KRISHNA KAMAL/PASSION FLOWER

The Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower

(Image source: Pixabay)

Krishna Kamal, The flower is itself so fascinating as of its name!!

Krishna Kamal also known as the Passion Flower has its structural importance behind its name.

It is also called as Mahabharata Flower found in 4 color variations such as, purple, blue, pink and even white.

But why is it being called Krishna Kamal or Mahabharata Flower? There is an interesting elaboration for its structure and its name.

Let’s explore the connection between Krishna Kamal and Mahabharata the Epic.

Carefully observe the structure of this flower.

The radial of vibrant colors situated at the center and as the base for the above structure is The Great Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Krishna.

The 3 filaments located on top of the green bulb are sign of the great Trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesha.

The green big bulb at the center where the 5 sticks are connected symbolises Draupadi, The most powerful women of the era and The Queen of Pandavas.

The 5 stick like structures in the center indicate 5 Pandavas.

The outer blue petals are 100 in count that indicate 100 Kauravas.

Medicinal significances of Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower

It is being said that, The herbal tea made using Krishna kamal is good for mind calming and reduces anxiety. It also helps to cure insomnia, epilepsy, stomach problems, coughing etc.
Ayurveda says that Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower can be used to treat severe health issues like liver problems, asthma, shortness of breath, diabetes, high blood pressure etc.
Skin irritations, burns and inflammation can also be treated using Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower.
It helps to relieve headache, toothache and migraine hits too.
Apart from this wherever you place this plant it gives a beautiful tropical look to the corner it is placed in.

Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower is a quite low maintenance plant.

Though its origin is in America these flowers have been cultured in India.

Its scientific name is Passiflora incarnata. It has 24 varieties across the world and 5 to 6 varieties are found in India colored as Red, Saffron, Purple and Blue.

Now what are the steps to grow this plant at home? Here is all you need to know about it.

Pot Selection: Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower comes under the vine category so it needs support to grow. You can plant it in a 5 to 10 inches,
medium size clay pot. Put a stick at the center to support the plant.

Make sure the pot has 3-4 drainage holes at the bottom.

Soil: The soil with pH 6.2 to 7.5 is useful for Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower.

Cover the bottom of the pot with a layer of stones and then add medium sized sand, potting mixture and river sand.

Tip: Keep at least 1 inch of distance between the soil and edges of the pot to avoid water spillage.

Recipe for the ideal potting mixture = Medium sized sand(10%) + Well-drained soil(30%) + River Sand(40%) + Compost(20%)

Temperature: Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower can tolerate the temperature ranging between 60 to 75°F (15 to 25°C) to grow well.

Sunlight Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower can not bear too hot climate. So keep your plant where it can get at least 4-5 hours of sunlight with
adequate shade from the direct sun.

Here is a catch, if the leaves of the plant are not opening for a long time then it indicates that the plant is not getting enough sunlight.

Water needs: DO NOT overwater your plant, it will boost fungus growth on the roots of the plant.

The water requirement depends on 2 weather conditions; one is when weather is warm and second when weather is cool.

During warm weather a glass of water everyday will fulfil its water needs. Blooming stage is the crucial period for the plant when its
water requirement is high.

During cold or rainy weather you can water it twice a week to avoid drying of the plant.

Tips: 1. You can use your finger or a stick to check the moisture in the soil and water your plant accordingly.

2. Avoid watering on the leaves and the flowers which may call fungus to grow on.

Fertilizers: You may use dry banana or onion peel, bone meal manure as an organic fertilizer. Or N-P-K mixture every 2 weeks or once in a month.

Tips: 1. Loosen up the upper layer of the soil in the pot so that the nutrition will be absorbed easily

2. Do not forget adding water once you are done with adding fertilizers.

Pruning: During the blooming each of the branches will give you a flower so more branches means more flowers you will have.

Late winter is the best time for pruning. Firstly, remove dead or broken stems if you see any. Make sure you are not ruining its fullness
but it should not look too crowded which will restrict overall plant growth and blooming of the buds.

Tips: January to June is the blooming season for Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower so avoid pruning in this season.

Pests and cure: To prevent the fungal infection occurring on roots you can add neem powder in the soil.

To get rid of insect attack a mixture of neem oil and liquid detergent can be helpful.

Intruders like spider mites, aphids, white flies can be removed by just washing the plant with water.

Note: Please follow the watering instructions given above whenever you are going to wash the plant.

Propagation of Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower

Generally, it is advised to bring the plant from the nursery but there are 3 ways of propagating Krishna Kamal/Passion Flower viz. Seeding, Cutting and Air Layering.

If you ask me I would suggest going for Seeding. Where you can simply take some mature seeds and soak them in the water for a few days. Then sow them in the potting mixture dictated as above.

Tip: Spring season is best to sow the seed and get best results.

If you go for cutting or layering, it will take around 50 days to get a new plant.

Special care to take care when you bring the Krishna Kamal/Passion Plant from nursery

Check the moisture present in the soil by using a stick or your finger.
If you feel it is dried add 2 to 3 cups of water.
Give it some artificial light to wake up. :)
When you bring the plant from the nursery, wait for 15 days before repotting it in a new pot.

Hope this is helpful for all Krishna Kamal lovers, Happy Gardening!!!