Root Awakening: Purple Millettia can grow into a large tree

Sapling may be Purple Millettia

What is this plant? It sprouted from a seed that looked like a big bean, measuring about 7cm long. It grew quickly at first, but has been dropping leaves and branches lately.

Deborah Ho

The sapling is likely the Purple Millettia (Adinobotrys atropurpureus). Given space, it can grow into a large tree with an umbrella-shaped or round crown. It produces reddish-purple flowers and can be seen in local streets, parks and gardens.

Check for pests in Grass Tree’s crown

This plant has been with me for over 20 years and recently started to look weak. There is white sap on top and I have been spraying the pesticide DiPel.

David Ho

Your plant is the Grass Tree and belongs to the genus Xanthorrhoea. It is not a cycad and does not usually suffer from caterpillar attacks, so you do not need to use DiPel.

The leaves look pale green and may feel floppy. This plant prefers direct sunlight and will fare poorly in the shade. It needs a well-draining site, as waterlogged conditions can cause it to decline.

Does the white substance resemble cotton-like masses? If so, these could be mealy bugs or a type of scale insect. Both are sap-sucking pests.

Remove them with a toothbrush or a jet of water, and apply summer oil thoroughly to suffocate them. Use the recommended dose and apply only during a cooler time of day to avoid injuring your plant.

Plant lacks sunlight

I recently removed a young Queen of the Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) from its parent plant, which is several years old and had bloomed multiple times at night. I planted the cutting in new soil and put fertiliser on top. I keep it outside my flat’s door, on the floor. How should I care for it?

Sophia Tan

Your plant appears thin, soft and floppy due to a lack of light. In a high-rise setting, it needs to get at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. As your plant has been grown in the shade for some time, strong light may burn its leaves. Move it to higher light levels slowly so it can acclimatise. Ensure your plant has produced healthy roots before doing so.

Check if your growing mix is suitable for the plant. Its current mix may consist largely of an organic component such as cocopeat or peat moss, which retains too much moisture and can cause root rot, so you may need a better-draining mix.

Malaysian False Pimpernel is a local weed

What is this weed?

Andrew Wong

The plant appears to be the Malaysian False Pimpernel (Lindernia crustacea). It can be found in both open and semi-shaded sites outdoors in local landscapes. It has a creeping growth habit and produces small, dainty purple flowers.