The first Root Awakening column for the month of May 09 was published on Straits Times Life! last Saturday. Three gardening questions were given answers this time round.
The first question asked where a gardening enthusiast can purchase various succulent species in Singapore. Unfortunately, the local nurseries in Singapore currently only stock a very limited range of such plants which are mostly imported from Cameron Highlands. A handful of nurseries occasionally import from Holland and elsewhere a selected range of succulent plants.
Do note that some succulent species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) list and the enthusiast is advised to check on the CITES appendices to see whether the plant that he/she is interested to import is listed or not. All plants need to be furbished with the necessary CITES permits and phytosanitary certificates before they can be brought into the country. The CITES appendices can be viewed via this link - http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.shtml.
The second query revolved around the appearance of a white powder-like substance on water yam leaves. The white powder-like substance could be powdery mildew. Because the plant is probably grown near a water feature which possibly has fish in it, it is advisable to use a chemical-free method that will entail the triming away of affected leaves and the growing of the water yam plant in a sunnier location with better air circulation.
The last question is an intriguing question (probably asked a few times previously) where the beautiful purple leafed basil turns green after some time. I reckon it could be due to the heat in tropical, lowland Singapore that causes the loss of the purple colouration in the leaves of this particular basil cultivar. One can try locating the plant in a cooler and semi-shaded location so as to be able to keep abit of the purple colour in the leaves. However, never expect the purple colour to be as intense and vivid as seen in the newly imported plant.
