Down To Earth

Talk about the begonia and coloured foliage plants in pots with different textures come to mind.

Talk about the begonia and coloured foliage plants in pots with different textures come to mind. Next thing that one thinks about,are the small bunches of flowers,not very significant or bold,but wonderful to look at. But there is another class of begonias the tuberous begonias that give bold and very striking coloured blooms. There is,however,still another class,the trailing begonias,that too bear bright coloured blooms. See the accompanying picture. The trailing begonias make excellent basket plants. One of the biggest advantages is that the plant needs moist soil but not much water. It suits the basket culture very much.

Can I uproot my lawn now in order to lay fresh grass? If no,then what is the best time to do so?

Richa,Chandigarh

Yes Richa,what are you waiting for. This is the right time to do so. Uprooting the lawn now and exposing it to hot sun will burn the obnoxious weeds and also kill insects.

Now a days the plants are getting injured due to harsh sun. How can I protect my indoor plants? Arshi,Chandgarh

Arshi,why have you kept indoor plants out in the sun? In case you live in upper stories,you can erect a green shade net. If on ground,keep the plants under the shade of a tree or in verandah where you get only the morning sun.

Plesae let me know whether I can multiply my poinsettia now? If so what is the procedure? Rachna Slath,Zirakpur

Yes,you can multiply poinsettia now. Take only the hardwood cutting. The terminal cuttings are hollow and are not used for propagation

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How frequently should I water my cacti? Presently I am watering them at weekly interval. These have been kept out in the balcony. Anish,Panchkula

Don’t think the cacti need less water. Unlike the damaged open specimens,these domestic cacti have to be given regular water or else they may shrivel or die. Since you are living on an upper story and your cacti are being kept on the terrace,there is every chance of these getting ‘burnt. Water them every day,preferably at night. (For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in)

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