6 to 8 large fresh Root Beer leaves (Piper auritum)
1 lb ground meat or firm tofu
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chili flakes, paprika, or cumin
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Rinse the Root Beer leaves and pat dry. Trim thick stems if needed.
In a bowl, mix ground meat or tofu with onion, garlic, oil, salt, pepper, and spices.
Place a portion of filling onto each leaf and roll tightly into wraps.
Grill over medium heat until the leaves are lightly charred and the filling is cooked through.
Serve warm with lemon wedges or dipping sauce.
☘️ About the plant:
Piper auritum - Root beer plant, also known as Acuyo or false Kava-Kava, is a large-leaved tropical herb native to Central and South America and also grown in the South Pacific. It belongs to the same family as Kava-Kava and black pepper. The leaves are prized for their bold, aromatic flavor, often described as root beer, anise, or clove-like. Traditionally, the leaves are chopped for seasoning or used whole as natural wrappers for meats, fish, and tamales.
🌱 In the garden:
Piper auritum is easy to grow in warm climates and forms a lush, fast-growing perennial. Its huge, soft leaves - often over a foot long - make it both edible and ornamental. It prefers warmth, moisture, and partial shade and is often mistaken for Kava-Kava due to its similar appearance and close relation.
💕How would you like to give a Valentine plant gift?
Choose the plant
If you already know what feels right, choose the plant now.
Sweetheart Hoya is a favorite for a reason, and there are other Valentine
plants to explore if you want options.
A good choice when you feel confident, love plants, or are gifting something
meant to live indoors.
Let your Valentine choose
If timing, weather, or choice feels uncertain, a Gift Card keeps the moment simple. Your Valentine can choose the
perfect plant when the time is right.
Especially helpful for gardeners up north, or when you want the gift to
unfold later.
About shipping and timing
We ship live plants with care and pay close attention to weather along the
way.
If conditions are not right, we may hold a shipment briefly to keep plants
safe.
If timing or weather makes you hesitate, a Gift Card is an easy way to give a Valentine gift now and choose the
plant later, when conditions are perfect.
Valentine Day Gift Card Bonus
To make Valentines Day a little sweeter, we are offering a special gift
card bonus for a limited time.
When you purchase a gift card, we add 15% extra
value. Just add Valentine greeting in gift card message field.
For example, a $100 gift card becomes $115 to spend.
Offer valid through 02/15/2026.
The bonus value is not valid with other promotions or discounts. Gift
cards cannot be used to purchase other gift cards. Bonus value is added at
the
time of purchase.
By Tatiana Anderson, Horticulture Expert at Top
Tropicals
Jasmine Sambac varieties: Arabian
Nights, Little Duke, Belle of India, Grand Duke, Duke Supreme, Maid of
Orleans, Mysore Mulli, Malichat, Gundu Mallii
One of the reasons Jasmine Sambac is so fascinating is that it does not
come in just one form. Each variety has its own personality.
If you want a compact patio plant, Arabian Nights or Little
Duke are excellent choices. They stay tidy, bloom generously, and are
easy to manage in containers.
If you prefer elegant, elongated petals and a refined look, Belle of
India is a favorite. It can be grown as a small bush or trained lightly
as
a vine.
For those who love full, carnation-like double flowers, Grand Duke of
Tuscany and Grand Duke Supreme are classic
selections. They are vigorous and make impressive shrubs in warm
climates.
If you need a stronger climber for fences or hedges, Maid of
Orleans performs beautifully in full sun while Mysore Mulli
prefers semi-shade.
Collectors often enjoy rare forms like Mali Chat or newer hybrids
such as Gundu Malli, which combine traits from different lines.
How to Grow Jasmine Sambac Successfully
Sambac is not difficult, but it responds best to consistency.
Light: Full sun produces the most flowers. In very hot
climates, light
afternoon shade is acceptable. Indoors, place it in the brightest window
available.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix such as Sunshine
Abundance. Sambac does not
like heavy, constantly wet soil.
Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the top layer to dry
slightly before watering
again. Reduce watering during cooler months.
Pruning: Light trimming after a bloom cycle encourages
branching. More branches mean more flower buds.
Feeding: Sambac is a heavy bloomer, and fragrance takes
energy. During active growth, feed regularly with a balanced fertilizer that
supports flowering such as Green Magic (controlled release every 6 months) or liquid Sunshine
Boosters Pikake (formulated especially for fragrant flowers) - with
every watering. I prefer formulas slightly higher in potassium to encourage
stronger bud formation and richer bloom cycles. Consistent feeding during
warm months makes
a visible difference in both flower count and intensity of scent.
With proper care, Jasmine Sambac will reward you not just with flowers,
but with perfume that changes the atmosphere of your entire garden.
Jasmine Sambac Maid of
Orleans flowering indoors in a container under bright light.
❓Frequently Asked Questions About Jasmine Sambac
Does Jasmine Sambac need full sun?
It flowers best in full sun. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade
is acceptable. Indoors, give it the brightest window possible.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes. Sambac performs beautifully in containers. Many gardeners prefer pots
because it is easier to control size and move during cold weather.
How often does it bloom?
With proper light and feeding, it blooms in cycles throughout the warm
season. Consistency in care makes flowering more reliable.
Why is my plant not blooming?
The most common reasons are insufficient light or irregular feeding.
Increase light first, then review your fertilizing routine.
Is it difficult to grow indoors?
Not if you provide strong light and good air circulation. Compact varieties
adapt especially well.
Is it frost tolerant?
No. Jasmine Sambac is tropical. Protect it from temperatures below 40F and
bring it indoors before frost.
🌸 Year of
the Horse Special – Jasmine Bonus
Celebrate 2026 with the fragrance of Jasmine plants. For a limited time,
enjoy special savings when you grow one of
the most wanted perfume plants in cultivation.
Jasmine Sale - 15% Off
Save 15% on all Jasmine plants.
Discount is already applied in the online store - no code needed.
💕 Valentine’s plants from around the world that symbolize love, connection, and appreciation
💘 When we think of Valentine’s plants, roses usually steal the spotlight. But in many parts of the world, love has long been expressed through tropical plants - not only through flowers, but also through scent, ritual, shared food, and sensory experience.
💘 Across cultures, tropical plants have symbolized romance, friendship, devotion, fertility, desire, and emotional connection. Some speak through heart-shaped leaves and fragrant blooms. Others through taste, warmth, and the way they bring people together.
💘 Love beyond flowers? Together, these tropical plants show that love is expressed in many ways - through beauty, scent, taste, ritual, warmth, and shared moments. Valentine’s traditions around the world remind us that love is not only something we see, but something we experience with all our senses.
💘 In our upcoming collection we will explore Valentine’s plants from the tropics, grouped by how they express love:
5 fruits to eat when you have a cough or cold - backed by research
When you are fighting a cough or cold, your immune system works overtime. While no fruit can cure a viral infection, certain fruits contain nutrients and bioactive compounds that may help reduce inflammation, support immune defenses, and ease respiratory discomfort.
Here are five fruits supported by nutrition research that may help during cold season.
1. Pomegranate 🍅
Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols, especially punicalagin, known for antiviral activity.
According to a study published in PubMed, pomegranate polyphenol extract suppressed replication of influenza A virus in cultured cells and showed direct virucidal effects. Researchers identified punicalagin as a key compound involved in blocking viral RNA replication. These findings suggest pomegranate extracts may help reduce viral load during respiratory infections.
2. Kiwi
Kiwi is exceptionally high in vitamin C, a nutrient closely linked to immune function and respiratory health. A study published in Antioxidants (MDPI) found that consuming two SunGold kiwifruit daily for six weeks restored adequate plasma vitamin C levels in adults with a history of severe respiratory infections. Researchers concluded that kiwi consumption can directly support antioxidant defenses during respiratory illness.
3. Tropical cherries 🍒
Instead of traditional lemon, consider tropical cherries such as Malpighia (acerola cherry) and Eugenia (Surinam cherry). Acerola (Malpighia glabra - Barbados Cherry) is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C. Clinical research shows that adequate vitamin C intake is associated with reduced duration and severity of common cold symptoms. Vitamin C supports immune cell function and helps maintain the respiratory tract's protective barrier. Eugenia species (Tropical Cherries) contain anthocyanins and phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce oxidative stress during illness.
4. Pineapple🍍
Pineapple contains bromelain, a group of proteolytic enzymes known for anti-inflammatory effects.
According to a study published in PubMed, bromelain significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs in a mouse model of airway inflammation. These findings suggest bromelain may help ease airway inflammation and congestion.
5. Berries and including mulberries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and mulberries are rich in flavonoids and vitamin C.
Although direct clinical trials on berries for colds are limited, nutrition reviews highlight their immunomodulatory potential. Flavonoids such as quercetin, anthocyanins, and catechins have demonstrated antioxidant effects and possible antiviral activity in laboratory studies. Mulberries provide additional anthocyanins and resveratrol-like compounds, offering strong antioxidant support during illness.
Practical tips when you are unwell ❤️�
🔻Choose room-temperature or lightly warmed fruit to avoid throat irritation.
🔻Prefer whole fruit over juice to retain fiber and stabilize blood sugar.
🔻Pair fruit with warm herbal tea or honey if appropriate.
🔻Rotate fruits to benefit from diverse phytonutrients.
🔻If symptoms persist, worsen, or include high fever or breathing difficulty, seek medical care.
How to Grow Jasmine Sambac Successfully
