Black and White Bat Lilies (Tacca chantrieri and Tacca nivea) side by side in bloom

How to Care for Bat Lilies

by Top Tropicals Plant Expert Tatiana Anderson

🌞 Light

• Bright, filtered light. Morning sun or dappled shade is perfect.
• Avoid direct midday sun outdoors — it can scorch the leaves.
• Indoors, place near a bright window with sheer curtains or use a grow light.

🌡️ Temperature

• Warm and stable, ideally 70-85 F during the day.
• Protect from cold drafts or sudden chills.
• Ideally, do not let temperature drop below 45 F, although Taccas can tolerate short period of upper 30's.

💧 Watering

• Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
• Water when the top inch feels barely dry.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Avoid letting the pot sit in water.

💨 Humidity

• High humidity (60-80%) is key.
• Mist leaves often, use a humidity tray, or keep near a humidifier.
• In greenhouses or bathrooms with a skylight, it thrives naturally.

🌱 Soil

• Use rich, loose, well-draining mix
• Combine bark, peat, and perlite for ideal airflow around the roots.
• Best mix for growing tropical Tacca in pots - soilless potting mix Abundance . It provides perfect drainage and has a texture similar to a jungle rainforest media.

🍽️ Feeding

• During growth season (Spring through Fall), feed with Green Magic controlled release fertilizer every 6 months. For even better results, you may apply liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters Rubusta.
• Stop feeding dry fertilizer in cooler months when growth slows. Liquid Sunshine Boosters are safe to use with every watering, year around.

🏡 Indoor Growing

• Great for bright bathrooms, sunrooms, or any warm, humid corner.
• Rotate pot occasionally for even growth.
• Keep away from heating vents and AC drafts.

🌴 Outdoor Growing (in warm climates)

• Partial shade or filtered light under trees.
• Excellent in large containers that can be brought inside for winter.
• Shelter from heavy rain and wind.

Sunshine: "So… it’s a diva?"
Smokey: "Exactly. But take care of it - and it rewards you with wings!"
Smokey and Sunshine: "Happy Halloween!"

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🛒 Grow your own gothic masterpiece:
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Mark your calendars: March 2, 2024

Plant Festival "March into Spring!"
Saturday, March 2, 9 am - 4 pm

Save the date! On March 2, 2024, join us for our vibrant Plant Festival, "March into Spring!"
Dive into a world of lush greenery, blooming delights, and rare fruit trees at our garden event. Discover unbeatable sales, exclusive deals, delightful gift bags, and receive free plants with every purchase.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to embrace the beauty of spring and elevate your garden to new heights!

Highlights of the event:

30% OFF online prices, one day only! (excluding 15 gallon material and rare plants)
Gift bags - for first 25 customers with $50 order
Secret Garden: Super savings area 50-70% off
$5 and $10 plants
Raffle
Free plant with any purchase as a token of our appreciation

Event discounts valid at both locations:

Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL

Facebook event page - Download invitation

Sunshine Boosters
Winter use... and discount!

Do you remember that Sunshine Boosters fertilizers can be applied year-round?

As natural fertilizers, their scientifically created formulas provide perfectly balanced nutrition for your plants throughout the year. Follow the instructions on the labels and apply Sunshine Boosters with every watering. Give your plants extra boost during winter months! The fertilizer amount is balanced, adjusting proportionally to the water amount, which is tailored to the plant's winter needs. Unlike dry fertilizers, Sunshine Boosters can be used all year without fear of burning plants with excessive nutrient lockup.

Take advantage of the winter sale and stock up on this perfect plant food. You'll need plenty by Spring when your plants begin active growth! Use the code below for 20% off all Sunshine Boosters products. Hurry up, the sale will end in a few days!

SBOOSTERS20

Min order $20, excluding S/H. Exp. 1-12-24

In the photo above: This picture was taken on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023. The little garden by our B-farm office, irrigated automatically with Sunshine Boosters using the Robuster injector, is thriving in spite of cool nights. Look at this crazy banana, it is taller than the building, we honestly have never seen a banana of that size! The solution we are using there is Sunshine Robusta; now available for pick up in 2.5 gal jugs!

Cat Zodiac
Aquarius Cats 1/20-2/18

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats. With this information, one can discover the astrological traits that describe the cat, such as their independence, diva-like tendencies, sense of humor, intelligence, and more. Additionally, it's also important to consider the astrological relationship between cats and plants...

The Aquarius cat is a very popular purrson. These cats have a unique ability to form a network of friends and allies, not just among other cats, but also with dogs, koi-koi fish in the ponds, goldfish in aquariums, parrots, and other pets and creatures in the neighborhood. The humans in their lives are also fully integrated into this pack, and the Aquarius cat takes great pride in being a central figure and leader within this community. They view themselves as the "Sheriff of the regional district," commanding respect and authority among their fellow creatures, humans including...
...Tired of the hustle and bustle of society, Aquarius cats often seek out secluded places surrounded by tall grass and fragrant plants, which can even be a simple pot with your favorite plant...
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