Germinating Adenium Seeds

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Adenium seeds

Seeds are the best way to increase your Adenium collection at low cost. Though some plants are sold for fancy prices depending on the color of the flower, in seeds you will not know which plant is going to produce what color. This is because, due to pollination, it may vary and only in some cases it will resemble that of parents. You can buy Adenium Seeds at economical costs. One pack of 20 multi color seeds will cost you lesser than a grown up plant cost. But the seeds will germinate well only if they are fresh.

The normal germination period for Adenium Seeds is 5 – 7 days with right conditions. Almost 95 % of Adenium Seeds germinate within 2 weeks. But the once that germinate first are strong and the rate of survival is more, but the once that germinate late are weak and the rate of survival is less



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Growing Adenium from seeds

• Fill a pot or tray with plenty of drain holes, with 50 % coarse river sand and 50 % garden soil mix.


• Soak the Adenium seeds for about 2 hours in normal water before planting.


• Spread the seeds in 2 – 3 inches interval and cover the seeds with 3 - 4 mm soil.


• Keep the seeds moist, but not wet, all times by spraying water once a day.


• Place the pot or tray in good not sun light.


• Keep the surrounding area warm.


• Adenium Seeds will germinate in 2 to 15 days.


• The seeds that germinate early will survive well and the once that germinate late will be weak and the rate of survival will be low.


• Repot as soon as you can handle the seedlings or in 8 weeks, using a very well drained soil mix.


• They should be kept in a humid environment, under hot sun light.


• The growth rate will be slow for the first six months or so, and then the growth will be better.

Note:

1. The Adenium Seeds should be always placed horizontally or flat only.


2. They should never be sown vertically or placed vertically in holes.


3. There is top side and bottom side for the Adenium Seeds, so they will not germinate if you place them upside down.


4. So if you place them horizontally, automatically the bottom side will take root and the upper side will tend to produce leaves.

Guidelines For Growing Cacti And Succulent Plants Indoors

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All cacti are succulent plants, but not all succulents are cactus. Cacti are one of the most popular indoor plants of the succulent family. Many are native to the desert regions of the southern US and Mexico, where rainfall is usually low and there are extremes in temperature. On the other hand, some of the most floriferous cacti come to us from the warm and humid rain forests of South and Central America. Cacti are distinguished from other succulents by cushion-like growths on their stems called areoles from which the spines, hairs, flowers, and shoots develop.

The distinguishing feature of succulent plants is the presence of water-storing, fleshy tissue in their stems, leaves, or roots. It is this tissue that allows cacti and other succulents to withstand long periods of drought. Succulents are often divided into three groups depending on which part of the plant contains the moisture retaining tissue: stem succulents, leafy succulents, and caudiciform succulents. Most cacti fall into the stem succulent group.

Cacti and other succulents display a wide variety of size, shape, texture, color. Some have curved or straight spines, some have silky hair, while others have plump smooth surfaces and their shapes can range from squat or globular, to candelabra. Some bloom for relatively brief periods and bear large brightly colored flowers, while others flower for longer periods and produce many blooms. In cooler temperatures most succulents are either house plants grown in various types of containers or are grown in greenhouses.

Growing Cacti and succulents indoors: (greenhouse and home):

Most cacti and succulent plants used for outdoor cultivation in warm climates will thrive in an environmentally regulated greenhouse where light, humidity, temperature, and water are controlled. These plants are also very well suited for the warm and dry conditions of a heated home where some other plants will fail. Most cacti and other succulents require high levels of light and good ventilation although some of the more leafy plants may need protection from direct sunlight to avoid leaf scorching. It should be noted that one important group of succulent plants, the epiphytic group, requires a more shaded location in the house. These are among the most floriferous of cacti and include some of the most popular cacti: the Christmas Cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus, and the Easter cactus.

Growing Cacti And Succulent Plants Indoors can be grown in containers or in open beds in a greenhouse. Larger species can be grown in open beds either at floor level or in raised benches. Cacti and succulent plants from warm habitats require bright light and a fairly dry atmosphere to develop fully. Temperature in the greenhouse should be held close to 64 degrees F. There are some species that require higher than normal levels of humidity usually found in a greenhouse environment. These may do better in a conservatory setting with more humid conditions. If the humidity is too high it may cause brown irregular shaped spots to appear on the plant.

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Many cacti and succulent plants are very well adapted to living in houses in draft-free warm conditions where the relative humidity is less than 30 percent. They require only modest amounts of water and fertilizer and should be placed in a bright, sunny window. If not enough time can be spent in natural light, artificial lighting, either by white fluorescent tubes, or a combination of daylight and natural white fluorescent tubes, will give good results. The plants may require up to 15 hours of artificial light per day during the shorter days of fall and winter.

Cacti and other succulent plants do not do particularity well in ordinary garden soil. In their natural habitat most cacti and succulents grow in well-drained sandy soil and these conditions should be duplicated indoors. A good garden soil that has a pH level between 6 and 6.5 can be used as the basis of a home made soil mix. Both pot and growing medium should be sterile first to kill pests and weed seeds and to eliminate diseases. To 2 parts of sterile soil add one part peat, one part clean sharp sand, and a little slow-release fertilizer. Most commercial succulent mixes can be used right out of the bag. Ideally, these plants can be grown in pots with many drainage holes as excess water in the soil will cause rotting and will decay soon.

While Growing Cacti And Succulent Plants Indoors Water, cacti and succulent plants only enough to prevent shrinking and withering during the fall and winter months of shorter daylight hours. When watering, thoroughly water the plants to a point where the water flows out through the drain holes. Discard any excess water and always allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Remember that as daylight hours increase as springtime approaches, the plant's need for water decreases.

While Growing Cacti And Succulent Plants Indoors, Cacti and succulent plants do not require feeding during their dormant seasons. During the growing season in late spring and summer, feed them once or twice to help maintain healthy, vigorous growth and to encourage flowering. Liquid commercial fertilizers are available and are satisfactory if manufacturer’s directions are followed. Other house plant fertilizers higher in phosphorus than nitrogen and diluted to half the recommended rate can also be used. Some other succulents may be fertilized three or four times during their growing season.

Christmas Cactus Plant Care

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Christmas Cactus (Zygocactus truncatus)

Forest Cacti - Christmas Cactus and Easter Cactus: Plant Care Requirements

Schlumbergera bridgessi flowers indoors during winter. Hence, the common name Christmas Cactus. It is a very popular cactus, as is the Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri). These two cactus plants are Forest Cacti which require different care from the spine- covered Desert Cacti. To get the Forest Cacti to bloom each year, you have to follow specific rules similar to other Christmas plants; such as:

Providing a cool and dry - resting period.
Providing about 6 to 8 weeks of 12-hour total darkness starting about September 1st.
Not moving the plant once the buds start appearing.

Placing the plant outdoors during summer to allow the stems to harden.

Forest cacti have leaf-like stems and grow in a trailing pattern which makes them a favorite for hanging baskets.

The leaf-like stem of the Christmas Cactus is composed of flattened segments that bear pointed projections (tooth-edged segments) which are the key to identifying this cactus.

General Care Requirements for Forest Cacti
Specific pointers for taking care of the Christmas Cactus and Easter Cactus are given below.

Christmas Cactus Plant Care

Light:

Place your Forest Cacti in a well-lit area which is shaded from direct sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity:

Keep these cacti in the temperature range of 55 - 70 degrees F. (13 - 22 degrees C.) during the active growing period of spring and summer. During the resting period of February to March, keep them at a temperature of 55 degrees F. (13 degrees C.) Return them to the warm area when the flower buds appear. Mist the leaves frequently.

Water:

Water regularly during the active growing period, but allow the compost to get dry between waterings. Water infrequently during the rest period.

Soil:

Grow your Forest Cacti in a loose peaty soil.

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Fertilizer:

Use a liquid fertilizer at one-half its stated strength every 5 to 6 weeks during spring and summer. Add a small amount of potash feed during summer to help with flowering. Do not fertilize during the rest period of fall and winter.

Pests and Diseases:

Normally they are pest-free, but may be attacked by aphids, mealy bugs or scale.

Propagation:

Use stem cuttings.
Take a terminal leaf pad or stem tip cutting in the summer.
Allow the cutting to dry for a few days and then place it in a loose peaty soil mix.

Kalanchoe Plant Care

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Kalanchoe - Christmas Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe Blossfeildiana)

Kalanchoe Plant Care

The Christmas Kalanchoe is very popular. It can be induced to flower at any time during the year, though spring season is its natural flowering time. Hybrids produce lilac, orange, pink, red, white or yellow blooms. Plantlets grow from the center of the green scolloped leaves and so it is also called the Miracle Leaf Plant. You can also remove and grow these plantlets.

It used to be chiefly a winter-flowering plant. Therefore, the common name Christmas Kalanchoe. But now hybrids are made to flower all year round.

To force these Christmas plant to bloom lessen the amount of light it gets, so that it has long, dark nights. (You trick it into feeling that it's winter.) Christmas plants like Poinsettia and Kalanchoe, need the same treatment to make them bloom during Christmas, so check in Poinsettia website - "How To Make Your Poinsettia Bloom Next Christmas!"

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Another beautiful one is THE KALANCHOE TOMENTOSA (Panda Plant), a succulent with soft fleshy, spoon-shaped leaves which feel and look like white velvet.

Adenium arabicum

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Adenium arabicum Balf. f. suchas : Arab giant , Saudi giant, Arizona giant. They normally found in the Southern and western margin of the Arabian peninsula.

Adenium arabicum

This species has quite big stems with very soft leaves, they usually bloom lots along the stem and arms. The colour is bright pink, always fading to near white toward throat, which has generally one nectar guide per petal. The follicle are usually in dark red and much bigger than those of A. Obesum, the seeds are rapidly large. The short stem has 1 meter wide for the base, branches widely and lots.

This particular species imported both seeds and scions from Middle East 20 years ago. So many of them are growing very well and faster than original species in Thailand. It might be the reason of the big caudex. Now they called the name of Adeniums by imported area such as; The Arab (Singburi) , Lobburi , Ayuttaya , Oungkharak and Korat.

The colour would tell the species as much as can tell by stems and branches with the big follicle straight vertically standing, flowers around stems and arms.

Be able to grow by seed-grown in Thailand so that hybrids are spreadily popular. They fertilized widely, made The colour of flowers varied from pink to white and red which is now becoming the symbol of great species in Thailand. Some importer brought Adeniums that have big caudex from America but still not well-known. After that, some imported from Holland and got more famous; Half-breed of “ Holland ” they named it. The colour is white to deep red.0

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For the original species or half breed Holland that gave unsatisfied colour but the caudex is big and roots well healthy then, it can be used for repotting to a better sub-species.

Adeniums that are found in Thailand are likely covered with all the species with various types and unique beautiful bodies. Because of the water, soil, weather are suitable to breed the plants. The cultivation in Thailand is rapidly developed and adapted the families of Adeniums made such a great result to the need. And now foreigners are coming to study and doing business here in Thailand.

The variety of Adeniums are still maintaining with the hope that the plants will breed across over the species so that will be more hybrid or sub-species. The small stem or scions can be graft on the others that, would make such a wonderful result. The flowers are classed by the popularity of colour favour ; bright colour, dark colour or fresh light colour and unusual colour, flower’s shapes or how long the blooming would last or how much the blooming goes.

Adenium obesum

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Adenium obesum was found in the South of Zaire, Tanzania, Zimbubwe and around the coastal shores of Kenya. These species can be recognized by thickened stems. The basal connected to swollen basal caudex which is where the food and water stored along with a big root. The leaves are steadily flat without hair, brightly light-green colour. The main leaves are normally light and visibility.

Adenium obesem

The flowers of Adenium obesum are usually pink to pale orange on the petal margins on the inside throat. There is small tubular toward the nectar guide underneath the flower. And there are 5 yellow stamens are inside flower basal. The Adenium obesum flowers normally bloom year round. Later, the plant has developed rapidly and selected species in Thailand and other countries.
The results from seed-grown came out varieties; the caudex extended, bigger root, the flowers bloomed at the edge of arms. The flowers became colourful from white to deep red. Some species are becoming even more popular for the last 10 years in Thailand.

A. somalense var. somalense Balf. f. has been found in Somalia, Tanzania, north western of Kenya.

These giant Adenium has very wide-based, distinctly conical caudex and tall which is different from Obesum ones. The root is not extended enough to suit the stems. It has been found in Africa, reported that it is 3 times bigger than human’s standing and The basal is equal to 200 liter water tank. The flowered branches are very thin, spreading to pendent bright green and clearly with white veins.

In winter, the plant will be leafing out. The colour are pink to pale red, the colour faded toward the throat and the size is not very big. The flower tube has 15-25 stamen and well breeding. These species has imported from plant’s nursing in Taxus, America.

Recently, there are some Adenium imported from mentioned area 3 meter tall, gently beautiful. The development has made the plant goes very tall and flowered but mostly empasis on remaining giant species.

A. socotranum Vier h. is mostly found at the island of Socotra, Yemen : In the Indian Ocean south of the Arabian peninsula.
These spicies can called as the real giant ones, When the stem gets too old, the skin itself would wrinkle like elphant’s skin. The structure is huge, straight tall follicle and stem vertically.

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It is found upto 6 meter tall, caudex likely 2.5 meter wide. In the first period, small plant for seeding , ealisy notice the difference, hardly branches, caudex stand upper the root where food store, vertical stem. And the root some how come at upper soil, with curve sharp, made it look even more beautiful.

Even though, the stem may not be so big, same like Bon-Sai which is the most incberible Adenium, It flower since 2 year old, fading leaves period would give pink flowers, small, and goes pink all over the stems. Same spicies give 2 time flowering. The leaves are long, narrow and wide at the edge and thick with dark green colour.

When they imported into Thailand for some time, the spicies were amphimictic naturally. With the allogamy, the plants became were varieties with new names such as : Golden Crown, Golden Diamond,S1 (Phet banna) , Bang Kha Giant, Because these spicies are hardly attach the legume so that the origin plants are not enough for the demands and rare to find then the collector are likely looking for them with fine condition and high rewards.

Euphorbia obtusifolia

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The genius Euphorbia is a very large one with over 2,000 species. More than half of them are succulents  and some are with very strange or unusual shapes and fleshy leaves and somas look like cacti with spines. Among the non-succulent plants are shrubs, annuals, and perennials like milkweed and Poinsettia.
When the leaves of the Euphorbia genus plants or stems are wounded they exude a poisonous milky sap or latex, which irritates skin and eyes.

The Euphorbia flowers are called as a cyathium or cyathia in plural. The cyathia are tiny and are without petals or sepals, but usually surrounded by colorful bracts, which last several weeks or even months.
All Euphorbia flowers are asexual, but most have both male and female flowers in one plant.
Most of the succulent Euphorbias need plenty of sunlight. These prefer full sun, but most can tolerate partial shades. The mature size varies with species, from a few inches to large shrubs or even trees.

Most Euphorbia plants bloom in summer and are dormant in winter.
Many of the Euphorbias are slow growing and make excellent container plants.

Growing Tips

Euphorbias are easy to grow. They require a little water to get established, but once they get established, they are self-sufficient, requires no special care. As a matter of fact, more die due to too much care and watering but not out of neglect.

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Euphorbia plants can be grown from seeds, but it is difficult, as it normally does not germinate. It can be easily propagated by cuttings.
Euphorbias require well-draining sandy soil and more sunlight. Unlike most succulents, Euphorbia cannot withstand long droughts. It needs weekly watering in summer. Water deeply, but let not the water get logged, which causes root rot.
Add some organic fertilizer on monthly basis. Euphorbia plants grow problem free, but sometimes some pests and diseases may attack.

Euphorbia obtusifolia

Euphorbia obtusifolia is simply, an awesome and appealing rare plant of the genius Euphorbia. This Euphorbia obtusifolia hails from the Canary Islands, a place that excels in strange and unusual plants. The leaves are thin and grey green that makes a pleasant backdrop for the pale green or yellow flowers and the yellow to red seed pods.
This easily grows in free-draining soil and attains about 6 inches in height and width, depending on the climate. With age, it becomes tree like, with a symmetrical branch structure and has grayish trunk. This can be an excellent specimen for a key spot in a dry garden. In a shallow pot it makes a tempting bonsai! Like all Euphorbia plants, the sap of this plant is also poisonous.

 

Coleus aromaticus

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Coleus aromaticus - The Aromatic Indian Borage

The Aromatic Indian Borage is an evergreen shrub with upright shoots growing up to two or three feet tall. This plant has beautiful sculptured leaves. It is cultivated as a common garden plant throughout India. The leaves are strongly scented and are thick, fleshy and are toothed along the margins. The plant occasionally bears terminal spikes of small, blue,  bi-lipped flowers.

Coleus aromaticus

Its Botanical name is:- 'Coleus aromaticus'. It belongs to the family 'Labiate' to which common "Thulasi" (Ocimen sancturm) also belongs.

Other Regional Names:

Tamil:                          Karpuravalli

Malayalam:                  Panikkurukka

Kannada:                     Doddapatre

Hindi:                          Patharchur

Coleus aromaticus makes a very good garden plant for the households due to its evergreen foliage and scent. It is a must have medicinal garden plant. One plant maintained in a pot gives a lush green color to the entire garden itself..

In tamil it is called "Karpuravalli" or "Omavalli". In English, it is called ' Country Borage' or 'Indian Borage".

It can be easily propagated from stem cuttings with apical bud.

The plant requires medium water and medium sun light, but it can do well in shaddy places too. periodic trimming to maintain its shape. It is a hardy plant that needs only twice a week watering. Excessive watering may cause root rot.

Medicinal value:

The plant has wonderful medicinal value and is a must have herb for any medicinal garden.It is said that the venerable Tamil sage ' Aghasthiyar" first discovered the qualities of this herb. He recommended the herb for loosening, even rock - like "Kapha" (phlegm) in the chest.

As a home remedy, the leaves are used for clearing cold and cough. For cold and cough two leaves juice is taken and mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of honey and consumed.

Chewing up a leaf before food, aids in digestion.

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Use in AyurvedaLeaves are used in indigestion, cold, phlegm in the chest, for adults and children. Its use to relieve mucus, cold and associated fever is ancient

The herb improves appetite
It is good for treating kidney problems especially kidney stones.
Good for curing Asthma.
The juice of the leaves is applied on the affected part of the skin in cases of Insect bites, Allergic skin thickening itching and skin irritation
It is used in cooking in South America, Java, Indonesia and Philipines
The leaves, added with coconut, Dhal, Red chillies, Dhania leaves and curry leaves, make tasty chutney
To reduce 'Kapha' (mucus, phlegm) in the body, prepare a decoction by boiling the leaves in water. Add cardamom, cloves and a teaspoon of honey and take this twice a day for 3 days.

Operculicarya decaryi

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Elephant Tree or Jabily Tree

Operculicarya Decaryi is a small tree native to South West Madagascar. This small tree belongs to the Family of Anacardiaceae. The most popular member of this family being the Cashew nut tree. This tree belongs to a peculiar kind of plants known as Caudiciform. Caudiciforms are plants that have a fat swollen stem. They are also known as pachycauls. Almost all Caudiciforms are succulents. They develop bulbous roots in which the food is stored for later use when needed. Most of these Caudiciforms have roots that are under the ground. O. decaryi is a small tree with thick stem and almost straight branches.

These types of plants are mostly seen in Southern Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian countries and hence they have become the principal exporters of these plant kinds. As the popularity increases for these plants, more home grown and produced plants have emerged.


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Operculicarya decaryi is commonly known as Elephant Tree or Jabily Tree. This is a perfect plant for bonsai. The plant is so beautiful and healthy that it is a great collector’s specimen. Operculicarya Decaryi grows quite fast and without any issues in the ground. It requires well drained soil, some water and plenty of sun. It grows very well from October to June and sheds all its leaves between July and September. The leaves are deep, shiny green except in the winter when they are deep red tp brown in colour. It can sometimes produce amazing twisted branches or roots. When grown on pots it requires continuous pruning as it grows quiet fast. It is one of the hardiest caudiciforms which can be grown well. It is easy to care and can be maintained in a 8" pot forever. The stem grows to a thick caudex of about 1 meter in diameter and reaches a height of about 9 meters in natural habitat. The flowers are deep red to brown in colour. The tree can be easily produced from seeds and cuttings.

O. pachypus is another species of the same genius which is a dwarf variety which is one meter high and 50 cms in diameter. This species has strong zig-zagged smooth branches and bears yellow green flowers.It is a sort of an expensive little tree, as it is mostly sold as a bonsai in a small, shallow pot.

Crassula ovata

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The Jade Plant

Jade Plant is the most interesting plant that keeps me engaged. I love jade than any other house plant, as it grows very well in Chennai and it can be well grown in pot itself for many years. It gives a pretty bonsai look and is very easy to care. When you are busy, it understands and, withstands low or nil watering. It never blooms, but internet claims that it blooms.

Jade Plant - Crassula ovata

The members of the family Crassulaeceae are similarly large shrubs which are succulents. These are widely grown as common house plants. The other different names by which it is called are Chinese Jade, Jade Tree, Old Money Plant, Dollar Plant, Dollar Tree, etc,. All are the different varieties of Crassula ovata. Jade plants are popular because they are incredibly easy to grow. With proper care and time they make a fine specimen of bonsai trees also. In Chennai only one variety grows well. The other ones with large leaves and tube like leaves go off easily and are hardly seen.

The Jade plant is ideally suited for Bonsai, as it is compact and requires very little maintenance. With the tips to Bonsai a Jade Plant, you can make Jade Bomsai.

A Jade plant needs direct sunlight to grow well and a sunny position if placed on a window sill. At the same time, good air circulation and regular watering will help to avoid sun scorch on hot summer days. Watering is not required on excessive cold weather. A Jade plant should never be moved suddenly from a shady position to full sun. It needs to be slowly acclimatized as damage to the leaves is likely. If there is no enough sun then it will not be fleshy as it is a succulent. The leaves will drop and get replaced in due course so that the damage is never permanent.
Jade plants grow well outside in direct sunlight as patio plants or in open terrace and their leaves will color up nicely in the sun. Jade plants will survive hot or cold conditions and needs watering only if the soil is dry. Google says cold night temperatures promotes flowering but it never blooms in Chennai. It is always ideal to water thoroughly only when the plant dries out.
Sometimes a few leaves drop off, especially when the weather is too hot or cold or there is no water or more water. The common problem is overwatering and the next one is the mealy bug. If you find mealy bug just remove the affected leaves and it will become alright soon. Misting or spraying water over the leaves is not necessary as it may rot the leaves and the leaves may drop. It loves to be always dry as excessive humidity may lead to mildew or other fungal problems. However, occasionally putting water over the plant helps to wash off dust collected on the leaves and freshen the foliage. In direct sunlight the leaves reduce in size too and gives a wonderful look. This character helps the bonsai trainers.

A Jade plant requires rich nutrition and a quick drying soil. River sand with compost will help grow well. It will produce nicely colored wonderful leaves if the soil is changed once in 6 months or so.

To maintain a plant at the same size, treat it in a similar way to a bonsai tree specimen. Prune the roots while re-potting into the same pot and prune the stem shoots to maintain a pleasing shape and size. This helps to develop a thick trunk. New leaves will grow from the pruned branches and branch out.

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Propagation

There are no seeds for this plant as it never flowers in India. So it has to be grown only from cuttings. Though Google claims that a single leaf will root, it is not so.

If you get a cutting of 2 – 3 inches, you can remove the lower two or three sets of leaves and put in a quick draining soil in direct sun and water sparingly it will root very well and turn out to be a new plant. It will grow well for nearly 80 - 100 years.