Welcome to my Tropical Garden in Malaysia where the focus is mainly cultivating unique and colorful plants ranging from rare to common plants all around the tropical belt across the world.
This is my quick update of my garden set-up where I want to make an update for January 2021. Most of my plants had set and settled in their optimum growth positions. What I want to show you is the general idea of keeping a compact tight knit garden where space is a challenge.
Here is my water feature where I truly enjoy the sound of trickling water constantly giving that soothing waterfall sound. Some of the featured plants are from the Vertical Garden plants - Bromeliads, Agloamena and Dieffenbachia species.
A quick update on Begonia being stable in the mopwick system and the Cane Begonia Collection & Elephant Ears: Swamp Taro - Colocasia esculenta L., Giant Taro - Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant', Blue Taro - Xanthosoma violaceum, Schismatoglottis wallichii, Leucosia,
Cascading Plant collection: I had planted Epiphyllum sp. (Queen on the night) leaf cuttings and they are stabilizing with new growth. These are features where the plants behave as cascading plants that hang like a curtain which gives a good screen for privacy and good vertical shade.
I had placed hangers on my gate where I placed colored foliage plants especially Martin Mystery Begonia. Here is more of the ornamental sweet potato vine, piper, rosary vine & rex begonia vine.
Also some potted plants that I had placed outside my porch: Caladium, Colocasia & Coleus species.
These are Colocasia & Alocasia plants commonly known as Elephant Ears Plant. These plants are sun lovers and require a few hours of direct sunlight as part of their plant need - if they don't then often they will succumb to pest attack - usually spider mites, mealybug & aphids will be heavily infested on them adding more stress to the plant.
These are the Few Tips that I would like to share with you:
1) Identify which types are Sun lovers compared to Shade Lovers. These are Sun lovers and require open bright sunlight.
2) These are also swamp plants and do require heavy watering. Do place a container or a water catchment for the root ball to be water bound as not to wither if the medium dried out.
3) Occasionally check for Pest especially spider mite, mealybug or aphids and once the infestation is detected - spray the foliage with neem oil mixed with soap.
These are the Plants in my Collection: Colocasia Species 1) Giant Taro - Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant' 2) Swamp Taro - Colocasia esculenta L. 3) Black Taro - Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' 4) Taro - Colocasia esculenta 'Black Ripple' 5) Taro - Colocasia esculenta 'Teacup' 6) Imperial Taro - Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris'
This is my January 2021 Update on my Cane Begonia Collection.
What I’m showcasing here are the few types Hybrids & Varieties of Maculata Cane Begonias which I currently cultivating:
1) Cane Begonia ‘Maculata wightii’ ,
2) Cane Begonia Maculata hybrid,
3) Cane Begonia Hybrid ' Mrs Hashimoto X Maculata wightii,
4) Cane Begonia 'Albo-picta',
5) Cane Begonia ‘Torch’,
6) Cane Begonia 'Albo-picta - rosea',
7) Cane Begonia Lucerna,
8) Cane Begonia 'Coccinea',
9) Cane Begonia 'Aya',
10) Cane Begonia Sinbad
My focus here is to show their unique Polka Dot features on their Foliage Structure difference in comparison with each other. Also some tips on how I care for them which I explain in my video.
Tip 1: Always put a support - a stick or pole for the Cane Begonia support as it won't break under it's own weight.
Tip 2: Plant some thirsty plant together to regulate the over-watering problem as to deter root rot or over-feeding (fertilizer) problem.
Tip 3: Keep spare plants by taking cutting and propagating them in case the plant suddenly dies.
I would like show what is sold in the local nursery in Malaysia.
Here in this Collection: Alocasia Lauterbachiana, Alocasia Black Velvet, Alocasia Pink Dragon, Alocasia Simpo / Lukiwan, Alocasia Cuprea 'Red Secret', Alocasia Cuprea 'Green Variant'
Alocasia Stingray
There are few tips that I would like to share when purchasing an Alocasia:
1) Check and See - Inspect if there are any pest infection especially mealybug, scale insect or spidermites.
2) Select the Alocasia which had not flowered, Often the plant will focus a lot of it's energy on the seedpod formation and will take all it's energy from the plant itself that can be detrimental for overall plant health.
One off topic matter concerning Alocasia:
I would advice not to purchase Alocasia seeds from Online Vendors - rather buy a real life plant or if possible their tubers. As these seeds are rarely fertile and have very high chance of being scammed. Do investigate and research on this matter before buying them online.
This is my Jewel Alocasia Collection which I find them more of the sensitive & slow growing type in comparison the the Elephant Ear type Alocasia which are more hardy and easily grown outdoor with direct sun & rain.
I would like to show the detailed comparison between these Two different Alocasias: Alocasia Azlanii vs Alocasia Infernalis 'Black Magic'
I would also like to share my tips on how I check whether if it is over watered by using disposable chopsticks.
This is my Jewel Alocasia Collection which I find them more of the sensitive & slow growing type in comparison the the Elephant Ear type Alocasia which are more hardy and easily grown outdoor with direct sun & rain.
These Jewel Alocasia are very prone to root rot when over-watered or receive open rain on them - water seems to do more damage on them and so more care is required from them.
These are commonly sold around region but may have to hunt and seek them out as they are not many when sold in the plant market stock. Often they came as 10 plants and quickly snapped off as many people find them interesting and popular.
These are what I have managed to find so far:
Tip 1: Water them once a week - on a very hot day - 3 days once. Just make sure the medium is fairly moist and not soaking wet. Water just ideally enough for the plant to be hydrated as over-watering can cause them to rot and you may have already lost your plant.
Tip 2: Most of these plants come with a coco peat medium. Change the medium equal portion of sand together with coco chip / existing medium (cocopeat) and manure - You can also add perlite and orchid bark mix. This will help the fast drainage and at the same time - keep the medium fairly moist for a week.
Tip 3: Keep the plant in a bright indirect light area but not exposed to direct sun and also protected from the rain from getting into the plants. Pest: Do check and guard the plants for spider mite or mealy bugs. A good spray with soap mix with neem oil will help if you are concerned about using chemical pesticide/miticide on them.
Tip 4: Also do use fungicide time to time to deter root rot.
Tip 5: Trim off the Alocasia flower bud as the plant will focus more on the foliage growth and not use all it's nutrients and energy on inflorescent & fruit development.
Tip 6: Don't be too quick to trim off the yellowing of the leaves - to allow the plant to channel all the nutrients back to the mother plant to make the tuber grow bigger and stable.
This video is basically a Quick Care Tip video on this Begonia species named: Black Velvet Begonia.
Tip 1: Planting Rhizome Not to plant them directly deep in soil rather plant them horizontally and placing toothpicks to hold the rhizome stem sideways.
Tip 2: Watering Place the Potted Plant in a position where it is not exposed to open rain - as in a control position where you can water them just lightly keeping the medium barely moist. Over watering can cause this plant to have root rot.
Tip 3:
Placement in Bright Shaded Area Place the plant in a shaded area where it only gets indirect but mild light - check and see for the new leaf formation on their coloration.
This is my Update from my first experiment using a mop-wick system which I started from Sept 2019.
Over a year some had thrived and done so well, some lasted for a few months and died or gone dormant. Due to the past rodent infestation that faced had badly damaged most of my begonias. It had caused great damage to other plants as well and some of it had died out of stress. Once I had handled the pest control.
The begonias began to pick up.
The ones that really did well, amazingly thrived and grew large in super size.
I wanted to identify to you the Top 10 Hanging Cascading Plants.
Basically all of these are mainly Epiphytes Collection.
Here I'm showcasing to you these species:
1) Huperzia Species:
Huperzia phlegmaria,
Huperzia nummularifolia,
Huperzia squrrosa,
2) Epiphyllum Species: Queen of the Night
Epiphyllum crenatum,
Epiphyllum 'Curly Locks',
3) Bromeliads species:
Neoregelia compacta,
Neoregelia 'Fire Ball',
Cryptanthus bivittatus,
4)Orchids:
Cymbidium finlaysonianum,
Bulbophyllum sp.,
Oberonia sp.,
Dendrobium leonis,
Dendrobium alifolium,
Dendrobium terminate,
Seidenfadenia mitrata,
5) Hoya species:
Hoya Kerri 'variegata'
Hoya carnosa 'variegata'
6) Dischidia species:
Dischidia oiantha 'variegata'
Dischidia albiflora
7) Rhipsalis species:
Rhipsalis baccifera
Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides
Rhipsalis paradoxa
8) Ferns:
Bird Nest Fern
Rabbit's Foot Fern
9) Selaginella sp:
Selaginella uncinata
Selaginella willdenowii
10) Tillandsia species:
Tillandsia ionantha
Tillandsia cyanea
Tillandsia 'Cotton Candy'
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides)
Another factor concerning this arrangement creates bio-diversity in gardening style and one of the benefits that comes from this is that there is no pest problems.
As such - I DO NOT USE pesticide in my garden.
Bio-Diversity helps in keeping pest at best.
Other factor - These grow in semi-shaded indirect area in my garden.
Watering is important - too much water can cause them root rot - just keeping them moist and fresh - I lightly mist them and if at all only water them 2-3 days once and refrain from watering on rainy days.
Tip 1: Shade Lover These are slightly shade loving plants - too much direct sun can scorch the leaves - as they are tender and fragile. They can be acclimated to direct sun provided they grow under a shaded tree.
Tip 2: Since they are in shade Do watch out for spider mites - however spider mites do not like wet humid area and be sure to keep the leaves wet and spray on them often or you can wash them with light soap to get rid of them.
Tip 3: The Bigger the Plant - the Thirsty It Gets Especially the Blue Taro where I grow them inside an aquatic feature container where it is freely growing inside the container without any soil medium and it's doing just fine. Not all species can do this as I had tried with Black Stem Alocasia which it had rotten away.
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These are my Colocasia collection commonly known as Black Taro. Here in my collection are two types:
Colocasia esculenta ' Black Magic' & Colocasia esculenta ' Black Ripple'
1) Tip 1: Grow & Cultivate them in direct sunlight as they are sun lovers. If they are grown in shade they will turn more on green notes and the black pigmentation will not be so visible.
2) Tip 2: These are aquatic plants and require water-logged pots where their root ball is sitting in water. If their root ball gets dries up - the leaves will wither and will have burned marks at the edges.
3) Tip 3: Since they are exposed to direct sun & rain and the plants grow without drainage holes - do check on them from time to time concerning mosquito breeding in them.
Here - I grow other aquatic plants so that there is no chance for water stagnation and that helps deter mosquitoes from laying their eggs here.
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This video is basically an Introduction to a Begonia species named: Iron Cross Begonia. I find the most difficult to cultivate and grow.
I had killed it many times in my trials and error and so I would like to share my experience based on what I did wrong.
Here - I show how I cultivate and maintain them: My Tips for the Day:
1) When purchasing the Iron Cross Begonia - Look out the foliage which is the least damaged. When it is very light green - it means that it is exposed to too much sunlight and the center dark area will appear to shrink and fade.
2) After purchasing the plant - place is a shaded area where it only get indirect but mild light - check and see for the new leaf formation on their coloration. It is on the dark green with the dark pigmentation appearing strong - Then it is in an ideal condition for it to grow.
3) Place the Potted Plant in a position where it is not exposed to open rain - as in a control position where you can water them once a week and also no water gets to the leaves or the leaves will end up having burned marks at the edges.
4) Over watering can cause this plant to have root rot. I have placed it on a double pot so as not to allow the water to seep in from below.
Thank you for visiting, do click like & subscribe and love to hear your comments or questions concerning this begonia topic.
This video is basically an Introduction to a Begonia species named: Martin Mystery Begonia
I find the most hardies and easy to cultivate and grow.
And thus I would recommend this as the Best Begonia for Beginners to try their hands on with before trying out with other types as most of them are actually very sensitive and unforgiving.
Here - I show how I cultivate and maintain them:
My Tips for the Day:
1) Place the Potted Plant in a position where it is not exposed to open rain - as in a control position where you can water them 2-3 days once based on your garden condition.
2) Over watering can cause this plant to have root rot - however if the medium is porous and fast draining - then daily watering is recommended. - Of course, it is more on the fact of trial basis to identify the condition of the garden - on humidity and how much water the potted plant can take.
Thank you for visiting, do click like & subscribe and love to hear your comments or questions concerning this begonia topic.
This was commonly known as Flame Violets which is much hardier than violets itself, both share the same genes - Gesneriaceae. I was ambitious to start a collection on this genes as I thought Episcias were easy and perhaps level up my challenge to another level. To my disappointment - it was not as easy as I thought.
Here I had found the best method of how to propagate them as to consider this to be 100% success rate where the plants don't wither or dies rotten.
Basically I'm using coconut husk chips together with sphagnum moss & perlite as a propagation medium to encourage the roots to grow. Also I keep it in a closed lid container to ensure good humidity factor.
I hope this Step by Step Tutorial Helps and give more information on propagating these episcia. If you have an queries, do put your questions on the comment below.
I will update the status of these plants in this closed container for the growth progress.
This was commonly known as Flame Violets which is much hardier than violets itself, both share the same genes - Gesneriaceae. I was ambitious to start a collection on this genes as I thought Episcias were easy and perhaps level up my challenge to another level. To my disappointment - it was not as easy as I thought.
Regardless, I'm sharing my years of experience with this plant - truly my love-hate relationship plant as they appear to almost to die and revert back to healthy again and at times, the reverse happens like in a cycle.
Tip: If you are planning to grow them on ground - do layer them together in between pebbles and stones and place at the corner like drainside area where the humidity is strong. Also they thrive in bright indirect shaded area - as these require such conditions to thrive.
This was commonly known as Flame Violets which is much hardier than violets itself, both share the same genes - Gesneriaceae. I was ambitious to start a collection on this genes as I thought Episcias were easy and perhaps level up my challenge to another level. To my disappointment - it was not as easy as I thought.
Regardless, I'm sharing my years of experience with this plant - truly my love-hate relationship plant as they appear to almost to die and revert back to healthy again and at times, the reverse happens like in a cycle.
Tips 1:
Do take importance on propagating the Stolons as spare plants as this plant is short lived and having spares will ensure you don't lose that particular type when the plant succumbs to rot or dies.
Tip 2:
Do invest on a Terrarium or a Glass Bowl or a Glass Tank to keep them inside the enclosure for maximum humidity and protection against pest such as mealy bug or scale insect, often ants bring those pest as the ants farm them bringing these pest to feed and produce nectar juices from these plants.
Tip 3:
Also do invest on a very good fertilizer that is not too strong for these sensitive types where the leaves may get burned if over dosed.
This is my Alocasia Collection which I find them more of the sensitive & slow growing type. They are very prone to root rot when over-watered or receive open rain on them - water seems to do more damage on them and so more care is required from them.
These are commonly sold around region but may have to hunt and seek them out as they are not many when sold in the plant market stock. Often they came as 10 plants and quickly snapped off as many people find them interesting and popular.
These are what I have managed to find so far:
Tip 1:
Water them once a week - on a very hot day - 3 days once. Just make sure the medium is fairly moist and soaking wet. Water just ideally enough for the plant to be hydrated as over-watering can cause them to rot and you may have already lost your plant.
Tip 2:
Most of these plants come with a coco peat medium. Change the medium equal portion of sand / existing medium (cocopeat) and manure. This will help the fast drainage and at the same time - keep the medium fairly moist for a week.
Tip 3:
Keep the plant in a bright indirect light area but not exposed to direct sun and also protected from the rain from getting into the plants. Pest: Do check and guard the plants for spider mite or mealy bugs. A good wipe with soap and water will do if you are concerned about using chemical pesticide on them.
Other than that - these are easy plants to care for.
Plants in these Collection:
Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet'
Alocasia Sinuata Alocasia Bambino
Alocasia Macrorrhiza - Black Stem
Alocasia Frydek Alocasia Polly - African Mask
I will update them time to time, do follow up with me on these updates.
Showcasing here are the plants which have been with me over the years.
The collection of Begonias, Ferns, Vertical Wall Collection followed by the plants by the Aquatic Setting.
Also all the Cane Begonia and the Cascading Plants - Staghorn Fern, Huperzia, Hoya, Dischidia & Orchids. Also my update on my Vertical Garden plants where I had arranged my bromeliads followed by Agloanema & Anthurium.
The other side are the dumbcanes and some plants where I place them in my small propagation station. Also some new plants that I had recently cultivated: The Anthuriums and Piper species.
More on the context on Dieffenbachia types and the companion foliage plants that goes well in the planterbox: Elephant Ears Swamp Taro - Colocasia esculenta L., Giant Taro - Colocasia gigantea 'Thailand Giant', Blue Taro - Xanthosoma violaceum, Maranta, Calathea, Ctenanthe, Stromanthe, Schismatoglottis wallichii, Leucosia,
Cascading Plant collection: I had planted Epiphyllum sp. (Queen on fhe night) leaf cuttings and they are stabilizing with new growth.
A quick review on their updates on those which does well on kokedama balls, hangers and planter box: Rhipsalis, dischidia, orchids and airplants.
These are features where the plants behave as cascading plants that hang like a curtain which gives a good screen for privacy and good vertical shade.
Addition: I had placed hangers on my gate where I placed colored foliage plants where I had replaced them where I had planted episcias before. Here is more of the piper plant.
I had visited the Nurseries located at Sg.Buloh and had found these exquisite plants and I want to showcase them in this video.
Fuchsia species:
These are basically ideal for growing as highland plants where it is favorable to have a cool temperate climate but since this is sold here - it may be considered as short-term flowering plant where once it has finished it's blooming and the plant may end up withering away.
Fuchsias prefers filtered light but are particularly intolerant of heat. They need plenty of dappled shade and daytime temperatures well below 80 degrees F. (27 C.) that will encourage a healthy bloom and also prefer cooler nighttime temperatures. Something that is not conducive in the lowland hot climate zone where daytime can span easily 33C during the day and 27C at night.
Calla Lily:
These too are not an easy plant to grow in the lowland hot climate area.As I mentioned like the fuchsias, this one can also be considered as a short-term flowering plant where once it has finished it's blooming and the plant may end up withering away.
Keeping it in a bright shade and the medium slightly moist is the most ideal for this one and do give more care not to expose this plant to direct hot sun or getting water on the plant as it may damage the flowers.
African Violet:
These are truly a lovely collection of plants very ideal to grow as a terrarium plant. I had once cultivated it but it had failed to bloom in my hand. They do have specific requirements in their needs and plant care - therefore proper research is needed to cultivate this one.
Basically these are shade loving plants - not too much water, not too strongly exposed to direct hot sun as this one loves high humidity.I would not consider this as a hardy plant and wouldn't recommend it for new beginners.
My Malaysian Tropical Garden mainly focused on unique and colorful plants ranging from rare to common plants all around the tropical belt across the world. Ideal for inspiration for challenging areas in the garden space - indoor gardening, balcony gardening and small green spaces especially for ariods, bromeliads, begonias, edibles, cascading & vertical garden plants, succulents & cacti, orchids, together with both shade and sun loving plants.
Do put your queries on the contact form above and I will come back to you ASAP via e-mail.
Also I'm open for any business / advertisement proposals / magazine articles / product sampling and sharing personal product experiences here in my blog.
Also for specific plant queries where you need to send pictures for free consultation and plant help and aid.
