Lemon Thyme

Lemon Thyme is physically similar to the English or common thyme(Thymus Vulgaris). The only difference is in its flavor.  So, expect this article to talk only about the wonderful scent.
Keeping those plants around help a lot in repelling mosquitoes away - they might even do better than lemongrass. The trick is to crush the leaves of the lemon thyme to dissipate the lemon scent.  In the kitchen, lemon thyme beats common thyme with it's wonderful flavor. However, lemon thyme is best used fresh, as it's flavor fades away when dried.

Like the Common thyme, the lemon thyme will grow in most climates, but prefers a well-drained soil and lots of sun. It is easily grown in pots on your kitchen window sill. Find more in the common thyme profile.
Photo by izik and kthread.

Read more...

Golden Pothos, Devil's Ivy - Epipremnum aureum

The Epipremnum aureum or Devil's Ivy, or golden pothos is a vine of the family of the Araceae native to the Solomon Islands. When planted in gardens, the vine gets huge and gets support from aerial roots. I've seen Devil's ivy climbing to nearby trees to almost it's top(about 10m high) but in pots, the Devil's ivy are stunted with smaller leaves. The glossy leaves are dark green and variegated with irregular patterns. Although it grows in almost any condition ranging from low shade to sunny, the plant will thrive in bright indirect light. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.

I'm using it as a light barrier

Similarly to Peace Lily, golden pothos is efficient at removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene and benzene

It is a very hardy plant that loves regular watering. Be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. Fertilize sparingly when the leaves start becoming yellowish. Mine is in the garden and grows vigorously even without fertilizing. The golden pothos occasionally blooms to get green spaths.

Propagation is very easy and can be done by cuttings.

Read more...

Strawberry Guava

Scientific Name	Psidium cattleianum
Common Name	Strawberry guava
	Purple guava
	Cherry guava

Strawberry Guava is a small tree, native to Brazil, that grows to about seven meters(23 feet) in height but is generally much smaller. The strawberry Guava is a very hardy plant that needs full sun for optimal growth and plenty of water when bearing fruits. They are generally located in geographically high regions where the average temperature is much cooler.

Bunch of strawberry guava

You get lots of fruits

Even low branches get fruits

Most of them are not ripe yet

However, there is a dark side to this plant:: It is an invasive plant. It is now considered as a weed in the tropics(even here in Mauritius).By the way, here it is called goyave de chine, literally translated to Guava of China.
According to the Invasive Species Specialist Group(ISSG) Database:

Psidium cattleianum is native to Brazil, but has been naturalised in Florida, Hawaii, tropical Polynesia, Norfolk Island and Mauritius for its edible fruit. It forms thickets and shades out native vegetation in tropical forests and woodlands. It has had a devastating effect on native habitats in Mauritius and is considered the worst plant pest in Hawi, where it has invaded a variety of natural areas. It benefits from feral pigs (Sus scrofa) which, by feeding on its fruit, serve as a dispersal agent for its seeds. In turn, the guava provides favourable conditions for feral pigs, facilitating further habitat degradation.

It is not obvious that it is an invasive plant here. Each year, thousands of Mauritians go on a strawberry guava hunt, when its the season(February-April), in the large fields of strawberry guava. The lucky ones(generally the first ones) return back home with bags full of fruits. Excess of strawberry guava is turned into a delicious jam. Unfortunately, the population takes the strawberry guava "forests" for granted and are not aware that it is some kind of invasion.

Their yummy flesh are similar to guavas

Propagation is very easy. Done by seeds, cuttings, layering or whatever method you like.

Read more...

Panda Plant

Panda plant, also known as pussy ears, is a succulent having botanical name Kalanchoe tomentosa. It is from the family of Crassulacae and it is originated from Madagascar.

I got mine a couple of months ago and it has grown some new leaves since then. The guy from whom I got it has his Panda plants in direct sunlight. I have been told that the Panda plant grows to about 40cm in height but I've still to check it. I've placed mine where it got direct indirect light, and the Panda plant is doing great. Today, i moved it to my balcony where it will get direct sunlight, i'll monitor it to see how better it will grow.

Caring is quite easy. The Kalanchoe tomentosa does not need any special care, the most important aspect is avoid overwatering(The Panda plant needs little water) and allow the soil to completely dry out between watering. I water all my plants with water coming from my aquaria, so fertilisation isn't a problem for me.

I guess propagation should be easy. Leaf or stem cuttings will yield a new plant. I haven't tried propagating mine yet. Anyone got this plant???

Read more...

Spathiphyllum - Peace Lily

Introduction

The Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily is a very popular houseplant. People keep them both indoors and outdoors. It produces white or greenish-white flowers called spaths during the warmer seasons.This plant is quite beautiful even without flowers.

Caring for your Peace Lily

Plant your Peace Lily in partial to full shade and keep the soil moist. Prune dead spaths.

Handling

The Spathiphyllum(whole plant) is toxic and should not be consumed.

Related Articles
Peace Lily: Your Free Air Purifier

Read more...

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.

Related Articles

Why do the leaves on my lucky bamboo plant have brown tips?

Read more...

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.

Related Articles

The Lemon thyme
Photo by mezuni

Read more...

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.

Related Articles

Crown of Thorns Video Slideshow 1
Crown of Thorns Video slideshow 2

Read more...

Inch Plant (or Wandering Jew)

Tradescantia fluminensis 'Albovittata'.

The Inch Plant (or Wandering Jew) needs partial shade for a good growth.

Read more...

Epiphyllum oxypetalum - Dutchman's-Pipe Cactus

That's a nice and strange plants that blooms only at night.
a young plant coming from a piece of leaf. the propagation of Epiphyllum oxypetalum is easy.

Read more...

African violet

The African Violet is a simple hardy plant that can be kept by everyone. This plant does not stays quite small in size and is suitable for a small pot.

Velutina Variety

However, it should be kept out of rain though. When watering, never let water fall onto its leaves. The leaves will rot. I usually leave a small empty area in the pot for watering.

The soil should be always moist and the leaves tending upwards.

Related links

Propagation of African Violet

Read more...

Marigold - Tagetes erecta

The Tagetes erecta is also known as the African marigold or Aztec marigold.

Read more...