Start Crossandra seeds indoors at any time. The flowers seeds should be lightly covered with soil. Warm temperatures are required for best germination. Four months after transplant, blooms can appear. Do not overwater or overwind the plants. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Water regularly to prevent root rot.
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How do you germinate Crossandra?
Crossandra seeds need temperatures between 21 to 26°C for the best germination. When the pots are 4 inches high, pinch the seedlings back. The seedlings will bloom in about a month if they are grown in rich, moist soil at a temperature of at least 18C.
The seeds germinate in a few days, and the plants are ready to be transplanted into the garden. The plants can be kept in the greenhouse for up to a year, but they should be removed when the soil is dry.
How fast does Crossandra grow?
Crossandra is a moderate to fast grower and should show flowers in about four to six weeks. Plants should be kept in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. They should not be allowed to get too hot or too cold, and they should never be left in direct sunlight for more than a few hours at a time.
Watering is not necessary, but it is recommended that plants be watered once or twice a week during the growing season. Do not allow plants to become over-watered, as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
What is Kanakambaram called in English?
The firecracker flower or tropical flame which is commonly called as ‘Kanakambaram’ in Malayalam is known for its beauty and colour. Its scientific name is Crossandra bicolor. Crossandra is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 1-2 m.
It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10 m in height. The plant is native to India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Does Crossandra come back every year?
Crossandra blooms most of the year in frost-free regions. It is a good choice for sun-baked garden beds and borders because of its excellent heat tolerance. Crossandra is a lovely flowering houseplant for bright, sunny windowsills. Crossandra can be grown in containers, but it is best grown outdoors in full sun.
Crossandra prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. The plant is drought-tolerant and will tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to loamy sand.
Can crossandra take full sun?
Crossandra thrives in the heat and is located in the 9-11 zone. It can tolerate up to four hours of direct sun per day, but can also be grown in partially shaded areas. Crossandra’s leaves can be misted frequently to keep them moist.
The leaves and stems of this plant are edible, and the leaves are used in soups and stews. It is also used as a garnish in salads and as an ingredient in jams and jellies.
Which is the serious pest of crossandra?
Some of the major pests of crossandra are pratylenchus delattrei, longidorus africanus, meloidogyne incognita and helicotylenchus dihystera. All the juvenile and adult stages of the same species are parasitised by the same species.
