Best Tips For Growing Banana ( Kela / Keli ) Plant Indoors

Bananas (Musa spp.), are herbaceous perennials. Their stem is not a true stem, what we see above ground is leaf part only. Many leaf bases wrap tightly around each other and form a cylindrical stem like structure. Bananas are grown at homes to bring a tropical feel. Also they are low maintenance plant. In India female banana plant is worshiped.

Propagation

You can’t grow bananas from seeds as banana plants don't produce seeds. At the base of a banana plant, under the ground, is a big rhizome, called the corm. The corm has growing points and they turn into new suckers. These suckers can be taken off and transplanted, and one or two can be left in position to replace the mother plant. Best way is to start with these mentioned suckers. When the suckers or "pups" start to form, allow at least 4 leaves to develop before attempting to remove it from the mother plant. Once cut, remove the pup with as much root as possible and pot up in a new container.  Or order corms online, after receiving wash the corms with lukewarm water to remove any fungal or bacterial growth which may have developed during shipping. 

Soil

The first priority to consider when growing a banana is to use the proper soil. Use a well drained soil. Add compost to the soil, it enhances water retention capacity in sandy soil and increases drainage capability in clay. Bananas like an acidic growing mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

Container / Site

Grow banana in a medium sized ( 6 inches or 8 inches) container. Container should have drainage hole as banana doesn't like to stand in water. Plant the stem (corm) upright and cover with soil partially. When the pot becomes crowded, transplant in large container.

While growing outdoors, plant bananas in clumps, not single rows as they need crowded environment generally available to tropical plants.

Water

Banana plant has high water requirements due to its large leaves. Keep soil moist always. To help with this, you can add a layer of mulch (dried leaves, straws, bark etc) to help plant in retaining water. Allow soil to dry slightly between watering. Maintain high humidity environment around the plant as the plant likes that.

Sun / Temperature

Bananas, being tropical plants, like bright, indirect light. So provide maximum sun light and warmth. The ideal night temperature would be 67° F (19° C) and day temperature would be 80° F (27° C). They can handle extreme high and low temperature but do not like it and as a result leaves may turn yellow, fruit skin may turn grayish).

In frost areas, plant above ground dies in frost but corm can survive and re shoot.  

Fertilizer

When plant start to fruit, feed it once a month. In case of liquid fertilizer, dilute it in water at half strength. If your plant is blooming continuously then also you may need to feed it to keep up with its nutritional needs at that time.

Pruning

Most gardeners prefer to keep spent leaves than cutting them off as they turn from green to yellow to brown then shrivel which is a normal cycle. This allows your plant to re-absorb the leaf nutrients.

Caring

There are relatively few pest problems with indoor bananas. Wash stems and leaves with detergent mixed water. It will keep them dust and bug (mites) free. Be sure to clean the bottom sides of the leaves as well.

Best Tips For Growing Spanish Jasmine (Chameli)

Spanish jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) grows as a vine and produces fragrant white flowers with a diameter of 1 to 1-1/2 inches. Spanish jasmine is semi-evergreen, so it may retain its leaves year-round in mild climates but shed them seasonally in colder areas of the country. Periodic pruning is necessary to control the vines. Prune the plant in late summer or early fall when flowering slows. Remove any damaged or diseased vines as they appear. Spanish jasmine tends to perform better if it's planted in the spring in an area where it receives full sun or partial shade.

Growing outdoors

Determine a location for the jasmine. Keep in mind that jasmine is a bush that vines. It may appear small at planting time, but it will grow and encompass a large area. Suggestions are a fence or trellis where other plants are not located. The jasmine will grow quite thick. Dig a hole in the ground that is approximately two times larger than the pot the plant is presently in. The depth should stay the same, though, as the stem of the jasmine needs to continue to stay at the same level as that in the pot.

Growing Indoors

You can grow Spanish jasmine indoors, but it must be kept in a container that provides good drainage. Use a pot with drainage holes in the bottom and cover the holes with potshards to control drainage.

Soil

Growing jasmine isn’t difficult. You need well-drained, moist soil that’s moderately fertile.

Watering

Keep your jasmine vine moist, but not soaked. They prefer full sun, so it’s important not to let them dry out. Poke your finger into the soil. If it is not moist for at least the first inch, it is too dry. Water your vine less as the weather cools and winter approaches, but don’t let it get too dry.

Sun / Temperature

They prefer full sun, so it’s important not to let them dry out. It will need at least six hours of sun a day or 14 to 16 hours of strong artificial light.

Fertilizer

Apply fertilizer one or two times per month during the spring and summer months. Balanced fertilizers that contain 10 percent potassium, 10 percent phosphorous and 10 percent nitrogen are suitable for Spanish jasmine.

Pruning

Prune your jasmine vine in late winter, just before its growing season starts. Don’t be afraid to cut it back hard; that will encourage new growth. You can also pinch dead blossoms off of your vine in the mornings during the spring and summer to keep it healthy and lush.

Cut shoots that are growing vertically back to the horizontal, unless you are training vines to climb. Climbing vines need to be pruned back to one-third of their fullness, to keep them from becoming top-heavy. You can do this by removing stems where they grow out of the base. Always cut off all deadwood, so that pests can’t feed on it.

Insect Control

Watering Spanish jasmine properly and ensuring it receives enough sunlight will help keep the plant free of insect infestations. Spider mites may infest Spanish jasmine if it’s unhealthy or doesn’t get enough light. Spray an infested plant with an insecticidal soap to get rid of spider mites.


Check out new growth on Spanish Jasmine / Chameli in rainy season

Check out tips for growing  Indian jasmine , Juhi at home.

Best Tips For Growing Perwinkle / Sadabahar ( Catharanthus Roseus )

The catharanthus roseus, also known as periwinkle or Sadabahar, is an annual flower that easily moves indoors as a houseplant and continues to bloom throughout the colder months. The foliage is green and glossy and the flowers are shades of white, pink and a rosy shade of periwinkle. Madagascar periwinkle (Cathatranthus rosea) is easy to grow and can be grown both indoors and in the garden. It has shiny green leaves and has either pink, white or red flowers depending on which variety you purchase.The center of the bloom is always a different shade than the five petals of the flowers; the color variation can range from almost identical to two totally different colors.

Propagation

From Seeds

Sow seeds indoors in a sterile, commercial seed-starting medium. Most seed-starting mixes generally consist of potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite. You can use normal soil mixed with compost too for starting seeds. Locate seed trays in a sunny location with a temperature between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Seedlings

Choose a site for planting. Periwinkle does well in the heat, so give it full sun - though a little afternoon shade in the South is a plus. It does well in just about any type of soil, though it likes rich, well-drained soil best. Plant periwinkle seedlings 6-10 inches apart. Plant in either full sun or partial shade; it does well in dry and infertile soil.

Soil

Use a soil based compost in pot.

Sun / Temperature

Place the Madagascar periwinkle in bright light or direct sunlight. Avoid growing below 10 degree C.

Watering

Water regularly. Don't over-water or water log it though; the soil should be evenly moist and well draining. Too much moisture can cause the plants to rot.

Fertilizer

Fertilize once or twice during the growing season if desired, or work in a few spadesful of compost at planting time. periwinkle does not require regular fertilization to grow, but will not react adversely if you are fertilizing the rest of your garden.

Check out tips for growing Hibiscus aka Gudhal at home.

               

Best Tips For Growing Christmas Tree

Christmas tree is an important part of Christmas celebration. If plan well in advance then it is possible that you can celebrate the festival with a home grown one. Follow below tips for increasing odds of success.

Types of Christmas tree

You can select Virginia pine (Pinus virginia) , the most common christmas tree or Afghan pine( Pinus eldarica)- second most common type. Other types include deodar cedar, sand pine and Arizona cypress. 

Planting / Propagation

Choose your planting site which is away from any human interference or development. Avoid planting on steep slopes as it would result in soil erosion and water will wash away very soon without reaching to roots. Make the site clear of any type of weeds grown there. You can purchase good quality seedlings from local market or order some online. February to May is best time for planting Christmas tree.

Soil & Watering

Christmas tree can grow in almost any type of soil but loamy soil is ideal for it. Keep the soil moist always; do not let it dry between watering. 

Sun / Temperature

Seedlings can’t tolerate high temperature so planting should be done in cool weather.  

Fertilizing

Feed your Christmas plant once or twice a year with normal purpose fertilizer. Compost can be added to increase nutrients level. However the plant doesn't need much fertilizing.  

Pest / Weed Control

Pine Tip Moth or Nantucket moth (Rhyacionia frustrana) is common pest of christmas tree. It causes hollowed tips on lateral branches. Use pesticides to control it.

Weed can be a big problem in growing Christmas tree. Pull weeds with roots to completely remove them. This is recommended for seasonal and non persistent weeds. Spray herbicides at start of fall or spring for serious or persistent weeds.

Best Tips For Growing Indoor Plants ( Part 5 ) - Philedendron

Philodendron genus is known for plants with beautiful foliage. As name suggests (Philos- lovers, dendron- tree), they grow on tree. Native to Central and South America Philodendron is perfect choice for a houseplant as it requires minimal care. There are two types of indoor varieties- climbing and non-climbing or self heading. Self heading varieties do not require any type of support to grow. 

Propagation

Although they can be grown from seed, the germination period is lengthy and rarely yields a full-grown plant. Climbing philodendron is easy to propagate from stem cuttings in a simple glass of water. Rooting hormone will increase the chances of success. Self-heading philodendron sometimes send out plantlets that can be potted up once they are larger. Philodendron rarely flowers indoors.

Soil

Philodendron grows in a well drained, organic matter rich soil. You can grow philodendron in a soil less mixture of peat-perlite or peat-vermiculite. Use moss stick as a support for climbing varieties. 

Watering

Philodendron likes moist and humid environment. Mist it regularly or use a water filled pebble tray to maintain high humidity around the plant. Keep soil moist but never over water it as it is prone to root rot.

Light / Temperature

Philodendron thrives in indirect and bright sun light. Direct sunlight causes sun burn or yellowish leaves. So place the container in partially shaded place.

Fertilizer

Slow-release pellets in the beginning of the growing season or weekly liquid fertilizer. Nitrogen based fertilizer is ideal if you want to improve foliage characteristics. 

Repotting

Some of fast growing varieties will need annual repotting. Pinch off the new growth on stem to keep plant size under check.