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How to Care and Propagate: ZZ Plant

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Introduction: ZZ Plant also known as “Zamioculcas Zamiifolia”, a tropical perennial plant which is native to African Continent. This plant is easy to care as it requires low maintenance. ZZ plant got its fame due to the structure of its leaves, the way they bloom in a tapering end with wax-glossy lustre and attractive stem, dark green colour and shape of leaves. This really makes them eye-catching and also helps to add décor look to any place where it is been placed. Soil & Climate: It does not require any specific composition of soil but a well-drained and well-aerated potting soil is good for its growth. In addition to this, one can use a mixture of potting soil and perlite as a soil mixture. It requires temperatures between 65°F-75°F, however they survive in a humid climate. Regards to fertilizer use, one can use liquid houseplant fertilizer (20-20-20) once a month at the time of watering. Light requirement: It grows well in bright light but not direct sunlight. If placed in mod...

How to Care and Propagate: Dracaena Reflexa

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Introduction : Dracaena Plant is also known as “Dracaena Marginata” which is native to Madagascar. It is also known as the Song of India and Pleomele. It is one of the low maintenance plant and commonly known for its different varieties of leaves. It helps to purify the impurities which are present in the air. Soil & Climate: It requires well-drained and well-aerated potting soil. Regards to fertilizer use, one can use any organic fertilizer and feed it once a month. However one should not fertilize it in winter as the growth of the plant is naturally slow in the winter season. Light requirement: It grows well in bright light but not direct sunlight. One can also keep it in a partially shady area or filtered light. Water Technique: Watering need for this plant is very low. Always hydrate the leaves by misting them with water and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Before watering to the plant one must check that its top soil is fully dried to avoid overwateri...

How to Care and Propagate: Panfuti Plant (Bryophyllum Pinnatum)

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Introduction: In India, Bryophyllum pinnatum(Scientific Name) plant is known as Panfuti or Patharchur Plant. Also known as “Miracle Leaf”, “Leaf of Life” and “Wonder of the World”. “Bryo” means sprout and “phyllum” means leaf. The plant that sprouts or grows from its leaves is called as Bryophyllum. This plant is native to Madagascar. Panfuti Plant is a succulent perennial herb, which grows up to 1m- 2m in height. The stems are thick, flexible and short and the flowers are pink, white or purple in colour. It is grown in the garden for ornamental purposes. Soil & Climate: Use potting mix of 20% compost, 50% gardening soil and 30% perlite or river sand. Succulent’s plant require well drained pot. It does not require very regular fertilization, but it is advisable to feed twice in year with an all-purpose fertilizer. This plant grows in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climatic zone. Light requirement:  It grows well in direct sunlight of 5~6 hours daily. Water Techniq...

How to Care and Propagate: Ajwain Plant (Trachyspermum ammi)

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Introduction: Ajwain Plant also known as Ajowan, Bishop’s weed or Carom plant. It is both a culinary and a medicinal plant. It’s an attractive and easy-to-grow plant. It grows quickly and readily, spreading and filling in spaces in beds. The leaves have a fresh herbal taste. The plant have soothing aroma and fragrance. You can also use the seeds in cooking, which resemble cumin seeds and have hints of thyme, anise and oregano. This is also considered to be lucky plant in terms of Feng Shui as the leaves are round and any circular shape promotes good chi (energy) to enter the place. This promotes good-luck and money-luck. Soil & Climate: Ajwain plant grows well in any type of soil. A good soil mixture consists of 20% compost and 80% gardening soil. Ajwain does not require very regular fertilization, but it is advisable to feed once in month with an all-purpose fertilizer. Repotting: Repot Ajwain plant every year with same soil mix (mentioned above). Pruning: When the plant reaches a...

How to Care and Propagate: Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica Plant)

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Introduction: Rubber Plant also known as “Ficus Elastica” which is widely found in Southeast Asia. It is one of the low maintenance plant among all houseplants to grow. There are different varieties of Rubber plant. These plants somewhat have an appearance like tree due to its height and long leaves which are beautiful and of different colours. The main gist of this plant of being attractive is its broad and shiny leaves which adds to any home décor art work. Soil & Climate: It requires well-drained and well-aerated potting soil. A good mixture of soil should be composed of 30 % of cocopeat, 20% river sand or perlite, 40% of gardening soil & 10% of fertilizer. Regards to fertilizer use, one can use cow manure or any organic fertilizer, but it should be fertilized in growing season only i.e., summer season. Mainly it is observed that the plant growth is restricted or slow if it is kept in small pot. But if kept outside during the summer season, it grows to a great height in few ...

How to Care and Propagate: Costus Igeus Plant (Insulin Plant)

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Introduction: Costus igeus , commonly known as Insulin plant in India, belongs to family Costaceae. This plant is used mainly for the medicinal purposes. Soil & Climate: Insulin plant can easily grow in garden soil. Also, it is an easy-maintenance plant. It can adjust to various type and the quality of the soil. But the ideal  Soil composition is 20% compost and 80% gardening Soil. Regards to fertilizer use, one can use cow manure or any organic fertilizer in the summers. Insulin can grow in both tropical and sub-tropical conditions. The area for growing the Insulin plant should have a balance of sunlight and shade. Water Technique: Water well once upper layer of soil is dried. You can check by touching the soil. Propagation: One common technique of propagation of the Insulin plant is, by cutting its stem and placing it in pot. Second technique is Root division technique. When small buds grow in the pot, you can repot them by separating through their roots. Importance & Ben...

How to Care and Propagate: Aglaonema Plant

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Introduction: Aglaonema also known as “Chinese Evergreen” is mainly found in sub-tropical regions of Asia with its wide variety. It is one of the easiest among all houseplants to grow. Red / Lipstick Aglaonema is also one of the most fascinating house plant. As it is very unique in its texture, the combination of dark leaves bordering it with red or light red color makes it look a proper home décor piece thereby adding a good foliage look to the house interiors. Soil & Climate: It requires well drained soil which retains its moisture for long time period. Soil mixture: 20% compost, 20% river sand, 60% coco peat. Also it grows well if it is planted in only cocopeat as it retains moisture very well . Regards to fertilizer use, one can use cow manure or any organic fertilizer in every 4 to 6 months. Generally it is observed that the plant growth is slow but when it is placed in proper environment, soil and watered accordingly then its growth pace is little high as compare to ...