Basella, Malabar spinach, Indian spinach is a herbaceous vine plant belonging to the Basellaceae family. Fleshy stems can reach a length of 10 m, they are covered with thin skin of a green or reddish hue. The leaf blades are obovate, the surface is leathery, the veins are clearly visible.
Basella is universal: its leaves (they taste like spinach) and fruits are rich in nutrients and are widely used in cooking, they also have medicinal properties, the berries are used as a food and industrial dye. The beautiful liana was noticed by gardeners and landscape designers.
Wild basella is found in Southeast Asia and East Africa, India, and Madagascar. Local residents happily use it for food purposes, and Indian beauties paint a blush on their cheeks with the berries. Basella, introduced to Cuba and South America, quickly became wild.
The wide popularity of the plant is evidenced by the many names among different peoples of the world. In Europe, Basella is known by the nicknames Indian, Malabar, grape or Ceylon spinach. In Japan, a pretty vine goes by the strict name Tsuru Murasa Kai. In Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, the name of the plant also sounds different.
According to reviews from experienced flower growers, it is possible to grow basella in central Russia on a windowsill or as a summer plant in the garden. The pioneers who decided to grow the liana here liked this practice. A plant with an exotic appearance, and not the usual vegetable crop.
Flowering and fruiting of basella
Basella flowers are small, resemble pimples of a white or white-pink hue, and are collected in a spike-shaped inflorescence. In the natural environment, it is capable of blooming 3-4 times a year. When grown in the garden, it is noted that it does not bloom at all. According to reviews from flower growers who cultivate basella indoors, flowering should be expected in the 3rd year of growth.
Basella bears fruit at the end of August. They are round, inky black berries with a glossy sheen. The juice of the plant is an excellent natural dye - it is added to color baked goods, yoghurts, and ice cream. The pigment is quite strong and durable (I have experience in dyeing fabrics, for example, a white kitchen towel can be given a bright purple tint); when picking berries, it is better to wear gloves.
Growing basella from seeds
We are just beginning to cultivate basella. It is noted that at the initial stage, sprouts need high air humidity and heat. Therefore, basella is not sown in open ground, but grown in seedlings. In greenhouse conditions, the vine should be grown until the active growth stage.
Drought resistance, unpretentiousness and, one might say, aggressiveness, help the vine to successfully take root in open ground. In regions with a warm, mild climate, adapted basella easily occupies vast territories, displacing other crops. On the other hand, it’s good that the cold of central Russia is able to restrain its violence.
- Sowing of seedlings should be done in March.
- The seeds germinate easily, but it is advisable to first keep them in warm water for several hours.
- Sow in a wide container (plastic container or special box for growing seedlings).
- Place drainage at the bottom and fill the container for growing seedlings to the top with a sand-peat mixture.
- Distribute the seeds over the surface, deepening them 1 cm into the soil.
- Spray with a fine spray bottle and cover with glass or transparent film.
- Place in a place with diffused lighting, and when seedlings appear, move closer to the light source.
- The air temperature should not fall below 20 °C.
- Raise the shelter daily for ventilation, and when sprouts appear, gradually increase the length of time without glass or film.
- The first seeds will sprout after 15 days.
- The seedlings will enter the active growth phase in about 1.5 months; with the appearance of a pair of true leaves, plant them in separate pots.
- By the time of transplantation into open ground (the second ten days of May), the plants should have well-leafed shoots at least 10-15 cm high.
Basella does not reproduce by self-sowing, since in the conditions of central Russia the seeds freeze out.
How to collect seeds
Basella can be found on sale at any online seed store. They are purchased for the first sowing; in the future, the seeds can be collected independently. First of all, flowers appear on the lower part of the stems, respectively, these fruits ripen first. They should be dark black in color and soft to the touch. Do not hesitate, the fruits may crack and the seeds will scatter on the ground.
To remove the pulp from the seeds, grind the fruits in a fine sieve and rinse under running water. Place the seeds on a paper towel to absorb moisture. Then spread it on newspaper. When the seeds are dry, they should be placed in paper bags and stored in a dark, dry place with a cool temperature.
Caring for basella at home
Illumination
The juicy green leaves of basella look delicate, but they are not afraid even of the scorching rays of the sun. On the contrary, lighting is required to be constantly bright. Feel free to place the basella vine on a south-facing window sill; windows facing east or west will do. In the autumn-winter period, when there is not enough natural light, use additional lighting with phyto-lamps or fluorescent lamps.
Air temperature
The temperature regime is required to be moderately warm. It is preferable to maintain a temperature range of 20-25 °C during the spring-summer period. Wintering should be cool: maintain the temperature within 17-15 °C. It’s okay if this is not possible, basella adapts to higher temperatures.
How to water
Basella is moisture-loving, but can tolerate short-term drought; waterlogging of the earthen clod is much more dangerous. In the warm season, water regularly and abundantly, in autumn and winter - moderately, as the top layer of soil dries out.
Air humidity
It is necessary to ensure a fairly high level of air humidity in the room (about 70%). This is achieved by regular spraying with a fine spray. Periodically place the container with the plant on a tray with damp moss, pebbles, and expanded clay. During heating systems operation, it is not recommended to place the plant near radiators or heating devices.
Trimming
Every spring, carry out sanitary pruning, removing bare and dry shoots. The shoots are fragile and can be easily broken off by hand. To make movements precise, it is better to use a knife, but be sure to heat it or hold it in a slightly pink solution of manganese.
Growing basella vine in open ground
When placed directly in the open ground, basella can only serve as a garden decoration for one summer season; it will not survive wintering. You can take the indoor basella in a flowerpot into the garden or replant it in open ground for the summer season; return it indoors at the slightest threat of frost.
When and where to plant
It is necessary to plant both young shoots and adult basella in open ground when real warmth sets in (from the second ten days of May). Choose an area well illuminated by sunlight, only in this case can you count on flowering. The soil required is light, well-drained, fertile. The liana is able to grow in depleted soil and even in shade - the growth rate is slower, but the leaf plates will be larger.
How to plant
About 1 month before planting, it is advisable to dig up the area and add humus to increase soil fertility.
- Make planting holes according to the size of the root system.
- You can dig a little deeper to place coarse sand at the bottom for drainage.
- Pass it along with the earthen clod and add the missing amount of soil, press the soil tightly around the stem with your hands and water the basella.
- Maintain a distance of 30 cm between individual plants.
- On a support, the vine grows more readily. An excellent option would be trellises for growing peas or climbing beans.
It is advisable to change the planting location of basella in the garden every year.
Mandatory care includes standard measures: regular watering as the top layer of soil dries, weeding from weeds and loosening the soil (do not let a crust appear on the surface).
Feeding and transplantation features
As a crop that actively gains green mass, basella needs the introduction of the most important element - nitrogen. Apply the first fertilizing in the spring 10 days after planting in the ground or a permanent pot (if growing indoors), and until the end of autumn, apply fertilizer every 14 days. Use complex mineral fertilizers; in open ground, it is advisable to alternate with organic matter (a solution of infusion of bird droppings or mullein).
Indoor vines are replanted every 2-3 years. The root system is not voluminous, so with each replanting, increase the diameter and depth of the pot by 2-4 cm. The soil needs to be light, loose and nutritious. In principle, any universal substrate will do. Do not forget about the need to lay a drainage layer on the bottom. Transfer the basella together with the earthen lump, add the missing amount of soil, and lightly shake the pot so that it settles. At the surface, press the soil around the stem with your hands and water the plant.
Propagation of basella by cuttings
It is quite simple to grow basella by vegetative means. In spring, cut cuttings 10-15 cm long. For rooting, place in a glass of water. The incredibly tenacious vine will sprout roots in 5-7 days. Plant in separate containers or directly into open ground.
Diseases and pests
Liana basella is incredibly resistant to diseases and pests.
If you do not care for the plant well, when growing it indoors, it may be affected by spider mites (the most common cause of the appearance is dry air in the room), whiteflies or aphids. It is necessary to rinse the plant under a warm shower, cover the substrate with a bag so that it does not get wet. Then spray with one of the folk remedies: a solution of infusion of tobacco, wormwood, onion peels, garlic or a soap solution. If the pests do not retreat, treat with an insecticidal preparation. After this, it is not advisable to eat the leaves and shoots.
Other common problems include:
- The leaves turned yellow and began to fall, the plant as a whole stopped growing. Most likely, the roots began to rot due to waterlogging of the substrate. The salvation will be an emergency transplant. Carefully remove the plant from the container, shake off the soil and cut off the rotten areas, treat the cut areas with a fungicidal preparation. Plant in a new container (if you want to use the old one, it must be disinfected) with fresh substrate. Adjust the watering mode.
- The leaf blades wither and hang like a rag. The plant experiences a lack of moisture in the soil and air. Water and spray basella regularly.
- It should be noted the fragility of basella shoots. Although new shoots grow quickly, be careful not to further damage the plant.
Basella in landscape design
A plant with liana-like stems and fleshy bright green leaves is not inferior to favorite crops in its exoticism and beauty. The reddish tint of the stems, inflorescences and fruits gives additional originality to Basella. Most flower growers do not even know that the vine is edible and simply grow it to decorate their home or garden.
Due to the ability of the stems to curl, the vine is used to decorate pergolas, fences, gazebos, arches, and is grown on a trellis.
Plant it in a beautiful flowerpot or container, install a vertical support, then the vine will become a portable decoration. In summer, it can be taken out to the balcony, veranda, or placed in a gazebo or garden.
In regions with warm climates there is an excellent opportunity to grow basella in open ground as a perennial plant. It will become a stunning hedge and fit into the noble landscape with conifers.
Use of basella in cooking
The whole plant is edible: the stems are fleshy, green or reddish in color (in the species Basella rubra); leaves are juicy and crispy. For food purposes, apical shoots with leaves are often used. The crop is highly productive because new shoots grow very quickly. They have a vegetable flavor reminiscent of spinach, beets or baby corn. Mature leaves are most similar to spinach, but they do not fade so quickly and do not have a bitter taste (their oxalic acid content is lower). Harvesting begins in mid-summer (55-70 days after sowing).
Fresh young leaves and shoots are added to salads. They are also prepared for the winter: pickled, salted, fermented. Basella greens fit organically into soups, cabbage soup, and borscht. It is an excellent side dish for main courses, stewed, boiled, fried, or added to casseroles. Mature leaves are rich in mucus-forming substance and are used to thicken stews and soups.
Malabar spinach is valued higher than regular spinach in the West. In India, it is popular to cook basella with onions, chili peppers and mustard oil.
The fruits are used as food coloring.
Medicinal properties and contraindications
Basella is a dietary product; it is recommended to be included in the diet of people suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. Nutritional value of basella: proteins – 20%, carbohydrates – 54%, fats – 3.5%, dietary fiber – 9%.
The leaves and stems are rich in vitamins B1, B2, C, A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant (helps maintain youth), activates the immune system, and prevents vision impairment. Thiamine (vitamin B1) normalizes the functioning of the heart and nervous system, participates in hematopoiesis and supports metabolism in the body. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) supports vision (helps the eyes adapt faster when changing lighting, relieves fatigue), maintains the normal condition of nails, skin, mucous membranes, it is simply necessary for people experiencing severe physical activity.
In Asia, tea is brewed from basella leaves - it has a calming and hypnotic effect. The decoction has a diuretic and laxative effect. Poultices are used to treat abscesses, wounds, ulcers, and swelling.
Contraindication is individual intolerance, so you need to be careful.
Types of basella with photos and names
There are 5 species of basella found in the natural environment, 3 of which are cultivated.
Basella alba
Very popular in gardening. The leaf blades are heart-shaped and deep green. The skin covering the shoots is also green. The flowers are white or pinkish and emit a pleasant aroma. All parts of the plant are edible.
Basella rubra Basella alba v. rubra
Widely known as Indian spinach. A variety with reddish petioles and shoots. This adds decorativeness not only to the plant, but also to the dishes. Grows and develops faster than the main species.
Basella tuberosus or Ullucus tuberosus
Botanists even place this species in a separate genus, Ulluco, of the Basellaceae family. The rhizome is tuberous. The nodules resemble potatoes, are nutritious, but less tasty.
Basella Overseas guest - an amazing decor for your dacha that you can eat. The fruits ripen in August, and the beautiful vine delights the eye all summer, reaching a maximum length of about 10 meters!
Video about growing basella:
Basella or Malabar spinach is a climbing plant; in central Russia the plant is cultivated as an annual or grown in pots.
Under favorable conditions, it is possible to grow basella as a perennial plant. Shoots reach a length of more than 150 cm. Valued for its decorative leaves and beneficial properties. The flowers are white and not of interest. The fruits are small and black in color. Malabar spinach is fast growing.
Types of basella
White– in nature reaches a height of up to 10 meters. The leaves are dark green (heart-shaped), the flowers are white, the tips of the fused petals are crimson.
Tuberous– leaves are heart-shaped, green in color. Tubers rich in starch are formed on underground shoots and are used as animal feed.
Red– distinguished by leaves with red veins and red stems. The flowers are white.
Care and cultivation of basella
The plant needs an abundance of light, so choose a sunny place for planting. Soils are preferably well-drained, fertile, and moderately moist.
Basella is watered regularly, but do not allow moisture to stagnate. Lack of moisture causes the shoots to dry out.
Fertilizers for vegetable crops are applied starting in late spring, once a month. When grown for food consumption, it is sufficient to apply organic fertilizers before planting seedlings in open ground.
The plant is provided with support, for example, stretched twine or a wooden lattice. The shoots are very tender and fragile, so in order to avoid their damage there is no need to force the shoots along the support. The shoots themselves cling to the support.
Although basella is grown as an annual, the plant can be transplanted into a pot in the fall, before frost. Before transplanting, the ground part is cut off. The plant is kept in the brightest place indoors at a temperature of about 15-17 degrees Celsius.
Growing indoors
The substrate is used universal or any other, the main thing is that the substrate is loose (with the addition of sand) and nutritious.
Choose a pot of medium volume (minimum 3 liters), with drainage holes.
The optimal temperature is above +22 degrees. In winter, the temperature is reduced to 15-17 degrees Celsius. Fertilizers for vegetable crops are applied once a month.
In winter, water sparingly as the soil dries out. To maintain moisture, the plant is regularly sprayed with settled water at room temperature.
The presence of support is mandatory, and support is provided before the shoots stretch. Otherwise, it will be difficult to guide long shoots along the support, because there is a high probability of their damage.
Basella propagation
Malabar spinach is propagated by seeds, as well as cuttings, tubers (formerly tuberous). In regions with cold climates, the easiest way to propagate basella is by seeds. Sowing of seeds is carried out in April, in loose and moist soil. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked for a day in warm water. Seeds are germinated under film or glass, at temperatures of 18-22 degrees Celsius. Seedlings are watered as the top layer of soil is added. Due to lack of moisture, seedlings may die. Seedlings are planted in open ground when the threat of frost has passed. The plant is not resistant to frost, so in most cases, seedlings are planted in containers or pots and kept on the balcony or in a greenhouse. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 35 cm from each other. Seedlings planted in open ground are regularly watered.
Parts of the shoots are used as cuttings, which are rooted in water for 5 days. With the appearance of roots, the cuttings are transplanted into open ground or into a pot. Before planting, organic fertilizers (compost) are added to the soil.
Usage
Malabar spinach is suitable for vertical gardening, for growing as a ground cover plant.
Basella is grown not only for decorative purposes, but also for food consumption. The leaves are edible and the tubers are very useful. They are used to make salads, soups and other dishes. The fruits are used as food coloring.
Due to its medicinal properties, the plant is used in folk medicine.
Diseases and pests
With proper care, the plant does not get sick and does not suffer from pests. Sometimes it may suffer from whiteflies, spider mites, and aphids.
Basella (Malabar spinach) in photographs
Basella is a heat-loving perennial vine. It is also called “Malabar spinach”.
There are two types found in nature:
- white basella (Basella alba);
- red basella (Basella rubra).
Basella is native to tropical and subtropical regions of America and Africa, Madagascar, India, New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.
In countries with a suitable climate, this plant is cultivated in gardens all year round. Of course, in regions with cold winters, heat-loving basella can only be grown in the garden as an annual plant.
Basella varieties with elegant leaves and stems in various shades of red (“Rosebud”, “Rubra”, “Select Red”) are especially decorative and popular among plant lovers.
I want to tell the readers of Gardenia. ru about Basella. I bought its seeds about five years ago. I had never seen this plant before; I was curious what would grow from these seeds...
Basella in the garden and in the house
Having sowed basella seeds at home, I grew seedlings - it turned out to be easy.
I planted young plants on the site when stable warmth arrived.
Out of six basella seedlings, only one plant survived. The fact is that the remaining seedlings ended up in dry areas of the garden, and as a result they did not have enough moisture. But the surviving basella grew greatly over the summer and entwined a two-meter support!
In the fall, I felt sorry to part with my favorite basella. I trimmed the vine, dug it up, planted it in a pot and took it into the house.
Since then, this plant has been living indoors for the sixth year.
I hung the pot with basella directly on the bright window. On the sunny side and with enough moisture, my basella feels good, it has grown well.
This plant is very pretty - numerous shoots of basella with lush green leaves beautifully entwined around the window.
Basella blooms three to four times a year. Her flowers are not very expressive: they are white and pink “bombs” collected in brushes. But the ripe fruits of basella are extremely decorative - shiny “varnished berries” of inky black color.
Basella is especially beautiful when on the plant you can simultaneously see flowers in clusters and berries of varying degrees of maturity and size - from small green to ripe black.
Basella care
Basella is an unpretentious vine; this plant requires almost no care.
The main thing is that the location is sunny and watering is regular. Basella loves being sprayed with water at room temperature.
During the entire period of cultivation, no pests or diseases were observed on the vine.
The only inconvenience when caring for basella is related to the tenderness and fragility of its young shoots. This creates some problems when replanting the vine. Therefore, at the same time I have to trim the basella, but then it quickly grows back.
For the same reason, it is difficult to tie it up - tender shoots can be injured and dry out.
Although gartering the basella is not necessary: if support is provided in a timely manner, the plant itself successfully clings to it.
Basella in cooking
Basella is not only beautiful, but also edible. In warm countries it is widespread and used as a food plant.
Basella leaves are juicy, have a pleasant taste, similar to lettuce and spinach.
I decorate New Year's table dishes with basella leaves - it looks fresh and original.
I recently read that basella fruits can be used as food coloring.
Here it is, basella - beautiful and tasty!
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Basella- a thermophilic and perennial climbing vine, a representative of the Basellaceae family. The plant is also known as “Malabar spinach” (from the Malabar coast on the Indian subcontinent). Scientists call the birthplace of the flower the subtropics and tropics: Africa, America, India, Madagascar. There the vine is used as a leaf vegetable. In the culinary field, this plant is better known as Indian or Philippine spinach.
Basella is not only a very beautiful, but also a useful plant. Indian beauties used the colorful fruits of the flower instead of blush. At the industrial level, the vine found its use as a product from which printing inks were made.
Types of basella
There are only two types of this plant:
- White Basella, or Basella alba (Alba). This species is the most common and originally appeared in Southeast Asia. The stems of this vine are fleshy, and the leaves are soft and juicy.
- Basella red, or Basella rubra, is an ornamental plant species. The stems of this vine are purple-red, and the leaves are anthocyanin-colored (see photo).
Growing
You can grow basella in an apartment. Liana loves sunny places, so it is better to place the flower pot on the balcony or windowsill. The plant prefers fertile soils, but in general the vine is unpretentious and can grow even in dry places. It propagates by seeds; seedlings are planted in open ground in May.
The plant tolerates indoor conditions better if it is constantly sprayed. Basella loves moisture very much: the more you water it, the more green mass there will be. You can also root vine shoots: they take root well.
Basella can be planted for decorative purposes for landscaping the balcony. Replanting the plant is somewhat problematic, since the vine shoots are very fragile and quickly break off. The flower must cling to something; for this purpose, a vertical support is placed on it; it can also be tied up, which is again difficult due to the fragility of the basella. The liana grows very quickly; in one season it grows up to 2 meters.
Beneficial features
The beneficial properties of basella allow the leaves and shoots of the plant to be used for medicinal purposes. Fresh leaves can be applied to wounds for speedy healing. Liana contains protein (20%), carbohydrates (54%), fats (3.5%), and the plant is also rich in dietary fiber (9%) and ash elements (19%). The plant is recommended to be used as source of vitamin A. In Asian folk medicine, basella is used as a sedative and astringent. Externally, the vine is used in the form of poultices for the speedy healing of wounds, ulcers, swelling, and abscesses. In China, basella is used to neutralize poisons in the human body and reduce fever. Liana has diuretic and laxative properties.
Lina contains a large amount of vitamins A, B1, B2, C. Vitamin A is necessary for the satisfactory condition of the skin; with a lack of this vitamin, the skin becomes dry and wrinkles quickly appear. Vitamin A is an antioxidant, it preserves immunity and activates immune cells. The vitamin is essential for vision; consuming foods high in vitamin A is an excellent prevention of vision impairment. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is responsible for the normal functioning of the heart and nervous system, it is necessary to maintain all metabolic processes, and is involved in the process of hematopoiesis. The active form of thiamine is provided by the presence of magnesium in the body. B2, or riboflavin, is involved in growth processes and helps maintain vision. Riboflavin prevents the risk of developing cataracts, helps the eyes adapt to darkness faster, and reduces visual fatigue. Vitamin B2 maintains the normal condition of mucous membranes, skin, and nails. Riboflavin is especially necessary for people who abuse alcoholic beverages, as well as during intense physical activity.
Use in cooking
Indian spinach is very popular in cooking. Young leaves and shoots of basella have nutritional value. The leaves have a dark green color, they are very juicy and pleasant to the taste. Basella can easily replace regular spinach in some recipes. Young leaves can be added to salads, omelettes, and snacks. In the cooking of India and South America, basella is classified as a vegetable plant. Liana has a subtle pleasant aroma and taste reminiscent of spinach, which allows it to be used as an addition to salads and sandwiches.
In some countries, basella leaves are brewed as tea, resulting in a vitamin-rich and tasty drink. The leaves are also suitable for making purees and vegetable soups. Flower leaves are often added to dishes with garlic, curry seasoning, and pepper. The fruits of the vine are used to make jelly, sweets, jam and other delicacies. Juice from basella fruits has coloring properties, which allows it to be used as a natural dye. The fruits are added to baked goods and sweets. The coloring properties of the fruit are enhanced by lemon juice.
Benefits of basella and treatment
The benefits of basella are noticeable in diseases associated with digestion. Liana normalizes the functioning of the stomach and has a beneficial effect on the intestines. Basella will help in the fight against extra pounds. This plant is perfect for adding variety to your diet. The liana has excellent taste; it can be consumed fresh or subjected to heat treatment. The calorie content of the product is only 19 kilocalories per 100 grams. The low calorie content of the product and high content of nutrients will help you lose weight without harm to the body.
Eastern medicine uses basella to treat abscesses and non-healing wounds.
Harm of basella and contraindications
The vine can cause harm to the body due to individual intolerance, and therefore only those people who are allergic to basella have a contraindication to consuming Indian spinach.
The stem extends from a thick rhizome. From the root zone to the top, regular large leaves sit on strong petioles. The shape of the leaf blades is round or heart-shaped. The leaves are fleshy, whole with a pointed tip. Color varies from pale to bright green.
Small flowers, although inconspicuous, are nevertheless original. They have fused white petals, decorated with pink or purple splashes. Despite their modest dimensions, they form voluminous panicle inflorescences.
It is noteworthy that while fruits are already setting in the lower part of the plant, flowering is just beginning closer to the top. Numerous juicy fruits and nuts look very decorative. As soon as the fruits appear, they are colored dark purple; as they ripen, they turn black.
Growing
In nature, Basella is a perennial. In cultivation, the plant can live a long life indoors; outdoor maintenance is possible only in the southern regions. A native of the tropics is not able to withstand the winter cold. On the eve of frost, you can dig up the plant. After cutting off the above-ground part, transplant the rhizome into a pot and send it to a warm winter.
In areas with harsh climates, Basella is much easier to grow as an annual. It grows quickly and easily reaches a height of two meters in one season.
Seeds suitable for use have time to ripen only in the lower part of the stem. However, this amount is quite enough. In addition, Basella is easily propagated by cuttings. For sections dipped into water, roots form within a few days. They can be transplanted into open ground or into a container.
Diseases and pests
Not susceptible.
Reproduction
Seeds, cuttings.
First steps after purchase
Basella is not susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. A new copy of the flower collection does not require quarantine. It is very important to provide the plant with a suitable container. The minimum volume of the pot is 3 liters, the presence of a drainage layer and holes is mandatory.
More often the plant is grown from seeds. They can be sown in open ground only when the threat of return frosts has completely disappeared. The seedling method is considered the most effective. It is recommended to soak the seeds for a day in warm water, and then place them, without deepening them, in a container filled with a nutrient substrate. Cover with glass or polyethylene and keep at a temperature of +19–22°C. The seedlings should be moistened regularly. Grown seedlings can be planted in the designated area.
Secrets of success
Basella needs intense lighting and long daylight hours. She is not afraid of direct sunlight. When growing indoors in winter, additional lighting is required.
These plants feel comfortable at summer temperatures up to +25°C. In winter, it is advisable to ensure cooling to +15–17°C.
Basella is very moisture-loving. From spring to autumn it is watered abundantly and regularly. In this case, under no circumstances should the soil become waterlogged. In the cold season, watering is reduced in order to prevent the earthen clod from drying out.
The plant needs moist air. Spraying with water at room temperature during the dry period has a beneficial effect on the health and decorativeness of this representative of the flora.
Basella is fed 2 times a month during the growing season. You can use both organic and complex mineral fertilizers.
Possible difficulties
Basella does not tolerate stagnation of water in the soil. The rhizome rots in a matter of days. It is necessary to arrange a drainage layer and follow the recommendations for watering.
When grown outdoors, fruits often do not set. Probably the weather conditions do not meet his requirements. In this case, the cut shoots will become the material for propagation.
The stem of the plant is quite fragile. It is not always possible to avoid mechanical damage. Regardless of whether La Basella is grown vertically or horizontally, it needs support. The plant clings to the slightest protrusion with its side shoots, so it is better to leave only one “main” stem.
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