A native of India, neem is an extraordinary hardy tree that thrives in ecosystems ranging from the Sahara desert to the set salty environment of the Florida Keys. The only pests known to harm it are directly related to over watering: slugs (which are mollusks not insects) and several strains of root rot.
Neem seedlings and indoor plants can be obtained from several growers in Florida and California. In tropical climates, neem quickly becomes a valuable shade tree, growing up to eight feet per year under optimum conditions. Neem will have to be grown as an indoor plant in areas where hard freezes occur. Neem trees can easily be grown in large pots as highly decorative houseplants, repelling pests such as scale and spider mites that can kill common indoor plants like ficus or palm trees. Outdoors, neem trees have to be protected from frosts until two years old even in warmer areas.
For best results, plant your neem tree in the largest pot you can move since they’re happiest spending winter months in a sunny window and summers outdoor. They’re also like goldfish, the tree will only get as large as the container will allow, so a minimum ten-gallon container is recommended. If you don’t have a compost pile or favorite potting soil, ask your local nursery to recommend their best soil for houseplants. Please don’t use soil from your yard unless you’re an expert gardener and know exactly what you’re doing.
Water thoroughly after transplanting and then wait until soil is dry to touch before watering again. If leaves start to wilt in dry climates, spritz them with water or very dilute fish emulsion. DON’T OVERWATER – that’s the easiest way to kill a neem tree. If possible, place your new tree in a spot where it is protected from afternoon sun and high winds. Once they’re settled in, however, neem trees are happy in full sun and handle high winds well.
Neem tree, like many tropical plants, are day-length sensitive and will stop growing in the winter unless supplemental light is provided. If you expect to harvest neem year-round, make sure your tree receives as much natural light as possible during the day, then several hours of artificial light at night during the short days of winter. (It doesn’t have to be a lot of light – a near-by living room lamp is fine.)
Neem trees that are pruned often for their leaves and twigs will become short and bushy. If pruned in early spring, the number of flowers and fruit produced may be reduced. Therefore, it is recommended that pruning branches or picking large numbers of leaves should be postponed until after the fruit has ripened. Any extra leaves picked during the remainder of the growing season can be dried and stored for use during the winter and early spring.
SOURCE: Nutraceutic, Inc., www. nutraceutic.com
www.bytheplanet.com
http://www.NeemDirect.com
Price: $26.95
Shipping Weight: 0.50 pounds
Laboratory studies of Withania somnifera, also known as ashwaganda, show that it stimulates the production of nitric oxide (NO). This chemical associated with the opening of blood vessels and is possibly relevant to the prevention of the painful kind of headache sometimes called a “brain freeze.” Asparagus racemosus, also known as shatavari, is the ancient Ayurvedic remedy for ulcers and indigestion aggravated by stress. Both herbs are recommended for men and women who need to manage stress to achieve quality of life. For maximum benefit take Usha Daytime Stress Formula with Nisha Nighttime Stress Formula.
