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How to Care and Propagate: Mogra / Arabian Jasmine

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Introduction: The scientific name of Mogra is Jasminum sambac. It belongs to the family Oleaceae. Although native to India, it is commonly known as Arabian Jasmine. It is the double flowering types that are known as Motiya or Mogra in India. Mogra is a highly fragrant flower that is prized. Mogra is the national plant of the Philippines and one of the three national plants of Indonesia. The floral aroma is used in China to scent jasmine teas. The plant begins to flower the second year onwards after planting. The flowers are harvested in the bud stage either in the evening or early in the morning by handpicking. Flower buds are used for garland making, adorning hair, worshipping, decoration, and extraction of perfume. Soil & Climate: Both soil and climate of an ecosystem are the important factors that determine about success or failure of Mogra plant. Mogra plant requires well-drained soil with plenty of organic fertilizer. Good soil composition is a success of better ...

How to Care and Propagate: Golden Pothos / Money Plant

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Introduction: Money Plant also known as Golden Pothos/ Devil's Ivy or Devil's  Vine . It is called Devil’s Ivy or Devil Vine because it is almost impossible to kill and it stays green even when kept in the dark. Money Plants can easily be grown in pots, containers, indoors, outdoors, on the terrace, in the balcony or in the kitchen. Mostly in India, it is believed having Money Plant at home brings many benefits such as good luck, wealth, happiness and prosperity. It is sometimes mistakenly labelled as a Philodendron in plant stores. Soil & Climate: Money Plant can be easily grown in water or soil. Money Plant can also be grown with jellies in the pot. Jellies are capable to store water for a long time. Ideal soil mixture: 50% Gardening Soil, 40% Cocopeat and 10% Compost. Money Plant should be kept at room temperature at around 15’C to 24’C. This will give it the most optimum conditions to grow. Fertilizer: One can provide fertilizer to plant once a month while waterin...

How to Care and Propagate: Spider Plant

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I ntroduction: Spider Plant also known as “ Chlorophytum comosum ”, a tropical perennial plant that is native to tropical and Southern Africa. This plant is easy to grow at home as a houseplant in its variegated forms. Spider plant has gained importance due to the formation and appearance of its leaves. The graceful structure of its leaves makes this plant adjustable at any place and it looks lovelier if planted in hanging pots. This plant is the most demanding among plant lovers due to its easy care quality, gorgeous look and its nature of reducing indoor pollutants from the air. In addition to this, the Spider plant is similar in looks with Dracena Reflexa Plant and Pandanus Plant; but their origin, care and requirements are different from each other.   Soil & Climate: It should be planted in a composition of organic fertilizer or compost, sand and potting soil. However, the soil should be moist all the time but not too wet or too dry. The pot in which the plant is ...

How to Care and Propagate: Hibiscus Plant

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Introduction: Hibiscus plant is known for its large and colourful flowers. Hibiscus flowers come in many colours such as red, yellow, white, peach and are about 6 inches wide. The red flowers of this variety are most commonly cultivated for medical purposes, and are available as dietary supplements. The flowers and leaves can be made into teas and liquid extracts that can help treat a variety of conditions. Hibiscus plant is an easy maintenance plant and has high impact flower that will make a garden in any part of the world looks like a tropical paradise. Soil & Climate: Ideal soil mixture: 50% Gardening Soil and 50% Compost. Plant can grow from one feet to 15 feet. Hibiscus loves warm temperature. Fertilizer: In tropical area, February is the month of composting after the winter season . A growing hibiscus plant needs lots of nutrients in order to bloom well. In the summer, use a high potassium fertilizer. You can either use a diluted liquid fertilizer once ...

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...