Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 15 Dec 2020

Healthy Plants: Q&A from Mr Booster

What is an ideal potting mix?

Q: A few years ago, I purchased a Barbie Loquat from you, and I'm pleased to say it's been growing very well. I now have several loquat seedlings. I have read that a well-draining medium should be used, and I have found that the various formulations provided on the web for such medium seem vaguely reminiscent of the recipe provided in your transplanting instructions. Therefore, I would like to retrieve your recipe, unless you could recommend an even better one?

A: The main requirements for a good potting mix are:
- perfect drainage, allowing air circulation that is so necessary for healthy roots; oxygen circulation helps to avoid root rot
- water retention: to keep nutrients in soil
- low pH (soil acidity) which is important for most tropical plants
- adequate amount of organic matter in the mix, in combination with proper fertilizer program

In our nursery we experimented with many different potting mixes for the past couple decades. We ended up with an ultimate mix for tropical container plants that we designed ourselves. This custom mix is called -

Abundance - TopTropicals professional soilless potting mix

It meets all the requirements above which makes it a perfect mix. All our plants are happy with it. Abundance is a professional quality (nursery-grade) potting mix with great drainage characteristics, ideal for any tropical plants. It is organically derived soil-less mix, free of any additives.
Ingredients are:
- fine Canadian peat moss
- coconut coir
- perlite
- aged pine bark (soil conditioner).
See more info on soil mixes.
We have this mix available for purchase in different packaging sizes - 2, 3, and 7 gal bags.

Besides proper potting mix, all container plants require regular fertilizing. We recommend the newest, scientifically balanced fertilizers Sunshine Boosters that are natural, eco-safe, great for all edibles and organic gardening. They are safe to use with every watering, provide all necessary elements for plant daily needs, and won't burn the roots.
For your loquat tree, consider Sunshine C-Cibus, it boosts both flowering and fruit production. Loquat is Winter-Spring bloomer, hopefully you will get some crop soon!

See more information about potting mix science

Date: 22 Jul 2024

What are the best butterfly attracting plants for a Southern garden?

Asclepias - Milkweed, butterfly attractor

What are the best butterfly attracting plants for a Southern garden? 5 best butterfly attractors.



If you love butterflies and if you enjoy having nature around your home, then plant a butterfly garden. Caterpillars, which transform into butterflies, require special kinds of plants to feed upon. Below are the top five winners that butterflies appreciate the most. Besides, remember That all yellow flowers are attractive to butterflies, for example Cassias. Butterflies like the Sun and everything that looks like the Sun! 🌞

🏆 5 best butterfly attractors:

1. Calotropis gigantea - Giant milkweed, Arka
2. Odontonema cuspidatum - Firespike
3. Plumbago - blue, white and red
4. Rondeletia leucophylla - Panama Rose
5. Asclepias - Milkweed

💻 Learn more:



🎥 ABC-7: Butterfly plants at Top Tropicals
The Milkweed and the Monarch, how to raise your own
Musings of a butterfly gardener about the milkweed bug
Plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds

🛒 Shop butterfly plants

#Butterfly_Plants

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date: 22 Sep 2024

Which fertilizer to use: Organic or Inorganic?

Sunshine Boosters

Sunshine Boosters

Inorganic fertilizers

Inorganic fertilizers

Cow

Cow

💩 Which fertilizer to use: Organic or Inorganic?



ℹ️ Fertilizers help plants grow. They give plants nutrients they need. There are two types of fertilizers:

🐮 Organic Fertilizers:

  • · Made from natural materials: compost, manure, plant waste.
  • · Good for the soil and environment.
  • · Release nutrients slowly, which helps plants over time.


Inorganic Fertilizers:

  • · Made from chemicals in factories.
  • · Can give plants quick nutrients.
  • · Might harm the soil and environment over time.


⏺Pros of Organic Fertilizers:
  • · Better for the health of the soil.
  • · Helps good microorganisms live in the soil.
  • · Safer for pets and kids.


🔴 Cons of Inorganic Fertilizers:

  • · Can cause pollution.
  • · Might make soil unhealthy if used too much.


🟢 Sunshine Boosters is your ultimate solution:

  • based on organic fertilizers (organic amino-acids).
  • help plants grow strong and healthy without harming the environment.
  • make the soil better, support friendly bugs, and are safe for everyone.
  • Using Sunshine Boosters means you’re taking care of your plants and the planet!


📚 Learn more, with charts:


Organic or inorganic fertilizers, which is best?

🛒 Shop Sunshine Boosters

#Fertilizers

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 28 Nov 2024

Did you know this about Hoyas?

Hoya calycina - Papua Sweet Scent

😶 Did you know this about Hoyas?



*Wax Plants: Hoyas are often called wax plants because of their thick, glossy leaves and waxy flowers.

*Sweet Scented Blooms: Their star-shaped flowers not only look like candy but also emit sweet, often vanilla-like or chocolatey scents, especially in the evening.

*Epiphytic Nature: Many Hoyas grow as epiphytes in their natural habitats, meaning they live on other plants or trees, getting nutrients from the air and rain.

*Longevity: Hoyas can live for decades and may even be passed down as heirlooms. Some specimens are over 100 years old!

*Nectar Drops: Their blooms produce tiny drops of nectar, a treat for pollinators (and sometimes houseplant owners).

*Hundreds of Species: There are over 500 species of Hoyas, ranging from tiny-leafed varieties to ones with massive leaves or even fuzzy foliage.

*Sun-Loving Flowers: While the plants tolerate lower light, Hoyas flower best with bright, indirect light or even some direct sun.

*Low-Maintenance: They’re perfect for forgetful gardeners since they prefer to dry out between waterings.

*Climbing or Trailing: Hoyas can either climb with the help of trellises or cascade beautifully as trailing plants.

*Flowering Age: Hoyas are patient! Some won’t bloom until they’re a few years old, but the wait is worth it.

*Resilient Peduncles: Never cut off the “flower stems” (peduncles) - Hoyas rebloom from the same spot year after year.

*Exotic Origins: Native to Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, they thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.

*Lucky Charm: In some cultures, Hoyas are considered symbols of love and are gifted as housewarming or wedding presents.

🎥 Hoya calycina - Papua Sweet Scent was discovered in Papua New Guinea in 1913. The flower is very fragrant and can infuse your entire house in a beautiful lilac scent.

😍 Do you have a favorite Hoya species in mind? Share in comments!

📚 More from previous post:


Our favorite houseplants - hoyas

🛒 Shop hoya plants

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Fun_facts

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 19 Dec 2024

Why Coffee tree is the best gift plant

House plant Coffee (Coffea arabica) and a cat

House plant Coffee (Coffea arabica) and a cat

☕️ Why Coffee tree is the best gift plant

  • ☕️ Discover the joy of growing one of the most beloved indoor fruit trees – the Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica). Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast, a plant lover, or looking for the perfect gift, this lush, shade-loving plant is a stunning addition to any home. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own beans!
  • ☕️ 5 Reasons to Grow a Coffee Plant

  • ☕️ Perfect Indoor Fruit Tree


    Coffee plants thrive indoors and add a unique touch to your collection. They’re compact, adaptable, and incredibly rewarding to grow.
  • ☕️ Shade-Loving & Low Maintenance
  • Perfect for homes with limited sunlight, coffee plants prefer indirect light and need only little watering to thrive. No green thumb? No problem!
  • ☕️ Stunning Aesthetic Appeal
  • With glossy green leaves and star-shaped, fragrant white flowers (similar to gardenias, as they are from the same family!), your coffee plant will bring a refreshing tropical vibe to your home.
  • ☕️ Sustainable Fresh Coffee
  • Grow and harvest your own beans! Enjoy the satisfaction of drying, roasting, and grinding your very own homegrown coffee.
  • ☕️ Year-Round Beauty & Fragrance
  • Coffee plants stay evergreen, providing lush greenery all year long. Plus, the fragrant flowers add a sweet, soothing aroma to your space.
  • ☕️ What Makes Coffee Plants Special?
  • ☕️ Easy to Grow: Coffee plants are forgiving and flourish with minimal care. Regular water and filtered light keep them happy.
  • ☕️ Unique Fruiting: The berries change color from green to yellow to red as they ripen. Inside are the seeds – your coffee beans!
  • ☕️ Gardenia-Like Blooms: Fragrant, white star-shaped flowers appear in clusters, adding charm and elegance to any room.
  • ☕️ Perfect Gift Idea: Looking for a thoughtful and unique gift? Coffee plants make amazing gifts for friends, family, or any coffee lover 🎁


📚 Learn more from previous posts:
Top 10 fruit you'll ever need for your health benefits: #2. Coffee Tree
What is the best Gift plant?
What is the most popular and the easiest tropical fruit tree grown as a house plant?

📱 Video: growing Coffee tree

🛒 Plant a Coffee Tree

#Food_Forest #Container_Garden #Shade_Garden

🔴 Join 👉 TopTropicals