Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 7 Aug 2024

Florida native plants for Florida and beyond

If you live in Florida community with HOA, you may need these plants!

Did you know that we carry Native Florida plants?

At Top Tropicals, we have the biggest selection of tropical plants from around the World, with a special selection of Florida Natives. If you are looking for a particular Florida Native plant, just let us know - we can get them for you, because... we are here in Florida and we know them all!

If your Florida yard is regulated by a Homeowners Association, you may be required to plant native plants or those species on approved list. Why? These policies aim to promote sustainable landscaping practices and protect Florida's unique ecosystems. Although this may seem to limit your choices, there are plenty of Florida-friendly plants to choose from!

In general, native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more resilient and requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This makes them easy to grow and great for beginners.

Native plants provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and other pollinators. And Florida flora has a lot to offer for the wildlife!

If you live outside of Florida, our native plants may appear to you as much exotic and rare as those from Asia, S. America or Africa! Let's take a peak at some Natives...

Shop Florida Native Plants

In the photo above: Erythrina herbacea - Coral Bean. Coral trees - Erythrinas are very showy, red-flowering small trees that are perfect for locations with poor soil and limited irrigation, very easy to grow, great butterfly and hummingbird attractors..

In the photo above: Acacia farnesiana - Sweet Mimosa. One of the most useful tropical plants that is very cold tolerant, blooms all winter through spring with honey-fragrant flowers - canary yellow powder puffs, attracting bees and butterflies. Fast growing bushy tree, tolerates poor soils and drought.

Date: 30 Aug 2024

Save Double This Labor Day Weekend!

"The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest." - Deepika Padukone

Labor Day is the perfect time to transform your yard into a tropical paradise! Join us this weekend to find large, well-developed fruit trees and stunning flowering tropical plants, ready to add beauty to your life. Take advantage of the summer growing season and give your garden the boost it deserves. Don't miss out on these incredible plants to make your yard a true oasis!

Labor Day sale: double your savings now!

Automatically save 10% on orders over $200 (excluding S/H), and use code below for an extra 10% off! Double your savings today!

LABORDAY24

Use the code to get an extra 10% off on orders over $200 (excluding S/H). If your total after the code still exceeds $200, enjoy an additional automatic 10% discount! Exp. 9-2-24

Additional instant discount:
5% off $100-200 orders
...and more deals below - make it a steal with the code!

BOGO

Plants under $20

Discounted items

Date: 5 Sep 2024

10 common mistakes to avoid
with mail order plants

Q: How to get happy and healthy plants from mail order? Will they survive the trip and grow well after transportation? What mistakes should I avoid?

A: At Top Tropicals, we have over 20 years of experience shipping plants. We know how to pack them properly and ensure the safest journey possible. We ship the biggest and healthiest plants, and our customers are often amazed at how great they look after a few days in a dark box. But receiving a healthy plant is only half the adventure. Now that the plant is in your hands, it's up to you to keep it thriving. The first couple of weeks after shipping are critical. With the right care, your new plant can reward you with beautiful flowers and fruit for years to come. Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when buying plants by mail order.

1. Not unpacking plants immediately
Leaving plants in the box too long can cause stress or damage. Unpack them as soon as they arrive to let them breathe and adjust.

2. Ignoring acclimation
Plants need time to adjust to their new environment. Don't place them in full sun or extreme conditions (heat, wind) right away.

3. Overwatering right after arrival
Many people water their new plants too much. Plants often need time to recover from transit, and too much water can cause root rot.

4. Stepping up too soon
Repotting immediately in a large pot can cause root rot. Plant in a pot just the size of a root ball, step up only after the plant is showing new growth.

5. Ignoring the plant's needs
Research the specific needs of your plant before it arrives. Light, water, and soil requirements vary greatly, and misunderstanding them can lead to issues.

6. Placing the plant in the wrong environment
It's important to give your plant the right temperature, light, and humidity based on its natural habitat. We grow tropical plants. They won't survive in areas with freezing temperatures.

7. Not trimming damaged branches.
Transit can cause minor damage to leaves or branches. Trimming these parts can help the plant recover faster.

8. Expecting immediate growth
Plants need time to adjust after the trip. Give them a chance to settle for a few weeks before expecting new growth or blooms.

9. Fertilizing too soon
Do not fertilize your plant right after arrival. Let it get established first - usually a few weeks - before adding fertilizer to avoid stressing the plant.

10. Not checking for pests
Always inspect new plants for pests. Shipping stress can lead to infestations, so a close check is vital.

By avoiding these mistakes and following the planting instructions included with your order, you'll be on the right path to creating your tropical paradise. Take care of your new plant, and it will thrive, rewarding you with vibrant growth for years to come.

Learn more

Download planting instructions (PDF)

Date: 10 Sep 2024

Discover Coral Trees - Erythrinas
the brightest flowers of the Tropics

Q: What tropical tree do you recommend that has a small size and bright showy flowers, specifically red? I love red flowers, they are the most beautiful!

A: Erythrinas are small trees with a legendary beauty and are often considered a symbol of exotic allure. They bring a touch of the extraordinary to a Southern landscape.

Vivid red blooms: striking, coral-red flowers that create a breathtaking visual display.

Eye-catching: makes a stunning focal point with its bold and vibrant floral clusters.

Fast-growing: quickly develops into a magnificent tree.

Unique branch structure: an interesting, sculptural form that adds architectural interest even when not in bloom.

Pollinator magnet: attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, supporting local wildlife.

Drought tolerant: withstands dry conditions once established.

Adaptable: thrives in a range of soils, demonstrating versatility and hardiness.

Low maintenance: requires minimal care.

The Erythrina tree is a must-have for any tropical garden, with its stunning coral-red blooms and unique branch structure that add beauty year-round. Fast-growing, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, this eye-catching tree supports pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies while thriving in a variety of conditions. It's the perfect addition for those seeking a vibrant, exotic touch to their landscape.

Shop Erythrinas - Coral Trees

Date: 13 Dec 2024

Snowbird Holiday Special:
Fruiting and Flowering Tree Sale

For online customers to match today's local sale

Can't make it to our Holiday Plant Market today? No worries, we've got you covered with a Snowbird Special! This online sale is perfect for all you winter wanderers heading to Florida - now's your chance to snag some gorgeous fruiting and flowering trees at a sweet discount.

Why wait to create your tropical paradise? Plant your winter garden now and enjoy exotic blooms and fruits all season long! Use the discount code below to get 15% off on our stunning selection of fruiting and flowering trees (and other plants!). Don't miss out - this deal is as sunny as Florida itself. Let your garden dreams take flight!

SNOWBIRD24

Online only. Min order $150. Excluding S/H. Exp. 12-17-24

Don't forget about FREE and DISCOUNTED SHIPPING
Limited time promotion ends soon!

Shop now

Purple Brunfelsia - Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow - is the most spectacular winter blooming shrub! Showy flowers changing color from purple though pink to white within 3 days. Takes sun or shade. It can tolerate some light frost.

◂ Previous page Next page ▸Most recent entry ▴Blog table of contents