The first instalment of the Root Awakening column for April 09 was published last Saturday on 4 April 2009. Similar to previously published columns, answers were provided for three questions posed by readers of Straits Times Life! This week, we dealt with questions that pertained to common culinary herbs like mint and Thai basil, the Florist’s gloxinia and narcissus.
The first question asked about why the leaves of Thai basil and mint can turn brown quickly. From my experience, this happens when the plant is not well watered. Both plants grow in full sun and tend to lose water relatively quickly. They wilt in the heat and need to be given water regularly. Once water is witheld, the bottom most leaves will first turn yellow and become aborted. Subsequent water stress will cause leaves to continue to fall from bottom up.
The next question was about mealy bug infestation of the Florist’s gloxinia. Mealy bugs seem to be rather common pests on this gesneriad. One can try to spray the infested plant with a very dilute solution of summer oil. The furry leaves of this plant are sensitive to petroleum products and an overdose can cause leaves to melt away. Otherwise, non-petroleum-based pesticides like insecticidal soap or pyrethrum spray made according to the manufacturer’s instructions can be used to deal with these pests.
The last query was about the ability to grow narcissus here. Bulb plants like the narcissus are difficult to grow after flowering in Singapore. It is not practical to try simulating the winter rest they need although one can always try for the fun of it or for the first time experience. It is best to treat the narcissus as a display plant which should be discarded after flowers fade.
