Root Awakening: Use moss pole to support Money Plant

Get modular support for plant

Can we use fibre ropes to create a support for this plant to climb, instead of it creeping all over the pot?

Gabriel Chia

A fibre rope may not provide enough support for your Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), as it is too thin and its aerial roots may not be able to penetrate and hold on to it.

A moss pole is the most common climbing support used by gardeners. Online shopping platforms sell modular moss poles, which come in short sections that can be connected to increase the support’s height as the vine grows.

Candle Tree and Candlenut not related

I was told this was a candlenut plant. I sliced its ripe fruit open, but the tiny seeds do not resemble the candlenut seeds (buah keras) used for cooking. What is this plant?

Chin Wah Seng

The plant is botanically known as Parmentiera aculeata. Its common names include the Candle Tree and Cucumber Tree. It has a pair of spines at each joint of its branches, and its fruit is elongated and waxy.

It should not be confused with the Candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus). The two trees are not related. The Candlenut tree produces a ridged fruit that turns yellowish-green when ripe, with a sweet and juicy flavour.

Indian Ash Tree growing too near boundary wall

What is this tree and how large can it grow? Apart from foliage and shade, what other benefits does it provide?

Stephen Ching

From the picture, the plant could be the Indian Ash Tree (Lannea coromandelica). The young leaves of the tree can be eaten and the tree yields useful timber.

The tree is very near the boundary wall of your property, so its growth may damage the wall in time to come.

When planting a tree in a home garden, ensure there is enough space to accommodate it. You should be able to prune the tree as needed and the branches should not extend beyond the boundaries of your property, which may inconvenience your neighbours.

Apply low-toxicity pesticide to get rid of aphids

How do I get rid of this pest on my ginger plant?

Tan Guan Hong

From the picture, it appears that your Butterfly Ginger (Hedychium coronarium) is infested by aphids, a type of sap-sucking pest. For small infestations, you can use a strong jet of water to wash these pests off your plant.

You can also use pesticides such as summer oil to suffocate and kill the pests. Ensure complete coverage of the plant while spraying, and repeat the application at regular intervals.

Low-toxicity pesticides are ideal, as these will have less of a negative impact on beneficial fauna – such as ladybirds – that may be present in your garden and can assist with pest control.

Plant is the Blood Lily

This plant grew from bulbs in my pot. What is it? The leaves are turning yellow, which could be due to damp soil as it is the rainy season. I have moved it to a semi-covered area.

Qua Lay Tin

The plant appears to be Blood Lily (Scadoxus multiflorus). It needs to be grown in a well-draining mix so that the underground bulbs do not rot. Check the bulbs to ensure they have not been affected by excessive moisture.

Your plant looks elongated, which may be a sign that it is not receiving sufficient sunlight. The plant is somewhat deciduous – its leaves die down and the plant goes into a rest period. New leaves or flowers may emerge after this period.