INTERIOR LANDSCAPE

Indian basil or Holy basil

Botanical Name : Ocimum tenuiflorum

 It is closely related to the sweet basil used in

kitchens around the world.
 It is a short-lived, woody, herbal perennial that
grows best in tropical and subtropical climates.
 It grows well in containers for gardens too, and
homes in colder regions.
 In India, holy basil is traditionally grown in
containers in and around temples for the purpose
of cleansing visitors.
 Holy basil plants are also important in Ayurvedic
medicine and have been used for thousands of
years.
 Rama Tulsi
Varieties
There are more than Rama Tulsi or Bright tulsi is a broader leaf variety and
100 different varieties can be found in parts of China, Nepal, India and
but the most known southern South America.
and used are three:
It is used to promote healthy digestion and has a milder
1. Rama Tulsi flavor than other tulsis but more stronger scent when
the leaves are crushed.
2. Krishna Tulsi

3. Vana Tulsi This variety has light green leaves and purple flowers
and smells strongly of cloves. 

The flavor of this variety is mellower than others, but

even though it has stronger smelling leaves. 

The mild flavor makes it versatile as an after meal tea,

and it’s used to promote healthy digestion. 
Rama tulsi is also known as green leaf tulsi.
Krishna Tulsi

Krishna Tulsi or purple leaf Tulsi grows in many parts of

India, but this dark purple variety is harder to find than
the greener.

It is especially useful for curing respiratory infections,ear

infections and skin problems.

It grows slower than other varieties, which may

contribute to its spicy, pungent flavor and odor.

Purple leaf basil is also less bitter and astringent than

other tulsis.

The flavor is peppery and clove like, and the warm spicy
tea it produces is used to treat respiratory infections
among other things. 

Krishna tulsi is also known as Shyama tulsi and purple

leaf tulsi.
Vana Tulsi
Vana Tulsi Tulsi or Wild forest holy basil is the most
difficult variety to find, it grows around the foothills of
the Himalayas.
It is the tastiest and beneficial in all the tulsis.
It has light green upper leaves and dark green lower
leaves.
The flavor is more lemony, unlike the peppery and clove
flavored other varieties.
GROWING TULSI FROM SEED
Tulsi seeds should be started indoors 6 to 12 weeks before
the last frost.  Since tulsi is a tropical plant, it requires
warm temperatures to germinate and should be kept in a
place that’s at least 70 degrees. 
The soil should be kept continuously moist, but not
soggy.  Seeds will germinate about 3 weeks after planting.
The plants are very frost sensitive, and should not be
moved outdoors until several weeks after the last frost
date. 
If growing tulsi indoors, be sure that the plant has ample
sunlight in a south-facing window for at least 4-6 hours of
direct sunlight per day.
 REQUIREMENTS FOR GROWING TULSI
GROWING TULSI
FROM CUTTINGS Requirements of growing tulsi is similar to common
basil
Tulsi also readily grows
from cuttings.  Use a Soil : Tulsi grows well in loamy and fertile soil with good
pair of sharp garden drainage, pH level around 6 to 7.5 is optimal.
shears and cut a tulsi
stem from an
established plant.  Sun : Holy basil thrives in full sun but grows in partial
Place the cutting in a shade too, at least four hours of sunlight a day is
glass of water on a required.
sunny windowsill. 
Make sure it’s kept
continually warm, and Watering : Water the plant when top one inch of soil is
change the water every dry. Do not water during rain. Reduce watering by the
few days to avoid mold winter to prevent diseases.
or stagnation.  The
cutting should take root
in a few weeks.
 Tulsi Plant Care
Pruning
It is important to pinch tops of Tulasi plant when they
Prune Tulsi as needed are forming four or six pairs of leaves, this will make the
throughout the year to plant grow bushier.
control its size and
promote bushier and Even the flower buds need to be removed when they
more compact growth. appear. It grows more lush and full when seed
production is prevented.
Remove no more than
half of the growth of It is also important to remove the faded, wilted or
stem while pruning. discolored leaves to encourage the growth of new
foliage. Regular removal of old leaves and flower buds
keep the plant healthy.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced liquid fertilizer once in every couple of

weeks. Replacing top two inch layer of soil with compost
every year or in six months is also beneficial.
 Pests and Diseases
mealy bugs
It is generally pests and diseases free.

However, when grown in poor conditions it might be

attacked by some common pests like mealy bugs, aphids,
spider mites and sometimes whiteflies.

For treating pests use organic pesticide or insecticidal

soap.

Aphids damage

spider mites whiteflies

HOW TO HARVEST TULSI

 Reap the aromatic leaves of your Tulsi plant throughout the growing season.
Once your plant reaches 12 inches in height, take a pair of scissors and
depending on your needs, cut large single leaf or cut whole branch.

 Use fresh leaves on the same day you harvest because they fade quickly.

 Store your Tulsi harvest for future use by drying out the leaves. Collect branches
in a basket and place them on a dry place away from sunlight and toss the stem
2-3 times every day until leaves becomes crispy and collapses when you crush.

TULSI (HOLY BASIL) BENEFITS

 Tulsi has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, immune-stimulating and

adaptogenic (stress removal) properties.

 It supports body’s natural defenses against germs, stress and disorders of

various kinds.
 HEARTLEAF PHILODENDRON
 Botanical Name : Philodendron scandens

Heartleaf philodendron is a popular house plant

because it is extremely easy to grow.

It's also known as the Sweetheart Plant.

Heart-shaped, glossy leaves emerge bronze, then

quickly turn green.

The leaves are typically 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long,

and cover its long, slender stems that can grow to 4
ft (1.2 m) or more. 

It will grow with long, single stems and become

lanky.
 LIGHT
Origin: South
America •Moderate to bright light. 

Height: Climbs or •Small leaves or long spaces between leaves show that

trails to 4 ft (1.2 m) the plant is not getting enough light. 
or more.
•Move heartleaf philodendron plant to a brighter
location, but not into direct sun which can scorch its
leaves.

•It thrives under fluorescent light, too, making it an ideal

office plant.

SOIL

Any quality potting soil will do as long as it is well-

draining. Can also mix Perlite, sterilized garden loam, or
coarse sand with half the amount of peat moss for soil.
WATER

Water well and then allow the top 50% of the soil dry out
before watering again.

Yellow leaves indicate over-watering .

Brown leaves mean the plant needs more water.

FERTILIZER

Feed monthly spring through fall with a balanced liquid

or water-soluble fertilizer, diluted by half.

Don't feed in winter, when growth is slower.

Heartleaf philodendron are fast growing plants and need

quite a bit of plant food, but should be fertilized only
when they are actively producing new leaves.
 Temperature : 70-75°F

Humidity : High

POT SIZE
Re-pot only when the plant has become root-bound in its
Aphids existing container. Smaller pots help prevent over-
watering

DISEASES
Root-rot from over-watering is the main disease problem.

•PESTS : Aphids , Mealybugs , Scales , Spider mites

Spider mites Mealybugs

Scales
 Temperature : 70-75°F

Humidity : High

POT SIZE
Re-pot only when the plant has become root-bound in its
Aphids existing container. Smaller pots help prevent over-
watering

DISEASES
Root-rot from over-watering is the main disease problem.

•PESTS : Aphids , Mealybugs , Scales , Spider mites

Spider mites Mealybugs

Scales
PROBLEMS PROPAGATION

One of the nicest things You can propagate the heartleaf two ways. Cutting a vine
about this plant is that below a leaf nodule and placing the stem in water is one
there are very few method. When roots appear, you can then move it to soil.
problems associated Another method is by dividing the root clump. Check
with it. The color of the that each section has good, healthy roots before planting
leaves will tell you what to increase chance of survival.
to change about your
watering habits. The
well-draining soil will
prevent root rot and
mold, and adequate
home conditions will
keep aphids, mealy
bugs, scale, and spider
mites at bay.
 JADE PLANTS
 Botanical Name :  Crassula ovata

NAME : Jade plant or also know as- friendship tree/plant,

dollar plant, lucky plant, money plant

The jade plant is an extremely popular succulent houseplant

with fleshy, oval-shaped leaves.

Jade plants belong to the Crassula family and are generally

undemanding.

They need an even hand with water and plenty of light to

develop their full potential.

Given proper conditions, the jade plant will produce white

flowers in the late winter, making an attractive and mildly
fragrant display.
ORIGIN : South LIGHT
Africa and
Mozambique Jade plants prefer full sun and like four or more hours of
sunlight each day. They are best in a room with south-
GROWTH : It can facing windows.
grow up to 3 ft if you
prune it as a bonsai. If SOIL
you let it grow
without pruning, it A well-drained succulent mix is best, with an ideal pH of
can grow into a around 6.0 (slightly acidic).
medium bush of up to
6 ft TEMPERATURE

Jade plants prefer average summer temperatures of 65

to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, cool to 50 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Humidity FERTILIZER

Low humidity is best Jade plant does not need a lot of fertilizer.
for Jade plants.
But for the best care, can fertilize Jade plant once every
30 to 50% humidity is
six weeks.
perfect.
Place the Jade plant The fertilizer mixture needs to be more diluted than one
either outside on the would normally use.
balcony or on the deck
or by an open indoor You have to keep in mind to regularly water the Jade
window to keep the air plant, and you should also water it with the fertilizer
around it circulating. mixed in.

Do not fertilize your plant when the soil is dry though.

Doing so will damage the roots of the Jade plant
PROPAGATION REPOTTING

Jade plant is known for Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To
its ease of propagation. repot a succulent:
Plants can be easily •Make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently
propagated from a
remove the pot.
single leaf.
Sprout leaves by •Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to
placing them into a remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any
succulent or cacti mix, cuts with a fungicide.
then covering the dish
until they sprout. •Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting
soil, spreading the roots out as you repot.

•Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water
lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
 COMMON PROBLEMS & PESTS
Toxic for human
and pets Yellow leaves
Jade plant has a slight
Sometimes, you will see e leaves turning yellow. This
toxicity for human
can happen from overwatering or underwatering your
and pets. It will not
Jade plant.
cause death or serious
illness, but can cause
If you notice that some leaves are rotting, that is a clear
nausea.
sign that you are overwatering your plant. You have to
readjust your watering routine and the amount of water
you use.

If, after re-adjusting your watering, you still see yellow

leaves, check the roots. You might have to trim dark
roots.

If all of the roots are rotten, the best option is to choose

the best leaves from the plant and propagate them.
Formation of black or white mold

You might see black mold growing on the leaves of the

Jade plant.

Too much humidity in the air can cause this problem.

Can solve it by wiping off the mold with soapy water.

Also try to move the plant to a place where air

circulation is better and there is less humidity.

Jade plant might also develop white mold in the soil.

Overwatering or too much fertilizer can cause this

problem.

Again, remove the mold and re-adjust your watering

routine and adjust the watering level.
Pests

Generally, indoor Jade plants do not have a problem

with pests.

One common pest, however, is the mealybug.

If you notice them, you can solve the problem by using

pesticides.
 Sunset Crassula campfire
Varieties of Jade
Plant:
The Jade plant, or
Crassula ovata, has
curved and oval-shaped
leaves that usually grow
upwards and spread
out. But that is only one
type of Jade plant we Monstruosa Blue bird
commonly know.
There are more than
1,400 varieties of Jade
plant. Some types are
very rare, and they
come at a high price.