ST Plant Parenting

Plant Parenting

Oil-based pesticides: What you need to know and how to make your own food-grade version

Small, soft-bodied pests tend to congregate on newly produced plant parts as they are tender and full of sap. Their feeding pattern causes developmental issues where leaves crinkle up and serve as hiding spots for these pests. Curled-up plant parts are better pruned away as horticultural oil application may not be able to reach them.

Plant Parenting

Collecting seeds: Choose to grow open-pollinated varieties

A private home in Bukit Timah has been turned into the farm, with vegetables like eggplant growing on the land, and fish growing in the swimming pool.

Plant Parenting

Choose the right pot for your plants

Pots for planting can be made from (from left) plastic, ceramic or terracotta.

Plant Parenting

Take the animal kingdom to your outdoor garden with themed greenery

(Clockwise from top left) White Crane Flower, Shrimp Plant, Butterfly Ginger Plant, Elephant Ear Fig, The Cat's Claw, and Oyster Plant.

Plant Parenting

Flora and fauna: Grow a themed garden inspired by the animal kingdom

These plants with animal-inspired names have been chosen for their relative ease of maintenance in high-rise gardens.

Plant Parenting

Beating the heat in Singapore’s gardens

Proper shade will prevent water loss, sunburn and wilting in hot, dry weather.

Plant Parenting

How to multiply plants by division

Lemongrass features multiple growth points clustered tightly at the base. Division involves splitting this plant into smaller sections for replanting.

Plant Parenting

Underground edible plants to grow for Chinese New Year

These underground edibles – Chinese arrowhead, water chestnut and yam – are popular festive plants. Their food storage organs are botanically called corms, and can be used for planting.

Plant Parenting

Start your stem-cuttings strong for the new year

(From left) Mint, cassava and Philodendron can be propagated from different types of stem cuttings.

Plant Parenting

Use self-watering containers to hydrate plants when you are away

wwplant05 - Self-watering containers can be bought readily and they can be either flower pots or planter troughs.

SOURCE AND CREDIT: WILSON WONG

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.