Renowned for promoting happiness and positivity in the household, the Ashoka plant or Saraca asoca plays a crucial role in multiple aspects. In the oral histories and mythologies of the people who live on and around the Indian subcontinent, this particular tree plays a significant role. It is also occasionally called Saraca indica. Here is how to grow and maintain an Ashoka plant.
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Ashoka tree: Key facts
| Botanical name: Saraca asoca
Also known as: Sorrowless tree, Sita Ashok, Asokamu, Jasundi, Asogam, Ashok ka ped, Ashoka ka jhaad, Ashoka tree, Buddha tree, Indian mast tree, and Indian fir tree Leaf type: Huge, spreading horizontally, alternating, paripinnate compound, dry, and dark green. Maximum reachable height: Up to 20 m Flower: Enormous clusters of fragrant, bisexual, regular orange blooms with 7-8 stamens. Best Season to Grow: Spring Growing and maintaining difficulty level: Easy to grow and maintain. Sun exposure: Direct, bright natural light. Ideal temperature: 16 to 32 degrees Celsius. Soil type: Well-drained. Soil pH: The soil should be fertile and abundant in organic matter. Basic requirements: Water thoroughly in the summer and moderately in the winter and rainy seasons Ideal location for placement: Homes, gardens, and offices. Also commonly used as a landscape tree Maintenance: Low Fertiliser: Any organic fertiliser |
Ashoka tree: Distinct features of Ashoka tree
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- Ashoka is a 22-30 foot tall, evergreen tree with beautiful flowers that are native to India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
- The glossy, green leaves of this rainforest tree are coppery-red at first, then become green and eventually deep green as they mature.
- Orange-yellow, scented flowers on this magnificent tree progressively turn crimson after getting drooping.
- Although blossoms may be seen all year round, the greatest blossoming season is from February through April.
- Ashoka tree, one of India’s sacred plants, is known as the “grief-less tree” because it is believed to lessen all sorrow and provide good fortune to its owner.
Ashoka tree: How to grow?
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Prerequisites
- For healthy growth, the Ashok plant needs medium to deep, rich soils that are slightly acidic to neutral and well drained.
- The Ashoka plant thrives in tropical and subtropical environments.
- Both seeds and stem grafting can be used to spread the crop.
- During the rainy season, the seedlings can be planted in a well-manured field.
Guide to growing an Ashok plant indoors
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Acquiring Seeds
The Ashoka plant may be grown with seeds, which is the simplest and most practical technique. You may either purchase them from the neighbourhood nursery store or gather them from the fruits of an Ashoka tree that is 6–8 years old. From February through April, the Ashoka tree blooms. Furthermore, from June through August, a bean-like fruit forms and develops. Harvest the fruits of this plant, which are purple-black pods containing four to eight seeds each. Rinse and leave seeds in water overnight.
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Planting the seeds of the Ashoka tree
To grow a plant in a pot, use a container with drainage holes and an upper diameter of 7 to 10 inches. Stuff the remaining third of the container with organically rich, well-drained soil before setting the plant in the middle. Add the same dirt to the remaining container. After 2-3 days of keeping the plant in an indirect bright light setting, gradually move it to a site that gets more than 6 hours of direct sunshine. Plant the plant in a field once it has outgrown its current container.
If you want to plant a purchased plant directly into the ground, follow the instructions below
- After three to four days under indirect bright light, gradually move the plant to a site that receives direct sunshine for more than six hours each day.
- Create a trench twice as large as the bag or container the existing plant is in.
- Place the plant in the centre of the hole and fill the remaining third of the pit with soil that is rich in organic matter.
- A plant needs more than six hours of direct sunshine each day. When the top inches of soil seem dry to the touch, water the plant. During the primary growing season (June-July), apply any organic fertiliser.
Ashoka tree: How to maintain
Water
In the summer, every day or when the top of the soil begins to feel a little dry, water. Water once every two days throughout the winter or when the top of the soil begins to feel a little dry. Always keep the soil just barely damp, but avoid overwatering, as this may result in brown blotches and leaf loss. Curly or parched leaves indicate that the plant needs hydration. Water the Ashok plant in the colder hours of the morning or evening. Check the soil often before watering.
Light
Ashok plants can be kept in full sun to partial shade. You can keep your plants on a window that allows sunlight to pass through, and you may use direct or indirect light on them during the winter.
Temperature
Keep the Ashoka plant in a shady area throughout the summer or if the temperature exceeds 45°C. Plants can be put directly in direct or indirect sunlight during the winter or when the temperature is below 45°C.
Fertiliser
Once every 15 days, use an organic fertiliser or slow-release fertiliser. Whenever possible, fertilise the plant early in the day while it’s cool. You can also use ready-to-use outdoor plant food/flower boosters for the best results.
Ashoka tree: Uses
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Religious significance of Ashok tree
Numerous myths and religious tales include references to the Ashoka tree. Buddhist sources claim that Lord Buddha was born under the Ashok tree, near the queen Maya of Sakya. According to the Hindu Ramayan Mahakavya, after being abducted by Ravan, Sita sought refuge and lived under the shade of Ashoka trees in Lanka. Hindus also honour Kamadev by dedicating their beautiful blossoms to him.
For diverse medical ailments, Ashoka can be taken in several different forms, including seed powder, juice, decoction, pills made after processing leaves of the Ashoka plant, and paste. Depending on the case, the Ashok plant can be used in various ways.
Medical benefits of the Ashok plant
Ashoka plant has tremendous benefits when placed in different places. For example, you can place Ashok plants around walls or in yards. If you have a lot of room, you can select a different variety of Ashoka trees (similar to the mango tree). The tree can eventually reach a height of 30 to 45 feet and a width of 20 feet. The flowers are reddish and have many stigmas during the blooming season.
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The top Ashoka plant benefits are listed here. Learn about the various health benefits of Ashoka tree leaves, bark, and seeds.
Aid in treating acne
You may make a thick decoction by boiling the bark of the Ashoka tree, then after it cools, apply mustard oil. When used on boils and pimples, this remedy has a very positive result.
A herb for gynaecological issues
The Ashoka tree’s herb can relax the uterine muscles and endometrium, relieving cramping in the stomach and other spasms. Additionally, it aids in the treatment of other associated conditions such as amenorrhea, leucorrhea, fibroids, cysts, and irregular menstrual periods. As a result, the Ashoka tree is frequently used to treat women’s gynaecological and menstrual issues.
Ashoka tree bark improves intelligence
Ashoka tree products should be regularly consumed to increase intelligence. You must combine Ashoka’s bark and Brahmi powder in equal parts, then take 1 teaspoon of this concoction twice a day with a cup of milk.
Leaf of the Ashoka tree for skin care
Consuming herbs from the Ashoka tree helps to cleanse the blood of pollutants, which has wonderful advantages for the skin. Herbs from the Ashoka plant aid in blood purification and delay the onset of allergies and other skin conditions. Ashoka tree extracts can also be used to treat burns and skin irritations.
Ashoka plant prevents internal blood loss
To stop internal bleeding, you can ingest a few drops of water diluted with crushed Ashoka plant blossoms. Additionally, Ashoka flowers protect against hemorrhagic dysentery. As a result, Ashoka blossoms might improve your health.
Treats stomach inflammation and oedema
When ingested, barks or leaves aid in the removal of worms from the stomach, relieving discomfort and oedema. As well as having antifungal, antibacterial, and pain-killing effects, Ashoka tree bark also contains these qualities. The Ashoka tree relieves burning sensations and works to reduce internal and external inflammation.
Ashoka tree: Vastu tips
- The Ashoka tree is viewed as a representation of good energy. Placing a bandana var with Ashoka leaves at the home’s main door is said to be lucky. The home with the Ashoka tree around it is not inhabited by evil powers.
- Households must have peace and tranquillity, which may be achieved by growing trees within the home. Most people put the Ashoka tree towards the north (said astrologers and doctors).
- The Ashoka tree is regarded by Vastu as being beneficial in boosting both mental and physical vitality. The house’s Vastu flaws can be fixed with the help of this tree.
FAQs
Is Ashoka a medical plant?
The Ashoka tree is used as a medicinal tree in addition to being a holy and traditional plant in India.
What use do Ashoka leaves serve?
It is widely employed in many different types of medical treatments because of the goodness of the vital bioactive components and the richness of therapeutic characteristics.
How are Ashoka seeds planted?
By following the instructions in the article, Ashok seeds can be planted directly in a pot or field.
How much time does an Ashoka plant need to grow?
Seeds take at least two to three months to germinate, but if you have an Ashoka plant that has been grafted, new leaves and roots grow quickly.