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Straits Times

Root Awakening: Passion fruit plant needs bigger pot, climbing support

The Passion Fruit is a vine and will need a sturdy structure to climb on. PHOTO: JOSEPH TU Vine could be the Passion Fruit plant I have been growing this plant in a pot indoors. What is it and how do I take better care of it? Joseph Tu The vine is probably the Passion Fruit plant (Passiflora edulis). You or someone else may have inadvertently sown its seeds after eating passion fruit previously. The plant will grow larger over time and requires a larger pot to thrive. It is a sun-loving species that needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily . As it is a vine, it also needs a sturdy structure to climb on. Hand pollination may need to be performed in high-rise gardens due to a lack of pollinators. Dumb Cane and its relatives require more light Leaves can turn yellow if the plants are allowed to dry out for too long. PHOTO: KISHORE RENJAN These indoor plants were planted approximately three months ago. Recently I noticed the leaves turning yellow and drooping. What is wrong? Kishore Renjan The plants visible in the picture include Dumbcane (Dieffenbachia) and Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema). Their leaves could be yellowing due to a lack of sunlight. The plants also appear rather stretched. Although these are shade-tolerant plants, they will not thrive in dim light. Place them in a location that gets four to six hours of filtered sunlight a day. Filtered sunlight will cast a shadow with a fuzzy edge. Next, water your plants adequately, as they can wilt and turn yellow if allowed to dry out for long periods. Ulam Raja is a traditional vegetable The silver streaks on this Ulam Raja's leaves could be due to spider mites. PHOTO: CHRIS ANG What is this plant and is it edible? Also, why are the bottom parts turning brown? Chris Ang The plant is commonly known as Ulam Raja (Cosmos caudatus). Its young leaves are picked and added to traditional salads called 'ulam' in this part of the world. It is normal for older leaves to turn brown and fall off, but make sure the plant is well-watered so its leaves do not dry out totally. There may also be a pest infestation on your plant. The silver streaks on the leaves could be due to spider mites. Take appropriate action by spraying the plants with summer oil, which is available at local nurseries, as needed. Pomegranate could be shedding due to lack of light Why is my pomegranate plant shedding yellow leaves, especially at the bottom? Stanley Teh Rotate the pot periodically to ensure all parts of the plant are exposed to light. PHOTO: STANLEY TEH The pomegranate plant requires direct sunlight to thrive. The leaves near the base of the plant are being shaded by its upper canopy, which is blocking the light, and appear to be facing away from the light source. Ensure the plant gets at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Rotate the pot periodically to ensure all parts of the plant are exposed to light. Also, note that this species is sensitive to wet feet. You may want to let the plant dry out slightly between watering sessions. Ylang-ylang infested with sap-sucking pests What are these white pests on my Ylang-ylang? How do I get rid of them? Rose Tang Spray the plant with a pesticide such as summer oil to suffocate the pests. PHOTO: ROSE TANG The white dots appear to be scale insects, a type of sap-sucking pest. You can use a soft toothbrush to remove them. Next, spray the plant with a pesticide such as summer oil, ensuring complete coverage to suffocate the pests. Repeated applications are required for adequate control. Answers by Dr Wilson Wong, an NParks-certified practising horticulturist and parks manager. He is the founder of Green Culture Singapore and an adjunct assistant professor (Food Science & Technology) at the National University of Singapore. Have a gardening query? E-mail it with clear, high-resolution pictures of at least 1MB, if any, and your full name to stlife@ We reserve the right to edit and reject questions. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.