SUNSHINE Epi - plant booster, 100 ml
100 ml
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$29.95
SUNSHINE Epi - plant booster, 50 ml
50 ml
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$19.95

Date:

How to grow Mandevilla: Practical Guide to Growing Mandevilla Vine

Mandevilla amabilis
Thai Rose

Mandevilla amabilis Thai Rose

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson on a trellis

Mandevilla Sun Parasol Crimson on a trellis

Mandevilla amabilis
Thai Rose

Mandevilla amabilis Thai Rose

Mandevilla Stars and Stripes

Mandevilla Stars and Stripes

🌺 How to grow Mandevilla: Practical Guide to Growing Mandevilla Vine
  • 🌺 Mandevilla is a tropical vine known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom throughout the warm months. This fast-growing climber thrives in warm climates and adds a stunning display of color to gardens and patios.
  • 🌺 Difference Between Mandevilla and Dipladenia

  • The names Mandevilla and Dipladenia are often used interchangeably, creating confusion. While they are closely related, there are key differences. Mandevilla is a vigorous woody vine with large, stiff leaves, ideal for trellises and fences. Dipladenia, on the other hand, has a more compact growth habit with smaller, smooth leaves. Dipladenia can be also trained on a trellis but also thrives in hanging baskets or as a compact specimen plant. As a bushier type of Mandevilla, its smaller, more compact varieties are excellent for mixed containers.
  • 🌺 Growing in the Ground

💋Soil. Mandevilla prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand ensures good drainage and fertility. Both Mandevilla and Dipladenia require acidic soil. If your native soil contains limestone, consider growing them in containers with a peat-based potting mix to maintain a lower pH.
  • 💋Light. Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade; at least 6 hours of direct sunlight promotes the best blooms.

  • Water Mandevilla regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. During hot months, water deeply a few times a week. Reduce watering in cooler seasons.
  • 💋Feeding and Encouraging More Blooms: Feed Mandevilla with Sunshine Boosters Megaflor with every watering to encourage more blooms. Prune lightly after flowering to promote new growth and continuous flowering.

  • 🌺 Most Interesting Varieties

  • Mandevilla flowers come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, mauve, pink, white, and even yellow. For vibrant color and impact, consider these varieties:

💋Mandevilla ‘Alice du Pont’ – A classic pink variety with large flowers and vigorous growth.
  • 💋Mandevilla ‘Sun Parasol’ Series – Offers compact plants in deep red, pink, or white, great for containers or small spaces.
  • 💋Mandevilla ‘Crimson Red’ – Deep red blooms stand out against glossy green foliage.
  • 💋Dipladenia ‘Stars and Stripes’ - features striking red-and-white striped blooms.

  • In Florida, Sun Parasol and Alice du Pont perform exceptionally well, thriving in the heat and humidity while providing season-long blooms.

  • 🌺 Pests and Problems

  • Mandevilla is relatively pest-resistant but can attract aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. To manage pests:

💋Spray with a neem oil solution weekly if pests are present.
  • 💋Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids naturally.
  • 💋Remove affected leaves and rinse plants with a strong stream of water.
  • 💋Watch for fungal diseases in humid climates; ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.


🌺 Growing Mandevilla in Pots and Winter Care
Mandevilla grows beautifully in containers, making it a great option for cooler climates where it can be brought indoors for winter.
  • 💋Pot Growing Tips:

· Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration.
  • · Choose a pot at least 12-16 inches in diameter, with several drainage holes, for vigorous growth.
  • · Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding waterlogged conditions.


💋Winter Care:
  • · In regions with frost, move potted Mandevilla indoors to a bright, cool location (50-60°F).
  • · Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during cooler season.
  • · Prune lightly before bringing indoors to maintain shape and size.
  • · Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in early spring before active growth begins, refreshing the soil and upgrading to a slightly larger container if needed.


With the right care, Mandevilla provides stunning, long-lasting blooms and thrives in gardens or pots, making it a versatile and rewarding addition to any space.

📚 Learn more from previous post:
How to overwinter Mandevilla indoors

🛒 Shop flowering vines

#How_to #Container_Garden #Hedges_with_benefits

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How to get mango trees to bloom and set fruit

Cat with mango fruit

Q: Is there any way to make a mango tree set more fruit? My mango trees bloomed like crazy last year but most of the flowers dropped and I had only a few fruit. What do I need to do to get more fruit?

A: Mango trees flower from late Winter to Spring, with the peak blooming season varying based on variety. During this time, mango trees produce hundreds of small, fragrant flowers in large panicles. A healthy mango tree can produce anywhere from 500 to 2,000 flowers per panicle. However, only a small fraction of the flowers will be successfully pollinated and develop into fruit, depending on the tree's size and health.

To support healthy flowering and fruit set, mango trees need dry weather, as excessive moisture can inhibit pollination and fruit development. During flowering period, it's important not to overwater, as the tree is less active in water uptake.

Avoid dry fertilizers during flowering since the tree is focused on reproduction rather than vegetative growth. Continue applying Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango liquid fertilizer to support the tree's overall health and vigor which will encourage fruit quantity and quality. Sunshine Boosters deliver essential nutrients in optimum amounts, proportionally to water intake.

Ensuring a dry, sunny environment and mild fertilizer Mango Tango will help the tree set fruit successfully.

Mango tree flowering

Photo above: Our Mango garden in Sebring, FL is in full bloom now! Early spring in Florida started in January 2025. Surprisingly, all our mango varieties decided to start blooming: - early, mid- and late- season cultivars. It's a stunning view! Check out a short Video.

Photo below: 2024 fruiting trees. We use Sunshine Mango Tango year around.

Mango tree fruiting

Date:

How to get mango trees to bloom and set fruit

Mango trees flowering

🪚 How to get mango trees to bloom and set fruit
  • 🥭 Our Mango garden in Sebring, FL is in full bloom now! Early spring in Florida started in January this year. Surprisingly, all our mango varieties decided to start blooming: - early, mid- and late- season cultivars. It's a stunning view!
  • 🥭 Mango trees flower from late Winter to Spring, with the peak blooming season varying based on variety. During this time, mango trees produce hundreds of small, fragrant flowers in large panicles. A healthy mango tree can produce anywhere from 500 to 2,000 flowers per panicle. However, only a small fraction of the flowers will be successfully pollinated and develop into fruit, depending on the tree's size and health.
  • 🥭 To support healthy flowering and fruit set, mango trees need dry weather, as excessive moisture can inhibit pollination and fruit development. During flowering period, it's important not to overwater, as the tree is less active in water uptake.
  • 🥭 Avoid dry fertilizers during flowering since the tree is focused on reproduction rather than vegetative growth. You may continue applying Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango liquid fertilizer to support the tree's overall health and vigor. Sunshine Boosters deliver essential nutrients in optimum amounts, proportionally to water intake.
  • 🥭 Ensuring a dry, sunny environment will help the tree set fruit successfully.


📚 Learn more from previous posts about #Mango varieties

🛒 Check out new Mango varieties - just arrived!

#Food_Forest #Mango

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Valentines day Best Gift Plant Ideas

Condo Mango

Condo Mango

Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine Hoya - Hoya kerri

Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine Hoya - Hoya kerri

Fragrant Jasmines collage: Jasmine Sambac, French Perfume Jasmine, Rose Bud Jasmine, Night Blooming Jasmine, Parijat Jasmine Tree, and Jasmine Molle (Indian Jui)

Fragrant Jasmines collage: Jasmine Sambac, French Perfume Jasmine, Rose Bud Jasmine, Night Blooming Jasmine, Parijat Jasmine Tree, and Jasmine Molle (Indian Jui)

Compact Rhododendron Azalea - Red Cherry Miniature

Compact Rhododendron Azalea - Red Cherry Miniature

❤️❤️ Valentines day Best Gift Plant Ideas
  • 💋 Valentines Day is the perfect occasion to show your love with a gift that lasts beyond just one day. While traditional flowers are lovely, a live plant offers a meaningful, long-lasting way to express your affection. Whether it's the vibrant blooms, fragrant leaves, or the joy of watching a plant grow, gift plants bring a touch of nature and beauty into the home. Below are a few wonderful plant ideas to help you pick the perfect gift for your loved ones this Valentines Day.
  • 💋 Condo Mango

  • The Condo Mango is the perfect choice for a unique Valentines gift! This compact, dwarf mango tree thrives in containers, making it ideal for small spaces like balconies or even indoors. With its manageable size and vibrant fruit, it's a thoughtful and practical gift that brings a tropical touch. It can stay small while still producing delicious mangoes. Share the joy of gardening and fruit-growing with someone special this Valentines Day!
    Learn more about Condo Mango from our posts: A Practical Guide for Condo Mangos and Top 10 Dwarf Condo Mango - great for container culture.
  • 💋 Valentines Sweetheart Hoya

  • Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine Hoya, comes in 3 kinds - Green leaf, variegated Sunshine and Variegated Moonlight - collect them all! These plants are the perfect way to show someone you care. Hoya kerrii, often called the Sweetheart Plant, has become a favorite houseplant in recent years due to its unique heart-shaped leaves. This quirky and unusual plant is ideal for those looking for a novelty gift for their plant enthusiast friends. Its easy care requirements and distinctive appearance make it a charming addition to any home, spreading love and beauty in a simple, yet meaningful way. It’s the perfect plant to celebrate Valentines Day or any special occasion! Check out previous post video: Sweetheart Hoya varieties.
  • 💋 Fragrant Jasmine

  • Jasmines are about to bloom, making now the perfect time to get them before their flowers open in spring! Some of the top picks include the timeless Jasmine Sambac, French Perfume Jasmine, Rose Bud Jasmine, Night Blooming Jasmine, Parijat Jasmine Tree, and Jasmine Molle (Indian Jui). These varieties are not only beautiful but also fill your home or garden with their unforgettable, fragrant blossoms. Whether you're looking to add a touch of elegance to your space or searching for a fragrant gift, these jasmines are a must-have for any plant lover. Get them now and enjoy their aromatic beauty as they begin to bloom!
  • 💋 Compact Rhododendron Azalea - Red Cherry Miniature

The Vivid Red Cherry Miniature Azalea is a stunning, cold-hardy evergreen that blooms with vibrant cherry-red flowers in spring and fall. Very compact and easy to care for, it thrives in shady spots and offers year-round beauty with its glossy, dark green leaves. Whether used as a hedge, accent, or screen, this semi-dwarf variety adds a pop of color to any garden or home. A perfect way to share lasting beauty and joy with someone special!

💄 Use this 15% discount code to get more gift plants and to fill your gardens with more Happiness...
  • 👍 VALENTINES25 👍


🎁 Min order $150. Excluding S/H. Exp. 2-15-25

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Detailed plant profiles: 3 plants found

Plant Boosters, SUNSHINE in a Bottle
Plant Boosters
SUNSHINE in a Bottle

See SUNSHINE BOOSTERS PAGE

When people purchase plants and trees either on-line, or from their local nursery, expectation and anticipation for their new find is high. Many times, however, disappointment is encountered due to a variety of reasons. These reasons include changes in light, temperature, water, soil conditions and transportation; just to name a few. So how can the stress on newly transported and transplanted plants be mitigated? Easy! There are plant stimulators able to reduce the shock encountered.

One such plant stimulator is SUNSHINE Epi, a revolutionary, broad spectrum, plant stress reliever, originally developed by innovative Russian scientists. Extracted initially from plant pollen, SUNSHINE Epi can bring back and keep the vigor to stressed plants in both the home and garden. Sunshine is indeed a plant stimulator on the cutting edge of plant care technology. Reasonably priced, and easy to use, Sunshine will be your plants' best friend, next to yourself, of course.

SUNSHINE Epi is a natural plant growth hormone and the first representative of a new generation of agricultural chemicals. It has a broad spectrum of stimulative and protective activities. Synthetically prepared epibrassinolide, active ingredient of SUNSHINE Epi, belongs to a class of brassinosteroids and is identical in all respects to naturally occurring plant hormone.

See also Overview of fertilizers.



See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/epin.htm
Fertilizers, Macro and Micro elements
Fertilizers
Macro and Micro elements

Plants, like living organisms, require adequate nutrition for grown. The concept of plant nutrition includes the following substances:

Carbon dioxide. In the process of photosynthesis with the participation of chlorophyll, in the leaves of plants from water, carbon dioxide and light, organic compounds are formed that participate in the construction of the organism. This is the main and only significant source of organic matter for plants.

MACRO-elements. The macroelements include inorganic compounds necessary for the vital activity of a living organism. The prefix macro-means a relatively high content of these elements in the composition of plants, respectively, their high demand. The macroelements include: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sodium, potassium, chlorine, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Liquid Sunshine Boosters - Mild stable formulas, can be used year-around. Organic acid-based, Sunshine Boosters are perfect for organic gardens, edibles and do not affect crop pure taste. Amino-acid stable formulas have NO EDTA chelators to eliminate nutrients lockup in soil. Pollinating insects friendly. Designed for continuous use, Sunshine Boosters contain no excess salts, maintain soil pH at optimal level (5.5-6.5) and do not require soil flushing or additional pH regulators. They can be use with every watering, year around.

Water-soluble fertilizers - dry (powdered) fertilizers that must be diluted in water before use. EDTA-chelated. Can be used only during hot weather, during active growth season.

Smart release (granulated) fertilizers - Slow-release during 1-3-6-12 month period. EDTA-chelated. Can be used only during hot weather, during active growth season.

MICROelements. Microelements are inorganic compounds involved in the synthesis of enzymes and biologically active substances. The content in a living organism is very low, but they play a vital role in the life of plants. The microelements include: iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, cobalt.

ULTRA-microelements. Very small amounts of almost all elements of the periodic table are contained in all organisms. They fall into plants with root nutrition from the soil. The necessity for the life of ultramicroelements is not fully proved. Of more or less necessary are considered: vanadium, iodine, nickel, titanium, aluminum, cadmium, fluorine (for plants).

See full article: The role of elements in plant nutrition.

Fertilizers, or Plant Food, contain macro- and micro-elements, for example:

Macro-elements: Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), Potassium (K).

Micro-elements: Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zink (Zn), Sulfur (S).

Application: Follow directions on the labels. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Less concentration is always better than overdose. Generally, for tropical plants, dry fertilizers should be used only during the growth period when temperatures are above 65F, and Amino-acid based liquid fertilizers can be used year around.

See also: Plant Growth Hormones

For more information about Sunshine Boosters, see SUNSHINE BOOSTERS PAGE and learn more about Essential Nutrients.



See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/fertilizers.htm
Tillandsia xerographica, Xerographica
Tillandsia xerographica
Family:Bromeliaceae
Subfamily:Tillandsioideae
Xerographica
Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantSemi-shadeFull sunDry conditionsEpiphyte plantRed, crimson, vinous flowers

Beautiful species, very slow growing, but is easy to take care of. It loves sunshine and will take regular watering as long as the water won't stand in rosette, but can stand some drought quite well. This plant grows epiphytically on trees and on rocks in at elevations of 600 to 1,800 feet. Its silvery gray leaves, sometimes almost white, wide at the base and tapering to a point, make an attractive, sculptural rosette, 3 feet or more in diameter and 3 feet high in flower. The inflorescence, on a thick, green stem, from 6 to 15 inches in height, densely branched. The leaf bracts are rosy red; the floral bracts are chartreuse; and the petals of the tubular flowers are red to purple. Xerographica is a slow growing species with very long lasting blooms (months). The plant is currently on the CITES list of endangered species, therefore import/export restrictions apply.



See detailed plant profile in new window: https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/tillandsia_xerographica.htm
Detailed plant profiles: 3 plants found