Q: When is a proper time to start fertilizing my garden in Spring? Also, when can I cut back cold damaged branches? Should I wait until end of April?
A: As a rule of thumb, fertilizer can be applied during period of active growth, when a plant needs additional nutrients. With indoor plants, you can fertilize pretty much year round as long as the plant continues growing and not dormant. For in-ground tropical plants, start fertilizing when new growth appears. In subtropical areas, with cooler winter months, most tropical plants slow down their metabolism when temperature drops below 65F. Many of them become dormant, and may even lose leaves (especially deciduous plants like Annona, or Peaches/Plums). In spring, tropical plants wake up as soon as outside temperature stays above 65F for at least one week (including night time). Once you see new growth, this is a signal for you to start fertilizing.
As far as trimming dead branches - wait until you see new leaves completely opened up. This way you won't cut too much, as some parts of the plant may take longer to re-leaf than others.
Date: 22 Mar 2021
The most rewarding hardy fruit trees
Q: Recently I started working remotely and I kinda like it, no
need to commute, it saves me so much time so I can have life now! My friend got
me involved into growing some small houseplants but I really want to take
advantage of our Florida climate and sun. I want to plant some cool fruit trees
since I have a decent size yard. But I live in Florida Panhandle and we do
have some occasional freeze in winter, although not for too long. But it gets
very hot in summer! Are there any tropical fruit trees that will be happy
here? Or should I keep everything in pots? I am excited to have my own tropical
plant collection!
A: There is a perfect plant for everyone, and a perfect tree for
every climate. Many tropical and especially subtropical plants can be much
hardier than they are believed to be, both flowering and fruiting trees among
them. You may keep the most sensitive species in pots and bring them inside
for winter, while there are so many trees that will be happy in your area.
Start with these that are perfect for climates with hot summers and cool winters:
1. Peaches and Plums
Low-chill, Heat-tolerant Peaches, Nectarines, Plums are especially
selected for Florida hot summers. They produce well and do not require many
"chill" hours like temperate fruit trees. They only need 150 chill hours and grow
well in even in Arizona, so you know they are taking the heat.
2. Figs
2) Fig trees - they are easy to grow, heat- and drought- resistant trees.
They are prized for their delicious fruit, which can be one to three inches
in length, violet, brown or black. There are even varieties with yellow fruit.
Most fruits are borne from early summer to late fall on new growth, and the
fruits generally mature very quickly. These trees are sensitive to frost only
when actively growing, but can withstand 10F when dormant.
Read more about Fig trees.
Date: 22 Oct 2025
Detailed Cassia and Bauhinia Care Guide
Outdoor Cassia and Bauhinia Care
Light: Both Cassia and Bauhinia need at least 6 hours of direct
sunlight daily. Cassias handle intense heat; Bauhinias can take light
afternoon shade.
Soil: Use loose, fast-draining soil. Mix equal parts garden
soil, coarse sand, and compost.
Watering: Keep evenly moist but never soggy. Cassias tolerate
dry spells once established; Bauhinias prefer steady moisture. Water when
the
top inch feels dry.
Feeding:
For profuse flowering, feed with liquid Sunshine
Boosters Megaflor that is safe to use with every watering,
year around. You may also apply Green
Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months. Bauhinias and
Cassias respond quickly to feeding.
Pruning:
After flowering, prune lightly to shape and remove dead tips. Cassias can
be trimmed to shrub form; Bauhinias stay bushy with pinching.
Mulch:
Add a 2-inch mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture and prevent
weeds, but keep mulch off the trunk.
Cold protection:
Most Cassias handle brief frost; some Bauhinias like B. acuminata
and B. monandra must be sheltered below freezing. For cold nights,
cover
with frost cloth or move containers into shelter.
Dormancy: Outside of tropics, most Bauhinias drop leaves in
winter for a short period of time, right before flowering and are called
"semi-deciduous". Cassias stay evergreen.
Indoor or Porch Care (cool-climate growers)
Container: Choose a sturdy pot with several drainage holes, one
size larger than the root ball. Unglazed clay or thick plastic pots work
best
for heat regulation. Use a light, well-drained mix such as professional
soilless mix
Abundance. Both Cassias and Bauhinias dislike soggy roots. Add a thin
layer
of coarse gravel at the bottom to improve drainage. Repot every 1–2
years in spring
Light:
Brightest spot possible - south-facing window or heated sunroom. Supplement
with a grow light if sunlight is weak.
Temperature:
Keep potted trees in warm environment for best results. The optimum
temperature for Cassias and Bauhinias is between 60–85 F, although
many
species can tolerate cooler temperatures. Avoid cold drafts and sudden
drops.
Humidity:
Average indoor humidity is fine; occasional misting keeps foliage
glossy.
Watering:
Water sparingly in winter when growth slows; allow the top inch to dry
between waterings. Do not let roots sit in water.
Fertilizing:
Feed with Sunshine
Boosters Megaflor that is safe to use with every watering,
year around, to maintain flowering indoors. You may also apply Green
Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months.
Pest watch:
Check undersides of leaves for aphids or whitefly. A light spray of neem
oil or insecticidal soap clears them fast.
"Whether you crave golden summer fireworks or soft orchid blooms that last
nearly all year, both Cassia and Bauhinia bring pure joy to the garden.
💖 Bring color that never quits."
Did you know: Fall is the best planting season —
roots grow faster and you’ll have flowers by spring!
These are not seedlings — they’re grafted trees, which means
you get the true variety with known flavor, quality, and performance. Large
grafted trees give you a real head start:
Already mature with a strong root system.
Handle transplanting and weather shifts with ease.
Can bloom and fruit in the first or second season.
No guessing, no waiting years — you’ll get the exact fruit you
want, sooner.
No space for a full orchard? You can still grow your own tropical
paradise!
Our large grafted Condo Mango
trees adapt beautifully to big containers on patios,
balconies, and sunrooms. They stay compact, flower sooner, and can fruit
even in
pots when given good light and warmth.
Bring the tropics indoors — move your tree outside for summer sun,
then back inside before frost. It’s the perfect way to enjoy homegrown
fruit wherever you live.
Give your garden a smart start this season. Large grafted Mango trees
are ready — but only for a short time before winter.
👉 Plant now, harvest sooner, and enjoy the true
variety!
Plant Care Tips by Top Tropicals Plant
Expert Tatiana Anderson
Large grafted Mango trees are easy to establish.
Soil: Well-drained, rich mix — avoid heavy clay.
Water: Deeply once or twice a week after the tree is established; keep soil
evenly moist during the first few weeks after planting.
Light: Full sun or bright patio spot.
Feeding: Use balanced fertilizer Sunshine
Boosters Mango Tango with every watering and Green
Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months for steady
growth.
Protection: Cover on cold nights for the first winter.
Plant once, care lightly, and your tree will reward you with fast growth
and early fruit.
🌳
Big Trees, Local Pickup Only
For our local gardeners, we have something special. Extra-large 15- and
25-gallon Mango trees. These are full, mature specimens that simply
can’t be shipped, but they’re perfect for local pickup or
delivery.
Instant Impact and Faster Fruit
These trees already have strong trunks, big root systems, and start
blooming next Spring. Plant one in your yard and it instantly looks like
it’s been there for years.
Delivery and Installation
We offer local delivery and professional installation for large
trees in the nearby area. Our team can bring the tree to your garden,
position
it correctly, and help with planting and setup.
Limited Availability: Quantities are small, and these big trees
go fast — once sold, they won’t be available again until next
growing season.
"Large grafted trees give you a head start — they’re stronger,
settle in faster, and can reward you with fruit the very next season," says
Tatiana Anderson
Veterans Day is a time to honor those who served and protected our
country. To show our
gratitude, we are offering special discounts on plants, fertilizers, and
garden supplies. It’s the perfect chance to add something new to your
collection while celebrating those who made it possible for all of us to
enjoy the peace of our gardens.
Celebrate
Veterans Day with 20% OFF your
entire order – our way of saying thank you.
Get 15% OFF tropical plants with code
VETERANS2025
Min order $100 (excluding S/H), valid online only,
cannot be combined with other offers and not applicable to existing or
past orders.
Detailed Cassia and Bauhinia Care Guide
