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3 November 2024Vegetable Gardening, Bloggrow spinach, grow spinach at home, growing spinach, growing spinach at home, how to grow coriander at home, how to grow palak at home, how to grow spinach, how to grow spinach at home, how to grow spinach from seed, how to grow spinach from seeds in containers, how to plant spinach at home, how to plant spinach seedsSudeepti Bajpai

Happy Gardening !!

How to Grow Spinach at Home

How to Grow Spinach at Home

Spinach is a green leafy vegetable popularly known as Palak in India. It is a very healthy green vegetable having all the vitamins and minerals to build a strong immune system. Spinach can be grown at home. In this post, we will discuss how we can grow spinach at home.

Best season to grow Spinach

Spinach can be grown for both the summer and winter seasons.
For summers, it can mature from mid-February to April. If it is extreme summer, then seeds germinate but it will not grow properly.
For winters, it can be grown from mid-August to October. During severe cold, its seeds do not germinate.

How to grow Spinach at home in pot

The roots of the spinach do not go very deep nor spread very much. So, this plant does not require a deep pot.
The pot should be wider in size in comparison to the depth of the pot, it can be 6 to 8 inches in height.
Any old tub or bucket or rectangular plastic pot can also be preferred for planting spinach.

Perfect Soil for Spinach

Soil is a very important factor in gardening. To prepare the soil mixture for Spinach, take normal garden soil, sand, and any compost or fertilizer. Keep the ratio as Soil 50%, Compost 30% and Sand 20%.

❖ Clean the garden soil properly and add sand to it. In sand, seeds germinate faster plus sand does not make soil hard.

❖ To add nutrition to the soil, add any fertilizer or compost. We can also add liquid cow dung fertilizer.

❖ Mix all three things properly and keep this mixture for 3 days.

❖ Soil would be ready to use after 3 days.

How to Grow Spinach from Seeds?

Spinach can be grown from seeds very easily and quickly.
Seeds can be bought from nurseries or online and they are inexpensive.
Spinach cannot be transplanted in another pot or container.
From seeds sowing till the final product, only one container would be used. So select all the apparatus attentively.

Below are the steps to grow spinach from seeds

Take the pot, make holes in its bottom, and cover the hole with any paper.
Fill the pot with the prepared soil mixture.
Place the seeds on the surface of soil at optimum distance, so that seeds can germinate properly.
Cover the seeds with another layer of soil mixture.
Spray water on the top layer of the soil. This layer should always be wet. Moisture needs to be maintained in the topmost layer of the soil.
Keep the pot in a warm place but not under direct sunlight.
Within five days, few germinated seeds can be seen.

By the 7th day, leaves would start coming but not true leaves, only cotyledon.

When seeds germinate, in the initial phase we get two types of leaves. The first two leaves (smaller one) which we get are called cotyledon. Cotyledons are part of the seeds only.

After cotyledon, the second type of leaves that comes out are called true leaves. The structure of these two leaves is completely different from cotyledon.
Be regular in giving water but do not keep the pot in direct sunlight till the point we get true leaves of spinach.
Give water or fertilizer carefully, it should not disturb the seedlings as they are weak in the beginning phase.

Also, read: How to grow Coriander at home

Sunlight requirement for Spinach

Shift the pot in sunlight when true leaves have arrived.

Initially, keep the pot in sunlight for 1 hour, the next day for 2 hours, and so on.
Spinach can bear 2-8 hours of sunlight but the temperature should not be very high.
Once a month, any fertilizer can be given to it.

How to harvest Spinach

Approximately, after 40-45 days homemade organic spinach can be harvested. It would be very fresh and pure.

Spinach leaves are used not only once but many times, meaning after a few days of harvesting, they will grow again in 25-30 days and can be harvested again. Therefore, while harvesting, take care not to damage the plant and its roots.
You can pluck this spinach 3-4 times, not more than that because of nutrition factors.
For this, you can use garden scissors while cutting or pinching with light hands.

This was all about spinach planting. Grow it and enjoy it.

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Happy Gardening!

How to Water Plants Correctly? Do’s and Don’ts

26 September 2024Basic Gardening, Bloghow to water your plants, plant watering, water plants, watering plants, watering technique, watering your plantsSudeepti Bajpai

How to Water Plants Correctly

Have you ever wondered why your plants do not seem to grow well even though you are giving them all the care they need?

The problem might be something as simple as how you are watering them.

Watering plants is truly an art. It’s not just about pouring water every day; it’s about understanding the unique needs of each plant. If you water your plants daily without considering their requirements, or if you neglect them at times, both can lead to harm.

To ensure your plants thrive, it’s essential to recognize when they need water and how much is appropriate. Each plant has its own requirements based on factors like its type, pot size, and the environment it’s in. By observing your plants closely and adapting your watering routine accordingly, you can help them flourish beautifully.

“There is a big misconception among some people that if they keep watering the plants as much as they want, plants will grow and not have any problems.”

But don’t worry—once you understand the art of watering, your plants will reward you with vibrant growth and beauty.

Let’s walk this path together and learn how to master this essential aspect of plant care.

Importance of Watering for the Plants

Water is absolutely essential for plants. All the activities of plant life are driven by water. Let’s understand more from the following points:

Water helps plants to grow:

The soil may be rich with compost, minerals, and fertilizers, but without water, none of it reaches the roots.

Water dissolves these nutrients, making them accessible for plants to absorb.

No water, no growth—no matter how well-fertilized your soil is. Your plant’s nourishment is only as good as the water it receives.

Water is necessary for photosynthesis

Photosynthesis, the process through which plants make their food, relies heavily on water.

Without it, plants cannot harness the sun’s energy, which means they cannot thrive. Regular watering also keeps leaves firm and full of life.
When water is scarce, leaves begin to droop, signaling distress. Don’t let them suffer in silence!

The right time to water the plants

Watering is not just about pouring water into the soil. Timing is everything. But how do you know when your plant is thirsty?

1. The basic tip to water the plants is to first check the soil of the pot

When the topmost layer of the soil is dry, it means plants need water.

Loose the soil and give water.
Otherwise, water the next day.; or if you have checked in the morning, then you can give water in the evening.
If soil is sticking to the finger, water is not required at that moment.
If it is not sticking and completely dry then gradually give water to the plant.

2. Give water before the soil gets dry

The top layer of soil can dry quickly due to air and sun exposure, but don’t let the inner soil follow suit.

Keep an eye on it, and water before it dries out completely.
If the soil’s core dries out, your plant’s roots may struggle to get the moisture they need, weakening the plant over time.

Click here to read:

How to avoid Overwatering in plants

Do not overwater

One of the most common mistakes plant lovers make is overwatering.

It’s easy to think, “more water means more growth,” but too much water can suffocate your plant’s roots, leading to root rot, fungal infections, and yellowing leaves.

Overwatering is the silent killer that causes more harm than good.

Remember: water based on the plant’s needs, not on a fixed daily routine.

The correct way of watering

Watering properly is more than just pouring; it’s an act of nurturing. Here are some methods to help you water with care:

1. Gardening in the ground: For ground gardening, use pipes to give water to your plants.

2. Container gardening:

If you are doing container gardening then always use any watering can, mug, jug, can, or utensils to give water to your plants.

For potted plants, always water slowly and in stages.

Let the water soak in fully before adding more.
Continue until water starts to seep from the bottom drainage holes.
This ensures that the water reaches the plant’s deepest roots.

3. Give water according to the size of the pot:

The amount of water required depends on the size of your pot.

Larger pots need more water to reach the bottom roots, while smaller pots need less.
Transplanted plants in larger pots will also need more water to help their roots spread and settle into their new home.

“Preferably water the plants during morning time”.

Love your plants!

Shower them regularly with your love and yes with water also.

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Happy Gardening!

Aloe Vera Plant Care: Pest Attack and Black Spot

The Aloe Vera plant is famous for being good for your health and easy to take care of. Many people like having Aloe Vera in their homes. While Aloe Vera is generally hardy and resilient, there are still specific care guidelines to follow in order to ensure its optimal growth and well-being.

In this article, we will explore essential tips for tending to your Aloe Vera, including addressing rare

pest attacks,
dealing with black spots on leaves, and
managing issues such as brown tips.

Aloe Vera plant care

1. Pest Attack on Aloe Vera plant

- It is true that Aloe Vera plants are relatively resistant to pests, but they can still be susceptible to issues like aphids and mealybugs.
- These pests may not always be visible to the naked eye, but you can usually identify their presence by the damage they cause.
- Using organic pesticides or neem oil is a good way to manage these pests.
- You can also physically remove them with a soft brush or cloth.

2. Black spots on Aloe Vera plant

- Black spots on Aloe Vera leaves can indeed be caused by overwatering and the resulting fungal growth.
- It is important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent this issue.
- Root rot can also lead to black spots on the leaves.
- If root rot is suspected, it’s essential to inspect the roots and trim away any damaged or rotting sections before repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
- Removing affected leaves, as mentioned, is a good practice to prevent the spread of the fungus.

Note:

Fungus may impact the plant’s chlorophyll, which is responsible for food production through photosynthesis.
When the fungus damages the chlorophyll, the plant can’t produce enough food.

As a result of the nutrient deficiency, the aloe vera plant weakens, and its growth slows down, leading to the appearance of unhealthy black spots on its leaves.

Therefore, it is crucial to effectively manage pests to prevent the development of black spots on Aloe Vera plants. A robust pest control process can help keep this harmful fungus away.

3. Brown tips on Aloe Vera plant

- Brown tips on Aloe Vera leaves can indeed be a result of water imbalance, as well as other factors like too much direct sunlight.
- Adjusting the watering schedule based on the specific needs of your plant and considering the environmental conditions is essential.

4. Repotting Aloe Vera plant

- The advice to repot the Aloe Vera plant in new soil if root rot is suspected is sound. Make sure to choose a well-draining soil mix suitable for succulents, and ensure the new pot has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

In addition to these care tips, it is important to provide your Aloe Vera plant with well-draining soil, adequate sunlight (indirect or filtered sunlight is best), and a proper pot with drainage holes. Regular monitoring of the plant’s health and adjusting care practices accordingly is essential for its well-being.

Happy Gardening!

Money Plant Care Tips: Complete Guide

23 April 2024Blog, Indoor Plants, Money Plant, Plant caregrowing money plant, how to grow money plant, how to grow money plant in water, money plant, money plant care, money plant care tips, money plant decoration, money plant decoration ideas, money plant growing ideas, money plant growing style, money plant growing tips, money plant ideas, money plant in water, money plant propagation, money plant tree, money plant vastu, money plants, money plants indoor, money tree care, money tree plant care, pothos plant careSudeepti Bajpai

Money Plant Care Tips

Money plants, also known as Pothos are available in so many colors and different varieties rule the world by distinct names. This plant flourishes in almost every second home.

Beautiful, shiny, big green leaves of the money plant always magnify the beauty of every garden. Its leaves are typically green and variegated and can grow to be several feet long.

A money plant is considered to be:

a hardy,
low-maintenance plant
that is easy to care for and
also purifies the air.

Some people keep money plants inside the house and some people keep these plants outside the house. If properly cared for, this plant can easily thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Money plant Care tips

In this complete guide article, we will discuss:

best season,
from where to get,
propagation & care.
light requirements,
pot size,
soil mixture,
watering,
moss stick,
pruning and
fertilizer’s for money plant.

1. Best season for money plant

(i) It is a summer plant.

It grows best during the interval of February- October.

(ii) Monsoon is the best season for money plants.

During rain, both the plant and cutting of the money plant grow at a faster pace.

(iii) During winters, it slows down its growing speed.

Whereas, the leaves of the money plant also start turning yellow or black and should be kept in a warm place (during winter).

2. How to get a Money plant?

(i) Get it from Nursery

Money plants are easily available in nurseries.
At the nursery, it would be available in pots or in polybags.
Do not repot it, if it is available in the pot. Let it get settled at your place for some time.
If it comes in a polybag then also wait for 7-8 days for the repotting process.
Shift the money plant in the pot when it is out of stress.

(ii) From the Cutting

Money plant cutting can be borrowed from anywhere.
Borrowed cuttings of money plants can be used to turn into a full-fledged highly dense money plant.
Always take cuttings from healthy money plants.
Make sure the chosen branch has at least 3-4 nodes in it.
Money plants always grow from nodes or aerial roots, not from the leaves.

Important note:

Do the repotting of the money plant in the evening only.
While repotting, the moss stick of the money plant and the roots should not be disturbed.

3. Propagation & Care for Money plant

Indeed, you can also cultivate money plants from cuttings.

Taking cuttings represents a simple and efficient method for propagating money plants, allowing you to generate new plants at no cost.
These cuttings can be cultivated in various mediums such as water, soil, LECA balls, coco peat, sand, and more.

4. Light requirements for Money plant

Avoid placing money plants in strong direct sunlight.
Money plants thrive best in indirect light, both bright and medium.
You can keep money plants either indoors or outdoors, but avoid exposing them to strong sunlight.
Consider placing them on a roof or balcony covered by a green net or other shade.
It’s not recommended to frequently move the plant.
Allow it to settle in one place; avoid excessive relocation.

5. Pot size for Money plant

Ideally, an 8-10 inch-sized pot is sufficient for a money plant, but it can also thrive in smaller pots.
Hanging pots are another option for growing money plants.
Do not repot them until and unless the roots of the plant start coming out from the pot.
Moreover, they show some signals also if there is a need to change the pot.

5. Best soil mixture for Money plant

The soil should be well-drained, which means the drainage system of the soil should be very good.
The soil should quickly absorb water when you provide it, and it should not stagnate on the top.

6. Watering tips for Money plant

Money plants require humus, water, and moisture in their soil to bloom properly, whether they are kept indoors or outdoors. Its soil should not dry up.
Give water properly whenever it seems that the soil is getting dry and hard.

Spray some water on the moss stick also (if it is there).
Always clean the leaves of money plants by spraying some water to get rid of dust and also this process will enhance the process of photosynthesis.

All the above steps will uplift the growth of the money plant.

7. Moss stick support for Money plant

If you want your money plant to be very dense, then first of all you need to support it.
You can use sticks for support like moss sticks, jute sticks, or any other stick covered with cloth.
Moss sticks are the most preferred and inexpensive option (easily available at all nurseries).
Wrap the branches of the plant across the stick keeping in mind that aerial nodes get directly in touch with sticks.

6. Pruning of Money plant

You should prune the money plant at regular intervals to achieve a bushy and dense appearance.

Pruning of yellow and damaged leaves is very essential for the healthy growth of money plants.
Always use sharp and clean tools for pruning.
The more you prune it, the denser it will become.

“It is important not to over-prune your money plant, as this can slow its growth and decrease its overall health.

Pruning should be done sparingly and only when necessary.”

7. Fertilizer for Money plant

Money plants can benefit from occasional fertilization, especially during the growing season (spring to fall). Moreover, different nutrients should be provided at the gap of 20 days. To begin, use cow dung liquid fertilizer (with high NPK), and then switch to seaweed fertilizer.

Always remember to feed your plant with diluted fertilizer, with a higher proportion of water compared to the fertilizer.

Click here to read: 5 Tips to Care Money Plant in Winter Season

====================

It was all about the “Money Plant”.

Make your own garden!

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Happy Gardening!

How to give fertilizers to plants? Basic Tips

Giving fertilizers to plants is an important aspect of gardening that provides the essential nutrients required for healthy plant growth. Just as humans and other animals require food for survival and growth, plants also require nutrients for growth and production. In the absence of these nutrients, the growth of plants stops and the yield decreases.

For proper nourishment and growth, plants require soil, water, sunlight, fertilizers, as well as human love and care. It’s essential to use these resources effectively and efficiently. This article will address four essential questions (3 W and 1 H- Why, What, When and How) related to feeding your plants:

1. Why should you feed your plants?

2. What should you feed them?

3. When should you feed them?

4. How should you feed them?

Classification of fertilizers for Outdoor plants

Organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter, which helps to improve soil structure, retain moisture, and promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. They also release nutrients slowly, providing a steady supply of nutrients to the plants over time.

Some of the fertilizers are mentioned below:

Compost
Neem cake
Mustard cake
Epsom salt
Banana peel liquid fertilizer
Cow dung liquid fertilizer
Seaweed fertilizer

1. Compost for Outdoor plants

When making a soil mixture for outdoor plants, compost is a preferred ingredient.
Compost is a natural fertilizer that is rich in nutrients and can be used to improve soil health.
It makes the soil porous and also retains water for a longer duration.
If the soil in existing plants is becoming clayey or tight, adding compost can help to improve the soil quality.
You can use any type of compost, including cow dung, vermicompost, leaf compost, or kitchen compost.

2. Neem Cake fertilizer for outdoor plants

Neem cake, a byproduct of neem seed oil extraction, can be used as a natural pesticide and fungicide to prevent attacks by insects, viruses, bacteria, or fungi in soil.
It helps to improve soil quality by adding essential nutrients, enhancing soil structure, and increasing water retention.
It can be added to the soil mixture in small amounts as it is very potent.

We can add neem cake powder to the soil mixture as well as we can make neem cake liquid fertilizers and give them once a month.

You can read the detailed article here:

Neem Cake Fertilizer at Home

3. Mustard cake fertilizer

The mustard cake fertilizer is a very strong fertilizer and should be used with caution.
It is recommended to apply it during the winter season when the weather is cooler and the soil is more receptive to nutrients.
However, it can also be used during summers, but it is not recommended during extremely hot weather when the temperature is near 40 ℃.
We can add a little bit of mustard cake powder in soil-mixture as well as we can give mustard cake liquid fertilizer to plants once a month.
It is important to dilute mustard cake properly in a handsome amount of water before applying it to plants, as it can be too strong for plants if used directly.

You can read the detailed article here:

Mustard Cake Fertilizer

4. Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate) for outdoor plants

In cases where plants are not growing properly despite receiving adequate fertilizers, water, and sunlight, Epsom salt can be considered as a good supplement.
We can either directly add Epsom salt to the soil or make a dilute solution and give it in the soil or can make a foliar spray.
We have to give Epsom salt only when it is needed.

It is important to use Epsom salt in moderation and always maintain a gap of at least 10 -12 days between the two fertilizers to avoid over-nutrients to the plants.

This will allow the plants to absorb the nutrients from each fertilizer effectively and prevent any negative effects on plant growth.

You can read the detailed article here:

Epsom Salt for plants: benefits & uses

5. Banana Peel fertilizer for outdoor plants

Banana peel fertilizer can act as a catalyst for plants during the flowering or fruiting stage, or in cases where the plant is not blooming.
The high levels of Potassium and Phosphorus in banana peels can help to promote the growth and development of flowers and fruits, while also providing other essential nutrients to the plants.
The best is to make Banana peel liquid fertilizer and give it to the soil. Otherwise, you can add Banana peel to the Kitchen compost as raw banana peels may attract pests and insects.
Banana peel liquid fertilizer should be given once every fifteen days.

Must read article on
Banana Peel Liquid Fertilizer

6. Cow dung liquid fertilizer

Cow Dung liquid fertilizer is a widely used and popular form of organic fertilizer.
It is rich in nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, which are essential for plant growth. Additionally, it contains microorganisms that help in the breakdown of organic matter in the soil and improve soil fertility.
It can be given to any outdoor as well as indoor plants once a month.

It is important to ensure that the cow dung compost tea has been properly aged or composted before using it, as fresh cow manure can contain high levels of ammonia that can harm plants.

You can read the detailed article here:

How to make Cow dung fertilizer for plants

7. Seaweed fertilizer

Seaweed fertilizer is a natural and organic fertilizer made from seaweed extract.
It is rich in micro and macronutrients.
Seaweed fertilizer can be used on a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, indoor plants, plant cuttings in water, etc.
It can be applied in the form of granules as well as liquid fertilizer.
We can do foliar spray, soil drench, or add directly to the growing medium of plants.
It can be given to any outdoor plants once a month.

You can read the detailed article here:

Seaweed Fertilizer: Benefits and Uses

Important points to note:

1. All the liquid fertilizers are endowed with balanced nutrients like NPK, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, and all other nutrients.

2. Rotation of the above-mentioned fertilizers is recommended every 20-25 days.

3. A deficiency of nutrients can be recovered in the plants but excess nutrition will damage the plant. So, even if you are giving any tonic or any supplement to plants always maintain the suggested time gap of at least 10-15 days.

4. Vegetable plants such as tomatoes, green chilies, brinjal, cabbage, bitter gourd, etc. should be fertilized with liquid fertilizers every 20 days.

5. For other outdoor plants, including both flowering and non-flowering ones like Tulsi (Holy basil) and Curry tree, etc. and Hibiscus, liquid fertilizer should be applied every 25 days.

Fertilizers for Indoor Plants

It is important to select an appropriate fertilizer for indoor plants, as they have specific nutritional needs. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of Nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium as well as micronutrients is often recommended for indoor plants.
Indoor plants such as ZZ plants, Areca Palms, Syngoniums, Money plants, Anthurium, Snake plants, Peace lilies, etc. require nutrients approximately once every two months during their active growth period, typically in the spring and summer months.
Giving fertilizers to these plants during the dormant period in winter is generally not recommended, as they require less water and nutrients during this time.

Fertilizers:

Cow Dung fertilizer is the most suitable fertilizer for this category.
Mustard cake fertilizer can also be given to them once a year.
Seaweed fertilizer (granules/liquid fertilizer) can be given once in a 2 months gap.

Vegetable plants need water, sunlight, fertilizer, and everything in a maximal amount whereas indoor plants need minimal of everything.

Prioritize your plants and pick suitable fertilizer to nourish them.

Happy Gardening !!

How to make Neem Pesticide at home

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When we do gardening and grow plants, we always need to take some precautions so that we get healthy plants. Sometimes even after taking all the safety measures, we find pests and diseases in our plants.

Pests and diseases have always been a major challenge for gardeners. Chemical pest control is still a major method of pest control today, although due to its long-term side effects, attention has been paid to conventional and biological pest control in the late 20th century.

Today it has been proved that the use of chemicals in gardening and farming is very harmful to the plants, soil, and environment. An organic pesticide method to control pests and diseases can be both safe and effective for our plants.

Key note:
“Neem liquid pesticide is one of the best organic solutions for both outdoor and indoor plants.”

So, let’s discuss how to make organic neem pesticides for plants at home.

What is neem pesticide?

AZADIRACHTIN INDICA is the scientific name of the neem plant. Neem has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for centuries. It is specifically used to make various insecticides and also to control pests and diseases on the plant.

**neem leaves used for ayurveda medicine**

According to the research, it has been found that when some Indian scientists sprayed the diluted neem pesticide on different plants, the plants did not get harmed by the locust pests which were present on the surface of the plants.

Therefore, we should spray neem pesticide on our plants in the gap of every 7 days which will reduce the pest’s attack on the plant.

Note:

Sometimes our indoor and outdoor plants get affected by pest attacks like

Aphids
Whiteflies
Mealybugs
Leafhoppers
Spider mites

To remove and control such pest attacks we can use neem liquid pesticides.

This neem liquid pesticide is easily available in the market, also you can make it at home very easily, which is very effective and beneficial for our plants.

Tips to make Neem Pesticide at home

To make neem oil, we need to extract it from neem seeds, a process that is not feasible at home. So, let’s start with the simplest method of preparing effective neem pesticide at home.

1. Pluck neem leaves: First of all, pluck the neem leaves and wash them properly to remove all dust and dirt.

2. Boil the leaves: In the next step, boil the leaves in 1 liter of water for approximately 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, about one-fourth of the water will remain, and the color of the water will have changed to dark green.
Allow it to cool to room temperature, and then strain the water.

3. Dilute the solution: This solution is quite potent, so it should not be directly sprayed on the plants.

First, dilute this solution with water.
Add 10 tablespoons of this neem liquid to 1 liter of regular water.

Now, you can apply this diluted neem water to your plants and leaves. It’s a 100% pure organic neem liquid pesticide.

One of the best qualities of neem liquid pesticide is that it is harmless to insects like bees and earthworms which are very helpful to our plants.

It was all about homemade neem pesticides.

Happy gardening!

How to care for Hibiscus Plant: 6 Expert Tips

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How to care for Hibiscus Plant

Hibiscus is a tropical plant known for its big, colorful flowers. They love warm temperatures and usually need to be protected during cold weather. They have woody stems and grow close to the ground. The flowers of this plant are very big in size and are of different colors like red, peach, yellow, orange, and purple.

What if your hibiscus plant is not giving flowers?
What if your hibiscus buds are falling regularly?
The leaves of the plants are turning yellow and pests are attacking the plant.

How to care for Hibiscus Plant — **hibiscus flower**

In this article, we are going to provide the solutions for all of these problems.

Hibiscus is a perennial plant, if you will take proper care of it then it can survive for many years with you. Generally, hibiscus should be grown in the ground but with proper technique and care, we can grow it inside the pot also.

How to care for Hibiscus Plant

1. Sunlight for Hibiscus plant

Hibiscus plants grow in direct sunlight, the best place for hibiscus is a place that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight in a day.
The ideal temperature for this plant to grow is 15℃-35℃.
If the temperature goes beyond the range then keep the plant in the shade otherwise leaves might get burnt.
You need to save this plant from extreme cold and winter dew also.

2. Pot size for Hibiscus plant

Choose the pot very wisely because they prefer root bound also.
The roots of this plant are bigger in size, so you need a big pot for them at least 12 inches.
When you buy this plant from a nursery, do not shift them into another pot immediately.
In fact, even if your plant is 2-3 years old and doing well in the current pot then also do not shift it because this plant gets transplant shock very easily.
If you think that plant has grown up very well and your current pot size is small according to the plant then you can shift it to a bigger pot.
The best pots are clay pots but you can choose as per your convenience. You can take cement, ceramic, or any pot.

Do it with all care to prevent transplant shock.

3. How to Water Hibiscus Plant

Hibiscus needs balanced water, over-watering leads to fungus and pests in the plants. It will stop the growth of the plant, leaves will start turning yellow, and buds will get weaker and start falling down.
At first, go give water nicely and after that check the top soil of the pot.
If the soil is dry, then lose the soil with any tool and check if the soil is completely dry or sticking to the hands.
If it is wet do not give water. In winter, do not give water daily.

4. Pesticide for Hibiscus Plant

Pest attacks, fungi, mealybugs, and all are very common problems with hibiscus plants.

To prevent it, first of all, avoid overwatering.
If you have more than one hibiscus then keep this plant at different places with gaps otherwise all of them would get pest attacks at the same time.
You can do neem spray weekly on this plant.
If you want to prevent your plant from pest attack then check your plant every third day.
Observe the stems, branches, flowers, and both sides of the leaves properly, if you have even a minor doubt of a pest attack then spray insecticide on it immediately.

ACTARA insecticide is good for the removal of pests and safe for plants, you can use this insecticide.

5. Pruning of Hibiscus Plant

If you want so many flowers in your plant, then you need to be regular in pruning. We need to do the pruning of the leaves, stems, branches, and flowers.

Remove all the yellow leaves, and spotted leaves otherwise the plant will waste its energy on these leaves.
You can remove the leaves from the bottom of the plant also because they do not play any role in photosynthesis.
Bottom leaves cover the soil which is not good for the plant and fungus also spreads through these leaves.
We should not do over-pruning of leaves otherwise the process of photosynthesis would get disturbed.
Always do the pruning of the plant in the growing season, not during winter seasons because at that time growth of the plant stops.

6. Best Fertilizer for Hibiscus Plant

Hibiscus is a heavy feeder plant, it needs fertilizer every 15 days.

You can give any fertilizer like cow dung, mustard cake, vermicompost, or any other which is available.
You can give banana peel fertilizer also because the banana peel contains high potassium, and potassium is very important for the biological and chemical growth of the plant.

Also, read: How to Get Maximum Flowering in Hibiscus Plant

Hibiscus is a very beautiful plant.

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Enjoy the beauty of this plant!!

How to use Coco Peat for Plants?

1 April 2024Blog, Basic Gardeningbenefits of cocopeat for plants, coco peat benefits for plants, coco peat for plants, cocopeat for indoor plants, cocopeat for plants, growing plants in cocopeat, how to use coco peat for plants, how to use cocopeat for gardening plants, use coco peat for plantsSudeepti Bajpai

The powder of coconut husks is called coco peat. It provides a magnificent and unique combination of moisture, drainage, and aeration which is required by the plants, and is known as the best-growing medium for plants, crops, and seeds germination.

In the process of planting, the growing medium matters a lot.

Now, what is the growing medium?

When you grow any plant in soil, the soil is the growing medium for that plant. We have various growing mediums like water, sand, coco peat, vermiculite, and many more. In this article, we will study the “COCO PEAT”.

What is Coco peat?

In factories, we dry coconut husk powder and compress it in the form of bricks. This is easily available in the market in the form of bricks. You can buy it from any nursery or online. Originally, this brick is hard but when you soak it in water, it will expand and become very soft.

How to use Coco Peat for plants?

Coco peat can be used for planting in pots, do not use it for ground gardening.

Follow the below steps:

Before using it for planting, add water to the coco peat brick and it will become powder in some time. It will absorb all the water and expand 2-3 times in quantity. Now, you can use this coco peat powder directly for planting. You can store leftover quantities in any storage bag also.

Facts about Coco Peat

Coco peat does not have any nutrients in it like potassium, nitrogen, or phosphorus. It has only a small amount of salt in it.
It is very light in weight in comparison to soil. Plus, it does not become muddy and is very easy to handle.

It absorbs water very quickly and that is why it is used in gardening very often.
It becomes very soft after adding water and provides a perfect growing medium for planting.
It is natural and organic.

Uses of Coco peat in gardening

1. Coco peat is mainly used for the germination of seeds and bulbs.

If you are sowing your seeds in soil for germination and they are not germinating, then try coco peat this time. We need to maintain the moisture of the growing medium for seed germination and coco peat does it well.

When plants try to come out from the surface after germination, it needs a soft medium.

Coco peat is very soft, that’s why coco peat is recommended for the seed’s germination.

2. Secondly, coco peat is used in potting mix.

Generally, we should grow plants in the ground but when we plant them in a pot we need to be very careful over various aspects. We need to provide perfect drainage, fertilizers, insecticides, growing medium, and many more things. To provide all these things we prepare a mixture of various things which is also called potting mix.

To prepare potting mix, we can mix soil and cocopeat in a 4:1 ratio (soil: cocopeat) with many other things.

If we use this mixture, it gives us various benefits.
Sometimes we face the issue of over-watering, in that case, coco peat will absorb extra water from the soil and protect the plant from over-watering.
If due to any reason you have not watered your plant then also this mixture can save your plant. Plants can absorb some water from the soil as well as some from coco peat.

Drawbacks of Coco Peat

The growing medium should provide enough anchorage or support to hold the plant but coco peat is very soft.
It cannot give structure to big plants like tulsi, hibiscus, curry plant, etc.
If you give water to your plants on a daily basis then do not add coco peat.
If we are using coco peat then, always check if the top surface is dry. If there is over-watering in coco peat then, it will take around 1 month to dry completely.

It was all about “COCO PEAT”.

Happy Planting!!!

How to Grow and Care Jade Plant

6 March 2024Blog, Jade plant, Outdoor plants, Plant carehow to grow jade plant, how to propagate a jade plant, how to propagate jade plant, how to propagate jade plant from cuttings, jade plant, jade plant care, jade plant care indoors, jade plant leaf propagation, jade plant propagation, jade plant propagation from cutting, jade plant propagation from leaf, jade plant propagation from leaves, jade plant propagation from stem, jade plant propagation in soil, jade plant propagation in water, jade plant pruning, plant propagationSudeepti Bajpai

Jade Plant Care Tips

The Jade plant is a very beautiful and unique plant. It is available in different colors like green, white and variegated colors. This plant is native to South Africa and found in all parts of the world. The Jade plant is also known as the lucky plant and is considered a symbol of good luck

In this post, we are going to discuss all the actualities of the JADE PLANT.

What is a Jade plant?
How can we take care of the jade plant?
How can we propagate jade plants?
How can we plant cuttings of the jade plant?

All the queries regarding the jade plant would be sorted out in this article.

About Jade Plant

1. The jade plant remains green throughout the year.

2. The jade plant is very tender, it grows low above and spreads more, and the color of its leaves is a mixture of green and yellow.

3. You can grow them in a hanging basket, as a bonsai tree, or in any size of pot.

Important note:

Jade plant is an outdoor plant and not an indoor plant.

Whereas people in the nurseries sell the Jade plant as an indoor plant.

4. This plant needs regular sunlight of 4-5 hours daily.

If you keep this plant inside your home, it will survive for some time because it is a succulent plant and succulents do not die easily.
After sometimes its growth would be stopped, so you need to keep this plant in sunlight only.

5. If you want to keep it inside then keep it near the window where sunlight is good.

6. In the month of May- June, when sunlight is extreme at that time you can keep them in shade.

Watering tips to Jade plant

watering a jade plant — **watering a Jade plant**

1. Jade plants are succulents, which means they require less water.

2. If you touch the soil and it feels moist, then the plant doesn’t need water.

3. On the other hand, if you notice its leaves withering, it’s an indication that your plant isn’t receiving enough water. In such cases, water the plant when the topsoil is completely dry.

Tips

Insert your finger deep into the soil up to the first knuckle.
If it feels dry at that depth, then it’s time to water the plant.
If the soil still feels moist, there’s no need to water at that moment.

Note:

In winter seasons, Jade plants need less water than normal, so you should always test the soil before watering.

Symptoms of healthy Jade plant

The leaves of healthy jade plants are very thick and fleshy.
If the leaves are turning yellow, becoming thin, and starting falling down, it means there is under watering.
If the leaves are healthy and thick but still falling down, then there is a problem of overwatering.
If you see black spots on the leaves then there is some problem with the roots.
There might be a problem of fungus or any infection, you need to change the soil at that time.

Perfect soil for Jade plant

The soil of the jade plant should be well-drained, it should absorb the much it needs and should be able to drain out excess water through the hole.
The perfect soil mixture for this plant consists of garden soil, compost and sand in the ratio of 1:½:½ respectively.

How to care for Jade plant from Pest attack

The Jade plant is generally hardy and not prone to pests; however, mealybugs can occasionally be an issue.
To prevent mealybug infestations, you can spray neem oil on the plant once a week.
It’s also advisable to keep the Jade plant at a distance from hibiscus plants since both can be susceptible to the same type of pest attacks.

Fertilizer for Jade plant

The Jade plant is naturally hardy and doesn’t require frequent fertilization. However, you can provide cow dung fertilizer two or three times a year if you wish.

Propagation of Jade plant

If you have a large Jade plant, you can propagate more Jade plants by taking cuttings from the mature plant. Follow these steps:

1. Select a healthy cutting from the parent plant, preferably with a thick stem and healthy leaves.

2. Use a sharp tool like a blade, knife, or scissors to make a clean cut.

3. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, as this section will be buried in the soil.

Now, you can choose one of the two methods for planting the cutting:

1. In Coco peat

Mix the coco peat with a small amount of fertilizer, ensuring the coco peat has a slight moisture content.
If the coco peat is dry, add some water to make it moist.
Fill the pot with this mixture and gently plant your cutting, ensuring it is placed slightly deep in the pot.
Since the coco peat is already moist, refrain from watering immediately. Instead, place the pot in direct sunlight, and you should start seeing new leaves in a few days.

2. In Soil

For this, do not prepare a new soil mixture for it, take the soil of any pot which already has a plant.
Place the cutting in the moisturized soil taken from another plant.
Here also, you do not need to give water as the soil is wet.

In both cases, give water when the outer layer of coco peat and soil is dry, otherwise, stems will get damaged due to overwatering.

Also, read: How to make Jade Plant Bushy

Roots will get developed in the next 45 days and after that, you can shift your cuttings to bigger size pots. At the time of shifting you need to make a fresh soil mixture as mentioned above, you cannot use the soil of old plants here.

It was all about the JADE plant.

Enjoy planting your luck!!!!!

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