How to care for your new tree

Learn how to properly care for your new tree to ensure it thrives! In this section, you'll find essential tips on watering, fertilizing, soil selection, pruning, and protecting your tree from pests and harsh weather.
Whether you're a first-time plant parent or a seasoned gardener, these care guidelines will help your tree grow strong and healthy for years to come.
Let's give your tree the best start!

What type of soil should I use?

For growing tropical fruit trees, most commercial potting soils work well. A good mix includes 1 part sand, 1 part peat, and 1 part bark or perlite for proper drainage. We use a mix of 40% Florida peat, 35% pine bark, and 25% wood pines for our plants, but a standard potting mix should work fine for most growers. Just ensure the soil is loose enough for good drainage without being too dry or too soggy.

What type of container or pot do you recommend?

The common sizes for these containers are: 1, 2 , 3, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 gallons.
Most of our plants can be grown in containers. It is really up to you. Your options include plastic, metal, clay, ceramic, wood and many others normally available at nurseries and garden supply stores.
Make sure the container you use has adequate holes at the bottom for draining excess water.

Wondering if you can grow tropical fruit trees in freezing temperatures?

Tropical fruit trees thrive in USDA zones 9-10, but they won't survive temperatures below 32°F. In colder areas, consider growing them in containers or a greenhouse for protection, especially during winter.
Plant them during warmer months, as young trees in pots are vulnerable to cold temperatures.
For regions with freezing winters, keeping tropical trees in containers for the first few years increases their chances of survival.

USDA Growing Zones

Tropical trees could be planted on the ground in zones 9-11.
Very sensitive plants, for example, June Plums, Bananas, Etc should be protected from cold weather, even when planted on the ground.
To find out your USDA growing zone, please visit here. 
In all other zones, they need to be grown in containers Young tropical trees will always suffer, when temperature drops below 50 degrees.

Can I prune and trim my tropical tree frequently?

Pruning tropical and subtropical fruit trees is essential for controlling their size and shape, promoting earlier flowering and fruiting, maintaining production in the lower canopy, and removing unhealthy parts of the tree.
Regular pruning also reduces the risk of trees breaking or falling during storms. However, excessive pruning at the wrong times can stress the tree, so it’s important to know when and how much to prune to maintain healthy growth.

How tall dwarf varieties grow?

This depends on the type of tree, for example, mango, avocados, etc.
However, some trees are called dwarf because they prefer to grow to the sides, instead of up.
Some Dwarf varieties stay under 8-10 feet tall, citrus trees, jaboticabas, miracle fruit, etc. Other dwarf varieties grow a little taller, around 12-18 feet tall, like mangos, avocados and guavas.   
However, you can always trim the top of the trees, and keep it to the desired height. 
Of course, there are exceptions, like coconuts, papayas, and a few others. These trees cannot be trimmed from the top.