Down To Earth

We sometimes refer to nature as mother nature,simply because it nurtures its young ones,just like a mother does.

We sometimes refer to nature as mother nature,simply because it nurtures its young ones,just like a mother does. In the accompanying picture,that of Bryophyllum or the Pathar Chat,one can spot young plants growing on the margin of the parent plants leaves. Eventually,these fall on the ground and grow as individual plants. Bryophyllum is a hardy plant and can be multiplied even by burying a part of its leaf. The flowers appear as a bunch on the stalk that grows taller than the plant.

I have a malpighia plant that is well-established. Can I multiply it by way of cuttings and,if so,can I do it now?

Sudesh,Panchkula

You can do it now,but waiting till the monsoon may help in better growth .

My adenium plant is getting plump on one side near the base. What could be the reason? Is it some disease?

Sarita,Chandigarh

Just scrap a bit at the base,on the side of the swollen stem. If it is brown,watery and plump,it means its rotting. Remove the rot till you reach the healthy tissues. Transfer the plant to a new pot but make sure there is no stagnation of water in the pot.

I recently saw a good flowering plant at a friends house. It has flowers of many colours and some of the plants have mixed-coloured blooms. It seems to be growing well in partial shade. What plant is this and how can it be multiplied?

Dayal Singh,Chandigarh

In all probability,it is impatience. This plant can be multiplied easily through its cuttings. Take cuttings which are three- to four-inches-long and plant them in soil. Make sure the soil is kept moist.

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For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@pau.edu

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