by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | May 2, 2021 | Gardening
Looks of Spider Plant
Spider plant, also known by the names, spider ivy and ribbon plant, is an easy to grow houseplant.
Its long and narrow leaves can reach a length measuring upto 20-45 cm and approx. 6-25 millimeters.
These are perennial plants with indefinite life span, which also end up out living their owners, provided these are nurtured properly. Thanks to their longevity, they end up becoming the legacy.
Spider Plant Uses
- The NASA Clean Air Study claimed that spider plant is an effective air purifier and helps eliminate air toxins like xylene (Sources- petroleum, coal tar, smoke) and formaldehyde (Sources- paints, coatings, glues, permanent press fabric, pesticides, fertilizers). Thus, reducing indoor pollution.
- The plant finds its use in various traditional medicines. Its tubular roots are consumed to treat bronchitis, bone fractures and burns. Its leaves are consumed in kenya.
- It can be used as an indoor plant not only because it purifies air but also it enhances the indoor beauty due to its decorative value.
- Spider plants can also be planted in gardens as well as in hanging pots at a partially shady place. It spreads beautifully on the ground and works as a cover to prevent soil erosion .
Care
Plants love well drained soil so does the spider plant. The fully grown plants can tolerate drought for a while as well but not for very long.
The most suitable temperature for its good development is 18-32 degree Celsius. It cannot withstand frost.
Plants prefer the soil to dry between waterings to avoid root rot, so does the spider plant. Excess watering can produce brown leaf tips, which can also be due to buildup of chemicals present in water. You may use filtered water in that case. Water stress can also arise due to insufficient watering.
Belonging to the tropical rainforest, spider plants prefer humidity which keeps brown tips at bay. So, you can also place it in a bright bathroom of yours.
These require partly shaded sites and if grown indoors they love highly bright spots. Forbid direct sunlight to prevent scorching of leaves and enhance the striping on the leaves.
The fertilizing task can be done in summer and spring twice a month. Plant growth is slow in winter and autumn so fertilizer doesn’t find the need. Over-fertilization should be avoided to prevent brown leaf tips.
This task requires the plantlets of the plant. These are the miniature replica of the spider plant. So, these are easy to propagate.
Though the spider plants do not require repotting often but the task should be done in spring which is considered as an ideal time. If the roots start peeping out of the soil, then it’s time for some action.
Pests
These plants are hardy when it comes to pest attack. But yes, they are susceptible to some infestations, like spider mites, aphids, mealy bugs and whitefield may damage the plant. The plant can be saved using an insecticide mixed with vinegar if it worsens, otherwise, misting it with water will do the job. Spraying neem water on any plant can help save plants from bugs.
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and clean your indoor air with this NASA approved air purifier and give a pure breathing experience to your family.
Every Corner Needs A Plant
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Apr 13, 2021 | Health and Immunity
Air On Sale! Shocked?? You heard that right.
Once upon a time, there was an era, when Mother Earth, was respected & worshiped as “Dharti Maa”, who nurtured us like her children. Supreme health is what people enjoyed earlier with nature’s boons. But soon, some smart and intelligent humans began exploiting our resourceful Earth. Their exploitative power and dominance lead to greed. Food, water, air, and shelter started diminishing and their distribution is now imbalanced and unequal.
We are currently struggling to live in a world, which has everything ready to be sold. From canned foods, to ready to use curries or gravies, to dehydrated food products. Food is so expensive and not worth the value and nutrition that used to be earlier in the world today. Why have we made a ready-made world? Because no one has the so-called “Time” to invest. We are paving the way for health hazards by consuming these products.
Food and water have been sold for many years. The packaged drinking water quenches thirst while on the run so well. But have you ever stopped and thought that you actually “paid for drinking water”. The element that nature provides us unconditionally and free of cost.
Air Arrested!
Surprisingly, now air with different aromas also has a price tag. The air was the only thing that was available free to us. But now even that seems a luxury.
How can a necessity be a luxury?
Our planet has life because of air, water, and food. Firstly, we polluted the natural, clean and fresh air and then we invented air purifiers. We have polluted our environment by means of industrialization and now finding an alternative to escape its hazardous effects.
The means of our survival-air is now on “SALE“.
How much are you ready to spend to inhale some fresh air?
Have a look at how air is being sold in China.
We are not saving the Earth for generations to come. We are being selfish in the now, not thinking of our future generations.
Why don’t we think of giving a better environment by planting trees? Is doing that too difficult?
It can save us from the cost of buying air purifiers and bottled air in the ages to come. Don’t you agree?
Health nowadays is the major concern more than a career. We should give a thought to whether there are enough resources left for the newborns to survive, as ‘survival‘ is now a challenge. We all are sitting on a ticking time bomb. The choice is ours, whether to stop this timer and survive or let it explode to destroy this amazing life. We still have time before it’s already too late and impossible to reverse the damage. Together we can put an end to this business of selling air. We cannot spend the rest of our life with masks on because trees are the solution and saviours, not masks and bottled air.
Start the initiative from your own place. ‘Vertical gardens’ or ‘green walls’ are a solution to less horizontal space. The living greens in the wall will help reduce the carbon footprint around your place and maintain the internal temperature.
GET A QUOTE
Lend A Hand To Release Air
Let’s give Earth its original wealth and prosperity back and make our lives a little easier, healthier, and happier. Question yourself, how many trees are required for breathing fresh and cleaning the polluted air? Analyse, introspect and do your part, contribute to Mother Nature what you took away from it. Don’t wait for anyone else to start, you be the initiator.
“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam“- the whole world is one family. Let us make it feel like a home to everyone and even the animals. Animals, both wild and domesticated they cannot buy air.
So, are you ready to step ahead? Do share your valuable views in the comment box.
Edited by- Ms. Seema Sheriff (Relationship coach and content writer by passion)
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Mar 29, 2021 | Health and Immunity
I am back with the rest of the sacred trees which I promised you in my last blog of
“15 Sacred Trees Native to India“.
Sorry for keeping you waiting. Go on now, give a read to all the trees left and add the knowledge to your hat.
List of Sacred Trees:
8. Banana (Musa acuminata)
Banana tree symbolizes Lord Vishnu and its fruit is offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu for a prosperous life. Conforming to ancient scriptures, the tree is regarded as Devaguru or planet Jupiter. As a matter of fact, banana is the only plant whose leaves, flower, fruit and stem have medicinal properties. Its leaves represent regeneration and growth and are tied to pillars, hung at the entrance to mark an auspicious occasion. They are also used as plates to serve food or prasad.
BENEFITS:
Banana peel
- The unripe banana peel has more antioxidants than a ripe banana which is due to the presence of ‘phenolics’.
- The ‘lutein’ present in the peel reduces oxidative stress and neutralizes free radicals in the body.
- Extracts of banana peel have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also enriched with bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and polyphenols.
- According to a 2015 study, banana peels have shown antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis , the gingivitis causing bacteria .
- Peels can be added to soil to increase fertility.
Banana fruit
- Bananas are a rich source of vitamin B6 and manganese.
- The fruit is rich in iron, thus helpful for anaemic people.
- Keeps in check high blood pressure.
- It is Known as the brain tonic as it is rich in potassium and also maintains heart health.
- It helps neutralize acid in the stomach and provides relief from ulcers and improves digestive health.
Banana stem
- Heals gastric issues
- Aids in weight loss
- Detoxifies and improves digestion
Banana flower
- Supports menstrual wellness
- Controls diabetes
- Keeps infections at an arm’s length
- Prevents cancer and heart diseases
- Has anti-ageing power
- Its leaves and trunk are used to serve food and as welcoming gates respectively.
9. Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is widely used to manufacture perfumes and is also considered to be a holy and sacred tree. The wood is made into a paste which is considered pure and then used in worshipping Lord Shiva and Vishnu. This paste is used to decorate icons of deities and calm the mind during the prayer. It is distributed to devotees for applying on their forehead. It is also heard that Goddess Lakshmi lives in the sandalwood tree. Sandalwood oil has a soft, warm and precious-wood scent.
Sandalwood oil has been used with other therapies to manage:
- common cold
- urinary tract infections
- liver and gallbladder problems
- manage anxiety
- support wound healing
- guard against skin cancer
- fight bacteria
- digestive problems
- muscle problems
- hemorrhoids
- scabies
10. Parijaat tree, Kintoor (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)
This tree is said to be found in Kintoor, Uttar Pradesh and is estimated to be 1000 to 5000 years old. This unique tree is believed to have been brought by Krishna from heaven. 
Parijaat is associated with Mahabharata and is heard to be growing on Kunti’s ashes.
11. Plumeria (Plumeria rubra)
Plumeria is the symbol immortality as it blooms even after being uprooted. It is considered to be one of the holiest of trees amongst Hindus and is planted near temples. It is sacred to the God of Love, Kamadeva. It is also called Indian magnolia, frangipani and champa.
Health Benefits of Frangipani essential oil:
- Maintains a healthy skin
- Lowers headache
- Has Antioxidant activity
- It is used as a remedy for diarrhoea and itch in India.
- Bark is used for fever, hard tumors and gonorrhoea.
- Shoots and flowers are used to treat Malaria.
12. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
The holy basil is respected, used as an immunity booster and is one of the best herbs available for medicinal purposes. The leaves of this easily available plant are rich in phytonutrients, Eugenol (a bioactive compound that has anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and reduces stress and plasma glucose levels, vitamins, and minerals.
Recent studies have indicated that this sacred tulsi can help slow down the growth of HIV cells and inhibit development of certain carcinogenic cells. It protects you from cold, cough and viral infections too.The leaves can be infused with the morning tea.
13. Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba)
It is believed that Goddess Durga resides in the Kadamba forest. Also, lord Krishna carried out his childhood activities and played flute under this tree.
Karam-Kadamba is a famous harvest festival, celebrated on the eleventh lunar day of the Bhadra month. A twig from this tree is brought home and worshipped in the courtyard . Later in the day, young ears of grain which are the fruit-bearing spike of a cereal, are distributed among the loved ones.
BENEFITS:
- The inflorescences and fruit of the sacred Kadamb can be consumed by humans.
- The fresh leaves are fed to cattle.
- The extract of the leaves are used as a mouth gargle.
- ‘Attar’, an Indian perfume obtained from Kadamba flowers.
- It sheds large amounts of leaf and non-leaf litter which improves soil quality on decomposition.
14. Kunda ( Jasminum multiflorum)
Kunda gets its beauty from the beautiful white flowers and is sacred to Vishnu. The flowers (star jasmine)are used in many religious ceremonies and worship of gods and goddesses in Manipur. It is an essential part of the marriage ceremonies and the flowers are used as garlands in the ceremony. 
Its aromatic flower is commonly used in perfumes and incense sticks.
15. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa)
Cannabis, commonly called bhang (a mixture of buds, leaves and flowers of female cannabis plant), consumption has been an age old tradition in Hindu religion. Its mention has been found in Hindu texts also. It is associated with lord Shiva and is considered to be sacred. It is distributed as prasad during the popular Hindu festival called Shivratri and Holi and is offered to Shiva. It is mixed with nuts, spices and boiled with milk or rolled into balls for consumption. But, mythology does not encourage Shiva worshippers to get high and also there is no textual evidence for this.
Bhang finds its uses in various ayurvedic medicines. Below given are some of its benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Treats digestion related issues
- Treats nausea, vomiting and fever
- May reduce pain
The takeaway of Sacredness
Trees are worshiped for what is revealed or signified through them or for being abode of some supreme power.
Mother nature and its elements have their own value and benefits. They are worthy of respect and care. The trees or plants which are associated with gods should not be considered sacred alone but also the non-historical greens should be considered sacred. So, plant a tree and give back to nature for its unconditional love.
Do share more remedies and valuable information in the comment box.
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Mar 15, 2021 | Gardening
Opuntia microdasys , a lookalike of cactus is characterized by its green pads. The cactus is a flowering plant species in the cactus family Cactaceae. It forms a dense shrub of 40–60 cm tall but more composed of pad-like stems 6–15 cm long and 4–12 cm broad.
In place of spines it has number of yellow or white glochids which are 2–3 mm long and dense clusters.
CAUTION: Glochids may cause considerable skin irritation if touched, so they must be handled with caution.
It is known by the names of angel’s-wings, bunny ear cactus, bunny cactus or polka-dot cactus. This cactus has no central stem or leaves. The oval shaped pads are the main constituent and attracting point of bunny ear cactus.
Why bunny ear?
Because these pad like segments always grow in pairs which result in an appearance similar to rabbit’s ears. These so called new segments appear as red and grow to dark green colour when mature.
The mature pads are highly covered with glochids which are short whitish brown prickles. These come off easily and can be blown away by wind.
Flowering:
The terminal ends of segment pads are meant for the flowers to sprout. Budding starts in late spring and ends in early summer with 2 inch wide blossoms. These are creamy yellow in colour.
This succulent comes with low maintenance and tolerance of harsh environment but it is more of an outdoor plant.
Click on the text below to know about the edible parts of Opuntia microdasys:
Dietary fiber, mineral elements profile and macronutrients composition in different edible parts of Opuntia microdasys
How to care for Bunny Ear Cactus?
1. Soil
A cactus mix will work very well for bunny ear. Avoid excess organic contents in the soil.
2. Light
4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day is sufficient. Avoid placing it in a dark room.
3. Water
Watering should be done when the top one inch of the soil gets dried. Any excess water should be drained out from the saucer. Watering in winters should be reduced to once in every 3-4 weeks. Water only the soil and not the pads.
4. Fertilizer
Although, its not needed much but it can be applied in summers. A peat-based compost should not be used. Remember, fertilize it in the evening only.
5. Repotting
It should be performed every 1-2 years. Wait for week after repotting and then water the bunny ears cactus.
6. Pest control
Combat the scale insects and mealy bugs with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol.
7. Propagation
Here is a step guide for performing a perfect propagation of bunny ears cactus:
• Pick out a mature pad and separate from the mother plant. It is best to group the cuttings by threes or more for better survival chances.
• Make use of a tweezer to break the pads off or very thick gloves to handle this part.
• Let the pads to callus for a few days before planting.
Optional: Dip the pads in rooting hormone which helps speed up the rooting and propagation process.
• Prepare a potting mix. A cactus mix is the perfect choice for potted a bunny ear.
• Use an unglazed clay pot slightly larger than the pads that are to be repotted. The clay pot lowers the chance of root rot.
• As soon as the cuttings have callused, plant it one inch deep into the soil and place the pot in a good sunlit area.
• Leave it undisturbed for a few days and let the roots develop.
• Ultimately, water it regularly for the first year. This will help the roots develop properly.
So, have you made up your mind to make this lovely bunny ear cactus your’s?
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Every Corner Needs A Plant
by Arshdeep Kaur Longia | Mar 2, 2021 | Gardening
Epipremnum aureum is known by many common names; golden pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, house plant, money plant, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, marble queen, and taro vine. It stays green even when kept in the dark, so it is also called devil’s vine or devil’s ivy. Money plant is an evergreen vine which grows up to a length of 20 m tall and climbs with the help of aerial roots. Leaves are heart-shaped and arranged alternately.
Benefits of Money Plant
1. NASA recommended air purifier
It helps eliminate benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and xylene.
2. Acts as an Anti-radiator
Yes, it can absorb most of the harmful radiations emitted by the gadgets and helps lower employee sickness rate by creating a productive environment at workplace and also creates a healthy environment at home.
3. Reduces stress and anxiety
Keeping it at home energizes & reduces stress in human beings. It helps avoid arguments, reduces anxiety & sleeping disorders. Green space means a stress free space. Plants are proven to lower the stress levels to a considerable amount.
4. Brings in good luck and prosperity
As the name suggests; money plant is known to bring abundance and wealth to the house and removes bad luck. Money Plant has always been considered the symbol of good luck. It is believed that keeping money plants at home can help people attain great heights in both personal and professional domains of life. North-East direction is not considered a good place to keep your money plant, so be careful. This plant is known to bring good fortune and wealth.
5. Creates a positive aura
This plant spreads positive vibes and energy around the space. Positive environment leads to a positive attitude which is the reason behind success and calm mind.
6. Keeps marital problems at bay
According to Vastu & Feng Shui, these plants should be kept indoors in the south-east direction. It maintains a healthy environment at home and keeps marital problems away.
It is believed to bring long-lasting relation, due to its heart-shaped leaves. It keeps you free from marriage tensions and binds the family together.
How to care for Money Plant?
1. Soil
Well drained soil is the demand of every plant. Sand and potting soil makes a perfect combo as sand allows good drainage and aeration to the plants.
2. Water
It can be watered once in 7-10 days in summers and once in 2-3 weeks in winter. Misting once a week in winters is enough. Let the soil dry up a little between successive watering sessions . But the gap between the sessions should not extend so long that the soil starts to crack up.
3. Light
This plant requires indirect medium to bright sunlight as scorching rays can burn the leaves. Money plant can grow well indoors and can also survive under artificial lights.
4. Fertilizer
Feeding the money plant with fertilizer once a month is sufficient. Make sure that only the prescribed amount is added.
5. Growing money plant in water
• Water should be changed every week.
• One node should be below the water level.
• No need to fertilize when growing in water.
• Keep the plant container near sunlight.
So, what are you waiting for? Buy one for yourselves now.
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