Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum), also known as the "herb of immortality," is an extraordinary climbing plant with impressive health benefits. Highly valued in Asia for centuries, it only gained significant scientific attention in the 1970s when researchers discovered that people in certain Chinese provinces who regularly consumed Jiaogulan tended to live particularly long and healthy lives. Today, the plant is growing in popularity worldwide – and for good reason!

Origin and Botanical Classification

Jiaogulan belongs to the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae) and is native to China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the entire Malaysian region. The plant climbs up shrubs and trees, forming dense green carpets. Its five-part, fresh green leaves have earned it the nickname "Five-Leaf Ginseng."

Growth and Care

Jiaogulan is a perennial, fast-growing herbaceous vine that can reach up to three meters in height. Although it is hardy down to approximately -15 °C, its aerial parts die back in autumn but sprout again in spring. The plant prefers humus-rich, nutrient-dense soil, should be watered regularly, and thrives best in indirect light or partial shade.

Jiaogulan can be grown in gardens as well as in pots or hanging baskets. For potted cultivation, a container of at least five liters in volume is recommended to allow for optimal development. If overwintered at temperatures between 15-20 °C, fresh leaves can be harvested year-round.

Health Benefits of Jiaogulan

The list of health benefits associated with this unique plant is extensive. Jiaogulan contains saponins that are similar or even identical to those found in ginseng, and it has been shown to:

• Strengthen the immune system

• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

• Reduce stress and support metabolism

• Help prevent cardiovascular diseases

• Increase energy and vitality

• Regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for diabetics

Additionally, Jiaogulan is known to aid with sleep disorders, chronic fatigue, and is regarded as a natural anti-aging remedy. Scientific studies continue to confirm its positive effects, and there are hardly any known side effects – the only exception being that sensitive individuals may experience mild nausea when consuming it on an empty stomach.

Uses and Enjoyment of Jiaogulan

Jiaogulan can be enjoyed in various ways:

• As tea: Pour 250 ml of hot water over one teaspoon of fresh or dried leaves, let steep for 3-5 minutes, and enjoy. The taste is mildly sweet and reminiscent of ginseng.

• As a fresh culinary herb: Young shoots and leaves can be added to salads, smoothies, or exotic dishes – a healthy treat with a pleasant aroma.

Get Your Own Herb of Immortality Now!

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, you can purchase your own Jiaogulan plant – robust, organically grown, and ready to enhance your home or garden. Whether as a decorative climbing plant or a revitalizing medicinal herb, this fascinating plant is truly an all-rounder.

Order your own Jiaogulan now from TOMs FLOWer CLUB and experience the extraordinary benefits of this miracle plant!

If you're looking for a plant that brings year-round beauty, fragrant blooms, and a touch of the exotic to your garden, then Edgeworthia chrysantha ‘Grandiflora’, also known as the Paperbush Plant, is a must-have. This deciduous shrub offers stunning golden-yellow flowers in late winter when most plants are still dormant, filling your garden with sweet fragrance and attracting early pollinators.

Why Choose Edgeworthia Chrysantha Grandiflora?

• Winter-to-Spring Blooms: Large, golden-yellow flower clusters emerge in late winter, brightening up your garden before spring arrives.

• Exotic Fragrance: The flowers release a strong, sweet scent, making them an absolute delight in winter gardens.

• Elegant Foliage: After blooming, the plant develops lush, blue-green leaves, adding texture and depth to your outdoor space.

• Low Maintenance: This plant is easy to grow with minimal care, making it ideal for both experienced gardeners and beginners.

• Year-Round Interest: The smooth cinnamon-colored bark provides visual appeal even in the coldest months.

Care Guide: How to Grow Edgeworthia Chrysantha Grandiflora

• Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun.

• Soil: Thrives in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging.

• Hardiness: Tolerates temperatures down to -10°C to -12°C but may need protection in extreme frost.

• Pruning: Minimal pruning required—trim lightly after flowering to maintain shape.

Fascinating Facts About Edgeworthia chrysantha

• Traditionally used in Japanese and Chinese papermaking, thanks to its strong inner bark fibers.

• A magnet for early pollinators, helping to support garden biodiversity.

• One of the few plants to flower in the depths of winter, making it a seasonal showstopper.

Where to Buy Edgeworthia Chrysantha Grandiflora

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we offer organically grown Edgeworthia Chrysantha Grandiflora plants, cultivated with care to ensure top health and vitality. This is your chance to add a rare, fragrant gem to your collection! Order now to bring golden winter blooms into your garden.

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, spring signals a fresh start for many plants- including Agaves! This season is the best time to repot and propagate your Agave plants to ensure their continued health and growth. If you’ve noticed that your Agave has outgrown its pot or is producing baby plants (also known as offsets or pups), now is the time to give it the space it needs. Here’s everything you need to know about repotting and propagating Agaves successfully.

Signs Your Agave Needs Repotting

Agaves are slow growers, but they still eventually need more room to thrive. Some clear signs that your plant is ready for a bigger pot include:

• The roots are visibly emerging from the drainage holes.

• The pot dries out too quickly after watering.

• The plant appears top-heavy or unsteady.

• The mother plant has produced multiple offsets that crowd the pot.

If any of these apply to your Agave, it’s time to repot!

Choosing the Right Pot & Soil for Agaves

Agaves require a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. The best mix consists of:

• 50% mineral components (pumice, perlite, coarse sand, or grit)

• 50% organic components (cactus soil, bark, or compost in small amounts)

Use a clay or terracotta pot with drainage holes, as these materials allow the soil to breathe and excess moisture to escape.

Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting Your Agave

1. Gently remove the plant from its current pot by loosening the soil around the edges.

2. Inspect the roots for any signs of rot. Trim any black, mushy roots with sterile scissors.

3. Separate any offsets (pups) if you wish to propagate new plants (see below).

4. Place the Agave in its new pot with fresh, well-draining soil.

5. Allow the plant to settle without watering for a few days to let any root damage heal.

6. After about a week, begin watering sparingly to avoid overwatering.

Separating & Propagating Agave Offsets

If your Agave has produced offsets, you can easily propagate them into new plants:

• Carefully remove the pup by cutting it from the mother plant with a clean, sharp knife.

• Let the cut end dry for a few days to prevent rot.

• Pot the offset in well-draining soil, just like the mother plant.

• Place it in a warm, sunny location but avoid direct afternoon sun until it establishes roots.

• Water lightly and monitor growth.

Ideal Location for Agaves

Agaves thrive in full sun, so place them in the brightest spot available. If growing indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Outdoor Agaves should be in a warm, dry spot with protection from excessive winter moisture.

Final Tips for Happy, Healthy Agaves

• Avoid overwatering—Agaves store water in their thick leaves and prefer to dry out between waterings.

• Use a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot.

• Repot only every 2-3 years, or when the plant shows signs of needing more space.

• Enjoy the process! Repotting and propagating Agaves is a rewarding way to expand your plant collection and ensure their long-term health.

Happy Spring & Happy Growing from TOMs FLOWer CLUB!

If you are looking for a statement plant that exudes tropical elegance, then Strelitzia Alba, also known as the White Bird of Paradise, is the perfect choice. With its lush, broad leaves and impressive size, this rare and exotic beauty will transform any indoor or outdoor space into a green paradise.

Why Choose Strelitzia Alba?

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we take pride in offering 100% organically grown Strelitzia Alba, cultivated from seeds sourced directly from South Africa. Our plants are almost three years old and at the perfect stage for rapid growth. Unlike fast greenhouse-produced specimens, our plants are grown naturally, ensuring they develop strong roots and robust foliage.

Here’s why Strelitzia Alba deserves a spot in your collection:

• Striking Appearance: Large, glossy green leaves create a lush, tropical vibe.

• Rare & Unique: The white-flowering variety is less common than the standard orange Bird of Paradise, making it a sought-after collector’s plant.

• Longevity: With proper care, this plant can grow impressively tall and live for many years.

• Improves Air Quality: Its large leaves help purify indoor air, making your home healthier.

• Beginner-Friendly: Surprisingly easy to care for with the right conditions.

How to Care for Strelitzia Alba

Strelitzia Alba may look exotic, but it is surprisingly low-maintenance when given the proper care. Here are the essential tips to ensure its long-term health:

1. Light Requirements

This sun-loving plant thrives in bright, indirect light or full sun. The more sunlight it receives, the more vigorous its growth. If kept indoors, place it near a large south- or west-facing window to maximize light exposure.

2. Watering Schedule

Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Strelitzia Alba prefers a consistent but moderate watering schedule. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has proper drainage.

3. Humidity & Temperature

This plant enjoys warm, humid environments. It thrives in temperatures between 18-28°C. In drier climates or during winter, mist the leaves once a month or place a humidity tray nearby.

4. Soil & Repotting

Our Strelitzia Alba is already potted in a well-drained, self-mixed organic substrate. However, after about a year, repotting into a larger pot will allow further development. Use a rich, well-aerated mix with perlite or sand to enhance drainage.

5. Feeding & Fertilization

Unlike mass-produced plants, our Strelitzia is not over-fertilized, making it naturally strong and resistant. During the growing season (spring to autumn), apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to encourage healthy foliage.

6. Outdoor Care & Winter Dormancy

From spring to late autumn (as long as there is no frost), your Strelitzia will thrive outdoors, enjoying fresh air and natural rain showers. It is not frost-hardy, so bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 10°C.

Good to Know: What to Expect from Your Strelitzia Alba

• Slow & Steady Growth: As a naturally slow grower, Strelitzia Alba takes its time to establish, but from the third year onwards, it experiences a notable growth spurt.

• Stem-Forming Habit: With time, it develops a strong, upright stem, making it a stunning architectural plant.

• Flowering Expectation: It produces large white flowers, but this can take several years under ideal conditions.

Why Buy from TOMs FLOWer CLUB?

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we prioritize quality over quantity. Our organically cultivated plants are carefully grown without excessive fertilizers, ensuring they are healthy, robust, and long-lasting.

When you buy a Strelitzia Alba from us, you receive:

• A fully established plant (around 20-30 cm or larger, as they keep growing)

• Top-quality, 100% organic growth with a strong root system

• Personal care tips and expert advice

• A unique plant not commonly found in commercial nurseries

Bring Home the Beauty of Strelitzia Alba Today!

Are you ready to elevate your plant collection with a stunning Strelitzia Alba? Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or a beginner, this exotic beauty is sure to impress. Order yours today from TOMs FLOWer CLUB and watch it transform your space into a lush green paradise!