Growing conditions for Tropic and Subtropic Plants and Trees
Warm tropical; plants that need humidity, warm greenhouse conditions
Intermediate subtropic; plants like fresh air and good light
Cool temperate; plants can be grown almost always outdoors, if grown indoors they need good light

Many exotic plants like hothouse conditions; humidity and warmth. Some plants can be outside during warm seasons. If a plant is sensitive to cool weather bring it indoors or in the greenhouse during the winter months.
We send 1-12 inch rooted cuttings or seedlings. If leaves drop off the plant during shipping, don't worry. Your plant will begin to leaf and grow as soon as you put it into good potting soil. Always use well drained potting soil.
Amazonian plants like lots of water. Water your plants at least two days a week. Misting can be done daily. Use plant food for occasional feeding.

Soil
Soil pH is either acid, neutral, or alkaline. A soil with a pH of 1-6 is acid. A pH of 7 is neutral. A pH of 8-14 is alkaline. Most plants grow in soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. If the soil is not within this range the plant will show signs of lack of nutrients with symptoms such as yellowing, malformed leaves, or stunted growth. If your soil is high in acid, limestone can be added to sweeten the soil. If your soil is alkaline (high in calcium carbonate and other mineral salts), you can add sulphur to lower the pH. Soil should always be well drained. Mulch twice a year with leaves, stable manure and other organic matter. This adds nutrients to the soil, helps it to retain moisture, and slows leaching.

Pests
Here are some least offensive remedies for treating pests. Spiders, and our old friends lady bugs, are excellent pest control workers! Hand pick the most damaged leaves of insect infested plants. Washing the leaves of plants with soapy water(Ivory soap) often helps control pests. Safer soap is biodegradable and excellent for treating pests. Insecticide oils can be made with neem leaves, oil, and water. Pyrethrum based products are very effective.
When trying a new method for treating pests, test a small portion of leaf for the first time, as some plants are sensitive to soaps. You can spray sensitive plants, then wash off the soap shortly after the application.
Be careful about experimenting with natural treatments which include nicotine and garlic. Although nicotine is natural it is very toxic to mammals. Garlic is a powerful insecticide but it also kills beneficial insects and microbes.
This nursery grows organically. In respect for you, plants, soil and insects we do not use toxic pesticides in our gardening. Insects are the natural pollinators, soil aerators, reconditioners and fertilizers of the earth. The humble leaf eating larvae is but a sleep away from becoming the most beautiful insect of all, the butterfly.