Jenes Tropicals

It’s  November , but things are still looking green and serene here in sunny Florida! This week, Jene digs into the root of all good décor — interior plants . Did you know the interior plant capital of the world is right here in Florida? That’s right — Apopka! Talk about growing local pride ! Jene shares how to pick the leaf of your life — the perfect plan...

Tired of watching your tropical dreams wither faster than a tourist’s sunscreen? Welcome to Leaf It to Jene , the only podcast where paradise gets planted… and then gently roasted with puns. Host Jene of Jene’s Tropicals (St. Pete’s greenest pit-stop on the way to Treasure Island Beach) is here to help you get your green thumb back for good—no musical-chairs transpla...

🍂 It’s the  end of October in Florida — the air’s kinda crisp , the leaves are kinda turning , and your garden’s definitely judging you. Have you finished your fall pruning yet? Better leaf no branch untrimmed, because time is running out faster than a squirrel in a pecan grove! This week, Jene digs deep (pun absolutely intended) into all things shrub-tacular —...

It’s that magical time of year when Florida stops sweating (just a little) and starts shedding —humidity, pests, and overgrown chaos. 🍂 In this episode of Dryer Days & Dirtier Deeds , Jene from Jene’s Tropicals digs deep into how to prep your garden for the cooler, dryer October weather. From battling spidermites (the original web developers 🕷️) to fertilizing smarter, not h...

At some point in your botanical journey, you're gonna get bugged—literally. In this spook-tacular October episode, Jene dives antenna-first into the frightful world of the Pink Hibiscus Mealybug , Florida’s fluffiest little plant vampire. These cotton candy-colored creepers may look sweet, but don’t be fooled—they’re on a sticky mission to sap the life out of your tro...

🌸 Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow? No, we're not talking time travel—we're talking Brunfelsia americana! This week, Jene’s going full bloom as we dig into this fragrant favorite that keeps the flowers coming, even when the temps drop. It’s cold-hardy, low-maintenance, and blooming with personality—just like Jene! 🍑 Plus, we loquat some pollinators you need in your life. Je...

From 300 BC to your morning smoothie, bananas have been the top banana for birds, monkeys, and humans alike. In this a-peeling episode, Jene climbs the banana tree of history to uncover how over 500 species of this fruity superstar have swung their way across continents, cultures, and compost piles. Whether you're a backyard grower in Florida or just really into potassium, you’ll go bananas...

They say beauty is pain—but in the case of bougainvillea, it's mostly just beauty (with a tiny prickly side). In this blooming episode, we're getting thorny... but in the most fabulous, floral way. 🌸🌵 Discover why the bougainvillea is vine and dandy for your landscape, how it thrives on tough love , and why it might just be the budding star of your spring garden. From ground cover to wall-...

Do you leaf a little extra room in your plant collection for some serious root awakening? 🪴 Well, it's time to branch out and grow your knowledge about the wonderful world of aroids ! From the show-stopping Alocasia (aka elephant ears 🐘) to the ever-charming Chinese Evergreen 🌿, Jene’s got all the dirt on these leafy legends. Join us on this leafy adventure as Jene unravels the quirks, th...

Are you ready to squamosa-ly fall in love with one of nature’s sweetest treats? In this episode, we’re dishing out the inside scoop on the Annona squamosa—better known as the sugar apple. From its cousin, the atemoya, to a whole bunch of fruitful facts, you’ll learn why this tropical delight is the apple of everyone’s eye (and taste buds). 🍎💚 Whether you’re lo...

🌱 We’re talking soil structure: the underground hero that holds your garden together. Sure, it might look like “just dirt,” but when it comes to growing happy, healthy plants, soil is the root of all success. We’ll dig into the gritty challenges (compaction, drainage, nutrients—oh my!) and unearth some simple ways to make working with your soil a whole lot easier. Fr...

Lettuce turnip the beet, Florida—fall gardening season is almost here, and it’s kind of a big dill . For the next 9 months, you can squash your gardening doubts and kale it in the veggie patch. Whether you’re corny for corn, pumped for pumpkins, or just want to pepper your garden with flavor, Jene’s got the root of all veggie wisdom. She’ll spill the beans on warm-sea...

It’s August in Florida—which means it’s hot enough to melt your flip-flops and steam your glasses just by stepping outside. But guess what? That’s prime time to level up your landscape and grow some seriously sassy tropical plants! 🌴🔥 In this episode of Jene’s Tropicals, we’re spilling the (potting) soil on how to turn your yard from “meh” to &ldqu...

In this helpful episode of Jene’s Tropicals, host Jene shares practical advice for planting and caring for tropical plants during Florida’s hot, humid summer months. Learn which flowering plants thrive right now — including bougainvillea, hibiscus (like Hula Girl and Fiesta), Tibouchina, King’s Mantle, and Allamanda — plus tips on using crotons for colorful foliage. J...

When you think of Florida gardening, you probably picture palms, oranges, and maybe that one neighbor who tries to grow pineapples in a kiddie pool. But surprise! Florida is also a hotspot for growing some of the world’s tastiest culinary spices. On today’s zesty episode of Jene’s Tropicals , Jene spills the (bay) leaves on flavor-packed plants like allspice (spoiler: it’s...

It’s that magical time of year in Florida when mangos are dropping like sunshine-scented confetti from the sky—and Jene is here to catch ‘em all! 🍋🥭 In this episode of fruity fun, Jene peels back the layers on the mighty mango: the do’s, the don’ts, the health perks, and why your neighbor’s mango tree is suddenly your favorite neighbor. Whether you’re sl...

Buckle up, fruit freaks—this week, Jene goes full tropi-crazy with two mysterious, magical, and mildly suspicious fruits: the Lychee Nut and the Longan , aka the Dragon Eye Tree (yes, it’s watching you... and it’s delicious). As Florida turns into one big mango smoothie this July, Jene gears up for her legendary annual fruit tasting extravaganza —the event where locals gath...

Tampa Bay isn’t just a hotspot for sunshine and snowbirds—it’s a fruit lover’s paradise! Thanks to our glorious subtropic weather, you can grow goodies from just about anywhere in the world… right in your backyard. In this episode, Jene dives into the juicy world of subtropical fruit trees and plants—from mangoes that taste like your last vacation to guavas tha...

Is your landscape looking more "blah" than "ahh"? Don’t sweat it—literally! Sure, it's hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna here in Florida, but it’s never too late to spice things up in your yard. In this episode, Gene spills the soil on her top summer landscape pop picks—from the tropical flair of Hibiscus to the bold beauty of King’s Mantle and beyond. Whether...

Is your lawn looking more “crispy toast” than “lush paradise”? This week, Jene dives headfirst (safely) into the wild world of summer lawn care in Florida. From battling sad sod to decoding mysterious brown patches, she’s got the tips and tricks to turn your struggling yard into the neighborhood’s green envy. Don’t know what’s wrong with your grass?...

Calling all big kids, little kids, and dads—why not surprise Mom with something special and lasting? Starting a flower garden is a fun and meaningful way to spend time together as a family, learn something new, and create lasting memories. In this episode, Jene shares everything you need to know to get started, including her top flower picks for June in Florida. Whether you're a seasoned gar...

Ever wish you could grow your own tropical fruit—without the drama? Say hello to starfruit! In this juicy episode of Jene’s Tropicals , Jene spills the (composted) tea on why starfruit is the ultimate backyard MVP. It’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, and cranks out fruit like it’s on a mission. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or just wish you did, this episode is you...

Did you know jackfruit can grow up to 100 pounds? That’s basically a fruit the size of a 6th grader. And here’s the kicker—it smells like Juicy Fruit gum. Coincidence? We think not. Today, Jene peels back the layers (literally) on the world’s largest tree fruit. From wild facts to tasty tips, we’re talking everything jackfruit—how to grow it, eat it, and impress...

When's the best time to plant a tree? According to Jene, the answer is simple— yesterday! In this episode, Jene shares why there's truly never a bad time to get a tree in the ground, especially in the subtropical climate of Florida. From tropical fruit trees to flowering favorites, she highlights the best picks for planting in May and June , along with the unique benefits of getting started...

If you're dreaming of a lush, tropical vibe in your yard, look no further than the dazzling Hibiscus. In this episode, Jene dives into the vibrant world of Hibiscus plants—from classic reds and yellows to exotic hybrid varieties bursting with color. You'll get expert tips and tricks for growing and caring for these bold beauties, plus inspiration to create your own stunning combinations. Rea...