Get Started with Enthusiasm: Create Your Own Exotic Garden!

Basic Tips on How and Why to Grow Exotic Plants:

Different Taste

Those who have travelled around the world and eaten tropical fruit in its native country will certainly confirm that the taste of fruits ripened under the hot sun directly on the tree is incomparable to what is available on the shelves of our shops.

Light

It is the most important energy source for plants. However, this doesn't mean that every plant needs full sun. Many tropical plants grow in partial shade under taller plants in their homeland, and we must take this into account when placing them indoors. Of course, our summer sun is somewhat weaker than the tropical one.

Heat

In nature, heat is linked to sunlight. Indoors, we can supplement it, which is actually an advantage in our climatic conditions. Each plant is programmed by its homeland for a different optimal annual temperature pattern, at which its enzymes produce the necessary structural and nutritive substances, or temperatures at which it has a dormant period. Of course, summering plants on a balcony, terrace or in the garden will significantly benefit them and partially ease our summer care routine.

Soil

Soil acidity (pH) can be influenced by the hardness of irrigation water or fertiliser. Attention must also be paid to soil structure, i.e. whether it should be heavier - more clayey, or lighter - sandy. It is also important whether the plant requires a higher humus content. However, many exotic plants do well in classic substrate that we use for most indoor plants. It is advisable to disinfect it with heat before use.

Watering

Watering should be regular and in optimal doses. Overwatering pushes air away from the roots, they stop breathing and literally drown. Moreover, nutrients are quickly washed away and the plants starve. Irrigation water can be soft, such as rainwater or snow water, or tap water (even boiled). At recommended intervals, we can replace watering with fertilising using very diluted solutions of special fertilisers.

Misting

Some plants require higher air humidity, so they will appreciate occasional misting of their leaf surface with soft lukewarm water, sometimes even using fertiliser sprays. It is best to mist leaves in the morning when they are not yet in direct sunlight; with more sensitive plants, never mist in the evening (long-term leaf moisture can promote the development of fungal diseases). We don't spray water into flowers either. Room air humidity can also be increased with various technical evaporators or fountains.

Exotic Fruit

Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is available on the market almost year-round, so obtaining seedlings is not difficult. Its original home is equatorial plantations with dry and very hot climates. In our conditions, pineapple will thrive best in a greenhouse. We start growing as soon as possible after purchasing the freshest specimen available. Twist off the tuft of green leaves from the top of the fleshy fruit and place it in a glass of water. Once it develops roots, plant it in slightly acidic soil, which we obtain by mixing substrate for azaleas and rhododendrons with regular garden soil in a 1:2 ratio. Seedlings flower after one to one and a half years, and fruits ripen four months after flowering.

Kiwano

Kiwano can be grown anywhere greenhouse cucumbers thrive. It requires loose, nutrient-rich soil, plenty of water and sun. We can use seeds from purchased fruits, which we sow at the end of February in pots or planters. After the seedlings strengthen, we transplant them and plant them out in the greenhouse at the end of May. They can also be sown directly into greenhouses or warm polytunnels, at the same times as cucumbers. When planting, choose wide spacing, at least eighty centimeters apart, as the plants spread and branch abundantly. We harvest fruits selectively from early September until the first frosts, which quickly end the plants' life. For direct consumption, we only pick fully ripe fruits. We care for the plants in the same way as cucumbers. We focus on preventing fungal diseases; if necessary, plants can be treated with fungicidal products for cucumbers.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate thrives in Mediterranean climate, but can also be grown in warmer areas of Slovakia. The plant tolerates temperature drops down to -15 °C. It grows best in covered greenhouses or conservatories. It prefers dry and warm environments. Humid conditions negatively affect the development of its fruits, which may crack due to excessive moisture.

Good Advice

If you want to speed up the ripening of unripe fruit, add a well-ripened banana to a plastic bag with it - the banana will accelerate ripening.

Bird of Paradise

Plant the Bird of Paradise in quality, neutral, sandy-loamy and well-draining soil. It's not particularly demanding in terms of care. Choose a large and stable pot, provide drainage at the bottom, as roots grow deep and form large clumps. Water moderately, abundantly in summer, sparingly in winter. You can mist, especially in dry apartments and also in summer. Seedlings are sensitive to both drying out and waterlogging. Once the plant starts flowering, it's best not to move it, otherwise flowers will drop or dry out. Fertilize during the growing season twice a month with fertilizer for flowering houseplants. Repot in spring when the pot is fully root-bound and the plant is being pushed above the soil surface.

Chinese Blackberry Lily

Blackberry Lily requires plenty of light and doesn't mind direct sunlight. Keep the substrate slightly moist but not wet. A well-draining substrate with drainage at the bottom of the container is ideal, allowing generous watering without concern. For plants grown for consumption, a substrate for herbs or vegetable growing is suitable, preferably in organic quality. Fine gravel, sand, or perlite work well as drainage at the bottom of the container, and charcoal pieces are also useful. For the same reason, don't use fertilizers intended for houseplants or ornamental plants, but rather fertilizers for herbs and vegetables. When repotting, you can mix some dried granulated manure into the substrate, which won't "burn" the plants, or use horn meal. Liquid organic fertilizer concentrates that can be added to watering are also convenient. In winter, however, only fertilize if the plant has sufficient light, especially if you're providing artificial lighting.

Guarana (Paullinia Cupana)

The homeland of Paullinia is Uruguay, Venezuela, and northern Brazil. Growing it in our climate conditions requires creating a tropical environment with plenty of moisture and warmth. If you own a winter garden or tropical greenhouse, you're in luck and can confidently start growing. However, you'll need to wait a few years for the first fruits, especially if you're growing the plant from seeds. By purchasing a seedling, you can enjoy your own fruits much sooner.

Did you know that guarana has similar effects to coffee? It's considerably gentler on your body, with no side effects, and the range of positive effects is much broader than drinking coffee. Additionally, caffeine is released more evenly over 6-9 hours. Therefore, take guarana first thing in the morning.