Jatropha Podagrica "Buddha Belly"

Introduction

 

Jatropha podagrica leaf

New leaf on Jatropha podagrica

The Jatropha podagrica is an easy plant to grow and people grow it for its swollen caudex and unusual leaves. It flowers all year round - if the temperaure is high enough - and gets more flowers during the hotter season. The plant can be placed in shade but will bloom more if it gets many hours of sun daily. This beautiful succulent originates from Guatemala.
This beautiful plant produces seed pods which explode when ripe, scattering the seeds several feet away from the mother plant.


Caring for your Jatropha Podagrica

The Jatropha podagrica does not require much care apart from an occasional watering and an annual fertilizing (it depends on your soil). Always let the soil dry before watering, else the root may rot.It can also be grown indoors in a pot if adequate lighting is present.

Handling and Propagation

 

Small Jatropha podagrica plant

The plant and its seeds are poisonous if ingested.Propagation is done very easily by seeds.

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Lucky Bamboo

Introduction

The lucky bamboo - dracaena sanderiana - is a great plant for beginners and can be kept both indoor and outdoor. The lucky bamboo originates from Africa(Ha, you thought it was from China???) and blooms when subjected to drought conditions. The lucky bambo is not related to the bamboo - you know, the true one - and is used as a decorative plant. The Lucky Bamboo is said to attract luck as stated in Feng Shui.

Caring for your Lucky Bamboo

It is a difficult plant to kill but the leaves get damaged easily from unproper care. Too much fertilisation leads to browning of the tip of the leaves. You'll get the same symptoms if you water your lucky bamboo with chlorinated water. Leave the water overnight to let the chlorine escape before watering. The lucky bamboo can be grown either potted in soil or directly in water. The latter method requires only the base of the stem to be immersed in water as the leaves cannot grow in water.

Handling and Propagation

Propagation of the Lucky Bamboo is quite easy. Just cut any piece of it, having at least two to three nodes and stick it in a pot or in water. New roots will form quickly and you'll get a brand new Lucky Bamboo.

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Thyme

Introduction

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris - is an aromatic herb which blooms to get purple flowers. However, the reason why I (and other gardeners) grow this plant is not for its flowers. Thyme leaves are used flavouring and sometimes for garnishing of food. This is a very easy herb for your kitchen. You may grow it either in your garden or in a pot in the kitchen. The aroma of fresh thyme will surely make your dish tastier.

Caring for your Thyme plant

You can grow your own thyme plants through seeds. Sow the seeds loosely and transplant them when they reach about 2 inches or 5cm high. Thyme can be grown in partial shade but full sun is better.

Handling

Make sure you do not damage the plant when you are harvesting some thyme leaves. Cut the leaves with a pair of scissors. Using a knife may pull out young plants. Thyme can be propagated through cuttings or layering.

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Euphorbia Milii --- Crown of Thorns

Introduction

The Euphorbia milii or Crown of Thorns is a succulent having spines on its stem.
This plant originates from Madagascar and is easy to grow and propagate. However, care should be observed during handling as the plant is toxic. The Crown of Thorns can be kept indoors and can also tolerate relatively higher salinity levels than other plants. So give it a try if you live near the seaside!!!

Handling

Always wear gloves and/or goggles when cutting or grafting the Crown of Thorns. Pruning of the Crown of Thorns is not straightforward because of its poisonous sap. The white sap looks like milk, and may ruin your cutting tool. It is preferable to use a cheap knife instead. Cleaning is also easier.

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