Four Flowering Bonsai Plants – try to grow your own easily.

Four Flowering Bonsai Plants – you can grow easily. Actually bonsai is the art form of growing miniature trees in pots. Especially, with all the characteristic features of the trees that grow in nature. Surely, most of us are familiar with common bonsai trees like those from the Ficus family. For example, Ficus religiosa, benghalensis, retusa etc. Of course, these are beautiful bonsai trees, but we can grow a lot of flowering bonsai as well.I will introduce a few flowering  plants, that we can grow easily as bonsai.Preferably, in tropical places like India and South East Asian countries.

1. Bougainvillea bonsai.

Truly, all of us are familiar with this plant, bearing beautiful flowers in bunches. The bright coloured petal like parts are bracts and the  star like white flowers are very small in size. We can find Bougainville plants with flowers of different colours. Among these, Bougainville glabra with thin paper like flowers are common and the widely used one for making bonsai.The Bougainville plants can thrive well in warm climates. No doubt, it is one of the most suitable plants for bonsai in tropical regions. Above all, the plant needs a good supply of water with proper drainage. Also ensure sunlight for at least six hours a day.

Usually the thorny Bougainville plants grow as bush wine or trees. Hence, we can train them to any of the popular bonsai styles. Best method for propagation is through stem cuttings. The woody stem has the tendency to break, and hence we should take care while wiring.

2. Ixora Bonsai.

Ixora bonsai One of the Easily Growing Flowering Bonsai
Ixora Bonsai with white flowers.
Ixora plants with flowers in different colours, are ideal for making bonsai. Generally, the dwarf varieties with flowers in bunches make ixora bonsai really awesome. Pink, red, orange, white etc are commonly found colours.
Indeed, we can use stem cuttings for propagation. After all, the plant grows well in warm climates, and hence it is most suitable for making bonsai in tropical regions. A slightly acidic soil medium is ideal for ixora plants. Always keep the medium moist by watering with adequate drainage. Besides, adding organic fertilizer at regular intervals can keep the plant beautiful and healthy. Proper wiring and pruning can change the plant to a beautiful art piece.

3. Cassia fistula or the Golden Shower tree.

Cassia fistula is one of the Easily Growing Flowering Bonsai in tropical regions.
Cassia fistula or The Golden Shower tree.
Cassia fistula, is a very common flowering tree found in south east Asian regions. Surprisingly, the attractive yellow flowers make it the favorite of bonsai lovers. The seeds collected from pods, are used for cultivation. Well drained moist soil and bright sunlight are the favourable conditions for proper growth of cassia fistula bonsai trees.

4. The Fukien tea tree or Carmona retusa.

One of the Easily Growing Flowering Bonsai
The Fukien tea tree or Carmona retusa.
Small shiny leaves, white star like flowers, green and orange bead like fruits etc. are the main attractions of this plant. Moreover, we can train the plants to any of the required bonsai styles.Mentioned above, are only a few examples of flowering bonsai trees.
However, I will share with you later the details regarding cultivation, training etc. in respect of each of them.
In short, try to grow any of these four flowering bonsai plants. Make your garden as well as your home really awesome.

Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners – you too can try.


Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners – you too can try it. In nature, trees that grow in particular regions or climates, have its own special features. For example, in a place where heavy wind blows, the trees grow in a slanting way. Likewise, with proper training we can make bonsai trees in such a way, to give it the natural look. Usually, the different styles are based on the orientation of the trunks. Here I am introducing a few basic bonsai styles, that are simple and easy to follow.

1. Formal Upright Style.

Formal upright style bonsai
Formal upright style bonsai ( Ficus benjamina).

Truly, we can find this style where trees are exposed to direct sunlight. Usually the trunks are straight, thicker at the bottom and tapering gradually towards the tip. Also the branches start growing from 1/4 the length of the trunk from the base. The branches are distributed in such a way that the longer ones at the bottom, and shortens towards the tip. Actually, this symmetry gives a triangular shape to the bonsai. Coniferous trees like Juniper, Pine etc. are the best ones for making the formal upright style bonsai. Also we can try trees like Ficus benjamina, retusa etc. in tropical regions.

2. Informal Upright Style.


Informal upright style bonsai
Informal upright style bonsai ( the Fukien tea tree).

The informal upright style is somewhat similar to the formal upright. The tip of the trees are directly above the base, but the trunks are slightly twisted. Definitely, we can make an informal upright bonsai through proper training and wiring.

3. Slanting Style Bonsai.


Slanting Style Bonsai Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Slanting Style Bonsai ( Ficus benghalensis).

In nature, trees tend to grow sideways in a slanting style due to certain factors like heavy wind, snow fall etc. Surely we can train our bonsai plants to this style. The Jade tree, Bougainville etc are suitable for the slanting style.

4. Cascade Style Bonsai.


 Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Cascade Style Bonsai ( Ficus microcarpa).

Trees growing on high rocks or cliffs tend to bend downwards like a cascade. Surely, we can make cascade style bonsai through proper training and wiring. Usually, we use tall pots for growing cascade style bonsai.

5. Semi Cascade Style Bonsai.


Basic Bonsai  Styles for Beginners
Semi Cascade Style Bonsai ( Bougainvillea).

This style is more or less like the cascade style. First, the tree grows upright for a short length and bend sideways. But the trunk never goes below the bottom of the pot.

6. Broom Style Bonsai.


Broom Style Bonsai Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
Broom Style Bonsai ( Ficus benjamina).

In this style, the trees have an upright trunk with branches spreading around at the tip like an umbrella. Surely, we can train a lot of trees like Ficus longisland etc to the broom style.

7. Forest Style Bonsai.

Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners
     Forest Style Bonsai (Tamarind tree)

In this style, we grow and train a group of trees, especially that belong to the same species. Usually the group contains odd numbers of trees with the tallest one in the middle.

In short, the bonsai styles mentioned above, are the commonly found ones. Preferably, the Basic Bonsai Styles for Beginners. However, try to grow your own as it is much easier for you to grow and maintain these styles.

There are a lot more bonsai styles, that are really awesome and attractive. Of course, I will try to share about it in my next post.


Simple Kerala Ginger Curry – make it easily.

Try the recipe for Simple Kerala Ginger Curry ( Inchi Curry). Truly, it is the same legendary dish, the clever girl prepared for the scholar who demanded nooru curry, for lunch. In Malayalam language, nooru means hundred. Really this dish will be an exhilarating experience to your taste buds. Definitely, you can enjoy a meal only with this ginger curry and boiled rice. Indeed, you won’t bother about any other side dishes. Because, it is quite clear, right from the name itself, as the dish is equivalent to a hundred dishes.

Moreover, it is an unavoidable item for sadya, the feast served on a cut banana leaf. For example, on festivals like Onam, Vishu etc. and functions such as marriage or house warming.

Surely, I will share with you the recipe for the Simple Kerala Ginger Curry. Especially, for the dish with an absolute combination of hot, sweet and sour tastes.

Ingredients needed:

Simple Kerala Ginger Curry tasty dish equivalent to hundred dishes
Ingredients for Simple Kerala Ginger Curry
  • Ginger – 100 gms
  • Shallots ( peeled and chopped) – 50 gms
  • Green chillies ( chopped) – 3 nos
  • Coconut cut into small pieces – 2 tbsp
  • Cashmiri chilli powder – 1 tbsp
  • Coriander powder – 2tbsp
  • Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
  • Tamarind ( soaked in water) – Size of a lemon
  • Coconut oil – 2 tbsp
  • Salt – to taste
  • Water – as needed
  • Jaggery – 2 tsp

For seasoning:

  • Mustard – 1 tsp
  • Curry leaves – 2 sprigs
  • Red chilli cut into pieces – 3nos
  • Coconut oil – 1 tbsp

How to make:

First, peel wash and cut the ginger into small pieces. Then, grind it in the mixer jar. Squeeze, and keep the juice and residue separately.

Next, heat oil in a pan and fry the coconut pieces. Add chopped shallots, green chillies and ginger residue. Fry for a few minutes till the ginger turns golden brown.

Simple Kerala Ginger Curry equivalent to hundred dishes
Fry ingredients for Simple Kerala Ginger Curry

Meanwhile, squeeze the tamarind in water and filter the juice. Mix chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and salt to the juice. Add this mixture to the pan and stir well.

Above all, add the most important ingredient – ginger juice ( preferably add according to your required quantity).

Cover the pan with a lid, and cook on a medium flame till the gravy thickens. Finally, add jaggery, for a perfect blending of all flavors. Also it gives the delicious aroma to our ginger curry.

Seasoning:

Heat oil in a pan and splutter mustard. Then, fry curry leaves and red chilies together. Add this to the ginger curry. And your favorite Simple Kerala Ginger Curry is ready,

Simple Kerala Ginger Curry equivalent to hundred dishes
Ginger Curry

Try to make this simple, healthy, tasty dish, and enjoy the real taste of Kerala.

( In Malayalam language, another meaning for the word nooru, is extract or juice🙂. You can read the story from Aithihyamala ( meaning: Garland of Stories) a centuries old collection of stories ).

………..

5 Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens – grow your own.

5 Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens – grow your own. Definitely, you must grow these plants in your kitchen garden. Because they are effective medicines as well. We can use these plants as home remedies for a number of ailments. Especially, for common problems like cold, fever, stomach upset, insect bites etc. However, let us have a look at these wonderful creations of Mother Nature.

1. 5 Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens – Turmeric.

Truly, it is the most important plant you must grow in your kitchen garden.

Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens Turmeric

Turmeric plants.

Studies have proved the medicinal values of Curcumin, the most important content present in turmeric. Indeed, turmeric is one of the main ingredients for making a lot of medicines. It is really a blessing to have at least one turmeric plant in our kitchen garden. Especially, in emergencies like insect bites, stomach upset etc.

You can read from here, the simple tips for growing turmeric plants in your garden.

2. Ginger.

Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens Ginger
Ginger plants.

No doubt, most of us use ginger in our kitchen frequently. Generally ginger is classified as a herb or spice. Above all, it is a wonderful medicine that we can use either afresh or in the dried form. For example, fresh ginger juice mixed with lemon juice is an effective remedy for nausea and vomiting. Likewise, we use different combinations of dried ginger powder, for a lot of ailments.

3. Curry leaves

Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens Curry leaves plants.
The Curry leaves plants.

Certainly, curry leaves are wonderful sources of vitamins. In addition, we can use it as effective remedy for a lot of health conditions. Likewise, consuming curry leaves in empty stomach lowers cholesterol levels. Hence we must grow at least one curry leaf plant in our kitchen garden.4. The Moringa or Drumstick plant.Usually the tree grows up to a height of about ten metres. But we can grow it as a bush easily in our kitchen garden. Because, a lot of hybrid varieties are now available. In addition to drumstick fruits, all parts of this plant are effective medicines. Preferably, for health conditions like anaemia, hypertension etc. A fine paste made of Moringa leaves and salt, can make wonders in curing inflammation and joint pain.

Medicinal plants in kitchen gardens Black Pepper
Black Pepper plants in pots.

5. 5 Medicinal plants in kitchen Gardens – Black Pepper.

Though Black pepper is considered as the king of spices, it is a wonderful herb as well. Moreover, it is one of the main ingredients in almost all Ayurvedic medicines. Generally, the pepper plants are creepers that climb on supporting trees. But we can grow it in pots, commonly called bush pepper. Truly, we can use fresh pepper corns for a lot of ailments like fever, cough etc.In short, you can grow these plants in your kitchen garden very easily. Hence, try to grow at least one plant each, so that you can stop worrying. Especially, at times when you have to face attacks of minor ailments. Definitely I will share with you in my next post, the recipes for certain remedies, in detail.

Make Tasty Kerala Karimeen Mappas

Karimeen Mappas.
Tasty Kerala Karimeen Mappas – Try to make it. Surely, we can make a lot of tasty dishes with Karimeen, or the Green chromide. Truly it is the state fish of Kerala, God’s own country. Definitely, you can taste it when you visit Kumarakom, the famous aqua tourism spot in Kerala. However, I am sharing with you, the simple recipe for Karimeen Mappas. Indeed, it is one of the most delicious dishes, we can make with Karimeen. Especially, with very few ingredients.Time for preparation – 30 minutes.Time for cooking – 30 minutes

How to make it :

Ingredients needed.

Karimeen – Two nos. ( Generally, it weighs about 350 gms, cleaned and cut into pieces.)

  • Onion – One (Preferably, medium size).
  • Green chilies – Three ( or according to your taste).
  • Ginger ( finely chopped) – One tsp
  • Tomato – One ( medium size)
  • Coconut ( grated)-1 1/2 cups
  • Red chilli powder – 1 tsp.
  • Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp.
  • Coconut oil – 2 tbsp.
  • Mustard – 1/4 tsp.
  • Fenugreek – 1/4 tsp.
  • Curry leaves – Two sprigs.
  • Kudampuli ( Garcinia or Malabar tamarind) – Five pieces.
  • Salt – To taste
  • Water – As needed.
Tasty Kerala Karimeen mappas very few ingredients needed.
Ingredients
How to prepare:

Step 1.

First, remove fins, scales and inards of the fish. Clean it, and cut each fish in to three pieces. Keep it aside.

Step 2.

Then, heat oil in a pan, splutter mutad, add fenugreek and curry leaves. Next, add sliced green chillies and chopped ginger. Saute in a medium flame till the onion slices turn transparent. Finally, add tomato pieces and fry for a few more minutes and turn of the flame.

Step 3.

Meanwhile, grind grated coconut along with chilli powder and turmeric powder. Make it into a fine paste. Dilute the paste adding sufficient water.

Step 4.

Finally, mix the ingredients prepared by steps 2 & 3 with the fish. Likewise, add Kudampuli and salt. Also, Ensure enough consistency by adding sufficient water.

Step 5.

Then, cook the Karimeen mappas on a high flame for a few minutes. Once it begins to boil, stir gently with a spoon and lower the flame.

Step 6.

Keep the Karimeen mappas on the low flame for about ten to fifteen minutes. When the gravy becomes thick, remove it from the stove. And, your delicious Karimeen mappas is ready.

Karimeen Mappas tasty Kerala Fish curry  eat with boiled rice
Karimeen Mappas.
Usually, we use earthen pots and wooden spoons while cooking Kerala style fish curry. Because, then only we can experience the actual taste.

Surely, Seer Fish and White Pomphret (Avoli), are equally good for making Mappas.With this in mind, try to make the tasty Karimeen Mappas. Definitely, you will enjoy it with boiled rice or tapioca.

Tasty Kerala Karimeen Mappas only few ingredients needed to make it.
Karimeen Mappas try to make it.

Fight depression with food, that is cheap and easily available .

Fight depression with food, that is cheap and easily available. In this fast and busy world, a lot of people from different age groups are suffering from stress. Especially employed women who are house wives as well. No doubt, our children are also not free from tension due to the present system of education. Actually serious health issues like hypertension, diabetes, heart failure etc. are the final results of leading a stress filled life. We can easily find a solution to this problem by including certain food items in our diet. Always remember that there is no need to spend any extra money for this. But wisely select your menu by including things that are cheap as well as readily available.Let us have a look at certain foodstuffs that are medicines too.

1. Leafy vegetables.

Spinach cooked with food, healthy and delicious.
Spinach cooked with coconut.
Without any doubt we can say that leafy vegetables are rich sources of folates. Truly, Folates produce neurotransmitters that can control our mental health. Different types of Spinach, moringa leaves etc are leafy vegetables that we can grow easily in our kitchen garden. Hence try to include any of these in your diet at least four or five times in a week.

2. Banana, Fight depression with food that is cheap and easily available.

Ripe bananas are rich sources of calcium and potassium
Ripe bananas.
Actually banana fruits are effective remedy for a number of physical conditions like hypertension, anaemia etc that leads to depression. Also the proteins and vitamins in banana increases the production of serotonin, a very important neurotransmitter. Really our happiness and peace of mind depend upon the production of serotonin in our body. Hence it is better to include banana in your diet daily. Especially it is one of the cheapest fruits available in almost all parts of the world.

3. Fatty fish.

Better to cook fish with coconut and minimum spices
Fish cooked with coconut and garcinia.
Usually sardines, tuna etc. are varieties of fish that can be classified as fatty. Moreover they are rich sources of Omega three fatty acids that is essential for the proper functioning of the brain . Actually the omega three fatty acids, helps to reduce the production of cortisol, the hormone that causes stress. Definitely, try to include fish in your diet at least three or four times a week.

4. Milk and Yogurt, Fight depression with food that is cheap and easily available .

Milk is the wonderful source of calcium.
A glass of hot Milk.
Milk and milk products such as yogurt, are rich sources of calcium and vitamin B. It can protect the nerve cells that activate the brain. Therefore, try to consume at least a glass of milk or any other milk product equivalent to it, on a daily basis.

5. Green tea.

The anti oxidants and amino acid called l- theanine present in green tea helps to keep our mind calm and peaceful. So make green tea a habit to prevent a lot of ailments such as obesity, cardiac disorders etc.

6. Oats.

Oats is often considered as a cheaper food stuff. Surprisingly it is a super food that raises serotonin, the anti depressant hormone. Also it can control blood sugar, cholesterol etc. Remember, a breakfast with a combination of oats and milk makes your day refreshing and healthy.

7. Avocado or butter fruit.

Certainly, this fruit is a wonderful source of vitamins B and E that reduces stress . Also it contains another anti oxidant called glutathione that removes unwanted fats from the body.Similarly, there are a lot of other food stuffs that are also effective remedies for depression. I will share with you in detail, in my next post.With this in mind, try to make slight changes in your diet by adding at least a few of the above. Also experience the changes and wellness that gradually occurring within you.

Grow and Care Jade Bonsai – Learn How.

Learn to grow Jade bonsai- it brings luck and prosperity.
Jade Bonsai – Jade by the door poor no more.
Grow and Care Jade Bonsai – Learn How.There is a belief, that keeping a Jade plant in your home brings prosperity. Hence Vastu and Feng shui experts recommend to keep this plant in houses and offices. Likewise the Jade plant is known in different names such as Money tree, Lucky plant etc. Above all remember the old saying, “Jade by the door poor no more”.
It is very easy to grow Jade tree to any styles of bonsai.
Jade Bonsai – slanting style.
Jade, is an evergreen tree with thick branches and fleshy leaves. Truly it is a native of South Africa and grows abundantly in the forests. Also, this succulent is the favourite of elephants. Hence it is popularly known as the elephant bush. Indeed the heart shaped fleshy dark green leaves resemble the precious stone Jade.
The heart shaped Jade leaves resemble precious stone Jade
Heart shaped Jade leaves –    resemble precious stone ‘Jade’.
The beautifu branches and small leaves make the plant ideal for making bonsai. There are different species of the Jade plant. But the most suitable and common one for making a bonsai is Portulacaria afra. Especially the plant thrives well in humid as well as temperate climates.However, you can grow a Jade bonsai, through very simple steps.

Propagation.

Definitely you can use stem cuttings for propagation of the Jade plant.
Always select branches from healthy plants free from any kind of diseases. Also it is possible to grow jade plants from leaves, but it needs more time to develop. Definitely the most important thing is the preparation of medium for growing the plants. Always ensure proper drainage for the potting mixture.
Jade Bonsai is propagated from stem cuttings.
Saplings of Jade tree – from cuttings

Preparation of potting medium for Jade Bonsai.

Make a mixture with 40% river sand, 30% garden soil and 30% fertilizer. Indeed you can use well dried and powdered cow dung or any other organic manure.
First, put a few pieces of broken bricks in the bottom of the pot. Then fill the pot with potting mixture and carefully plant the cutting in it.

Caring for Jade Bonsai.

Keep the pot in diffused sunlight for a few days and water regularly. But do not over water, as it may cause the plant to decay. Within two or three weeks new shoots and roots develop.
Then gradually move the pot to direct sunlight. Always keep in mind that the tree needs bright sunlight. Above all care the plant properly. Water regularly, preferably twice daily. Add some liquid organic fertilizer at intervals of three to four months. Within one year, the trunk develops with a lot of branches.
There are different species of Jade Tree.
Sapling of Jade tree white – a very rare species.

Pruning for Jade Bonsai.

Really from this stage you can try your artistic talent for developing your bonsai. Remove extra branches using a sharp knife or cutting shears. Apply some  fungicide on the wounds, as a precaution against any kind of infection.

Wiring for Jade Bonsai.

Wiring gives the required shape to your bonsai. Surely you can use soft aluminium or copper wires . But extreme care should be taken while wiring the branches. Never wind it too tightly, as it may leave wounds on the fleshy stem. Definitely the beauty of your bonsai depends on the way you care it.

Repotting your Jade Bonsai.

After about two years you can do repotting. Carefully take out the plant from the pot, remove one third of the roots using a sharp knife. Consequently transfer the plant to another original bonsai pot. Repeat the same steps for making potting medium as stated above. Finally your Jade bonsai is ready. Keep it in your house, office or wherever you like.

Diseases.

Generally the Jade plant is resistant to diseases, if you care it properly. Sometimes black spots appear on the leaves and stem due to over watering.
Really Jade plant is the most suitable one for bonsai beginners.
Try to grow a Jade bonsai, enjoy the endless flow of energy, good luck and prosperity in your life.

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.

How to grow Red spinach – try your own from seeds.

How to grow Red spinach  – try your own from seeds. This common leafy vegetable is one of the main ingredients that we use very often. Irrespective of regional differences, the most commonly used one is the Red spinach. However, it is very easy to grow this wonder source of vitamins in your kitchen garden .

Really, we can make a lot of nutritious and delicious dishes with this. Children as well as grown ups equally enjoy it. The attractive and colourful soup made of Red spinach is so tasty and rich in vitamins. Hence no doubt, even children who are reluctant to vegetables, will easily consume it. Moreover, the spinach cutlet is a very nutritious substitute, for those who opt veg dishes.

Let’s learn how to grow Red spinach in your kitchen garden. Truly, it is a short term vegetable and there is no need to wait much longer for harvesting.

With a very few simple steps, you can easily learn how to grow Red spinach in your kitchen garden.

Usually, we grow Red spinach from seeds, whereas some other types are produced from stem cuttings.

Step 1. Collection of seeds – How to grow Red spinach from seeds – try your own.

Red spinach seeds
Red spinach seeds

First, collect good quality mature well dried seeds. You can either buy it from sellers or collect from mother plants. The cluster like flowers contain lots of seeds that is easy to collect.

Step 2. Preparation of medium for sowing.

Surely the second step is preparation of medium for sowing seeds. You can use garden soil mixed with sand and fertilizer in the ratio 1: 1: 1. Preferably use any organic fertilizer or well dried and powdered cow dung.

Step 3. Sowing seeds – How to grow Red spinach from seeds – try your own.

Fill 3/ 4 part of a tray with the medium and sow the seeds carefully. It is better to mix the seeds with some semolina or crushed rice. This is to avoid the attack from ants. Also you can place the tray in a much larger one that contains water.

Keep it as such in shade and water regularly. But avoid over watering to prevent decaying of seeds.

Usually the seeds sprout within four or five days.

Step 4. Replanting seedlings.

Meanwhile prepare the bed, for replanting seedlings, especially with loose soil. Keep the medium with the same ratio as stated in step 2. Remember, the plant needs bright sunlight.

Indeed you can replant the seedlings when it attain the height of about two inches.

Moreover, the plant grows well in pots and grow bags. Also you can try this method if there is not enough space in the garden.

Make small holes in the prepared bed with a gap of about one foot. Carefully uproot the seedlings one after the other from the the tray and plant in the bed.

Always keep in mind that evening is the best time to replant seedlings. Otherwise, there are chances of getting it dried in the hot sun. Also give slight shade if necessary.

So your spinach garden is ready. Water regularly, especially in the morning and evening. Occasionally add fertilizer, preferably dried and powdered cow dung. Weeding is a must for keeping your plants healthy.

Replant the seedlings when it attains  about two inch height.
Red spinach seedlings replanted on a bed

Gladly watch your spinach growing day by day.

Certainly, you can harvest your crops after thirty or thirty five days.

Mature Red spinach plants are harvested along with roots.
Red spinach harvested ready to use.

Try this easy way of growing Red spinach, make your favorite dishes with it and enjoy.