You wont believe what was hiding inside this Siamese twin Valencia Pride mango!
Valencia Pride mango
🥭 You won't believe what was hiding inside this Siamese twin Valencia Pride mango!
Mango Rainbow🌈
🥭 From our Valencia Pride tree that you saw in earlier video came this giant double mango - two fruits fused into one! On the outside it looked bizarre, but the real surprise came when we cut it open. Want to see what a twin mango looks like inside? Watch the video and find out!
Most people picture cactus as desert plants: hot sun, sharp spines, dry
sand. But that’s only half the story. There’s another branch of
the family that lives in the shade of rainforests. These are the jungle
cacti
— epiphyte plants that climb trees, trail from branches, and throw out
flowers so big and showy they look closer to orchids than to cactus
blooms.
See one up close and it’s a surprise. The stems can be flat,
zig-zagged, or even curly. Some trail like ferns, others pile into a shaggy
basket. And when the flowers open — often at night —
they’re
wide, fragrant, and gone by morning. It’s no wonder gardeners like
them
from a first sight.
✔️
Jungle Cactus Q&A
Aren’t all cacti desert plants?
Not these. Jungle cacti are epiphytes and grow in rainforests, clinging
to trees and catching rain. They never touch desert sand.
What kind of light do they need?
Outdoors, filtered sun under a tree works best. Indoors, give them
bright but indirect light — east or north windows are usually safe.
Direct
summer sun can scorch the stems, whether inside or out.
How much water is safe?
They take more water than desert cactus but still hate wet feet.
Outdoors, a rain shower is fine if the pot drains fast. Indoors, water when
the top
inch of soil feels dry. Always use a loose mix like Adenium
mix so roots get some air.
Do they bloom indoors?
Yes. In fact, many bloom better inside where conditions are steady. They
set buds when a little root-bound, and cooler nights help. Outdoors in
frost-free zones, flowers come with seasonal shifts. Indoors, expect
surprise buds
after a cool spell by the window.
Best way to display them?
Hanging baskets show off trailing stems both inside and out. Shallow
pots work well on shelves or ledges indoors. In warm climates, they can even
be
tied to a tree branch outside — exactly how they grow in the wild.
Extra note on indoor vs. outdoor care?
Indoors, watch for dry heated air in winter — they like a bit of
humidity. A tray of pebbles and water under the pot helps. Outdoors, protect
from heavy midday sun and bring them in if nights dip below the mid 30s
F.
Jungle cacti are easy to keep and full of surprises. Whether trailing
from a basket or blooming after dark, they prove that not every cactus
belongs
in the desert.
Free natural shampoo: squeeze it and see what comes out!
Pine Cone Ginger - Zingiber Zerumbet, Shampoo Ginger
💄 Free natural shampoo: squeeze it and see what comes out!
💄Pine Cone Ginger (Zingiber Zerumbet), is called Shampoo Ginger due to its unique, milky substance found in the cones. If you squeeze these bright red cones, a fragrant, milky liquid seeps out - traditionally used in Asia and Hawaii as a natural shampoo. Even today, you’ll find it in commercial shampoos.
💄 But there's more to it than hair care. All parts of the plant carry a spicy fragrance, the cones make striking, long-lasting cut flowers, and the whole plant adds a tropical vibe to your garden.
💄 And here's a fun history twist: Pine Cone Ginger is a "canoe plant", carried across the Pacific by ancient Polynesian voyagers. Imagine - this little shampoo factory traveled the ocean in canoes centuries ago!
Would you try washing your hair with this tropical ginger?
Can you name all the fruits on this tray? One of them will stump you!
Papaya, Avocado, Egyptian guava and Cas guava, Barbados cherry, Peanut butter fruit
Can you name all the fruits on this tray? One of them will stump you!
🥭 This morning I walked the garden and came back with a tray of fruits! That’s the joy of living in Florida with your own tropical garden: something new is always in season.
Gardenia radicans - Dwarf Miniature Creeping Gardenia - can surprise even longtime gardenia fans. It has all the charm of the classic shrub - glossy green leaves, pure white flowers, and that unforgettable fragrance - but in a smaller, easier form.
Natural bonsai. This little plant grows low and wide, staying under 1-2 feet tall and spreading up to 3-4 feet. It forms a dense mound or creeping groundcover that looks great along walkways or spilling from a pot. The leaves are tiny and shiny, giving it a neat, polished look all year.
The flowers are about an inch across, double or semi-double, and smell just like the full-size gardenia. They bloom in spring and often return through summer, filling the air with perfume.
Easier than other gardenias. Gardenia radicans isn’t as fussy as most gardenias. It can handle clay, sandy, or loamy soil as long as it drains well. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant and can even handle some cold, down to around 15F in protected spots.
Where to plant. It's perfect for small gardens, patios, or as a bonsai. You get the luxury fragrance of a gardenia without needing a big space. Use it as a groundcover, edging plant, or container specimen. It's one of those plants that stays tidy, looks refined, and keeps blooming. For anyone who loves gardenias but wants something compact and low-maintenance, Gardenia radicans is a great find.
