Down to earth

The plant is the dwarf form of Bryophyllum plant that flowers in February and March

The plant (as seen in the photo above) is the dwarf form of Bryophyllum (patherchat) plant that flowers in February and March. The long lasting blooms appear in bunches at the terminals and the quantity of flowers is quite dense. The purpose of showing this plant is that this is the time it multiplies,using the leaves. The leaf of the plant is removed with petiole (the leaf extension) and about half of the leaf is inserted in growing medium that could be sand or soil (see the inset photo). After a few days,new plantlets emerge. These can be removed and planted in pots to make independent plants. It is better to plant them in small pots as the plants are dwarf and a mass display makes for an excellent impact.

The leaves of my papaya plant are drying by turning yellow. What could be the reason and how can I stop it?

Vipin,Panchkula

The yellowing of basal leaves of papaya is due to stagnant water in the plant basin,even if it was for a few hours,or if there was excess moisture around it. This is common during monsoon. One should try to plant papaya at some height and away from the place where water from the garden is likely to accumulate. Improve the drainage,and your plant will revive.

Story continues below this ad

I had tied gooty (air layering) to my nimbu plant and I can see a few roots growing in

the polythene. What should

I do now?

Ashok,Panchkula

Make a crack in the twig towards the plants main stem,where it will be detached. Let it hang for three to four days and then remove it with a secateur (pruning shears). Remove the polythene cover and plant it afresh in a pot or soil. Water it.

I have seen a few dirty coloured and green larvae

on my lemon plants. They are eating leaves. What are these insects and how can I control them?

Sangeeta,Chandigarh

Story continues below this ad

By your description,I conclude that these are lemon butterfly larvae that look like bird droppings in the initial stage and then turn green. You can control them mechanically by throwing them down and crushing or spray rogor,dissolved at two millilitre to a litre of water.

As there is a gap in rainfall now,should I water my Chandni plants that are placed in pots? Also please let me know whether bougainvilleas can be propagated by cuttings or by gooty method?

Savita,Mohali

The drooping of leaves in the Chandni planted in pots is the best indication that the plant needs water. Yes,bougainvillea can be propagated by both

these methods.

For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Tags:
chandigarh