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It is easy to grow
exotic plants THERE are many plants that can be grown successfully in this region but they find few takers. The reason is the myth that a particular plant is exotic and will not be easy to grow. But in most of the cases the plants are so hardy that they can grow and bear flowers normally and without fuss---sometimes even when they are neglected. So, overcome your hesitation and go in for something new for your garden. Strelitzia, the `bird of paradise’, a perennial and evergreen foliage and flowering plant, though exotic, grows with equal ease in the plains of Chandigarh and the hills of Palampur. This plant has another advantage. It grows equally well both in a pot and in the garden soil . Though the plant takes a few years to bear its maiden blooms, yet the wait is worthwhile. The flower, like an opening fist , is spectacular . The foliage of the
plant is also peculiar and fan-shaped. The leaves are plantain type
and seem to emerge from the same point. The colours of the blooms are
really attractive . There is a combination of contrasting colours,
ranging from yellow to deep orange, red, purple, crimson , etc. The
opening petals are held upwards in a greenish waxy spathe. |
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In the lawn, it can be grown as a specimen plant and remains there for years , bearing flowers almost every year. The plant has an affinity for porous soil which should be rich. Like most of the other plants, it also does not like standing water though it needs plenty of it in summer. In winter, the frequency of watering can be reduced. It likes well-lit places but it should be protected from direct sunlight, especially when grown in a pot. The blooms have a long life and are a
delight for those who want to use them indoors as cut flowers. |
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This feature was
published on May 6, 2001 |
The plant is very hardy in nature and can withstand some amount of
neglect. Although it flourishes well with frequent watering in summer,
but as a personal experience, on more than one occasion, I subjected the
plant to near-total thirst, without any ill-effects.The plant has thick
fleshy roots at the base that make it hardy even in bad conditions.