LUCKY BAMBOO

You don't need to look very hard to seek out lucky bamboo nowadays. These plants crop up in offices, on desks, in businesses, and in homes just about everywhere. An important a part of principle , lucky bamboo plants are said to bring good luck and fortune, especially if the plants got as gifts. It also helps that they have a well-earned reputation as nearly indestructible; these tough stalks can survive in vases of pure water or in containers of soil, and in a wide variety of light conditions. Even a poorly kept lucky bamboo plant will live for an extended time before it finally succumbs.


The overwhelming majority of lucky bamboo plants are shipped in from Taiwan or China, where professional growers braid, twist, and curl their stalks into a mess of shapes. The more intricate lucky bamboo plants can cost many dollars and have 20 or more individual stalks. More commonly, though, lucky bamboo plants in simple pots are often had for as little as $10 for a three-stalk bundle.

Caring for Lucky Bamboo

There are certain growing conditions your lucky bamboo must be healthy, like proper light, water, potting media, fertilizer, and temperature. When it involves light, lucky bamboo prefers bright, filtered sunlight, like what's found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight because it will scorch the leaves. They are more tolerant of insufficient light than an excessive amount of . If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light.

Lucky bamboo can grow indefinitely during a simple vase crammed with pebbles (for support) and a minimum of an in. of water. However, they're very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in water . Water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or water , or water that has been overlooked for twenty-four hours to permit the chlorine to evaporate. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so do not be alarmed during a glass vase if you'll anger roots. Finally, good hygiene recommends that you simply change the water weekly.

In addition to water, lucky bamboo are often grown during a well-drained, rich potting soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaking. Water as you would any Dracaena species. Plants grown in water will only got to be fed every other month approximately , employing a very weak liquid fertilizer. A single drop of liquid fertilizer is plenty for many lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, specialty lucky bamboo fertilizers are available.

As you'll expect with bamboo, this plant prefers warmer temperatures of between 65 F and 90 F. Do not place the plants in front of air conditioning or heating vents, or by a drafty window.

Lucky bamboo leaves are mildly toxic, in order that they shouldn't be kept during a place where pets or children are likely to snack on them.

Trimming and Shaping

Despite its intricate appearance, lucky bamboo isn't shaped within the same way as bonsai, with plant wire and judicious trimming. Rather, they're shaped by rotating the plant stalks ahead of a light-weight source, thus causing the plant to naturally grow toward the sunshine . In China, the stalks are often grown on their sides to cause the distinctive spiral. At home, this is often a laborious process, but it are often accomplished by placing the plants under a three-sided box and paying close attention to its rate of growth , rotating the plant slowly and regularly. Be patient, as it can take a while to get it right.
Trimming, however, is a crucial a part of keeping your lucky bamboo healthy. Over time, most plants will become top-heavy, or intricate shapes will begin to lose their form. In general, it isn't an honest idea to chop the most stalk of lucky bamboo. Instead, cut the offshoots with sterile snippers. You can trim offshoots back to within an in. or two of the most stem. New shoots will soon emerge, and therefore the resulting plant are going to be bushier. To discourage new growth, dip the cut end in paraffin.
If you would like to vary its shape dramatically, you'll cut an entire offshoot flush against the most stalk. A tan scar will result, and new shoots may or might not emerge from the cut. Don't throw the trimmings away, as they will be wont to propagate new lucky bamboo plants. If you need to trim the main stalk for some reason, new shoots will emerge from below the cut, and the top portion—assuming it's healthy—can be used to start a new plant.

Common Problems

The most common mistakes associated with lucky bamboo are usually connected to the water. Chlorinated water will kill them over time, and water that's dirty or infected with bacteria are often deadly. If a plant develops black roots, these should be cut away. Similarly, dead leaves should never be allowed to rot within the water as they could introduce bacteria. Practice good water hygiene by changing the water every week with distilled or bottled water. If algae are growing in the water, it's usually because the plant is potted in a clear vase, allowing light to penetrate and encouraging algae growth. Just clean it out and begin again, switching to an opaque container if algae may be a persistent problem.
Leaves that are yellow usually indicate an excessive amount of sun or an excessive amount of fertilizer. Cut out the fertilizer and move the plant to a shadier location. Brown leaves usually indicate dry air or polluted water. Raise the humidity level by spraying the plant regularly and confirm you're using the acceptable water.
If the stalks themselves begin to rot or turn mushy, they're likely beyond saving. Worse yet, decaying stalks threaten the other stalks they're on the brink of . Remove them at once. If you actually want to save lots of it, cut away the yellow parts and check out to root the trimmed stalk in new water.
Finally, lucky bamboo is vulnerable to an equivalent insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. They can be treated manually (picking off bugs) or by an equivalent methods you'd use on the other indoor plant.

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Plectranthus rotundifolius

Plant Division : Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) Plant Growth Form : Shrub (Herbaceous) Lifespan (in Singapore) : Perennial Mode of Nutrition : Autotrophic Plant Shape : Shrubby Native Distribution : Tropical Africa Native Habitat : Terrestrial Preferred Climate Zone : Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal Plant Morphology : Growth Form: Perennial herb up to one m tall. Often grown as an annual crop. Roots: Roots form egg-shaped to elongated tubers which resemble potatoes (4.5 cm long, 1.5 cm wide). The skin is rough and may be black, brown, reddish grey, or white. Foliage: Thick, fleshy leaves area unit oval to roughly spherical (2-6 cm long, 1.5-4 cm wide).

Stems: Stems are 4-sided and densely hairy along the 4 corners of the stem.Ethnobotanical Uses : Edible Plant Parts (Edible Storage Organs) Food (Fruit & Vegetable: The tubers are eaten as a relish with a starchy staple food. They are often roasted or cooked with spices in various combinations with other foods.) Medicinal (The leaves are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of dysentery in Nigeria. The plant is additionally wont to treat blood within the body waste still as eye disorders.) Plant & Rootzone Preference/Tolerance : Dry Soils / Drought, Moist Soils, Well-Drained SoilsLandscape Uses : General, Container PlantingThematic Landscaping : Economic Garden

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DRAGON FRUIT

How to Grow Dragon Fruit

Unlike most succulent plants, this one may be a rise plant that wants a small amount of support to grow properly. It is a sub tropical plant that needs a lot of heat and humidity, so here is a breakdown of the information that you will need to nurture and grow dragon fruit.

Soil Requirements – This plant is able to grow in any soil that is well draining, but it prefers to grow in soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level that is between six and seven. Sandy soil is the best option for this plant; if it is not available, just ensure that it is well draining soil.

Fertilizerto confirm that the dragon fruit is growing properly, provides it some plant food monthly throughout the active season. During the cold winter months, you'll wish to prevent feeding your plant for a number of months

Water – as a result of this plant may be a succulent plant, it is important to make sure that you are watering it properly. Only water the plant when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, and do not allow the plant to sit in water. The soil needs to be moist, not soaked.

Light Requirements – The base of the plant can see a little shade, but the tips of the plant require full sun to ensure that the plant blooms properly. If an excessive amount of shade is given to the plant, the fruit will not do well.

Temperature necessities – Dragon fruit won't grow in cold climates, so make sure that the temperature is above 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent damage from occurring to the plant. For optimum growth, the temperature needs to be between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to Grow Dragon Fruit in Pots

Since dragon fruit doesn't prefer to grow in colder climates, having it planted in a pot can be a great idea. It allows you to easily move the plant indoors when the weather starts getting cold. Large pots are best; typically they should be at least 15 gallons. The pots also need to be well-draining so that the water does not sit in the base of the pot and cause root rot to occur.

Dragon Fruit Growing Season

The growing season of this plant takes place during the hot months of the summer. It will not grow the remainder of the year, but when it does grow, it grows rapidly. Blooms will occur from July to October, but they will only bloom for one night each year. After the flowering occurs, fruit will begin to form. One plant will manufacture fruit for twenty to thirty years, thus if you plant one, be prepared for heaps of dragon fruit.

Growing Regions

As we discussed previously, the plant is often grown in Asia, Mexico, and parts of South America. You can find them grown most often in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Thailand, Vietnam, Israel, Taiwan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

Growing Dragon Fruit from Seeds

Dragon fruit is propagated directly from the seeds within the fruit. You will got to cut the fruit in 0.5, and then scoop out the seeds. The seeds need to be separated from the flesh, so wash the seeds and dry them overnight. Using a germinating tray, plant the seeds in soil, but make sure that they are close to the top. Make sure that the soil is moist, and then cover it with plastic wrap until it germinates, which will take ten to 15 days. Once germination occurs, the young plants can be transplanted into a larger pot.

Growing Dragon Fruit from Cuttings

If you opt to grow a dragon fruit from a cutting, make sure not to take too much from the parent plant because it can stunt its growth and put its well being in danger. Also, confirm to start out growing the cutting throughout the summer months for the simplest results. Start with a succulent section that's or so a foot long. This section will build 3 to four new plants.

Once you narrow the cutting into 3 to 6 in. cuttings, apply antifungal to the ends and permit the cuttings to dry. This is not a necessary step, however it helps promote growth, so it is useful. Next, you dry or cure the cutting, which generally takes 2 to 5 days. You will know that it is ready when the tips of the cutting turn white.

Health Benefits

Not many folks square measure aware that ingestion the fruit from a dragon fruit plant is truly terribly helpful to your health. Here square measure a number of the advantages that you simply will expertise after you have your own fruit bearing plant:There are high levels of Vitamin C in this fruit, so it will boost your immune system.These fruits contain no cholesterol, which means eating them is good for your heart and cardiovascular system.The victuals level in dragon fruit is superb, which can help you get the vitamins you need to maintain a healthy system.Carotene is gift in dragon fruit, which means that it has anti-carcinogenic properties.In addition to any or all of those health advantages, eating dragon fruit can improve your metabolism and your digestive system. With all of those health advantages, why not take the initiative and have your own dragon fruit plant in your garden. They do take a bit little bit of care as a result of they're fruit bearing plants, however they're truly straightforward to take care of. Not to mention that they look exotic in your back yard; making them a point of conversation for your guests.

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Mangifera indica(MANGO)

The mango tree generally prefers deep sandy-loam soils, which are cool but well drained - a soil that is often wet can be deadly to it - and it is more fruitful in semi-arid areas - it requires 2 to 3 months of dry season!

Given its low hardiness - between 4 and 10 ° C minimum - it should be grown in pots in most temperate regions.

Plant it in the spring, in a large, deep pot. Fill it with a draining soil. Place the pot on a saucer filled with damp gravel to maintain high air moisture.

A mango tree grown in pots needs regular inputs otherwise it risks of not being at its best!

Repot in the spring, every 2 to 3 years, changing medium for a good potting soil.

Make sure the pot is large and deep enough, and the bottom of the pot is well drilled - add some pebbles to the bottom for a draining effect.

If you do not want to repot, you can scrape the soil and add new substrate on the first centimeters, without changing the pot.

Keep the mixture moist at all times by generous waterings in the summer.

However, do not soak it and think about emptying the saucer.

The young plant will also be sensitive to the drying of the mixture.

In winter, consider reducing watering but do not let the mixture dry out completely. The plant at rest always needs moisture, but must feel a clear difference between the abundance of inputs in summer and the moderate ones in winter. During flowering - if you see a bud you are in luck! - some "water stress" - the shortage of water! - may allow better flowering

Observe your mango tree in winter: if leaves turn black, it's a cold snap, and if they turn pale, it's a lack of fertilizer! The mango can also have other troubles: the aphids can be seen with the naked eye, under the leaves, near the veins. Spray on the leaves some soapy water, or a mixture of water and olive oil that will nourish your plant. Mealybugs lock themselves in a brown carapace or under a white felting, on the back of the leaf against the main vein and secrete a honeydew that will eventually attract mushrooms. Against mealybugs, you can moisten the foliage preventively by spraying it several times a week with non-calcareous and non-chlorinated water.

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SURINAM CHERRY

General Background:

The Surinam Cherry is native to tropical America. Known as fruit tree throughout Brazil, it's naturally an outsized woody plant or little tree with a conelike kind, growing slowly to eight meters tall. The Surinam Cherry is often used in gardens as a hedge or screen in the southern U.S. The fruit is high in water-soluble vitamin, and its predominant food use is as a ingredient and base for jams and jellies. The attractive foliage, flowers, and berries help make Eugenia a popular landscape choice in warm climate areas, such as California, Florida, and Hawaii and are also reasons for its popularity as a Bonsai.

Trees Features:

The Surinam Cherry is a sub-tropical evergreen featuring striking red flaking bark, with small, glossy, firm, dark green ovate leaves formed in pairs. New leaves will be copper colored. In spring, it should bear little, fragrant, white flowers followed by red, edible fruit that are up to 2 cm in diameter. The style of the South American nation Cherry varys from sweet to sour; counting on the extent of maturity (the darker red to black range is sort of sweet, whereas the inexperienced to orange range is strikingly tart.

Temperature:

The Suriname Cherry is with success be grownup inside further. In summer, Eugenia likes the warmth, whereas it prefers winter temperatures between 46-68F. It needs to be indoors in winter temps drop below 30 degrees. Eugenia does not like draughts or a lot of variation in temperature and will drop its leaves under such conditions.

Lighting:

Place your Suriname Cherry fully sun to half shade. This Bonsai appreciates a bright position, but can tolerate lower light conditions if necessary. If placed outdoors in summer, it can usually tolerate full sun, although partial shade is recommended in the hottest areas.

Watering:

Water your Suriname Cherry munificently in summer, and less in winter. This Bonsai does not like variations in watering, preferring consistently slight moisture to being soaked and allowed to dry out as it will tend to drop leaves if the soil dries. Eugenia needs humidity, so misting and keeping your Bonsai on a humidity tray can be beneficial; to do this, keep your Bonsai pots elevated on pebbles ensuring that the roots don't sit in water which is able to forestall plant disease whereas giving accrued wetness. Use distilled/rain water if your water is hard, as Eugenia does not tolerate salt.

Fertilizing:

Fertilize your Suriname Cherry each two weeks throughout serious growth and each 4-5 in winter. This Bonsai likes a slightly acid soil, so the occasional use of Mir-acid is recommended.

Pruning / Training:

The South American country Cherry grows up to eight meters within the wild and could be a vigorous husbandman. For this reason, it Can and should be pruned back hard, offering the beginning Bonsai grower opportunities to practice their craft. Shorten new shoots with 6-8 pairs of leaves to 1-2 pairs. This Bonsai can be carefully wired during the growing season on its lignified branches, but better shaping results will be achieved with simple pruning. If wiring is most popular, be sure to protect the branches, as they scar easily. It is suitable for all styles, which allows for creativity and individuality to shine.

Insects / Pests:

The South American country Cherry is liable to Scale, mealy bug, Caribbean fruit fly, aphids, and red spider. An effective remedy to take control of many insect pests is to make a diluted soap and water solution. Spray the leaves till the answer runs off, gently wipe leaves with a soft sponge, rinsing after each pass to ensure aphid removal. Take a final rinse with pure water and keep your eyes peeled in the days following for further attacks! Mealy Bugs are white and found in masses along the leaves where they tend to hide themselves along protected areas of the plant. A good home remedy for dealing with mealy bugs is wipe them off by hand and spray your Bonsai with Neem Oil. No diseases are of major concern, but it may drop leaves if watering is inconsistent. Keep in mind that the South American country Cherry isn't salt or halogen tolerant.

Propagation:

Propagate with cuttings in summer or seeds in fall. Ripe cuttings should be collected with a sharp pair of scissors.

Repotting:

Repot your Surinam Cherry very two years in early to mid-spring. Bottom heat will encourage root growth. Use a basic tree soil, or associate acid combine like rhododendron soil. The Surinam Cherry will withstand vigorous root pruning.

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