From Editorial Desk

WHEN THE HEATWAVE BLOWS…..

Hello friends!

The ominous signs are here rather early this time.

The tabloids shreek:

India To Report 34 Million Job Losses Due To Severe Heat Waves By 2030: World Bank

World Bank has given an ominous warning for India stating that it will soon be one of the first countries that will experience severe heatwaves to the intensity capable enough to break the human survivability limit.

As per the statistics, and as we are also noticing, heatwaves have surged globally over the past decade and continue to take lives in lacs. The reports have said that India has been experiencing higher temperatures that arrive earlier and stay for longer.

Is it going to be a challenge to survive these conditions over a period of time?

The Human Survivability Limit refers to the rule of thumb that states that humans can survive three minutes without air, three days without water and three weeks without food, keeping the exceptions apart.

The G20 Climate Risk Atlas also warned in 2021 that heat waves across India were likely to last 25 times longer by 2036-65., if carbon emissions remain as high.

In April 2022, India suffered a punishing early spring heat wave that saw temperatures in New Delhi, topping 46 degrees Celsius. “The month of March, which witnessed extraordinary spikes in temperatures, was the hottest ever recorded”, the report said.

We assume that 75 % of Indian workforce depend on heat-exposed labour, like agriculture, building, constructions etc. This much of work force will face life-threatening temperatures, over longer periods of time, in the years to come, not very far from now.

And what else? Let us have a look. India’s food and public health sectors largely depend on transportation of these over long distances, most of them requiring cold-chains. A single lapse in the temperature can cause the cold-chain to break, thus destroying the food stuff, and leaving the vaccines having less potency.

As per estimate, the food loss in such conditions is going to be about $ 13 billion, as estimated.

As per estimates, in pre-covid-19, India lost about 20 % of medical products and 25 % of vaccines, due to cold-chain failures leading to estimated losses amounting to $ 313 million a year.

The effect of all this on us can only be imagined, if at all. Rising temperatures, more energy required towards air-conditioning, huge imbalance in population Vs food production, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, disruptions in marine eco-system..

I will leave the guess to you.

Gardening in January

A very Happy New Year 2023 .May this year bring lots of blessings and peace in the world.

• Backyard Gardening
• Street Gardening
• Forest Gardening
• Greenhouses
• Tactical Gardens
• Roof top Garden
• Green walls
• Vertical Farms
•  Hydroponic
•  Aquaponics or aquaculture

The UN has also decided to make Year 2023 as The Year of Millets.

Let’s pledge to follow it more in this year and encourage your neighbors and friends to do so too.

We all have our flowering annuals in pots and on ground. Hope you carried on regular feeding of plants with nutrients (Bioenzyme/ humic/ biovita) and pinching of plants. Now you should stop pinching by 15th January to get blooms.

If frost still persists protect your plants by covering at night or moving them at a sheltered position.You can cover with sikri screens or plastic sheets.

Keep on feeding sweet peas.You can remove tendrils and tips for bushy growth.

Chrysanthemums must be fading now. Sort them out by colours and varieties. Select them for next year. Treat them with liquid manure to secure strong shoots.

Foliage Plants in pots will be in dormant state.Restrict watering to a minimum.Protect delicate varieties from getting affected by cold winds and frost.

Vegetables : The vegetables garden will need constant attention in the way of cultivation ,irrigation,& treatment with liquid manure.(mix of sarson khali +neem khali ).

The last sowings of seeds of lettuce, carrots, beet, turnips, radish may be made in the first fortnight.

You can start summer seed sowing in a protective environment like lauki, karela and melons.

Get some area for summer flowering annuals ready. You can also place orders for seeds of summer flowering annual and vegetables.

Bulbs of Amaryllis which you had kept in the dark can be taken out and put on prepared soil /pots with nutrients.

Fruits :

Fruit Trees need digging and filled with manure as per size of trees. Dig around 2mts of soil around away from trunk. Show roots some air for 2 days. Then fill ground with pure and well-rotted cow dung manure +bone meal + nitrogen +phosphorus +potash + micronutrients.

(Chikoos, lemon, plum, peach, karonda, guava, amla, orange, mosambi, Raspberry).

Peaches bear fruits on one year old shoots.

Banana: remove all suckers around the main trunk.

Protect citrus fruit branches from die back.

If trees are big you can trim shoots and remove all branches till one ft from ground and cut all dry branches. You must remove crossing branches between the trunks.

Grape vines will need trimming too. Keep a single trunk down at the base with no side shoot on it.Prune the shoots leaving 6-9 eyes in the lateral shoots.Defoliate the leaves before pruning.

For pots & small gardens “beauty seedless ” is recommended as it matures early. Pruning is done in the later half of January or early February. When flowering starts give them a nice drenching spray of Bioenzyme /biovita /magic grow or any seaweed solution having micronutrients to save your plant from flower /fruit fall.

If flowers are falling spray Plantofix as per recommended on bottle (2ml/1lt.).

Put pheromones strips all around to protect your fruits and vegetables from pest invasion. You can buy fruit plants also now.

Protect your strawberries with chicken wire mesh or bird nets.

Hope you are growing microgreens regularly and increasing your immunity & becoming healthy.

Finally enjoy your fruits /vegetables/ flowers of Labour. Don’t forget to share with those who have helped you like your mali ,helper, maid etc. or even friends & Neighbours.

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com.

VIVARIUM, AND ALL THAT!

In the last edition we had written an article on Terrarium.

But many of you must have encountered with the word Vivarium, Paludarium, Riparium etc .

I’m going to try my very best to give you a detailed guide to understanding the very nature of a vivarium and how to make an enclosure for your particular animal or set of plants.

What Is A Vivarium?

A vivarium, also commonly referred to as “vivaria”, is an enclosure made to house plants and/or animals. The viva part of the word comes from the Latin word vivus, meaning “living. The word itself translates to “a place of life.” The plural form of the vivarium is vivaria.

Types Of Vivariums:

Vivariums are literally a representation of nature in a case, so they come in a variety of ways. There are four main types of ecosystems that can then be broken down into more individualized styles:

Aquarium – A fully aquatic enclosure that will consist of saltwater, freshwater, or a combination of both (brackish). These types of vivarium are made to resemble large bodies of open water like oceans or lakes.

Terrarium – A non-aquatic enclosure that will consist of terrain like features. These tanks are usually modeled to look like various types of land found in nature like the forest, jungle, or desert.

Paludarium – A semi-aquatic enclosure that will consist of both water and land. These vivariums are designed to resemble land that has water flowing through or around it like the rainforest or woods with a creek.

Riparium – A mostly aquatic enclosure that will consist of water with parts of the hardscape emerging from the water. This type of setup will resemble shorelines or river banks.

.If you are building a vivarium with the intention of housing a specific type of animal, be sure to go with a design that closely fits that animal’s needs. We will go deeper into why inhabitants need a specific type of vivarium later. For now, check out a few of these popular enclosures to get an idea of what could be done when building a more specific type of tank:

Vivarium Vs Terrarium: What’s The Difference?

The key difference between a vivarium and a terrarium is simple. One has an established animal enclosed, and one does not. As a result, adding an inhabitant to a terrarium changes the enclosure to a vivarium or at the very least, a bioactive terrarium.

Building a Vivarium

Building a vivarium can be slightly different depending on the type of animal being kept in it. This is an enclosure that will closely resemble a forest floor which is ideal for moderate humidity, low light thriving plants, and animals

Essentials :

The Hardscape

The hardscape is essential to every vivarium. It is the foundation of the tank and will regulate the overall ecosystem depending on the type of material it is. This can either be composed of rock or wood. Even though the substrate will be put down into the enclosure first, the hardscape should be decided before any other elements are considered.

The Substrate

 The substrate layer of the vivarium is composed of soil and some type of drainage. A coco soil mix will be ideal compared to other types of soil because it’s lighter and lasts much longer. You will want something that is easy for plants to root through. The material should also hold moisture well. Healthy bacteria reside in this layer and aid with the breakdown of nutrients that the plants will absorb.

Beneath the soil is a layer for draining excess water. This layer of the setup is where your false bottom goes. A false bottom is a material like gravel that a lot of hobbyists find heavy and often go with lighter, engineered material like clay pellets or Leca balls.  You can also put a layer of charcoal or broken pieces of bricks. This area is important. It provides an easy way for stagnant water to escape the reach of flora roots in the potting layer.

Allowing water to settle down into the drainage helps keep the humidity levels stable within the enclosure. The drainage layer also serves as a good spot for healthy bacteria to thrive and break down unhealthy chemicals like ammonia. This layer is usually covered with a wool sheet to separate it from the substrate.

The Plants

The Plant layer of the bioactive terrarium is the centerpiece of the enclosure. This layer comprises the ground cover and upper plant parts (stem, leaf & flower). The ground cover is meant to help keep moisture in the substrate. It will consist of leaf litter to give an aesthetic look and provide shelter to small critters. Be creative! Try adding wood, various plants that fit the ecosystem, and other accents like mushrooms, moss, or lichens.

The Lights

The Lighting layer is a very important aspect of a vivarium. Insufficient light and plants will not be able to produce energy from photosynthesis. You can use direct/indirect sunlight or artificial lighting. I recommend LED lighting, but you can also use fluorescent lighting as well. A day and night cycle will be ideal for plants and animals living in the vivarium. Consider setting up a timer for the lights so they consistently go on and off every day… Just like the real world!

Vivarium Care & Maintenance

Now that we’ve established the basic setup of the wooded vivarium… Here are some caretaking tips for a thriving vivarium.

These tips are essential for the longevity of the overall life of the bioactive terrarium.

 1. Ideal Temperatures – Even though most plants will do just fine in typical households at room temperature, some species of animals will need very specific climates. Be sure to do research on the inhabitants being kept and stock a heater in the form of a heating pad or lights.

 2. Regulate Humidity – Another very important factor for some animals is the moisture in the air. Specific plants and animals being kept need higher humidity levels than the substrate may offer… Try adding a fogger to kick things up. Also be cautious the humidity isn’t too high as well, causing respiratory issues.

 3. Proper Lighting – Even though we touched on this earlier, it’s very important that some plants receive a specific spectrum of light. Most reptiles will need sun rays in order to survive so make sure to provide additional UV and/or basking where needed.

 4. Adequate Airflow – This is something most won’t notice when initially starting a vivarium. Air can become stagnant as well and proper ventilation or fans will be a necessary plus to circulate fresh air and prevent mold from setting in.

 5. Good Water Flow – Some easy ways to avoid stagnant water would be to install a drainage outlet in the false bottom layer allowing the release of water building up. Additionally, adding a mister system or fogger will help circulate water to the upper areas of the vivarium where humidity levels will essentially be lower.

Best Vivarium Plants

There are a number of plants that would be great for a vivarium depending on the type of bioactive terrarium you are making (desert, wooded, tropical). I will recommend a few plants that would suit the type of vivarium we are covering today. Keep the inhabitants in mind as well if you plan on adding any. Vivarium plants are great because many animals depend on the vegetation around them for things like shelter, diet, and even mating.

 1. Mini Ferns –

These are a great background plant for shelter and “filling up” the vivarium. Ferns come in different shapes and temperaments making them good for most terrarium types. These types of plants like higher humidity levels.

 2. Vivarium Moss

Moss – These are good carpeting plants that tend to maintain moisture in the substrate very well. This plant should be kept on the lower end of the vivarium near the more moist areas of the tank. Ultimately, moss is a really good “filler” plant but fully capable of being the centerpiece of the vivarium.

 3. Pothos –

Like many other types of Aroids, come in various shapes and forms. These are some of the easier plants to care for and can spread quickly if not maintained. Making this plant is great for climbing and can also provide an ideal spot for animals to find comfort resting.

 4. Bromeliads – One of the more popular plants on the list, these plants are aesthetically pleasing to have and can really bring out the look of a vivarium. Bromeliads thrive in brighter lit settings and will often reward your vivarium with brighter more colorful leaves order lighter.

 5. Ferns:

Ferns are some of the oldest plants on earth. Fossil records even date ferns back hundreds of millions of years before the Jurassic period. The years of evolving species of fern have made them suitable to just about every type of environment and weather condition. At the moment, scientists have discovered and documented over 10,000 individual kinds of ferns… With many more still thought to exist. With that being said, there is an abundant variety of ferns to choose from that would be more than fitting as a vivarium plant.

The Growth Pattern of Ferns

The growth pattern of ferns can range in a number of ways I think is important to understand when deciding on a choice for a particular type of vivarium. Some can grow underwater, while others can grow between rocks completely free from the substrate. Many species make excellent ground covers… While others emerge in clumps providing a canopy-like appearance to smaller plants. Keeping these features in mind will aid in not only the longevity of the ferns… But also create a consistent flow within the enclosure that will aesthetically make sense as the tank establishes. Here is a list of ways different types of ferns have the ability to grow:

• Submerged – Have the ability to grow fully underwater, either rooted to substrate or tied to wood and rocks.
• Emerged – Have the ability to grow marginal or somewhat out of water. The base of the fern is fully placed underwater while parts of the frond come above water.
• Floating – Have the ability to float on top of standing water. These ferns have small hairs that cover the fronds allowing it to stay above water while roots are left draped down.
• Epiphytes – Have the ability to be grown above ground. In most cases, the fern will latch on to rocks, trees, or other acidic surfaces where it absorbs nutrients from fallen water and/or moist air.
• Oxylophytes – Have the ability to be grown in acidic soils. These types of ferns require a damp substrate in order to obtain needed nutrients.

Anatomy of Ferns

The Root System

The root system of a polypodiophyta is another essential part of the plant all should have a basic understanding. All ferns have some type of rooting structure that is located on the lower end of the plant. Depending on the particular species of fern, The function of the root and the way it looks will vary. The plants under half will either consist of rhizomes, a central root ball, or a root-like structure that lacks a lot of the traditional function roots generally have.

Rhizomes

Rhizomes are a system of stems that grow underground or in some cases, slightly above the substrate. These types of roots absorb needed nutrients through water scavaged from the surrounding soil. The interesting take away from ferns that utilize the rhizome root system is that smaller stems will shoot from distant roots. Giving the illusion that new plants are sprouting from surrounding areas.

Rootball

The root ball system is pretty self-explanatory. The mass clump of stems that make up this root structure is typically found in ferns that grow in a more bush or tree format. The good thing about these types of plants is they do not require a wide amount of underground soil space. Annual repotting is usually all that is needed to keep these perennial plants going for years to come.

Root-like Structure

The last type of root structure is a very interesting one. Most aquatic ferns utilize a root-like system that doesn’t play the same role as the prior two kinds of roots. Floating ferns, for instance, have long hair like roots that simply drape down into the water. These ferns typically benefit more from the nutrients absorbed through moist air. Other non-aquatic ferns that have similar types of root systems are epiphytic ferns. These ferns are typically found growing without soil… Latched on to rock or tree surfaces or between stones along the edge of cliffs.

The Propagation Process

The growth process is generally the same for polypodiophyta as a group. Naturally, ferns reproduce through the process of sporulation. This is a very slow process and very hard to influence within the typical vivarium. A more common practice used by hobbyists today is through division. Depending on the type of fern and the environment it is growing in… Simply clipping small stems off parent plants or separating the root structure will be enough to warrant a new plant. As you navigate through the list of miniature ferns, take a closer look at the article about a particular fern to learn more about the best propagation process.

Vines for Vivarium

• 1. String of Pearls (Curio Rowleyanus): It does very well in terrariums due to its hardy nature. Suitable for low humidity and mostly dry.
• 2. Tradescantia zebrina: It is colorful, vibrant, and easy to maintain.
• 3. Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus radicals): A vine that produces flowers resembling a Lipstick.
• 4. Baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii ): Carpeting plant for terrariums.
• 5. Radiator plant (Peperomia ): They are small compact with unique foliage .Acts as great fillers.
• 6. Satin pathos (Scindapsus pictures): As it is a slow growing vine so very ideal plant.
• 7. Heart leaf philodendron:
• 8. Philodendron brasil
• 9. Trailing jade (Pepromia rotundifolia)
• 10. Polka Dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya): They come in assortment of variations. Can be used as an epiphyte.
• 11. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila )
• 12. English ivy
• 13. Devils ivy
• 14. Asparagus Fern
• 15. Aluminium plant (Pilea cadierei)

Learn about these plants before going in for plantation. (Mosses , liverworts, hornworts).

There are over 20,000 documented species of bryophytes.

So select how those plants will look after filling up. Regular pruning will keep them in shape. They like moist surroundings. 

• Sphagnum
• Peat
• Feather moss
• Club moss (selaginella kraussiana )
• Star moss (Tortula Ruralis)
• Fern moss
• Sheet moss
• Java moss
• Phoenix moss
• Weeping moss
• Willow moss
• Flame moss
• Best Vivarium Animals
• Isopods – Spring tails
• Frogs
• Skinks
• Gecko
• Newts
• Tanks

There are a number of shapes and  ways to make tanks

• Tall
• Wide
• Screen vivarium tank

Finally I would like to say vivarium are extremely fun projects to make Try it and if any questions please feel free to ask.

Happy Gardening

RAMA TYAGI

tyagirama1@gmail.com

LET US DECORATE WITH JUTE THIS NEW YEAR

CHOOSING THE FERNS FOR TERRARIUM

Terrarium Fern Types

Terrarium ferns are the terrestrial version of the plant that thrives on land away from flowing water. For the most part, ferns like moist, humid environments but not overly saturated soils. Moderate airflow, as well as proper drainage, will be a necessity for terrarium dependent ferns. Upper areas of paludariums will also be great environments for these kinds of polypodiophyta.

 Below is a complete list of vivarium ferns to consider:

 1. Rabbit Foot Fern (Davallia Tyermanii)

Davallia Tyermanii has one of the most interesting root structures of all the ferns. The rhizomes this plant produces are thick and hairy closely resembling a hare’s foot… Hint’s the common name. The Rabbits Foot Fern is not a common plant to stock in a closed vivarium. None the less, it’s environmental requirements make it a very fitting prospect for a large tropical terrarium. With high humidity levels and proper substrate, this plant will thrive fairly easily and grow to a height of 12 to 24 inches tall. This type of polypodiophyta is best used as a background plant to fill in large open areas.

 2. Silver Lace Fern (Pteris Ensiformis)

Pteris Ensiformis is one of many brake ferns great for vivarium keeping. The pinnate fronds this flora produces are vivid in color and are capable of really adding life to an enclosure. This plant is relatively simple to care for and will grow to be as tall as 12 to 16 inches tall. It will require soil solid enough to hold the plant in a firm upright position and kept damp at all times. Being striking oriental foliage, this Silver Lace Fern will do anywhere within the terrain area.

3. Crocodile Fern (Microsorum Musifolium ‘Crocodyllus’)

Microsorum Musifolium ‘Crocodyllus’ is a very interesting plant to cover. The scaling pattern the leaves of this fern exhibits make it rather exotic and distinguishable from any other polypodiophyta. Something to note, crocodile fern can grow rather large over time, reaching heights up to five feet tall. Therefore making it not exactly a miniature fern if left unattended long enough.

The care requirements for crocodile fern are going to be similar to other tropical fern. It can be grown epiphytically on backgrounds or buried in loose acidic soil. Even though this fern showcases a strong, tusk-like appearance… It can still be sensitive to direct sun exposure and should be kept in shade the majority of the time. Furthermore, avoid placing Microsorum Musifolium too close to aquatic areas as well. This is a terrain base fern that requires a moist, humid environment.

 6. Heart Fern (Hemionitis Arifolia)

Hemionitis Arifolia is typically used as a household plant but has proven over time to do far better in vivariums. The constant need for high humidity and moderately warm temperatures have made this flora a challenge for many trying to maintain it successfully outside of a closed terrarium. Heart Fern is another unique plant in appearance showcasing leaves that are… well… Shaped like hearts! This fern easily falls in the miniature fern category reaching a maximum height of ten inches.

In the wild tropics, Heart Fern can be found growing along the forest floor or along the trunk of trees. I would consider this a relatively good creeping plant to place in the foreground of an enclosure or background wall. Aim for bright, artificial lighting or indirect sunlight for best results.

 7. Button Fern (Pellaea Rotundifolia)

Pellaea Rotundifolia is a great vining type fern for all size terrariums. Unlike many polypodiophyta featured on this list, Button Fern is more tolerable to dryer conditions. This plant is native to New Zealand generally needs high humidity… It’s just the soil preferences that are going to less damp than typical ferns like. This plant can also be found growing on cliffs near coastal edges making it a great epiphyte to attach to rocky backgrounds. I would highly suggest this plant for beginner enthusiast looking to set up a woodland type of enclosure.

The caretaking needs on a Button Fern are relatively minimal. All that is needed is a sufficient amount of acidic water and bright lighting. Many hobbyists will grow this fern easily indoors so that should say a lot about how well it does with artificial lighting. Pellaea Rotundifolia has a signature coin-shaped appearance to its leaves.

Enjoy Ferning!

Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

IF WE DO NOT TAKE CARE OF THEM, WE ALSO WILL NOT BE CARED FOR BY NATURE

Please shun the products made of animal skin and body parts.

WE ARE LOSING OUR ‘DANCING’ BEARS

There are eight species of bears across the world, and most of them have been categorised as ‘vulnerable’ by IUCN. In India, all four bear species are deemed vulnerable and placed in Schedule 1 of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, meaning they need rigorous protection.

And the presence of bear in this list is a matter of concern.

Bear is responsible for bringing in huge eco-systems we need. They are an important part in the food chain. They are responsible for dispersing seeds far and wide, as they move a lot. Most bears eat fruit, and dispersing their seeds help nature to thrive.

Bears are known to be non-social mammals and like to stay solitary. Today, we find bears inching closer to human population due to variety of reasons.

They are facing an enormous deforestation by human beings, and they are losing their habitat. Apart from this, they face acute shortage of water supply in forest due to global warming. This leaves them no choice but to approach human hutments. This is giving rise to frequent human-bear confrontations in India.

Loss of habitat, climate change and uncontrolled human expansion has forced these creatures to change their feeding habits over a period of time. Many bears are heard of entering human towns in search for food and water. They are known to enter temples and eat the offerings made to God. Human made food causes serious health implications for the bear.

Most bear attacks are accidental, with humans coming closer to their habitats. Mother bears are extremely protective about their cubs and attack in defence of their young. This causes retaliatory attacks by human.

Ninety percent of the Sloth Bear population is found in India. Our laws prohibit them to be kept as pets, as against earlier where they were captured and made ‘dancing bears’.

We need concerted efforts to conserve this beautiful species. Bears need secure corridors to move between patches of forests left after de-forestation. Specific guidelines can help reducing human-bear conflict, as has been done in case of leopards and tigers. Increasing the tolerance of the people can also help.

We can deepen the understanding by education and out-reach programs.

Sushil Bhatia

sush16534@gmail.com

FOUR MISTAKES PEOPLE DO WITH THEIR HOUSEPLANTS

Happy New Year 2023 to all the Gardening people. May this year also be filled with more Gardening and less mistakes while pursuing this activity. We generally see people fighting for survival of their plants. Here is an article to make you and your plants happy.

Houseplants are such a great addition to your home. They bring a sense of calm and add a bit of flair to a space. But sometimes when you get houseplant-crazy, you forget that houseplants are living things and need to be taken care of in a certain way. Instead of thinking about the things that help a houseplant flourish, people think about where it might look nice in their home or what planter would make it pop. This can often lead to mistakes that can stop your plants from flourishing. Mistakes like not placing your plant in a spot where it’s getting enough light, or accidentally putting it in a draughty area.

Putting in the right light

Let’s face it, the way that people describe lighting situations can be confusing. When you purchase a new plant, it’ll probably say what type of light the plant thrives in. But what does bright indirect light really mean anyway? Some plants do well in bright light and low light, but it’s not necessary that more light will make a plant that can survive in low light and will thrive in it.

Most of the tropical plants love semi bright or filtered light. As you must have observed, these plants in their normal habitat get filtered light from in between branches /leaves of tall trees.

And then there’s the situation where people will purchase a plant because they think it will look good in a specific spot. But if that spot doesn’t have the right lighting, the plant won’t do well. “When a plant doesn’t get enough light, it’s more susceptible to other problems, including attack from pests and disease “Get the light right and a lot of the rest of the plant’s care comes more easily. If in doubt, it’s almost always better to give a houseplant lighter than less.”

“Another way placement can cause issues for the plant is setting it next to the air conditioning vent,” . It’s really important to be aware of the draughty places in your home to avoid damaging your plant. “In general, the thinner the leaf, the more problematic this can be for a plant. Exposure to hot or cold drafts like this can cause leaves to yellow, brown, or black and drop prematurely.
“In nature, plants are rooted in one spot and typically spend their entire lives there. So they’re not used to change. “Sometimes in our enthusiasm to keep plants happy doing their best, we’ll move them from spot to spot in the house trying to make them happy.”

We’ve all been guilty of this at some point. It’s easy to look at a plant and think to yourself, “this would look so much better in my bedroom rather than on the mantel in the living room.” This can be really troubling for your plant as it has already gotten used to its life in its current spot. Before you decide to switch things up, consider the conditions of the other location where you want to put it and how similar they are. When you take into account the conditions your plant would live in when you change its location and the stress it might endure to adapt, it may end up looking its best staying put where it is.

Repotting Too Often or Into the Wrong Pot

When it comes to repotting, it’s really important to know that you’re doing it at the right time and only when your plant is ready. One way of telling if they’re ready is if their roots are growing out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. You can also tell if the new foliage is tiny or very slow growing. However, it’s important not to size up too much. You really only need about ½ to 1 inch bigger of a pot in diameter. “The potting mix acts like a sponge to hold moisture. The bigger the sponge, the more moisture it holds,
“So going from a little pot to a big pot in one jump can put the roots in a situation where the potting mix holds more moisture than they’re able to absorb in a timely manner, leading to overwatering issues.”

There is one more point about air purifying plants also.

Commonly sold to purify your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom atmosphere, plants like sansevieria, Chlorophytum, Gerbera, Geranium love bright light. If you desire to keep these plants in your rooms, make 4 sets of plants so they can easily be rotated weekly.

Happy Gardening

DK Sharma

LOHRI : THE FESTIVAL TO WARM OUR HEARTS

Knowing LOHRI

Lohri is a vibrant and one of the most famous festivals in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, celebrated on the 13th of January every year. ‘Loh’ means the light and warmth of the fire. During the festival, everyone gathers in an open area, lights up the bonfire, and celebrates the passing of Winter solstice while distributing sweets and dry fruits like mungfali, revadi, gajak, etc. During the onset of Lohri, the earth is closest to the Sun, which marks it as the beginning of summer and the new harvest season. Lohri represents a warm day to celebrate Agni, the God of Fire, and to worship Surya, the Sun God.

A little history about how Lohri originated…

It’s believed that the celebration of Lohri originated with the story of Dulla Bhatti. He was a local hero of the Punjab region who served as a Saviour of the people during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar. He was also known as the “Robin Hood” of the Punjab state because he would steal from the rich to provide for the poor. He is famous because he saved several young girls from being sold into slavery.

His deeds became legends and integrated into Punjabi culture for a very long time. On Lohri, “Dulla Bhatti” is honored with several songs and dances. 

And one of the famous folk songs, Sundar Mundariye, has a special place in the heart of Punjab de loka (Punjabis or the people of Punjab).

सुंदर मुंदरिए हो! 

(O, Beautiful girl)

तेरा कौन विचार हो!  

(Who will think about you)

दुल्लाह भाटी वाला हो!  

(Dulla of the Bhatti clan will)

दुल्हे दी धी व्यये हो!  

(Dulla’s daughter got married)

This song expresses gratitude to Dulla Bhatti and is sung with pride.

Let’s dive into the Lohri celebration, and I bet that I could make you feel the warmth of celebrating Lohri as you read further.⭐

On this day, after sunset, a festive bonfire is lit to celebrate Lohri with family, friends, and neighbors. The warmth of the bonfire feels so soothing in the wind which is still chilly at night. The ignited bonfire symbolizes the return of long summer days.

The celebrations commence with people gathering at a large common area and setting up a big bonfire with various kinds of sweet delicacies to eat. Along with prayers to God for a fruitful harvest that has provided prosperity to the family, people offer peanuts, gajak, and gur ki revadi to the bonfire. Everyone dances around the bonfire to appease the Fire Deity as they sing folk prayers to God.

In Punjab, people celebrate Lohri by eating sheaves of freshly harvested corn, while Sarson ka Saag and Makki ki Roti are the special foods prepared and served as the main course at dinner. The vibe really turns out to be loving and awesome when everybody dances together around the Bonfire to the beats of Dhol. Aur aisi Lohri hi kya, jha Bhangra aur Gidda na ho, they being the most famous folk dances of Punjab.💃

Happy Lohri !

Komal Saini

STAY WITH YOUR CULTURE

FOR WARMTH IN THE HEARTS

IN AN EFFORT TO SHIELD THEM

CITES or the CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA is an agreement between 183 countries to regulate the global trade of wildlife and wildlife products.

Emerging in 1975, it covers about 5000 species of animals and 30,000 species of plants, classified into three categories, depending on the risk they face.

(Off late, it has been our endeavor to bring to you the stories of common people taking to gardening and reaping not just fruits and veggies, but helping them achieve peace of mind. Here is one such story of Mr Vijay Saini. It is another matter that we just happen to stay opposite each others’ house).

DHYANANDA : MY GARDEN

Hello everybody!

The day I harvested a bagful of Tomatoes from my beautiful little plant, that I came to know how blissful it feels. And it tastes even more yummy than the ones we get from the markets.

We all need time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to get lost in nature; after all, who doesn’t like to be alone for a while in a peaceful environment? So here goes our story.

It was around March 2021, when I happened to see a video about Yogic Kheti on Youtube. We were also free at home because it was close to a lockdown, and we reduced buying vegetables from the market because we were worried about being infected by Corona. And most of our time then was spent watching these videos online. And it all began with the planting of a few vegetable plants in our front yard. We employ various methods, including watching YouTube videos on how to get more seeds.

And, one by one, more plants are joining the previous ones in our garden. And this was around October 2021, when I had nearly 25 or 30 plant pots in my front yard. And here, we brought every pot to the terrace. 

So, now our terrace garden looks like this…

Following that, I decided that I wanted an area where my lovely plants could grow in a suitable environment. (I’m referring to Kyaari, as it is known in Hindi)

We had this raised bed built up for the purpose. The Kyari is about 22 feet in length, 3 feet deep and about 2 feet in width. Also, it has holes so that excess water can easily flow out from the bed.

Now that winter has arrived, we have sown seeds of vegetables such as tomato, carrot, lettuce, radish, turnip, brinjal, and others.

They started bringing us nutritious fruits and vegetables, and we gradually added more plants until my terrace resembled this.

This is how my garden looks.

We received so many tomatoes last year that we gave some to our neighbours; I remember taking our own grown tomatoes to our relatives’ house. And one of the reasons I enjoy gardening is that I now have some time, fresh air, and a positive environment where I can meditate. And in the morning, so many birds  and butterflies come into our garden. I enjoy reading books and finding peace by sitting with my plants and listening to birds chirp. And the best part about growing and maintaining our own garden is that we can get the freshest of the veggies, and all organically grown. And I truly appreciate that I began maintaining this which definitely makes me even more happy. I genuinely enjoy the company of our plants.

Happy gardening

Komal Saini

THROUGH THE LENS

Tales of Indian trees in our Culture
SESAME

Latin Name: Sesamum indicum
English Name: Sesame
Indian Name Hindi : Til
Family: Pedaliaceae

Sesamon was first named by Hipocrates from the Arabic word Sesam meaning herbs.Later it was changed to Sesamum. Til means small particle in Sanskrit. In Atharvaveda it is mentioned as field manure crop . It has been known to humankind since 3000 years. During the vedic period Til oil was the only known oil to Aryans.

Description:

The sesame plant is tall, erect and annual. The leaves are long and deeply veined. The flowers are white and trumpet shaped. It grows singly in the axil of leaves. The fruit is two pods with pear shaped seeds. The seeds vary from yellowish white or black on peeling white colour comes out.

Story:

Once Narayan (Vishnu )decided to visit Earth.His wife Lakshmi insisted on coming along.Vishnu agreed on a condition that while flying down she will not look towards north. On their way she saw SESAME fields and couldn’t resist looking towards the fields and plucked a few white flowers from the field . Narayan saw her hiding something, on asking her to show the flowers. Narayan said it is a sin to steal and above that she was a goddess of prosperity. She will have to penance by staying in that farmer’s house for three years as an ordinary person. The owner was a poor Brahman who earned enough to feed the family of five one meal a day,but those days any stranger or guest was never turned off from the door.

Lakshmi was allowed in and she started staying in the house. Luck came to the family in the shape of Lakshmi. Their crop of SESAME had twice as many seeds as previous years. They purchased Cow from surplus money which gave enough milk to sell. Slowly family grew prosperous and shared the wealth with Lakshmi too as she was considered their family member.

Two and a half years passed. The Brahman brought more land, more animals, and built a big house. All this was considered a special blessing from God’s and wanted to go on a pilgrimage with family to thank Ganga ji. Lakshmi offered to stay back on the pretext of looking after their house in her absence. The Brahman and family came back months later to see Lakshmi boarding a dazzling chariot as three year penance was over and Vishnu had come to fetch her.

Brahman realised the lady was no other than Goddess Lakshmi. He apologised for not recognizing her and not treating her as a Godeses’ Lakshmi ji was very happy and filled his house with so much wealth to last for generations.

The Brahmin’s family grew enormously rich as they never left their generosity and humbleness. That’s why til is scattered in the house for prosperity and happiness.

Happy Gardening
Rama Tyagi

tyagirama1@gmail.com

GARDEN UP YOUR BODY AND MIND

Why You Should Group Houseplants

There’s nothing like walking into a room and being surrounded by a ton of houseplants. And it’s even better when there are corners of a home where there are lots of plants grouped together. It just makes you feel like you’re in a jungle.

Many people intentionally group their houseplants together. Whether you’re doing it to keep your plants near each other to make caring for them easier or because it looks nice, grouping houseplants can be super beneficial for a number of reasons.

1  It’s aesthetically pleasing to group plants together and can instantly add something special to your space.

2 It’s also a great way to cut your watering time down — if you have your plants near each other, you don’t need to wander around your home with a watering can in hand, trying to remember which plants need to be watered that day.

3 “Indoor air is notoriously dry, especially under the use of A/C and heat sources. Tropical plants prefer humidity levels that mirror their natural climates, which requires regular upkeep,”

4“Grouping humidity-loving houseplants together maximises the moisture content in the immediate environment, making them happier and healthier.”

5 By grouping your plants you don’t have set out humidifiers or mist them as often as you would if they were spread around your home. Instead, they’re creating a little micro-climate where the humidity level will be higher than it is in the rest of your home.

Another great reason to group your houseplants is that it makes it easier to care for them. If you have a bunch of plants that are on the same watering schedule and have similar light needs, group them in a bunch. It will not only make it easier for you, but it will also be helpful if anyone ever has to plant sit for you while you’re on vacation.

Ways to Group Houseplants

 1. Place your houseplants near each other and you’ll see that it not only simplifies plant care, but it also looks nice too.

2. “Create clusters according to care needs, size, or shape. Exercise your green thumb by grouping them on a large pebble tray (such as a boot tray) or even potting them in the same planter if they share identical needs,”

3. Plant arrangements are a really unique way of showing off your favourite greenery, so find yourself a cool pot and get creative. As long as the plants have the same needs, they should thrive together.

4 You can also layer your plants by placing the tallest plants in the back and the smaller ones towards the front. It creates a lush corner in your home or on a shelf.

How to Group House Plants Successfully

“When grouping plants, be sure not to crowd them. Without sufficient airflow, moisture build-up will cause disease and pests,”  “Root rot, leaf fungus, and fungus gnats make homes out of wet conditions.” And if you have your plants close to each other and you find yourself with pests or gnats, they could easily spread and infect your whole collection! Instead of placing them super close together, allow for a few inches in between each pot.

“Get creative with plant sizes and placement! Group small windowsill plants with large floor plants to find a fitting aesthetic,”

“Make use of vertical space through floating shelves and hanging planters.” Utilise all of the space you have to create the perfect indoor jungle. And don’t forget to rotate your plants regularly so that they grow evenly. If you haven’t been rotating your plants, you may notice that one side (usually the one facing the light) may be thriving a bit better. If you see that your group of plants is leaning towards the light, simply turn them around. A great way to remember to do this regularly is to rotate a little bit each time you water them.

Rama Tyagi

ramatyagi1@gmail.com

GLIMPSES OF FLOWER SHOW 2022