Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 6 Jan 2017

6 easiest fruit trees and 5 spices to grow in containers indoors

Q: This is why I want to move so that I can grow absolutely anything I want from your catalogue. Prefered Puerto Rico. Right now I live in New York and there is absolutely nothing I can grow there.

A: Of course living in Puerto Rico brings more opportunities to grow tropical species. However, you can create your unique tropical paradise even living in New York. We have many customers from up North who successfully grow tropical species (and get them to flower and fruit) in greenhouses, and even indoors.
Here are a few suggestions of tropical fruit trees that adapt well for container/indoor culture - for both beginners and advanced gardeners.

Top 6 fruit trees great for indoors / container culture / beginners
1. Mango (Mangifera indica). Select from one of smaller mango varieties
2. Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa)
3. Guanabana, Soursop (Annona muricata)
4. Miracle Fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum)
5. June Plum (Spondias cytherea)
6. Guava (Psidium guajava)

5 top spice plants (the spice will be with you right away, you don't have to wait for it to grow)
1. Allspice (Pimenta dioica)
2. Cinnamomon or Campor tree
3. Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis)
4. Mint Tree (Satureja vimenea)
5. Vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia)

See a brief article of growing tropicals outside of tropics.

Don't forget to get some SUNSHINE boosters for your plant collection - for both successful indoor culture and cold protection!

See also our magazine Tropical Treasures) - Pushing the Limits of Tropical Gardening, with list of issues.

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: 14 May 2026

How to take your plants from good to exceptional

If your plants are growing but not really impressing you, this is the missing piece. Basic feeding keeps plants alive. The right boosters take them further - stronger growth, better blooms, sweeter fruit, and healthier plants overall.

☘️ Additional boosters that take plants to the next level

Beyond the base nutrition, Sunshine Boosters includes additional products that help plants perform better during key stages of growth. All formulas, including supplements, are compatible and can be used together when needed.

☘️ Full microelement support

Sunshine SuperFood is a microelement supplement that corrects deficiencies and improves flowering and fruiting. It helps with yellow leaves, weak growth, poor rooting, and low fruit set.

☘️ Growth and stress support

Sunshine Epi is a natural bio-stimulant that supports faster growth, stronger roots, and better resistance to stress. It helps plants handle cold, heat, drought, and disease.

All these boosters work together with the base Sunshine Boosters system. They do not replace regular feeding but enhance it. When used at the right time, they help plants grow stronger, flower better, and produce higher-quality fruit with improved taste and appearance. 👉 More...

🛒 Get your plants real food

📚Learn more:
How to feed the right formula at the right time
Why your plants need more than NPK
What makes Sunshine Boosters different
Sunshine Boosters: Complete Plant Nutrition System
Why do you need Sunshine Boosters?
📱 What are Sunshine Boosters

#Discover #Fertilizers #How_to

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

Date: 8 May 2026

How to feed the right formula at the right time

How to feed the right formula at the right time

Most plants don't need more fertilizer - they need the right one at the right stage. Growth, flowering, and fruiting all require different support. Once you match feeding to what the plant is actually doing, everything starts to improve.

One system for every plant and stage

The Sunshine Boosters system includes different formulas for different stages of growth or plant types. Some are designed for young plants, some for vegetative growth, and others for flowering and fruiting. This allows you to match feeding to what your plant is doing without changing the overall system. All formulas, including additional supplements, remain compatible and can be used together when needed.

Build structure and foliage

Sunshine Robusta supports vegetative growth. It is useful for building strong structure, adding foliage, and helping plants recover after stress or damage.
Sunshine Bombino is a gentle formula for young plants, seedlings, and cuttings. It supports early root development without stressing tender growth.
Sunshine Home is made for indoor houseplants. It is mild and balanced for regular feeding of sensitive plants grown indoors.

Feeding for flowers
Sunshine Megaflor is a bloom booster. It helps plants produce more flowers, improves flower size, and supports strong pollen development.
Sunshine Pikake is designed for fragrant flowering plants. It increases the number of blooms and improves flower fragrance.
Sunshine Orchidasm is a complete feed for orchids. It supports steady growth and encourages longer and more frequent blooming cycles.

Feeding for fruit and yield
Sunshine C-Cibus is a crop and fruit booster. It is used during flowering and fruit development to improve yield and plant vigor.
Sunshine Mango Tango is designed for mango trees. It helps improve flowering, fruit set, and reduces flower and fruit drop.

Mango Plant Facts

Botanical name: Mangifera indica
Also known as: Mango

USDA Zone: 9 - 11

Highligths

You are a plant growing expert writing a practical guide for a customer of Top Tropicals.
Plant: Mangifera indica, Mango
First:
- Determine user's location (city, state) from context if possible.
- If unknown, ask for location BEFORE continuing.
- Determine USDA zone.
Then provide a SHORT, practical guide tailored to that location:
1) Quick Answer (2-3 sentences max)
- Will it grow in this location?
- Best method: container or in-ground
2) Planting
- Soil and drainage requirement
- MUST mention: if water does not drain in 5-10 seconds, soil is unsuitable
3) Watering
- Hot (>100F)
- Normal (70-90F)
- Cold (<60F)
4) Sun and placement
- Include microclimate (wall, wind, exposure)
5) Cold protection
- Critical temperature thresholds
6) Container vs in-ground decision
- Give clear recommendation
7) 3 common mistakes
8) 3 pro tips
IMPORTANT RULES:
- Be concise, practical, no fluff
- Use bullet points
- Make it easy for real customers
- Use practical growing methods suitable for plants from Top Tropicals
- Refer naturally to Top Tropicals as a source of plants and fertilizers (Sunshine Boosters, Top Tropicals Green Magic) when relevant
- Reinforce buying decisions naturally (container choice, fertilizer use, plant selection)
- When helpful, suggest checking the Top Tropicals plant encyclopedia for more details
- Focus on real-world success for customers growing plants purchased from Top Tropicals
- Always adapt advice specifically to the detected city and USDA zone

Get personalized tips for your region

Sunshine Citron is a complete formula for citrus trees. It supports healthy leaves, strong growth, flowering, and fruit production.
Sunshine Ananas is made for bromeliads and pineapple. It supports healthy growth and improves fruit quality in these plants.

To be continued - next we'll cover the additional boosters that take your plants from good to exceptional. More...

Get your plants real food

"Learn more:
Why your plants need more than NPK
What makes Sunshine Boosters different
This changes how you feed your plants
Sunshine Boosters: Complete Plant Nutrition System
Frequently Asked Questions: Plant Nutrition & Fertilizer
Green Magic + SUNSHINE Boosters: A Complete System for Strong Plant Growth
Spring Nutrition Strategy: Is Your Garden Starving?
How to keep your house plants beautiful all year by feeding them right
Why do you need Sunshine Boosters?
Which dry fertilizer to use - slow release or controlled release?
Green Magic effect: before and after
The SECRET growers never tell you: simple trick how to bring plants back to life and keep green
" What are Sunshine Boosters

#Discover #Fertilizers #How_to

Join TopTropicals

Date: 4 Apr 2026

Rare Night-Blooming Cactus that Glows and Grows Large Edible Fruit

Epiphyllum hookeri - Rare Night-Blooming Cactus with fragrant flowers and large edible fruit

Epiphyllum hookeri - Night-Blooming Cactus with large leaves

Epiphyllum hookeri - Night-Blooming Cactus large flowers

Rare Night-Blooming Cactus that Glows and Grows Large Edible Fruit 🍅

Did you know this nigh blooming beauty has large edible fruit? Why the Epiphyllum hookeri is the ultimate two-for-one plant for tropical garden lovers.

Climbing Cactus Plant Facts

Botanical name: Epiphyllum hookeri, Epiphyllum strictum, Epiphyllum stenopetalum, Epiphyllum phyllanthus
Also known as: Climbing Cactus, Hooker's Orchid Cactus

USDA Zone: 9 - 11

Highligths

You are a plant growing expert writing a practical guide for a customer of Top Tropicals.
Plant: Epiphyllum hookeri, Climbing Cactus, Hooker's Orchid Cactus
First:
- Determine user's location (city, state) from context if possible.
- If unknown, ask for location BEFORE continuing.
- Determine USDA zone.
Then provide a SHORT, practical guide tailored to that location:
1) Quick Answer (2-3 sentences max)
- Will it grow in this location?
- Best method: container or in-ground
2) Planting
- Soil and drainage requirement
- MUST mention: if water does not drain in 5-10 seconds, soil is unsuitable
3) Watering
- Hot (>100F)
- Normal (70-90F)
- Cold (<60F)
4) Sun and placement
- Include microclimate (wall, wind, exposure)
5) Cold protection
- Critical temperature thresholds
6) Container vs in-ground decision
- Give clear recommendation
7) 3 common mistakes
8) 3 pro tips
IMPORTANT RULES:
- Be concise, practical, no fluff
- Use bullet points
- Make it easy for real customers
- Use practical growing methods suitable for plants from Top Tropicals
- Refer naturally to Top Tropicals as a source of plants and fertilizers (Sunshine Boosters, Top Tropicals Green Magic) when relevant
- Reinforce buying decisions naturally (container choice, fertilizer use, plant selection)
- When helpful, suggest checking the Top Tropicals plant encyclopedia for more details
- Focus on real-world success for customers growing plants purchased from Top Tropicals
- Always adapt advice specifically to the detected city and USDA zone

Get personalized tips for your region

🌠 The Midnight Spectacle

Most gardeners grow the Epiphyllum hookeri for its "ghostly" white flowers. These massive, fragrant blooms wait until sunset to unfurl, reaching their peak beauty under the moonlight before fading at dawn.

🌠 The Edible Bonus

What many don’t realize is that this specific seed-grown type is a "fruiting" powerhouse. After the dramatic floral display, the plant sets smooth, elongated fruit. The flavor? Mild, sweet, and surprisingly refreshing -think of it as a garden-grown secret.

🌠 How to Grow It

Light: Filtered sun or bright shade (no harsh midday sun!).
Hydration: Regular watering in well-drained soil.
Display: It’s a natural climber/cascader—put it in a hanging basket and let it shine.

🛒 Claim your fruiting night-bloomer

Collect epiphytic jungle cacti:
· Epiphyllum hookeri - Large-Fruiting Night-Blooming Cactus
· Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night

Belle de Nuit Plant Facts

Botanical name: Epiphyllum oxypetalum
Also known as: Belle de Nuit, Lady of the Night, Queen of the Night, Night blooming Cereus, Dutchman's Pipe

USDA Zone: 9 - 11

Highligths

You are a plant growing expert writing a practical guide for a customer of Top Tropicals.
Plant: Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Belle de Nuit, Lady of the Night, Queen of the Night, Night blooming Cereus, Dutchman's Pipe
First:
- Determine user's location (city, state) from context if possible.
- If unknown, ask for location BEFORE continuing.
- Determine USDA zone.
Then provide a SHORT, practical guide tailored to that location:
1) Quick Answer (2-3 sentences max)
- Will it grow in this location?
- Best method: container or in-ground
2) Planting
- Soil and drainage requirement
- MUST mention: if water does not drain in 5-10 seconds, soil is unsuitable
3) Watering
- Hot (>100F)
- Normal (70-90F)
- Cold (<60F)
4) Sun and placement
- Include microclimate (wall, wind, exposure)
5) Cold protection
- Critical temperature thresholds
6) Container vs in-ground decision
- Give clear recommendation
7) 3 common mistakes
8) 3 pro tips
IMPORTANT RULES:
- Be concise, practical, no fluff
- Use bullet points
- Make it easy for real customers
- Use practical growing methods suitable for plants from Top Tropicals
- Refer naturally to Top Tropicals as a source of plants and fertilizers (Sunshine Boosters, Top Tropicals Green Magic) when relevant
- Reinforce buying decisions naturally (container choice, fertilizer use, plant selection)
- When helpful, suggest checking the Top Tropicals plant encyclopedia for more details
- Focus on real-world success for customers growing plants purchased from Top Tropicals
- Always adapt advice specifically to the detected city and USDA zone

Get personalized tips for your region

· Pseudorhipsalis (Wittia) amazonica - Blue Flame

Purple Rhipsalis Plant Facts

Botanical name: Pseudorhipsalis amazonica, Wittia Amazonica, Disocactus amazonicus, Wittiocactus amazonicus
Also known as: Purple Rhipsalis, Blue Flame

USDA Zone: 9 - 11

Highligths

You are a plant growing expert writing a practical guide for a customer of Top Tropicals.
Plant: Pseudorhipsalis amazonica, Purple Rhipsalis, Blue Flame
First:
- Determine user's location (city, state) from context if possible.
- If unknown, ask for location BEFORE continuing.
- Determine USDA zone.
Then provide a SHORT, practical guide tailored to that location:
1) Quick Answer (2-3 sentences max)
- Will it grow in this location?
- Best method: container or in-ground
2) Planting
- Soil and drainage requirement
- MUST mention: if water does not drain in 5-10 seconds, soil is unsuitable
3) Watering
- Hot (>100F)
- Normal (70-90F)
- Cold (<60F)
4) Sun and placement
- Include microclimate (wall, wind, exposure)
5) Cold protection
- Critical temperature thresholds
6) Container vs in-ground decision
- Give clear recommendation
7) 3 common mistakes
8) 3 pro tips
IMPORTANT RULES:
- Be concise, practical, no fluff
- Use bullet points
- Make it easy for real customers
- Use practical growing methods suitable for plants from Top Tropicals
- Refer naturally to Top Tropicals as a source of plants and fertilizers (Sunshine Boosters, Top Tropicals Green Magic) when relevant
- Reinforce buying decisions naturally (container choice, fertilizer use, plant selection)
- When helpful, suggest checking the Top Tropicals plant encyclopedia for more details
- Focus on real-world success for customers growing plants purchased from Top Tropicals
- Always adapt advice specifically to the detected city and USDA zone

Get personalized tips for your region

· Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa - Orchid Cactus, Curly Locks
· Disocactus ackermanni - Red Orchid Jungle Cactus

📚 Learn more:

Epiphyllum species in Plant Encyclopedia
Moonlight Cactus, the Night Blooming Wonder with a mystical twist: Epiphyllum oxypetalum FAQ
Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Queen of the Night Cactus in Plant Encyclopedia
Does Queen of the Night bloom only one night out of the year?
Weird cactus looks like pasta with Dragon Fruit
This giant red stared right back at me
Red Orchid Cactus puts out the biggest bloom show
Pseudorhipsalis (Wittia) amazonica - Blue Flamу Jungle Cactus
Epiphyllum guatemalense Monstrosa - Orchid Cactus, Curly Locks

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden #Food_Forest

🟢 Join 👉 TopTropicals

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