Exotic winter beauties

Amarjeet Singh Batth

Several exotic plants have,  over a period of time, been successfully grown and propagated in the region. However, these need a meticulous  maintenance routine to avoid damage from extreme weather conditions. Winter months require extra care against fog and very low temperatures. Some of the exotic plants and their maintenance routines are as follows:     

CYCLAMEN

It is an excellent house plant known for its vibrant flower form and up-swept petals and interesting variably patterned leaves that make the plant conspicuous. It blooms during winters when weather conditions are cool and humid. 

Care: The plants are sensitive to both over and under watering. Therefore, ensure that the potting medium has good water-retention capacity. Irrigate only when the potting medium shows signs of dryness. Do not sprinkle water on leaves and flowers as it will lead to  rotting. In summers, as the temperatures soar, Cyclamen enters the phase of dormancy. The leaves turn yellow and the flowers fade giving a feel that the plant has wilted. However, if proper care is taken then this plant can survive for several years. At this point of time withhold watering, remove dead foliage and place the plant in a cool and dark place. Once plant  goes through its dormant phase, bring it out of storage and start watering.  

PRIMULA

This is a much-admired plant that has a range of colours — purple, yellow, red, pink, blue and white. It is a low-growing plant with shallow roots. It can be grown from seeds and cuttings and can be planted in flower beds, containers and pots. 

Care: Primula is a hardly plant that is quite easy to grow and maintain. It grows best under filtered sunlight in rich, moist well-drained soil. Excessive watering leads to root rot and also invites fungal infections. Pinching of spent flowers and pruning of dead leaves makes the plant stay in a  good form. Regular removal of dried leaves and spent flowers prolong flowering. A light application of fertiliser throughout the growing season proves beneficial. 

Be careful about aphid or mite infestation. 

POINSETTIA

This is a perennial plant which is in prominence in winters due to its eye-catching foliage — primarily in red and pink hues — which adds vibrancy to a garden. It is a short day plant that grows with natural shortening of the day from November onwards. It requires morning and evening light and filtered direct light during the day.  

Care: Poinsettia can be grown in pots and also in the soil beds. The best location is a south-facing ‘verandah’. It requires frost protection if planted outdoors. It flourishes in a well-drained moist soil as it is non-tolerant to excessive irrigation which causes root rot. 

The plant sheds leaves  in warm and dry conditions. 

Monthly application of Bavistin protects it from fungal diseases. A fortnight ly dose of NPK is desirable. Once the flower bracts have fallen, reduce watering, shift to cool dark spot till the dormancy period is over.  

GERANIUM

The pot and trailing varieties of this flowering plant are very popular. The colours available are pink, blue, white, and purple. It requires a rich, moist, well -drained potted mixture and about 5-6 hours of good sunlight. 

Care: This plant only requires basic maintenance like de-weeding and watering and of course, protection from frost. Keep the soil moist in the pot. A light application of liquid fertiliser mixed in the ratio of one tablespoon of urea in 20 liters of water is required throughout the blooming season. As the climatic conditions change and temperatures rise, the flowering quality and quantity reduces. Geranium roots easily through cuttings.

KALANCHOE

This is a bushy, evergreen and perennial succulent plant with short height. The plant has green, shiny and textured glossy foliage and remains green throughout the year. It grows well in airy location under partial sunlight but grows leggy in low light.

Care: This plant grows well in dry conditions as overwatering causes irreparable damage. Regular feeding with high phosphorous is desirable. Pruning helps in making the plant bushy. Powdery mildew, mealy bugs, aphids, scale insects and mites attack Kalanchoe.