The scientific name of this beautifully shaped succulent is Sempervivum Tectorum, and it belongs to the family Crassulaceae and the genus Sempervivum. It is also scientifically addressed as Graptopetalum Macdougallii. The common names of Laxmi Kamal plat are Houseleek, hens and chicks. Lakshmi Kamal is one of the most popular succulent varieties in Indian households. It blooms like a full flower and forms a mat. Sempervivum Tectorum grows up to 10 cm tall and is an evergreen perennial succulent. The growth occurs in the form of fleshy and ovate rosettes. The beautiful color combination of maroon and grey adorns the leaves. These succulents are so versatile that they can be easily grown in any area that you can think of. They also bear short, small, and pretty pink flowers during summer. Flowers occur from clumped rosettes which are typical structures occurring just before flowering.
Taking care of the Lakshmi Kamal succulent is not at all difficult. They can be grown easily and do not need very high maintenance. Excessive watering or waterlogging is the only atrocity that can kill them in no time. These plants are ideal for growing both outdoors and indoors. Naturally, these plants are seen to root and crawl on the roof surface, giving them the name Houseleek. You must be wondering by now, then, what has earned them the name of hen and chicks? The mother plant is like the hen that gives rise to multiple offsets or chicks. These chicks grow into full plants when detached from the mother’s body. The mother plant dies after a season of flowering. The baby offsets clump near the mother plant’s base. One can easily propagate the plant by re-potting the baby offsets. If not transferred into a new pot, the baby clumps will naturally form a mat on the bottom surface.
Propagation
As already explained, the propagation of Lakshmi Kamal succulent is through baby offsets that generally lie towards the mother plant's base. As the mother plants age, it gives birth to small offsets, which are found clumped at the base. These offsets can be broken off from the mother plant and transferred to another pot where they can grow as individual plants. There are a few important things to keep in mind for propagation. First, the soil should be well-prepared before planting the new offsets. Second, re-potting or propagation should always be done during the warm season. Ensure that there is no dead or decaying plant remains in the soil. Lakshmi Kamal is quite prone to fungus infection. To keep the plant healthy, you may prefer spraying some fungicides. To prevent plant death from waterlogging, it is better to keep the plant dry for around a week after re-potting. Caring for the Plant
They are extremely hardy succulents and do not need much care for growth and propagation. They need porous soil with excellent drainage. There should be no waterlogging near the roots of the plant. Even if you water the plant daily, the soil should allow excess water drainage. More water is required during summer - daily watering being the best. When watering daily, ensure that the soil dries before watering the next time. During the winter months, the plants don’t need any water. The succulent grows best under partial to full sunlight. Depriving the pant of adequate sunlight may slow down its growth. When keeping them indoors, choose a semi-shade area where they can get sunlight, even if not complete.
Keep them around the windows for the best growth. The perfect soil for the succulent can be created by mixing peat, sand, and grit with some organic compost.
Benefits of Lakshmi Kamal Succulent
The name of the plant is indicative that the plant must bear some relationship with Lakshmi - the Indian goddess of wealth and prosperity. This originally Mexican plant is believed to be a lucky charm for the house, and people love to gift this plant to their loved ones because of its innumerable benefits. Let us understand more about the benefits of Lakshmi Kamal Succulent.
Represents New Life
Lakshmi Kamal plant is a reperestataive of reincarantaion or renaissance. The succulent bears innumerable rosettes, out of which, even if we break one rosette and propagate it, it will grow into a new plant. The actions of the plant bear close resemblance with the sermons of Bhagavad Gita that say to keep on performing our duties without thinking about the results. Lakshmi Kamal exactly does the same. That is why it is considered a sacred and spiritually enriched plant.
Attracts Wealth and Prosperity
Lakshmi Kamal plant attracts wealth and property into the house and brings peace. In Hindu Mythology, the goddess Lakshmi is believed to be the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi Kamal Plant is closely intertwined with the presence of goddess Lakshmi in the house. Lakshmi brings materialistic prosperity to the house and attracts good luck. Lakshmi Kamal plant is lucky for the house and its members, especially if they face economic issues.
Good Luck Charm - Vastu
Vastu Shastra believes that Lakshmi Kamal Plant is an excellent fortune bearer. It attracts good luck to the space where it is kept. That is why many people gift Lakshmi Kamal succulents during the housewarming ceremony. The plant should be kept in the North East Direction of the house, known as the ” Ishaan Disha” of the house, for better results. Experts recommend the Lakshmi Kamal plant for mitigating any Vastu Dosh or faults of any architectural space.
Final Words
The Lakshmi Kamal plant can also be potted in the puja or meditation room for better results. Aligning the plant in the direction or vicinity of the treasure box of the house is highly beneficial. One can also plant the Vishnu Kamal plant for better results with this one. It is believed that Maa Lakshmi sits on the Lakshmi Kamal and also holds a Kamal or lotus flower in her hand. So, this plant is a fortune bearer for your life and helps you avoid loss or misfortune.
Comments
Post a Comment