Frequently asked questions
Anthuriums are prized rainforest aroids admired for their velvety
leaves, bold venation, and striking hybrid potential. They require
excellent airflow, high humidity, and a very loose substrate.
Sammie-Pie’s Tropical Aroid Mix is formulated specifically for
velvet and hybrid Anthuriums to reduce rot risk and maximize
foliage quality.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Bright indirect
● Water: Keep evenly moist, never soggy
● Humidity: 60–85 percent
● Temperature: 68–82°F
● Difficulty: Intermediate
● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets
1. Light
Bright indirect light is essential. Insufficient light leads to smaller leaves, slower growth, and reduced color.
2. Water
Keep the substrate lightly moist. Avoid saturated soil, as Anthuriums are highly sensitive to root rot. Our Tropical Aroid Mix maintains moisture without compromising oxygen flow to the roots.
3. Humidity
● Velvet types perform best at 75–85 percent humidity.
● Hard-leaf types tolerate slightly lower humidity.
● 4. Temperature
Maintain temperatures between 68–82°F. Exposure below 60°F can cause leaf damage.
5. Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended: Sammie-Pie’s Secret Garden’s Tropical Aroid Mix
Velvet Anthuriums demand an exceptionally airy substrate.
Our Aroid Mix provides:
● Superior drainage
● Enhanced airflow
● Even moisture retention
● Reduced risk of rot
● Ideal structure for seedlings, juveniles, and collector-grade hybrids
This is the formula used for all high-end Anthuriums in our greenhouse.
6. Fertilizer
Feed lightly every 2–3 weeks with a gentle, balanced fertilizer.
Anthuriums respond well to calcium and magnesium supplementation.
7. Growth Habits
● Many species climb and benefit from planks or moss poles.
● Others self-head and stay compact.
8. Propagation
● Division
● Stem cuttings
● Basal offshoots
9. Common Issues
● Brown edges: Low humidity or underwatering
● Black spots: Cold stress or fungal issues
● Yellowing: Overwatering or poor drainage
● Small leaves: Low light or nutrient deficiency
Hoyas are epiphytic vines prized for their thick, waxy leaves and occasionally fragrant flowers. They prefer a fast-draining, well-aerated substrate. Sammie-Pie’s Tropical Aroid Mix provides the ideal foundation for strong root development, especially when lightly amended with additional bark for thin-leaf species.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Bright indirect or morning sun
● Water: Allow 50–70 percent of the soil to dry
● Humidity: 40–70 percent
● Temperature: 65–85°F
● Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
● Pet Safety: Non-toxic to pets
1. Light
Bright indirect light or gentle morning sun encourages vigorous growth and blooming. Low light significantly reduces flowering.
2. Water
Hoyas prefer to dry out between waterings. Our Tropical Aroid Mix dries evenly and prevents root rot.
3. Humidity
● Thick-leaf Hoyas: 40–60 percent
● Thin-leaf species: 60–80 percent
4. Temperature
Keep Hoyas between 65–85°F.
5. Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended: Sammie-Pie’s Secret Garden’s Tropical Aroid Mix
Hoyas thrive in fast-draining, airy mixes. This blend offers:
● Excellent drainage
● High oxygenation
● Quick drying for thick-leaf species
● Adjustable structure for delicate, thin-leaf types
For ultra-thin-leaf Hoyas, simply add an extra handful of orchid bark or perlite.
6. Fertilizer
Feed every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. Bloom boosters help mature Hoyas flower.
7. Growth Habits and Support
Hoyas trail naturally, but trellising encourages fuller growth.
Do not cut peduncles; Hoyas rebloom from the same spurs.
8. Propagation
Propagate through stem cuttings rooted in perlite, moss, water, or soil.
9. Common Issues
● Shriveled leaves: Underwatering
● Yellow leaves: Overwatering
● Failure to bloom: Low light, immaturity, or overpotting
Monsteras are vigorous climbers known for their fenestrated leaves and iconic tropical appearance. They are resilient and fast-growing but require proper aeration and a soil structure that prevents waterlogging. Sammie-Pie’s Tropical Aroid Mix is the ideal substrate for Monstera health and size progression.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Medium to bright indirect
● Water: Allow the top 1–2 inches to dry
● Humidity: 50–70 percent
● Temperature: 65–85°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets
1. Light
Bright indirect light encourages fenestrations.
Low light leads to leggy stems and smaller leaves.
2. Water
Let the top 1–2 inches dry before watering.
Our Tropical Aroid Mix promotes even moisture distribution while preventing soggy conditions.
3. Humidity
Standard Monsteras thrive at 50–70 percent.
Variegated forms prefer 60–80 percent with consistent structure.
4. Temperature
Maintain between 65–85°F.
Avoid exposure to temperatures below 55°F.
5. Soil and Potting Mix
Recommended: Sammie-Pie’s Secret Garden’s Tropical Aroid Mix
Monsteras develop large, thick roots that require breathability.
This mix provides:
● Chunky structure to prevent compaction
● Balanced moisture retention
● Excellent oxygen flow
● Faster root growth and larger leaves
● Better stability for variegated types prone to rot
6. Fertilizer
Feed every 2–4 weeks during active growth.
Nitrogen-forward fertilizers help leaf size and fenestration.
7. Growth and Support
Provide a moss pole or plank to promote larger leaves and more dramatic fenestrations.
8. Propagation
Monsteras are easily propagated through node cuttings.
Roots readily form in water, perlite, moss, or soil.
9. Common Issues
● Yellow leaves: Overwatering
● Brown tips: Low humidity or underwatering
● No fenestrations: Inadequate light or no climbing support
Philodendrons are versatile and fast-growing with dramatic foliage. 🌿 Care Snapshot: ● Light: Medium to bright indirect ● Water: Let the top 1–2 inches dry ● Humidity: 50–70% (rare species prefer 70–85%) ● Temperature: 65–80°F ● Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate ● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets. Use our Tropical Aroid Mix for best results. Keep them in bright, indirect light and water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent yellow leaves and root rot. Increase humidity with humidifiers or pebble trays if needed.
Homalomenas are low-light-tolerant tropical aroids valued for their heart-shaped leaves, compact growth, and strong resistance to pests and disease. They thrive in warm, stable conditions and appreciate a well-aerated substrate such as Sammie-Pie’s Tropical Aroid Mix.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Low to medium indirect
● Water: Keep lightly moist; avoid waterlogging
● Humidity: 50–70 percent
● Temperature: 70–85°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets
1.Lighting
Homalomenas thrive in medium or even low indirect light. Direct sun can scorch their foliage.
2.Water
Water when the top inch is slightly dry. Homalomenas are sensitive to soggy soil; Tropical Aroid Mix helps maintain ideal aeration.
3.Humidity
Keep humidity between 50–70 percent.
4.Temperature
Warm, stable temperatures between 70–85°F are ideal.
Soil Recommended: Sammie-Pie’s Tropical Aroid Mix Provides drainage, prevents compaction, and supports long-term root health.
5.Fertilizer
Feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth.
Common Issues
● Yellowing: Overwatering
● Drooping: Underwatering or cold drafts
Succulents store water in their stems and leaves, requiring high light and exceptional drainage. While Tropical Aroid Mix can be modified for succulents, a fast-drying cactus mix is ideal.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Bright light to direct morning sun
● Water: Allow soil to fully dry
● Humidity: Low
● Temperature: 65–90°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Varies by species
1.Lighting
Provide bright light or 2–4 hours of gentle direct sun.
2.Water
Allow soil to dry completely before watering.
3.Humidity
Keep humidity low; avoid bathrooms or grow tents.
4.Soil
If using Tropical Aroid Mix, add 30–40 percent extra perlite to increase drainage.
5.Fertilizer
Feed lightly once per month.
Begonias (especially cane and rhizomatous types) thrive in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and evenly moist but airy soil. They despise waterlogged conditions, making Tropical Aroid Mix an ideal foundation when amended with additional fine bark or perlite.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Bright indirect
● Water: Lightly moist; avoid soggy soil
● Humidity: 50–80 percent
● Temperature: 65–80°F
● Difficulty: Intermediate
● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets
1.Soil
Use Tropical Aroid Mix with additional perlite or coco coir for moisture balance.
2.Fertilizer
Feed every 2–3 weeks at half strength.
Alocasias (including Frydek, Regal Shields, Cuprea, and rare variegates) require strong humidity, bright filtered light, and an airy mix. They grow powerful tuber systems that rot easily if kept in dense soil.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Bright indirect
● Water: Keep lightly moist
● Humidity: 60–85 percent
● Temperature: 70–85°F
● Difficulty: Intermediate
● Pet Safety: Toxic
1.Soil
Tropical Aroid Mix supports tuber aeration while maintaining moisture without suffocating roots.
2.Fertilizer
Medium-strength fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.
Fatsias are hardy tropical shrubs valued for palmate foliage. They prefer cooler temperatures than most tropicals and grow well indoors or outdoors.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Bright indirect to light shade
● Water: Keep evenly moist
● Humidity: 50–70 percent
● Temperature: 55–75°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Mildly toxic
1.Soil
Tropical Aroid Mix works well if supplemented with additional compost for moisture retention.
2.Fertilizer
Use at half strength every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.
Epipremnum varieties (Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, Jade, Cebu Blue, etc.) are resilient, fast- growing vines ideal for beginners.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Low–bright indirect
● Water: Let the top soil 1–2 inches dry
● Humidity: 40–70 percent
● Temperature: 65–85°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets
1.Soil
Tropical Aroid Mix enhances growth rate and root structure.
2.Fertilizer
Use half-strength every 2–4 weeks during active growth.
Peperomias are semi-succulent foliage plants that thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining mixes. They prefer to dry out more than a typical aroid.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Medium–bright indirect
● Water: Allow 50 percent of soil to dry
● Humidity: 40–60 percent
● Temperature: 65–80°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Non-toxic to pets
1.Light
Thrives in bright indirect light.
Avoid direct sun.
2.Water
Allow half the pot to dry out between waterings.
3.Soil
Use Tropical Aroid Mix with additional perlite for best results.
4.Fertilizer
Feed lightly every 4–6 weeks.
Syngoniums are vigorous, adaptable aroids available in many forms and colors. They prefer bright indirect light and airy, chunky soil.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Medium–bright indirect
● Water: Let the top soil dry 1–2 inches
● Humidity: 50–70 percent
● Temperature: 65–85°F
● Difficulty: Easy
● Pet Safety: Toxic to pets
1.Soil
Tropical Aroid Mix is ideal for Syngonium growth, reducing the risk of rot while encouraging rapid rooting.
2.Fertilizer
Feed every 2–4 weeks.
Orchids range from epiphytic Phalaenopsis to terrestrial Jewel Orchids. Most prefer high airflow around roots and strong humidity.
Care Snapshot
● Light: Medium–bright indirect
● Water: Let bark dry slightly between watering
● Humidity: 50–80 percent
● Temperature: 65–85°F
● Difficulty: Intermediate
● Pet Safety: Non-toxic
1.Soil
● Epiphytes: Bark-based orchid mix
● Terrestrials: Tropical Aroid Mix with added sphagnum
Plumerias love the sun and need lots of light, warm temperatures, and sandy, well-drained soil. 🌞 Care Snapshot: ● Light: Full sun ● Water: Let the soil dry 70–100% ● Humidity: Moderate ● Temperature: 70–95°F ● Difficulty: Intermediate ● Pet Safety: Sap is toxic. Use a cactus mix or our Tropical Aroid Mix with coarse sand for best results.
Ferns love low light, constant moisture, and high humidity. 🌿 Care Snapshot: ● Light: Low–medium indirect ● Water: Keep soil consistently moist ● Humidity: 60–90% ● Temperature: 60–75°F ● Difficulty: Intermediate ● Pet Safety: Mostly non-toxic. Use our Tropical Aroid Mix with added coco coir and fine peat for best results. Keep them away from direct sunlight and ensure the soil stays moist.
From Unopened Bag to Fully Acclimated Plant
This is a complete guide suitable for tissue cultures from Thailand, Indonesia, South America, ordomestic labs.
A. Arrival and Initial Inspection
1. Inspect the sealed bag or cup for rot, mold, or dehydration.
2. If rot is present, isolate immediately.
3. Do not expose the culture to sudden temperature changes.
B. Prepare a Clean Workspace
1. Use disinfected tools.
2. Wash hands or use gloves.
3. Have sterile water and sterile paper towels ready.
C. Open the Tissue Culture Vessel
1. Work quickly but gently.
2. Remove the plantlets and set them onto a sterile, moist paper towel.
D. Rinse Off the Gel
1. Rinse in room-temp sterile or distilled water.
2. Remove all agar; it breeds bacteria once exposed to air.
E. Root Separation (If Needed)
1. Gently tease apart clusters.
2. Keep at least one viable root per plantlet.
F. Prepare Acclimation Medium
Most labs succeed using:
● 100 percent rinsed sphagnum
or
● Perlite and sphagnum mix
or
● Tropical Aroid Mix chopped very finely and used with a humidity dome
For best results, start in sphagnum/perlite, then transition to Tropical Aroid Mix.
G. Planting the TC
1. Insert plantlets gently into the medium.
2. Do not bury crowns or stems.
3. Mist extremely lightly.
H. Humidity Dome Phase (Days 1–7)
1. Maintain 90–100 percent humidity.
2. Provide bright but gentle light (no direct exposure).
3. Temperature: 72–80°F.
4. Minimal air movement.
I. Gradual Hardening (Days 7–21)
1. Open dome vents 10–20 minutes per day.
2. Increase airflow gradually.
3. Reduce humidity to 70–80 percent.
4. Keep soil slightly damp, never wet.
J. First Feed (Week 2–3)
Use a very diluted (10–20 percent strength) fertilizer.
K. Transfer to Tropical Aroid Mix (Week 3–5)
Once roots reach 1–2 inches and leaves firm up:
1. Pot into Sammie-Pie’s Tropical Aroid Mix.
2. Maintain humidity at 60–70 percent.
3. Increase light slowly.
L. Stabilization Phase (Weeks 5–8)
1. Normal watering schedule begins.
2. The plant now adapts to standard tropical conditions.
3. Begin normal fertilizing every 2–3 weeks.
M. Ready for Final Potting
The plant is considered fully acclimated when:
● Leaves no longer wilt outside humidity control
● New growth appears
● Roots fill at least 20–40 percent of the pot
Introduction: Certain plants are believed to repel insects. Use the list below to help you map out your next planting arrangement.
Pest Repellent Plant(s)
Ant Mints, tansy, wormwood
Aphid Most aromatic herbs (including catnip, chives, clover, coriander, eucalyptus, fennel, garlic, larkspur, marigold, mustard, nasturtium, peppermint, spearmint)
Asparagus beetle Basil, calendula, nasturtium, parsley, tansy, tomato
Cabbage butterfly Southernwood, tansy
Cabbage Looper Catnip, dill, eucalyptus, garlic, hyssop, nasturtium, onion, pennyroyal, peppermint, rosemary, sage, southernwood, spearmint, thyme, wormwood
Cabbage maggot Garlic, marigold, radish, sage, tansy, thyme, wormwood
Carrot fly Basil, leek, lettuce, nasturtium, onion, rosemary, sage, tansy, tobacco, wormwood
Codling moth Garlic, wormwood
Colorado potato beetle Catnip, coriander, eucalyptus, marigold, nasturtium, onion, tansy
Corn earworm Cosmos, geranium, marigold, thyme
Cucumber beetle Catnip, corn, marigold, nasturtium, radish, rue, tansy
Cutworm Spiny amaranth, tansy
Flea beetle Catnip, marigold, nasturtium, peppermint, rue, spearmint, southernwood, tansy, tobacco, wormwood
Flies Basil, tansy
Imported Cabbageworm Dill, garlic, geranium, hyssop, peppermint, nasturtium, onion, pennyroyal, sage, southernwood, tansy, thyme, borage
Japanese beetle Catnip, chives, garlic, nasturtium, odorless marigold, tansy, white geranium
Leafhopper Geranium, petunia
Mexican bean beetle Garlic, marigold, nasturtium, rosemary, savories
Mouse Wormwood
Mole Castor bean, narcissus
Mosquito Basil
Nematodes Calendula, French marigold
Peach borer Garlic
Pests in general Oregano
Rabbit Garlic, marigold, onion
Slug and snail Fennel, garlic, rosemary
Spider mite Coriander, dill
Squash bug Catnip, marigold, nasturtium, peppermint, petunia, radish, spearmint, tansy
Squash vine borer Radish
Tomato Hornworm Borage, calendula, dill, opal basil, thyme
Whitefly Basil, nasturtium, peppermint, thyme, wormwood
Wireworm Clover