Date: 8 Feb 2021
I love growing for the planet!
A word from a happy gardener
"...Wow is all I can say, you all sent the most beautiful plants, I
never knew the Hawaiian Bell could have so many blooms. It arrived in Excellent shape
and I am so very thrilled to have this beautiful plant again. I am keeping
inside for a few days until a front goes thru, then it is going to be back in
mid 70s.
I give aged worm castings to my plants and recently discovered the plant food that the plant can uptake right away... And lastly, I
discovered a potting soil... Some of my plants went wild when I planted them in it.
Everything in it is tailored to not burn your plants. So nothing but the very
best for Top Tropical plants. Thank you all so much for this wonderful
plant, I will treasure and take good care of it. I have over 500 plants in pots,
because of gophers and nematodes. I love nature so do not want to kill the
gophers because the owls we have here depend on them and poisoning is a horrible
death. Much love, happiness and gratitude.
You can use pics - I love growing for the planet. I so love cats too, I
have 5 most of them Siamese. I found this pic of cats online, wow how did they
breed for a cat to have such big ears?
Much love and happiness, Donna..."
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 Sep 2024
Which fertilizer to use: Organic or Inorganic?
Sunshine Boosters
Inorganic fertilizers
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
☕️ Why Coffee tree is the best gift plant
☕️ Discover the joy of growing one of the most beloved indoor fruit trees – the Coffee Plant