Date: 30 Aug 2019
LadyBugs guarding your plants!
Q: I have a bunch of Ladybugs in my garden, I wonder if they eating my plants? Do I need to get rid of them?
A: Ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) is, in fact, one of the best insects you can find in your garden, it is a natural predator that takes care of many bad bugs, including aphids. Keep them happy and bring them to your garden. Ladybugs actually are cultivated as natural pest control, and you can even buy them for your yard, instead of chemicals!
Ladybug larvae eating aphids:
The wonderful insects that dine only on landscape pests and don't harm good bugs or plants are called 'beneficials', and ladybugs definitely fall into this category, but not the way many people think. It's the ladybug's larvae that are voracious predators of soft-bodied problem insects, especially aphids.
Photo below:
One of our PeopleCats, "Innocent" Ladybug (a.k.a. Bug) is wondering who else she can bug next...
Date: 19 Aug 2019
When is the time to repot?
Q: According to your instructions, I understand that plants need to be placed in bigger pots. But my question is, say I plant each plant in 18in x 18 in x 18 inch square pots, how many weeks, months or years can the soil be good for these plants? When will it be time to change soil? Any specific soil recommendations?
A: Repotting is required usually once a year. It depends on the plant and growth rate of course. The best way to check if a plant needs stepping up is to check its root system. Carefully turn the pot upside down and pull the pot off the roots (make sure to support the plant from the bottom). If a root system is very dense, it is time to repot. It is an easy check with smaller plants; if a plant is large and hard to turn "upside-down", check drainage holes: if roots start growing through the holes, it is definitely time to step up. Make sure to use pot size only a few inches bigger in diameter than the existing one: just enough for the root system plus 2-3 inches extra space; do not use oversized pots to avoid root rot. Use only new quality potting soil and make sure it has perfect drainage characteristics. We recommend Professional Soilless Mix
Date: 16 Feb 2019
Deciduous plants soon sprouting
Many people believe that living in a warm climate will dissuade a plant from its deciduous nature. However, deciduous plants react to not only temperate but also shortened hours of daylight and changes in precipitation. Additionally, some plants will drop foliage in phases between new growth, and others use abscission to aid in pollination; blooming without wind-blocking leaves and making flowers more visible for insects.
When pruning a deciduous tree or shrub, it's generally best to wait until late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to leaf out. Avoid pruning during periods of new growth; during this time, the plant is weakened by the struggle to reestablish its growth process. Before pruning your deciduous plant, first research the specific plant, as there will always be exceptions to general instruction. For example, many Rubus varieties desire to prune in late fall, as their buds are developed during the dormant winter season. Some trees may have flower or fruit during winter while having no leaves, give them a chance to flower before pruning.
On the photo: Winter flowering Bombax ceiba
Date: 14 Oct 2024
Let's grow green again - together!
20% OFF post-hurricane discount
"We rise by lifting others." - Robert Ingersoll
Dear Valued Customers,
We're reaching out to let you know that Top Tropicals made it through Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and we are fully back up and running. While these storms caused some damages to our facilities and brought down trees, we were fortunate that our plants and inventory remained safe and beautiful. After a lot of cleanup and repairs, we are excited to resume shipping your orders as scheduled!
Thank you for your kind messages and continued support during this time. If you were unaffected by these hurricanes, we invite you to support us as we restore our nursery and raise fallen trees.
Every order, no matter the size, makes a difference in our recovery.
For those who lost plants and trees to the storms, we've included a 20% discount code below to help you start fresh. Let's grow green again - together!
Thank you for being part of our community! Use the code:
SUPPORT
This code saves 20% off all orders over $150
(excluding S/H).
Exp. 10-31-24
Additional deals:
In the photos: Koelreuteria paniculata - Golden Rain Tree, is a winter bloomer that is starting flowering now and throughout the winter. It one of the most spectacular trees of subtopics that is actually very cold hardy, drought resistant, wind-resistant and fast growing - nice solution for a shade tree. According to ancient Chinese manuscripts, the Golden Rain Tree is crucial for Dragons, as it is believed to be connected to their existence, guarding and complementing each other. Growing these plants is considered auspicious and is believed to safeguard the Dragon family. 2024 is a year of Dragon... Let's please the Dragon and plant this tree this year so it will protect us from hurricanes in the future!
Date: 5 Mar 2025
New Adeniums and March discount
We received a THOUSAND NEW ADENIUMS from Thailand - beautiful, well-developed plants with big caudex, ready to bloom! They are finally available for those on the waiting list for specific colors. But hurry! Each variety is available in limited quantities (fewer than 10 per type), and they won't last long - first come, first served!
Everyone loves the colorful, showy Adeniums, and it's easy to see why so many gardeners want to collect them all! With so many varieties to choose from, picking just one can be tough. That's why we're offering a special discount: Save 10% when you buy 2 or more Adeniums! You can also add other plants to your shopping cart for a minimum $99 order and get more plants for the value!
Use this 10% discount code when you buy at least 2 adeniums, or any other plants with min. order $99:
MARCH25
Min order $99. Excluding S/H. Exp. 3-11-25
Reminder: use our FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING for qualified orders
Check out video of the new arrivals of Adeniums
and available colors below
