions are more favorable in your area. However, there are plenty of heat-tolerant tropical plants that handle shipping well with minimal stress. These plants adapt easily when planted during the hot summer months. Simply follow the included planting instructions, gradually acclimate them to full sun, and they should thrive.
Certain flowering tropical plants, such as Allamandas, Calliandras, Caesalpinias, Adeniums, and Clerodendrums, are excellent options for shipping and establishing during the summer. Flowering vines like Jasmines also adapt well. Consider using Sunshine Booster fertilizers to promote robust growth, they are safe to use right after planting.
Additionally, many fruit trees flourish in heat. Mangoes, Avocados, Pomegranates, Pineapples, Loquats, Eugenias - Tropical cherries, Bananas, Jackfruits, Dragon Fruit, and Olive trees are great choices for summer planting. Noni trees are hardy survivors and usually ship and grow well during the summer, in spite of their lush tropical leaves.
Feel free to check with us about the specific plant you plan to order for its suitability in summer shipping. We're here to take care of your green babies and address your year-round planting needs!
Pitaya, Yellow Dragon Fruit, Selenicereus megalanthus
Jasminum sambac Maid of Orleans thrives and blooms in hot sun
Date: 10 Nov 2022
Fertilizing indoor plants in Winter
What is the best fertilizer for
indoor plants?
Can I fertilize house plants in Winter?
The best fertilizer for indoor plants is liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters (TM). It is amino-acid based, natural, and is safe to use with every watering and year around. Unlike dry fertilizers that are not recommended to use during Winter, Sunshine Boosters formula is mild and scientifically balanced. Your houseplants will consume exactly as much nutrients as they need even during cooler months of less active growth. Sunshine boosters will not burn roots and won't create nutrient lockup (excessive salts that often caused by dry fertilizers). Sunshine Boosters is a perfect food for all kinds of plants, and different boosters available for different plant types (flowering, fruiting, even for orchids). Check out Sunshine Boosters selection.
Grow Purple! In the photo: Arundina graminifolia - Bamboo Orchid, Bird Ground Orchid
Date: 10 Oct 2020
Healthy Plants: Q&A from Mr Booster
How to keep bugs away naturally?
Q: I started moving my tropical plant collection indoors as it's getting colder... And all of a sudden, I noticed bugs on leaves! I know for sure all my plants were bug-free when I kept the pots outside in my lanai. What happened? And how can I keep them clean and healthy without using any harsh chemicals? I have many edibles and herbs that I use in my cooking and prefer to stay away from insecticides. Any suggestions?
A: It is very common when healthy looking plants, once moved
indoors for the winter, get insect infestations. The main reason is change of
environment that puts a plant into stress and makes it susceptible to parasites
and diseases. Just think about what a plant is missing, a whole combination
of necessary conditions that provided a good life:
- Bring light -> light level reduced, so beneficial UV spectrum is gone
- Air circulation -> less wind = more bugs thriving
- Warm temperature -> from upper 80's in summer to 70's in your AC room
- Air humidity -> although humid air is believed to be causing some issues
(for example fungus), however, reducing humidity overall puts a plant into
stress and makes it more vulnerable.
Many gardener prefer to avoid chemicals, especially when it comes to treating edible plants and indoor collections. The solution to your problems is - Organic Solution!
SUNSHINE NoBug - Natural Plant Protector.
Shampoo for Plants - for both indoors and garden
SUNSHINE NoBug - is a natural solution to keep your plants healthy and
bug-free without harsh chemicals. It is great for organic gardening and
edibles, eco-safe and non-toxic for humans and pets.
It kills, repels and prevents: spider-mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, aphids
and many more. No wait time required - spray and play! And it smells like
jasmine, forget stinky insecticides!
How does it work? Just look at these ingredients: Kosher Glycerine, Organic
Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Oat Protein, Organic Soap, Horticultural Oil,
Jasmine Oil, Water. Yum! But bugs hate it - they suffocate in it! This is
why your plants will have NO BUGS with NoBug, that's it!
Directions are simple:
- Mix 100 ml (3-4 oz) with 1 qt (32 oz) of water, or 500 ml (16 oz) in 1
gal of water - for larger applications
- Spray foliage to drip point, including underneath leaves.
- Repeat the treatment in 7 days.
- As a preventive care, spray leaves once a month to keep insects away.
- You may use a paper towel saturated with this solution to wipe the leaves
and remove residue from insects.
- Store at room temperature.
This poor Pepper plant was tossed into garbage can by a neighbor... it looked hopeless, infested with mealybugs. We saved it with NoBug
Date: 28 Mar 2019
Plant Horoscope. Aries Zodiac lucky plants: Red Oleander and Maple
Aries - 3/21-4/19
Aries is a FIRE sign ruled by the planet Mars. Plants associated with
this element and planet very often have thorns or prickles. They can be also
spicy or bitter in flavor, or red in color. Because Aries rules the head,
eyes, and face, the plants for Aries purify the blood, stimulate the adrenal
glands, and/or are high in iron (Mars rules the mineral iron). Mars-ruled Aries
is assertive, energetic and fearless. Mars rules the red blood cells, the
muscles, and metabolic processes, as well as the motor nerves and the head. These
plants help you when you want more get-up-and-go and the courage to take on
the world.
Aries Zodiac lucky plants:
Governors plum, Hibiscus Karkade, Tapioca, Mamey Sapote, Ruda, Baobab, Euphorbia, Acanthus, Aloe, Caesalpinia, Erythrina, Opuntia, Dragon Fruit, Pachypodium, Pomegranate,Chilli peppers, Syngonium, Begonia, Geranium, Red Sandalwood, Jamiaca pepper (Pimenta, Allspice), Camphor, Jujube, Anise, Red Roses, Tiger Lily, Impatiens, Calendula, Tarragon, Ginger, Coriander, Basil,Ruda, Amaryllis, Wild Indigo, Gooseberries, Sesbania, Campsis, Red Oleander, Maple, Schotia brachypetala, Momordica, Coffee, Amla , Ephedra, Red Kapok.
For links to these plants and other signs information, see full Plant Horoscope
Date: 24 Feb 2019
Pisces Zodiac lucky plants
Pisces- 2/19 -
3/20. As a WATER sign ruled by both Jupiter and Moon (and Neptune, that
was not discovered until 1846, after the plant correspondences were
established; Neptune is considered a "higher octave" of the Moon), Pisces plants are
often large but hard to find, and may grow near the ocean. The most healing
plants for Pisces are those that strengthen the immune system or have an
antibacterial effect. Pisces plants may also catalyze expanded states of awareness
and be helpful in dream work.
Herbs connected to Pisces are ruled by its former ruler, the Moon
(Neptune, the current ruler, was not discovered until 1846, after the plant
correspondences were established; Neptune is considered a “higher octave†of
the Moon). Diseases of Pisces have traditionally included psychotic disorders,
various forms of substance addiction, lung diseases such as tuberculosis, and
ailments of the foot; contemporary herbalists also add immune system
diseases. Pisces is strengthened by rosemary's ability to promote an aura of
centered grounding. This protective herb helps strengthen boundaries and cultivate a
closer connection to the physical realm.
Pisces Zodiac
lucky plants: Water lily, Lotus, Clematis, Wisteria, Lisianthus, Brunfelsia, Echinacea, English Lavender, Rosemary, Coconut palm, Cranberry, Clove, Coccoloba, Sea Oats, Mangroves, Ochrosia, Aquatic plants, Colocasia, Alocasia, Aralia, Ficus trees, Banyan, Peepal, Banana, Mango, Mimosa, Olive, Anise, Vilca and Yopo, Kava-kava, Nutmeg, Anthuriums, Eucalyptus, Bauhinia,
Clusia, Caesalpinia, Callistemon, Bucida, Cassia fistula, Cordia, Calabash, Lipstick palm, Delonix, Elaeocarpus, Erythrina, Fatsia, Guaiacum, Mahoe, Koelreuteria, Kopsia, Macaranga, Pandanus, Peltophorum, Psychotria, Banesteriopsis, Tabebuia.
For other signs information, see Plant Horoscope Page