Winter watch

The accompanying picture is that of Traveller Palm. This is one of those plants that attracts attention wherever it’s planted. The accompanying picture is that of Traveller Palm. This is one of those plants that attracts attention wherever it’s planted. The fan-like leaves appear on a single pole-like main trunk. The balance is amazing. The leaves are like that of banana. There are two types of Traveller Palm trees; one that give suckers at the base of the tree in succession in the same line and the other type gives suckers,one in the same line and the next that grows in oblique fashion. This ‘travelling’ habit of growing suckers gives this plant its name,the Traveller Palm. They are excellent emphasis plants. Interestingly,it is not a palm or in any way related to that family. If we call it a palm then it is a pseudonym and the plant is a pseudo palm.

Q: I see a change in the buds of my peach plants that are turning pink and show as if they will sprout any time. Is there any precaution recommended at this stage?
Manisha,Chandigarh
A: Your observation is perfect. When you feel it is about to sprout,give a spray of rogor,dissolved at one millilitre to a litre of water.

Q: My euphorbia plants are shedding leaves after turning yellow. What could be the reason?
Shanti Ahuja,Mohali
A: This is due to intense cold and excessive watering. Reduce frequency of irrigation and let the weather warm up. The plants will revive on their own.

Q: I want to plant peaches and bring them from Ludhiana. However I am not yet ready to plant them at the actual site. If I delay,I may not get plants later. What should I do?
Sarabjit Singh,Mohali
A: You may get the plants from Ludhiana and keep them with you till when you are ready to plant them. Put them in soil and make a heap around roots covering them fully. Give keep the soil moist. Transfer them at the desired place when you are ready but do it before sprouting starts.

Q: Can I extract haldi from the ground now? The leaves have completely dried.
Rajan,Panchkula
A: Yes you can.

You can ask Dr Green your gardening queries at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in