Down To Earth

Reader Dr Jaspreet of PGI has sent us the accompanying picture of the dying ‘lucky bamboo’. He has also written that he had added fresh water to the shoots. First things first,the plant name has nothing to do with the identification of the plant. In fact,this is a dracaena plant that is normally used for indoor display. The answer is in the query itself. The fresh water carries chlorine and fluorine that are both detrimental to the plant health. Use only the stored water. Also do not add excess water. Add some pebbles and let the water keep only the plant feet wet. It is better to keep the plant at a place where it gets maximum light. The present condition of plant shows the yellowing and blackening of twigs which also results in irreversible shrinking. Press them and you will find softening also. The shoots are bound to die. However,you can remove the emerging green shoots with a part of slip (small portion) of wood and keep them in water as usual.

In case of a flower named Nargis,what are the other recognisable names in local dialect,known to local gardeners. When and where can it be seen in gardens/parks?
G.L. Sachdeva,Panchkula

Nargis is the vernacular name for a plant and is well known to the local gardeners. It is normaly not grown in parks or gardens as it is vulnerable to be plucked due to sweet fragrance. The gardeners however use this flower for beds and as cut flower.

Please tell me about the frequency of watering peaches (variety Parbhat) till harvesting?
Raminder,Panchkula

Presently you can water peaches at weekly interval. The Parbhat is available by last week of April. As the temperature keeps rising,increase the frequency to three days.

This time we saw very big blooms of lilium and Bird of Paradise in flower shows. Can these be grown here?
Savita,Chandigarh

Yes,these can successfully be grown in the environs of Chandigarh.

Story continues below this ad

Can we start planting seeds of summer annuals. Also please inform when I can sow bhindi. Any precautions?
Mukesh,Mohali

You can start sowing of summer annual seeds. By the time your winter annuals will be over,the summer seedlings will be ready. You can sow bhindi now. Dip the seed overnight and then sow it the next morning.

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