Date: 17 Mar 2020
We got a letter that we must share!
To the folks at Top Tropicals,
This is not really a question, more of a statement of gratitude. Top
Tropicals has been my go to resource for everything tropical plant related for more
than a decade... You have always been a source of information, knowledge and
of course, beautiful plants. And now, more than ever, in these stressful
times, I find myself returning to the world of plants that I love so much.
Staying out of the public and away from friends and familiar places is hard on
many of us. I guess they are calling it "social distancing" and I understand the
sensibility of it all. So I take great comfort in spending relaxing time
with my other friends and family, my plants. The weather is getting warmer,
Spring is in the air, and I choose to not worry about things I can't change and
instead I will devote time, energy and love to my special plants. Thank you
Top Tropicals for being there for all of us gardeners and plant lovers. I look
forward to browsing your newsletters each week to see pictures of the People
Cats and to pick out my next best friend!
Sincerely, Becky M. - Woodland Hills, CA
Date: 13 Mar 2020
The stunning beauty of Brownea
by Mark Hooten, the Garden Doc
Recently, while admiring the stunning beauty of a large flowering Brownea planted on the grounds here at Top Tropicals, I began wondering why these most splendid of tropical flowering trees remain so rare and obscure in South Florida. Much of our local climate seems perfectly conducive to their cultivation...
CONTINUE READING >>
Date: 8 Nov 2019
Trimming Mussaenda bush
Q: My wife and I bought a Dona Evangelina from you this year. It thriving and has grown to 6-8 ft. It has become top-heavy and in wind, it falls over. Main stems have split twice but still continues to grow. I usually prune Dona Luz back to 3-4 ft and am wondering how much you would advise me to lop off your plant. Any advise will be appreciated.
A: Mussaendas, indeed, have very fragile stems that break often,
especially in Florida wind storms. The good news is, these plants grow
vigorously once established.
You did a good job trying to tie together the split stems and in fact,
cracks do grow back together as long as the dressing is tight. Try to use green
tape or even electric tape to tighten the broken spot.
However, do such repairs only if it is critical for a plant. When possible,
simply cut off the broken branch and give the plant a chance to grow a new
stronger branch. You may trim the bush pretty short. Mussaendas respond well
to pruning which promotes more side growth and makes the plant bushier.
Keep in mind that during cold weather, Mussaenda may drop all leaves and go
into dormancy until spring.
RECOMMENDED FERTILIZERS:
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster
Date: 9 Sep 2019
How to make leaves green?
Q: I purchased several plants from you and they all arrived in great shape. The Wrightia is very large and vigorous but some leaves are yellowish. How can I improve that look? Any special fertilizer?
A: Wrightias are very showy and beautiful plants, although sometimes they are susceptible to leaf chlorosis which in other words is iron deficiency, especially during wet rainy weather. It is not harmful to the plant and can be corrected with microelement applications. Use Microelements once a week to correct the iron deficiency that usually goes away within a month. Then maintain plants health with monthly applications. It is beneficial to use microelements in combination with regular applications of health boosting fertilizer.
Recommended boosters and microelement supplements:
Pink N Good Daily Plant Food - Flower Booster
Tropical Allure - Smart-Release Booster
SUNSHINE SuperFood - plant booster
SUNSHINE-Greenleaf
See SUNSHINE Boosters page for the complete list of plant boosters.
Date: 9 Jul 2019
Growing desert roses
Q: I purchased a Desert Rose and planted it in Adenium mix. I keep it in full sun with once a week watering assuming this is a desert plant that likes lots of sun. Some leaves turned yellow and now I am not sure should I move it into shade or need to water more? Or maybe fertilize with something?
A: Desert Rose - Adenium, unlike cacti and other succulents, prefers filtered light. It can grow in full sun but leaves look healthier in light shade. Watering must be very moderate, however don't let soil harden like a rock: water again right after the soil gets dry. We suggest to use special Adenium Mix. Cactus mix may work well, as well as regular potting mix, in which case it is recommended to add a bit of limestone (we simply put sea shells on top of the pot - it looks very pretty!) - because adeniums prefer slightly alkaline soil (while most of tropical plants like acidic soils). If leaves turn yellow, this may be a sign of underwatering. Use water soluable fertilizer with high phosphate as foliage spray, and only on healthy plants, according to label dosage. It helps both caudex growth and flowering. Make sure to avoid fertilizer contact with a caudex.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES:
Adenium Plant Food - Flower and Caudex Booster
SUNSHINE-BC - Caudex booster
Adenium Soilless Mix
Read more about growing Adeniums:
What you need for successful growing Adeniums
Growing Exotic Adeniums