Coleus

Common Name: Common Coleus

Local Name: Kokaagas (ކޮކާގަސް)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Coleus Scutellarioides, Coleus Pumilus

Family Name: Lamiaceae

Other Names: Painted Nettles, Coleus Blumei, Solenostemon Scutellarioides, Plectranthus Scutellarioides

Description

Known for its vibrant foliage, the popular ornamental plant coleus or common coleus is a perennial flowering shrub that is native to southeast Asia through to Australia. Coleus plants typically have colorful leaves with a variety of patterns, including shades of green, red, purple, yellow, and pink. The foliage can be variegated or solid in color, depending on the cultivar. Coleus plants can vary in size from small, compact varieties to larger, bushier ones. They are grown primarily for their attractive foliage rather than their flowers, although some varieties do produce small, insignificant blooms.

Growing Conditions

Coleus thrives in warm, tropical climates, making it suitable for cultivation in the Maldives. Here are the optimal growing conditions:

1. • Light: Coleus prefers bright, indirect sunlight. In the Maldives, where the sun can be intense, providing partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can help prevent leaf scorching.
   • Temperature: Coleus plants prefer temperatures between 70-100°F (21-38°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may suffer if exposed to prolonged periods of cold.
   • Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for coleus. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and compost can provide the necessary nutrients and drainage.
   • Watering: Coleus plants like consistently moist soil but not waterlogged conditions. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
   • Humidity: Coleus plants appreciate high humidity levels, which are typically present in the Maldives due to its tropical climate.
   • Fertilization: Regular feeding with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can help coleus plants thrive. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for best results.
   • Propagation: Coleus plants can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Simply snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or moist soil until roots develop.
   • Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites, as well as fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Promptly address any pest or disease issues to prevent them from spreading to other plants.

With proper care and attention to growing conditions, coleus can make a beautiful addition to gardens, landscapes, and indoor spaces in the Maldives.

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Morning Glory

Common Name: Morning Glory

Local Name: Andaapool (އަންޑާޕޫލު), Thaalhafilimaa (ތާޅަފިލިމާ)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Ipomoea Purpurea

Family Name: Convolvulaceae

Other Names: Bindweed, Convolvulus

Description

Morning glories are fast-growing, twining vines with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers typically bloom in the morning and close by the afternoon, giving the plant its name. The flowers come in various colors, including shades of purple, pink, blue, and white.

Growing Conditions

Morning glories thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. They prefer warm climates and can tolerate some drought once established. In the Maldives, they would likely grow well in coastal areas with sandy soil. They can be propagated from seeds, which should be soaked overnight before planting to aid germination. Regular watering and occasional fertilization can help promote vigorous growth and blooming. Additionally, providing a support structure for the vines to climb, such as a trellis or fence, would be beneficial.

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Oleander

Common Name: Oleander

Local Name: Kaneeru (ކަނީރު)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Nerium Oleander

Family Name: Apocynaceae

Other Names: Common Oleander, Rose Bay

Description

Oleander is a beautiful evergreen shrub or small tree known for its lush foliage and vibrant, showy flowers. Its leaves are narrow, leathery, and dark green, arranged in whorls along the stem. The flowers can be various colors, including white, pink, red, or yellow, and they often bloom in clusters. However, it's essential to note that all parts of the oleander plant are toxic if ingested.

Growing Conditions

While oleander thrives in subtropical and tropical climates, it can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including poor and salty soils. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. In the Maldives, careful attention must be given to watering, as it may not receive sufficient rainfall, and protection from strong winds, which are common in coastal areas. If grown indoors, it needs bright light and regular pruning to maintain its shape.

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  Four O'Clock Flower

Common Name: Four O'Clock Flower

Local Name: Asurumaa (އަސުރުމާ/އަސުރުމައު)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Mirabilis Jalapa

Family Name: Nyctaginaceae

Other Names: Marvel of Peru, Beauty of the Night

Description

Four o'clock flowers are known for their colorful, trumpet-shaped blooms that typically open in the late afternoon or early evening (hence the name) and remain open through the night, emitting a sweet fragrance. They come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and white, often with a pleasant fragrance. The flowers often have a contrasting throat color. The plant itself is a bushy, herbaceous perennial that grows up to 3 feet tall.

Growing Conditions

Four o'clock flowers thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. They are relatively easy to grow and can tolerate a range of soil types, but they prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. In the Maldives, with its tropical climate, these conditions are generally favorable for the growth of Four o'clock flowers. They would likely do well in coastal areas with sandy or loamy soil and a tropical climate. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but they can withstand some drought once established. They require full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and blooms best in areas with plenty of sunlight The plant can also be propagated from seeds or tubers.

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Firecracker Plant

Common Name: Firecracker Plant

Local Name: Badikulhi Maa (ބަޑިކުޅިމާ)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Russelia equiseliformis

Family Name: Scrophulariaceae

Other Names: Coral Plant, Fountain Bush

Description

The Firecracker plant is an evergreen shrub with slender, arching stems and tubular, bright red flowers that resemble firecrackers, hence its name. The foliage is typically fine-textured and may be light green to deep green depending on the variety. The plant has a cascading growth habit and can reach a height of 3 to 4 feet (about 1 meter) with a spread of 4 to 6 feet (about 1.2 to 1.8 meters).

In the Maldives, Firecracker plants might be cultivated in gardens, along pathways, or in containers to add color and interest to outdoor spaces. They are relatively low-maintenance and can attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies with their bright red flowers.

Growing Conditions

Firecracker plants thrive in warm, tropical climates, making them suitable for growth in the Maldives. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While they can tolerate a range of soil types, they perform best in soil that is rich in organic matter. Firecracker plants have moderate water needs and should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. However, they can tolerate short periods of drought once established. Pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and promote flowering. Firecracker plants can be propagated from stem cuttings.

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Periwinkle

Common Name: Periwinkle

Local Name: Malikuruvaa (މަލިކުރުވާ)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Vinca, Catharanthus

Family Name: Apocynaceae

Other Names: Common Periwinkle, Madagascar Periwinkle

Description

Periwinkle is a flowering plant with glossy dark green leaves and showy flowers. The flowers come in various shades of pink, purple, and white, depending on the cultivar. They have a characteristic five-petaled, star-shaped appearance. Periwinkle is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers.

Growing Conditions

Periwinkle thrives in warm climates and can tolerate a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. In the Maldives, it would likely grow well in coastal areas with sandy or loamy soil. It's important to provide regular watering, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Periwinkle is often cultivated as an annual or perennial depending on the local climate.

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Hibiscus

Common Name: Hibiscus

Local Name: Saimaa (ސައިމާ)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis

Family Name: Malvaceae

Other Names: Shoe Flower, China Rose

Description

Hibiscus is a flowering plant known for its large, showy flowers. The flowers can vary in color, including shades of red, pink, yellow, and white. The petals are often broad and trumpet-shaped, with a prominent central stamen column. Hibiscus leaves are green and typically have a glossy texture. It is a perennial plant, meaning it can live for more than two years.

Growing Conditions

Hibiscus thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, making it well-suited for the Maldives. Here are some key growing conditions for hibiscus:

1. Sunlight: Hibiscus plants require plenty of sunlight to bloom abundantly. They should be planted in an area that receives full sun for at least six hours a day.

2. Temperature: The ideal temperature range for hibiscus is between 60°F to 90°F (15°C to 32°C). It cannot tolerate frost, so it's important to protect it during colder months.

3. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential for hibiscus. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 7.0. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil fertility and drainage.

4. Watering: While hibiscus plants need regular watering, they don't like to sit in waterlogged soil. Water the plants deeply but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

5. Fertilization: Hibiscus benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, typically from spring to fall. A balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering plants can be applied every 4-6 weeks.

6. Pruning: Pruning helps promote bushier growth and encourages more flowers. Remove dead or weak branches and prune back leggy growth to maintain a compact shape.

With proper care and suitable growing conditions, hibiscus can thrive in the Maldives, adding vibrant color to gardens and landscapes.

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Bougainvillea

Common Name: Bougainvillea

Local Name: Boaganvilla (ބޯގަންވިލާ)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Bougainvillea spectabilis

Family Name: Nyctaginaceae

Other Names: Paper Flower

Description

Bougainvillea is a thorny, woody vine that can be trained to climb or allowed to trail along the ground. It is best known for its brightly colored bracts, which are specialized leaves that surround inconspicuous flowers. The actual flowers are small and white, but the colorful bracts are what make the plant so eye-catching. Bougainvillea comes in a variety of colors including shades of pink, purple, red, orange, and white.

Growing Conditions

Bougainvillea thrives in warm, tropical climates, which makes it suitable for growth in the Maldives. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant once established, but it does require regular watering, especially during dry periods. Bougainvillea is known for its drought tolerance once it is established. It can also tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Pruning is often necessary to keep the plant in shape and to promote blooming. Bougainvillea can be propagated from cuttings. 

In the Maldives, Bougainvillea might be commonly found in gardens, along fence walls, and adorning buildings due to its ability to add a splash of color to the landscape and its suitability to the tropical climate of the region.

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Thousand Flower

Common Name: Thousand Flower

Local Name: Kudhiraiy Maa (ކުދިރަތްމާ)

Botanical/Scientific Name: Ixora Coccinea

Family Name: Rubiaceae

Other Names: Jungle Flame, Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods

Description

Thousand Flower is a flowering evergreen shrub with dense, glossy foliage and clusters of vibrant red, orange, pink, or yellow flowers. The flowers are tubular and arranged in rounded clusters, creating a striking visual display. It can grow up to 2-4 meters in height, depending on the conditions.

Growing Conditions

Thousand Flower thrives in tropical climates with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. In Maldives, it would prefer locations with partial shade as intense sunlight might scorch its leaves. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but it's also important to ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. The plant can tolerate some salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas. It's a relatively low-maintenance plant, but occasional pruning can help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth.

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