In this week’s Root Awakening column, answers to three gardening questions were given.
The first question was about the lack of growth observed in begonia plants. Note that begonias demand a cool, bright, moist but well-ventilated area to grow well. Begonias that are grown in a high-rise apartment can have their growth affected adversely if they are grown in an area with direct sunshine or too windy. Locate them in a semi-shaded area that is protected from winds as winds can dry the plant out.
The second question enquired about the lanky growth of the devil’s backbone (Pedilanthus tithymaloides). Note that this plant likes to be grown in a sunny location. When grown in the shade, plants tend to become straggly and lanky. You can trim back the plant and locate it to a sunnier location to regenerate. Use the tip-cuttings as propagation material. The white milky sap is poisonous, so avoid contact with the skin.
The last question dealt with the method of propagation for the Crown of Thorns plant. This popular houseplant is easily propagated from tip cuttings. Take stem tips of about 10 cm in length and it is essential to allow the milky sap flow to stop before you proceed further. You can dip the end the cut end in water until the flow of sap stops. After that, allow the cuttings to dry in air for another three to four days. Then coat the cut end with a rooting hormone and stick it into some well-drained soil mix. The mix should be kept just slightly moist and not sodden. Stem-cuttings should root within a month.
