Category: gardening

Golden shower tree for gardens pot planting and bonsai

Vishu Kani


Golden shower tree that you can grow easily for gardens, pot planting and bonsai. Cassia fistula, known in many other names, is a native of south East Asian countries.
Truly the plant grows well in Kerala and other tropical places. Golden shower is the state flower of Kerala, preferably like jack fruit, which is the state fruit.

Golden shower tree in full bloom

Golden shower tree-a short description

Really cassia fistula is a flowering tree, that grows up to a maximum height of about 15 metres.
This drought resistant plant can thrive in dry climates with full sun, but is frost intolerant.
Owing to the low growth rate, it takes about ten years for the plant to produce flowers. However blooming starts within five or six years under favourable conditions.
Bright yellow flowers seen as drooping bunches is really awesome. During the months of April and May, the tree blooms to the fullest, mostly without any leaves.
Long cylindrical pods develop from flowers that gradually turns black on ripening.

Golden shower tree for gardens

A bunch of beautiful cassia fistula flowers

Generally we can find golden shower trees in parks or other such public places. Definitely as an ornamental tree, along with other flowering trees like gulmohar, pride of India, asoka etc.
Spacious gardens are really ideal for such large trees, so that we can enjoy its beauty to a maximum. However, we can grow them in home gardens as dwarf, through proper pruning.
In a like manner, golden shower tree is ideal for pot planting as well as for making bonsai.

Favourable factors for the plant tree in Kerala

Loamy or sandy soil, availability of rain etc. are the favourable factors that make the plant to thrive. Surprisingly the western ghats of Kerala, is having all these in abundance.
Likewise we can find the trees in the plains as well as coastal areas.

Ritual importance of golden shower flower

Vishu Kani
Traditional vishu kani

Onam and vishu are the most important festivals of Kerala associated with harvesting. Vishu is celebrated during the first day of the Malayalam month Medam that falls during the mid April.
Also it is the time when the cassia fistula trees are in full bloom.
Preparation of kani is one of the most important parts of vishu celebration. Truly it is the first thing to be seen in the wee hours of the day.
Traditionally people believe that good luck and prosperity for the coming year is based on the vishu kani.
Among other auspicious things, cassia fistula flower is one of the the most important items for the kani. Other things are holy lamp, gold, money, cereals, new clothes, etc.
Surely there are slight variations in this, according to different regions.
Moreover ,there is an interesting story behind the importance of golden shower flower for vishu celebration. Main character in the story is Indian deity lord Krishna, in the form of a kid.

Medicinal properties

Though the pulp taken from the fruits, is used as a laxative, it is not advisable to consume it without proper guidance.

Golden shower tree for gardens-how to grow

Propagation

We can propagate the plant through the germination of seeds, that are collected from mature ripe pods. Normally it takes about20 to 30 days for the seeds to sprout.
Likewise we can buy seedlings of the plant from nurseries.
Rarely we can find saplings underneath large trees, that are also ideal for replanting. But take care against breaking the roots while collecting the saplings.

Planting golden shower tree directly in soil

First make pits of dimensions about one foot for your golden shower plant. Then fill it with a mixture of compost and garden soil. After that we can plant our sapling in it.
When the plant reaches a height of about five feet, we can start pruning. Certainly a sharp knife or pruning shears is fine for this.
Regular pruning on an yearly basis helps to keep the plant to the required height.

Pot planting golden shower tree

Golden shower tree for gardens
Golden shower tree with flowers in a pot

Similarly we can grow our golden shower tree in pots. Large ceramic or terracotta pots are good for this.
Filling the pot with a medium, preferably a home made potting mixture prepared in the following ratio is fine.
Never forget to water the plant plant moderately on a regular basis after planting. Keep the pot in shade for a few days and gradually move to direct sunlight.
Definitely you can prune your plant as stated above, for retaining its beauty and health.

River sand25%
Garden soil25%
Compost or dried cow dung25%
Neem seed powder and bone meal25%

Golden shower tree bonsai

Golden shower tree bonsai

Surely it is one of the most beautiful flowering tropical bonsai, that we can make easily. Especially like ixora, adenium, tamarind, etc. that are other tropical flowering bonsai trees.
To start training, we can follow the steps as stated above for pot planting. After that we can decide which branches are to be retained for transforming it to a bonsai.
Using a pruning shears we can remove all the extra branches.
Further, we can start wiring our bonsai by bending the branches gently to the required directions. Soft copper or aluminium wires are good for this.
Then repot your golden shower tree bonsai every two or three years. For this, take out the whole plant out of the pot and remove 2/3 of the roots using a pruning shears.
After that, fill the pot with fresh medium and repot your bonsai.
A few years of careful training can change your golden shower sapling to a beautiful bonsai.
Finally, you can transfer your bonsai to an original bonsai pot.

Doubtlessly it can make your garden as well as balcony amazing. Especially along with other bonsai trees like ficus benjamina, ficus microcarpa, fukien tea tree, etc.
Never forget that the health and beauty of your bonsai always depend on the way you care it.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai and fencing grow it.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai fencing and landscaping, that you can try, especially for tropical home gardens. Truly it is one of the most important low maintenance plants, that can thrive in almost all places. Preferably tropical and sub tropical climates.

Definitely the blooms in clusters with a wide variety of colours, make the plant favourite of garden lovers. Bright parts around white flowers are really bracts. Poinsettia, mussaenda etc. are a few examples of such plants that are having bright bracts.

Surprisingly there are more than different 300 varieties of bougainville plants. Among these, bougainville glabra with bright bracts are the most common one.

Popularly it is known as the paper flower plant, due of the resemblance of bracts yo that of paper.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai – general features of the plant

Most of the varieties of bougainville are having thorny stems with dark green leaves.

Likewise many of them are ideal for growing in our gardens as ornamental trees. In a like manner, we can keep it as shrub through proper pruning.

Trailing bougainvillea with creepy stems, are suitable for arches and trellises.

Above all, it is one of the favourites of bonsai lovers all over the world.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai-favourable conditions for the plant

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai
Pot planted bougainville with purple flowers

Doubtlessly the frost intolerant plant can thrive in tropical, mainly warm climates. Temperature that ranges between 20-30 degree celsius is ideal.

Also bright direct sunlight is needed for bougainvillea plant to bloom well. Similarly sunlight for at least six hours a day is preferable.

Well drained medium is one of the most essential requirements for the plant. Newly planted bougainvilles need frequent watering, whereas it is not much essential for grown ups.

Feeding occasionally, especially during the flowering period, with compost or any other organic manure is fine.

Pruning or pinching new buds leads to better blooming.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai and fencing – colourful addition to home gardens.

Of course, these evergreen plants can make our gardens look gorgeous. Generally the flowers are seen in clusters, with red, pink, purple, orange, white, colours.

Pot planted bougainville with yellow flowers

Like other ornamental trees, we can grow bougainvilles for our home gardens directly in soil. We should always find a sunny place for the plant, since it has to remain there permanently.

Furthermore, these are best ornamental plants for compound walls. Preferably like other flowering and non flowering plants. Examples are lantana, jasmin, ficus trees, palms etc.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai and fencing -how to grow the plant in pots

Potted bougainvilles can make our indoors and outdoors equally fantastic. Likewise, we can keep bougainville in balconies, along with other plants.  Only requirement is availability of sunlight for at least five to six hours a day.

Propagation

Usually stem cuttings are used for the propagation of bougainvillea plants. Cuttings of about six to eight inches collected from healthy mother plants are fine. Select those with a few leaves at the tips, but avoid tender stems, as there are chances for rotting.

Dwarf and hybrid varieties of plants are available with most of the sellers.

Potting medium

Home made potting medium by combining ingredients in the following ratio is suitable for the plant.

Garden soil 25%
River sand  25%
Coco peat  25%
Mixture of bone meal and neem seed powder  25%

Always remember to cover the drainage hole with a piece of wire mesh. Filling about one inch at the bottom layer with crushed bricks helps better drainage.

Then fill ¾ of the pot with the above medium, and tuck the cutting or sapling. Avoid thickly filling the pot, since it can lead to blockage of water and stunted growth of the plant.

Furthermore, dipping the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder is preferable for better results.

Never forget to water the plant regularly. With proper caring, your bougainville roots within a period of six to eight weeks.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai
Potted bougainville with trailing stems

Keep the pot in shade till the plant gets adapted to the medium.

Gradually move the pot to partial, and finally to full bright sunlight.

Replanting the sapling is not necessary, if you use the same pot right from the beginning.

Otherwise you can take the sapling out of the pot carefully, without making damage to the stem and roots. Meanwhile, fill the pot for growing your bougainville, with the potting medium prepared as stated above. Further, plant this to the medium and repeat the same process as done in case of stem cuttings.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai and fencing-

Watering

Though frequent watering is not needed for ground planted bougainvilles, it is essential for potted plants. Wait for the draining out completely before the next watering, or when the top soil becomes dry.

Feeding your bougainville

Once the blooming starts, feed your bougainville at intervals of three to four weeks. Any water soluble organic low nitrogen fertiliser is good.

Ideal pot for the plant

Choosing pot with a dimension of at least 12” is essential for the plant to establish properly.

Anyhow you can use pots that are even larger, depending on the growth of the plant.

Frequent repotting is not necessary for this perennial.

Blooming bougainville

Under favourable conditions, it never takes more than one year for your potted bougainville to start blooming.

Once the plant starts blooming, it continues for about eight to ten months. Mostly in tropical places like Kerala, blooming starts in November and lasts till May or June.

Removing flower stalks after each blooming is preferable for speedy sprouting of new buds.

Bougainville for pot planting bonsai-one of the most beautiful flowering bonsai

Doubtlessly, bougainville is one of the most beautiful tropical flowering bonsai .

Bougainville for pot planting and bonsai
Bougainville bonsai with pink flowers

Fukien tea tree, adenium obesum, ixora, tamarind etc. are a few other plants that you can grow easily in tropical places.

Making a bougainville bonsai is also that much easy, since the steps are somewhat similar.

Training of the bonsai starts when you replant the sapling from the pot for rooting. During different stages such as pinching, pruning, wiring etc. we should take extreme care.

Equally it is important, that we should apply some aesthetic sense for making the bonsai.

Above all, specially designed pots are necessary for bonsai. Whereas, any types are enough for ordinary pot planting.

Considering the above you can try bougainville for pot planting and bonsai, that are equally interesting.

 

A Simple guide for bonsai beginners – try your own.

A simple guide for bonsai beginners. You too can try it and become a bonsai master easily.

Really the wonderful art from of bonsai was originated in China about 2000 years ago. Also, there are evidences for the existence of bonsai in Japan during the 12th century. Gradually it began to spread to different parts of the world, including India.

Usually, the plants adapted to a particular climate, are suitable for making bonsai in that place. Likewise, in India also we can use a lot of beautiful plants for this.
If you are passionate about gardening, Bonsai is the right choice for you.

My Bonsai experience.

From my experience, I can say that you will become more attached to a bonsai, than to any other plants in your garden.

Truly, I never saw a live bonsai plant before starting ours, a few years ago. Our first plant was the sapling of a banyan tree, that we collected from the old compound wall of a temple.
The pic below shows how the plant looks like now.

Ficus benghalensis ( the Banyan tree ) bonsai.

As a beginner, always try to select saplings of native plants. Because plants that thrive in a particular place or climate, can do better at different stages of bonsai training. For example, tropical trees like Tamarind, Ficus, Cassia fistula, Jade tree etc. are ideal in places like India.

Contents

Potting medium.

Before starting, let us see how to prepare a potting medium that we can use commonly at different stages.

Surely you can prepare the medium in the following ratio.

Ingredient Percent
River sand 40%
Garden soil 30%
Vermi compost ( or any other organic fertilizer) 20%
Peat moss 10%

If necessary, make slight variations to this combination according to the nature of your plant. For example succulents like the Jade plant, Adenium etc. need a medium which is more sandy, for better drainage.

Propagation

From stem cuttings

Saplings of Jade tree from stem cuttings.

We can use stem cuttings for the propagation of a lot of bonsai trees. For example different species of ficus, the Fukien tea tree, Schefflera, Jade etc.

For this, collect mature stem cuttings of about ten inches, from healthy mother plants. Dip the lower tip of the stem in a rooting hormone. Then carefully plant it about two inches deep in an ordinary terracotta pot filled 3/4 with potting medium.

Keep the pot in shade for a few days and water regularly. Gradually move it to indirect sunlight when new leaves begin to sprout. Let the plant grow as such in the same pot for one or two years.

Also add any organic liquid fertilizer diluted with water, at intervals of one or two months.

Propagation from seeds

Seedlings of Adenium plant

Definitely we can use seeds for propagation of plants like Tamarind tree, Adenium etc. for making bonsai. Never forget to use good quality seeds from mature ripe pods for this.

It is better to soak the seeds overnight to make the coats soft. Then sow the seeds about half inch deep in a pot filled with medium. Keep the pot in shade free from pests or ants, and water regularly.

Usually the seeds germinate within two or three weeks. When the seedlings grow upto a height of about six to ten inches, transfer each one carefully to separate pots. You can use the potting medium in the same ratio as stated above.

Allow the plant to grow in the same pot, till you start training your bonsai.

Propagation through saplings, directly from sellers.

For example, the sapling of the Ficus jinseng bonsai in the pic below, was bought directly from the nursery.

Ficus ginseng bonsai

Always Remember that the growth rates of plants are based on different factors. Especially like the nature of the plant, climate, the way we care it etc.

Pruning – with the simple guide for bonsai beginners you can do pruning.

Pruning is the process through which you can  remove the unnecessary branches. Before you start pruning, make sure that there are enough branches for your plant. Use a sterilized sharp knife or pruning shears for this. Applying some kind of fungicide on the wound, can prevent decaying of the stem.
Now, it is the time to apply your own artistic creativity for developing the plant.  You must have an idea about the final appearance of your bonsai. Hence observe your plant carefully before removing the branches.
Choose the right bonsai style that suits fine for your plant

Wiring

Using soft and flexible aluminium or copper wires, you can twist the branches of your plant to particular directions. For this, wind the wire gently on the branches and slowly bend it.
You should take care against breaking the branches while bending. Also avoid winding the wire too tightly, because it can leave marks on the stem. Keep your plant in this stage carefully, and water regularly. Also feed the plant occasionally with diluted liquid organic fertilizer.
After a few months, your bonsai will become ready to transfer to an original bonsai pot.

Wiring a Ficus benjamina bonsai.

Re potting – with the simple guide for bonsai beginners.

For re potting, first take the plant out of the pot carefully along with the soil. Then remove the soil and prune 2/3 of the roots using a sharp knife or pruning shears.

Root pruning of a Schefflera bonsai.

Meanwhile prepare the bonsai pot for replanting your bonsai.  You can use the same wire to hold the plant tight in the pot.

Original bonsai pot ready to replant.

Final Steps:

  • Transfer the plant to the bonsai pot and tie the trunk tightly with the wire through the holes of the pot.
  • After that, fill 3/4 of the pot with the potting medium.
  • Keep the pot in shade for a few days, and gradually move to partial sunlight.

Your favourite bonsai is ready, and you can keep it anywhere in your garden.

Learn Growing Bush Pepper in pots.

Bush Pepper

Learn Growing Bush Pepper in pots, which is really very easy to follow. Black Pepper, the King of Spices is an important ingredient in our kitchens of Kerala. It is commonly used for adding flavor to dishes all over the world. Also it is one of the main component in a lot of Ayurvedic medicines. Moreover we can make home remedies for a number of ailments with this wonderful berry. However, without any doubt we can say that black pepper is an unavoidable thing in our day to day life.Usually black pepper is much more expensive, when compared to other spices. For this reason it is popularly known as Black Gold.

Learn Growing Bush Pepper in pots, which is really very easy to follow. Truly Black Pepper, the King of Spices is an important ingredient in our kitchen. It is commonly used for adding flavor to dishes all over the world. Also it is one of the main component in a lot of Ayurvedic medicines. Moreover we can make home remedies for a number of ailments with this wonderful berry. However, without any doubt we can say that black pepper is an unavoidable thing in our day to day life.Usually black pepper is uch more expensive, when compared to other spices. For this reason it is popularly known as Black Gold.

Bush pepper

Advantages of growing bush pepper plants.

When compared to pepper vine, there are many advantages for growing bush pepper.

  1. Pepper vines always need supporting trees, whereas bush pepper plants grow independently
  2. Generally pepper plants are shade loving. Hence we have to find permanent places for pepper vines. But we can place the pots anywhere according to our convenience
  3. Actually plucking berries from a height of more than ten meters is practically a hectic. But we can collect the corns easily from our bush pepper plants. Usually this plant grows to a maximum height of about two feet
  4. Definitely, the bush pepper plants add beauty to our garden like any other ornamental plants. Hence we can place it in our front yards as well

How to grow Bush Pepper plants.

Bush pepper sapling

Let us see the simple steps to grow Bush Pepper plants.

  1. Bush Pepper – Selection of saplings.

    Pepper plants are propagated through stem cuttings. We can use the rooted lateral branches from ordinary pepper plants for developing bush pepper. It is better to select stem cuttings with three to five nodes. Also you can buy saplings directly from sellers.Then plant these cuttings in small grow bags filled with potting medium. Preferably gravel, sand and fertilizer in the ratio 1: 1: 1. Cattle manure or any other organic fertilizer is equally good. Keep the plant in shade for three to four weeks and water regularly.

  2. Bush Pepper – Replanting.

    Meanwhile, prepare the pots for your bush pepper. It is better to use comparatively bigger pots. Fill the pots with mixture in the same ratio as stated above. Also ensure proper drainage for the pots. After that, take out the saplings carefully from the grow bags along with soil. Then plant four or five saplings in the same pot.

  3. Bush Pepper – Caring -Learn growing Bush Pepper in pots.

    Keep the pot in partial sunlight and water twice daily. Add fertilizer at intervals of every two or three months.Also you can prune the vines when it grows longer. Use a sharp knife or shears for cutting. Truly pruning keeps your Bush pepper plants retain health and beauty.Indeed, with proper caring your bush pepper plants begin to produce fruits within one year.

Usually, we get pepper corns through out the year from the same plant. Hence you can also use green pepper that makes certain dishes more tasty.Try to grow at least two or three bush pepper plants in your garden. And enjoy the freshness of the King of Spices.

Black pepper corns – Dried in Sun

Grow Money Plants Indoors, through simple steps.

Grow Money Plants Indoors, through simple steps.

Grow Money Plants Indoors, through simple steps . The Plant has got its name from the belief that it brings good luck to the house where it grows. Also it is known by different names such as Pothos, Devils ivy, Silver wine etc. The green waxy heart shaped leaves are symbols of happiness. Usually people keep Money Plants in the south east corner of the house. Experts in vastu sastra and feng shui recommend keeping Money Plants in houses and offices, for prosperity.Besides, studies have already proved its properties to purify the air by absorbing toxins and poisonous gases. Hence, no doubt we can keep it anywhere in our houses, especially in the kitchen.Though there are different varieties of Money Plants, the one with dark green shiny leaves, is common. Generally the plant grows well in almost all climates. Money Plant is a creeper that climbs on supporting trees. But growing it as bush in pots, is more convenient to keep indoors. Moreover it is much prettier than the hanging type.Also, you can try your own styles for making supports, if you like to grow it as a creeper.

Any styles can be tried for making a creeper Money Plant
Creeper like style

However, it is very easy to grow this lucky plant in the garden or indoors. The plant grows equally well in water and hence a soil medium is not an essential thing. Usually stem cuttings are used for propagation.

Let’s see How to Grow Money Plants Indoors.

  1. First collect cuttings from good quality, healthy plants. Especially those having at least two or three nodes. Remove old leaves, shorten the long roots and make it ready to plant.
  2. Meanwhile, select your pot for the plant. Truly you can choose any type of vessel, even one from your old collection from the kitchen cupboards.
  3. Then fill the pot with fresh water and add a few drops of organic liquid fertiliser to it.
  4. Gently place the cuttings in to the pot, and your lucky plant is ready. Keep at any place in your house, preferably near the widows.
Growing Money Plant Indoors use any pots you like
Money Plant in a pot

How to maintain your Money Plants.

Indeed, proper caring is most important for the healthy growth of your Money Plant. Always ensure sufficient water in the pot. Add fertiliser at regular intervals, as it is the only source of nutrition for the plant. Try to maintain the texture of the leaves by gently wiping it with a damp cloth or sponge. Certainly your Money Plant will grow well and new shoots begin to sprout from the nodes.

Money Plants – Pruning.

Occasionally, take the whole plants out from the pot, cut the longer shoots and roots. Then replant using fresh water with added fertiliser.Also you can use potting medium for growing Money Plants. A mixture of sand, gravel and any organic fertiliser in the ratio 1:1:1 is ideal. You can use any type of pots with proper drainage. But, always keep it in a tray so as to prevent wetting of the floor.

Money plants are ideal gifts on various occasionsMoney Plants are ideal gifts too.So follow the above simple tips and try to grow your own Money Plant. Above all, enjoy the positive energy, prosperity and all other good luck that flow endlessly to your home.