Date: 13 Jun 2019
How to get Strophanthus tree to bloom?
Q: I purchased from you three of these plants - Strophanthus bovinii and I wonder if you could help me. The plants are out of control growing large limbs to the sides and I would like it to grow more upright. Is this possible? Second, it does not flower. What type of fertilizer should I use and how often? How about the watering schedule? I have them in an eastern exposure but possibly they are not getting enough sun? Right in front of them, there is a large tree outside the curb of my house. What should I do about that?
A: Strophanthus bovinii - Wood shaving flower, is quite a unique plant
that is very rare in cultivation, this is why very little information is
available on its cultivation due to limited experience among gardeners. We have had
this plant in our garden for over 12 years and this is what we can advise.
In the nature (Madagascar) it supposedly grows into a large tree, however,
from our experience, it tends to be rather bushy, umbrella-like large shrub.
Yes, you can train it into a tree by trimming branches growing side-wise, and
by removing lower branches. The best time for pruning is early spring when
the tree starts new growth and re-leafs (it is semi-deciduous).
As far as flowering, the plant is very particular about blooming season,
with profuse flowering in Summer (here in SW Florida), however it may produce
more flowers sporadically throughout the year.
It thrives in full sun but will tolerate bright filtered light. If a large
tree is shading it too much, try to trim some limbs of that large tree to
allow more light. Water needs of Strophanthus bovinii are very moderate, so you
can rely on your sprinkler system or water once a week for established
plants.
You should use 2 types of fertilizers - slow release (once a month) and
water-soluble bloom booster (frequent applications are safe):
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster
Date: 30 May 2019
Selecting the right jasmine
Q: Would you please help me select the right jasmine? I want to find a jasmine that smells like lily of the valley or honeysuckle or roses, not the one that smells like gardenia. I'm in Missouri, zone 6, so I want a jasmine for my deck for the summer, so I want it to bloom this season.
A: There are 3 major types of tropical flower fragrances - Sweet, Fresh, and Fruity (including Lemony). Below are the most interesting fragrant tropical flowers, excluding Gardenias (which are sweet type). These are all same-year bloomers, so you can enjoy the fragrance this year assuming proper care and bloom booster feeding.
* - The fastest growers that can be treated as annuals. Others can be grown in a pot and brought inside for winter, and be enjoyed every year.
Sweet
*
Aloysia virgata - Almond Bush
*
Cestrum diurnum - White Chocolate Jasmine, Day Blooming Jasmine
*
Cestrum nocturnum - Night blooming jasmine
*
Heliotropium peruviana - Turnsole, Cherry Pie
Portlandia Cubanola domingensis - Cubanola (Warm white Chocolate)
Portlandia grandiflora - Glorious Flower of Cuba (Warm white Chocolate)
Fresh
Beaumontia grandiflora - Easter Lily Vine
*
Brugmansia Jean Pasco - Yellow Angels Trumpet
*
Brugmansia Variegated Orange Angel Trumpet
*
Brunfelsia americana - Lady of the night
*
Brunfelsia lactea - Lady of the night
*
Brunfelsia nitida - Lady of the night
Crinum Queen Emma - Spider lily
*
Eucharis grandiflora - Amazon Lily
*
Hedychium coronarium - Butterfly Ginger
Hiptage benghalensis - Helicopter Flower
Hoya odorata - Fragrant Hoya
Ixora hybrid Sea Green
Ixora odorata - Fragrant Ixora
*
Jasminum azoricum - River Jasmine
*
Jasminum Molle - Indian Jui
Jasminum nitidum - Star Jasmine
*
Jasminum officinale Flore Pleno - French Perfume Jasmine
*
Jasminum polyanthum - Pink Winter Jasmine
*
Jasminum sambac Belle of India
*
Jasminum sambac Grand Duke
*
Jasminum sambac Maid of Orleans
*
Polianthes tuberosa - Tuberose
*Sclerochiton harveyanus - Blue Lips, Mazabuka (Lavender-violet-like)
Fruity
Aglaia odorata - Chinese Perfume Plant (Lemony)
Artabotrys siamensis - Climbing Ylang-Ylang (Lemony)
Cananga fruticosa - Dwarf Ylang-Ylang
Carissa grandiflora - Natal Plum
Cerbera x manghas hybrid - Enchanted Incense
*
Jasminum dichotomum - Rose Bud Jasmine
*
Lonicera japonica - Japanese Honeysuckle
Magnolia figo - Banana Magnolia (Banana-like)
Magnolia x Alba grafted (Bubble-gum-like)
*
Mirabilis jalapa - Four oclock plant
Oxyceros horridus, Randia siamensis
*
Quisqualis - Rangoon Creeper
*
Radermachera Kunming - Dwarf Tree Jasmine
*
Stephanotis floribunda - Bridal Bouquet
Strophanthus gratus - Climbing Oleander
Telosoma cordata - Pakalana vine (Lemony)
Fertilizers for profuse flowering:
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster
SUNSHINE-Superfood micro-elements
Date: 21 May 2019
Perfecting a Mango Tree
Q: I recently purchased a Mangifera indica - Coconut Cream Mango from you and would like to know if it is possible
to keep this in a large pot rather than putting it in the ground. If so, I
have a few questions:
1. How large would you expect this variety to get?
2. What are the ideal growing conditions? Full sun, partial sun,
etc...?
3. What is the ideal soil?
4. Any specific watering directions for ideal growth?
A: Coconut Cream mango tree has a moderate growth. We've planted
one in our garden 4 years ago and it is still under 10 ft tall. This variety
should be well suitable for container culture.
1. Keep the branches trimmed after fruiting is over. Mango trees can be
grown in 15 to 25 gal containers and can be trimmed under 7-8 ft high.
2. All mango trees need full sun, the more sun the better.
3. Mango needs very well draining soil, ideally with lots of bark and
perlite. We recommend our professional soilless mix or a similar formula.
4. Mango trees hate wet feet, and prefer to stay on a dry side: make
sure soil in a pot doesn't stay wet; allow it to dry a little between the
waterings.
Remember to apply Mango Food fertilizer during warm season for vigorous growth and heavy
crop!
Date: 12 Apr 2019
Dwarf Red Ginger - more than just a pretty face
Q: I've just recently moved to Florida from North Carolina. I don't know much about tropical plants. Can you perhaps suggest an easy and pretty flowering plant for a beginner which I can plant around my garden pond for a tropical feeling?
A: For adding that tropical look to your garden, few plants beat
beautiful ginger! Alpinia purpurata, the Dwarf Red Cone Ginger with its bright red floral
spikes and lush, lance-shaped foliage is no exception. This striking
perennial will add a tropical effect to your garden that will definitely take your
breath away.
The Dwarf Red Cone grows between 3 and 4 feet tall and blooms 8-9
months of the year! The blooms will hold on the plant for up to 3 weeks! It makes
a very attractive and distinctive backdrop for other plants.
Red Cone Ginger likes partial shade and moist, humid conditions, but
will tolerate full sun. It is fast growing, easy to grow and resistant to
disease, heat, and insects. The plant is a wonderful accent in a garden and works
well as a focal point specimen, show-stopping when planted around garden
ponds or near entryways. This ginger also works very well in containers and
planters. Either in mass plantings or smaller groups, all gingers add tropical flair which never disappoints.
In addition, the beautiful flower spikes make for great, long-lasting
cut flowers and is an interesting addition to bouquets.
An added bonus? Dwarf Red Ginger is super easy to propagate. If stems
are cut at the base and placed in water, they will generally root within a few
weeks. Eventually, you can make a whole flowering hedge just from one
plant!
Who does not like a plant that is non-fussy and not only beautiful but easy to grow? Dwarf Red Ginger is more than just a pretty face!
To keep this plant happy and blooming, give it some food: Broad Leaf Plus - Ginger-Heliconia-Banana Booster
Date: 7 Aug 2024
Florida native plants for Florida and beyond
If you live in Florida community with HOA, you may need these plants!
Did you know that we carry Native Florida plants?
At Top Tropicals, we have the biggest selection of tropical plants from around the World, with a special selection of Florida Natives. If you are looking for a particular Florida Native plant, just let us know - we can get them for you, because... we are here in Florida and we know them all!
If your Florida yard is regulated by a Homeowners Association, you may be required to plant native plants or those species on approved list. Why? These policies aim to promote sustainable landscaping practices and protect Florida's unique ecosystems. Although this may seem to limit your choices, there are plenty of Florida-friendly plants to choose from!
In general, native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them easy to grow and great for beginners.
Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. And Florida flora has a lot to offer for the wildlife!
If you live outside of Florida, our native plants may appear to you as much exotic and rare as those from Asia, S. America or Africa! Let's take a peak at some Natives...
In the photo above: Erythrina herbacea - Coral Bean. Coral trees - Erythrinas are very showy, red-flowering small trees that are perfect for locations with poor soil and limited irrigation, very easy to grow, great butterfly and hummingbird attractors..
In the photo above: Acacia farnesiana