How to Grow
Rajnigandha (Tuberose) Plant - Facts, Benefits, Care & How to Grow
Mystical, magical, innocence, peace, and purity are the words that often come to mind when you see a stick of white, pleasant-smelling flowers known as Rajnigandha or Tuberose.
Tuberose, also known as Rajnigandha, is one of India's most popular flowers. The intoxicating fragrance of this flower makes it a strong contender in the perfume industry.
This flower is quite profitable for the cut-flower trade and has never gone out of demand.
The talent of Rajnigandha doesn’t end here.
Rajnigandha is used in essential oils. This oil is then used in Ayurvedic medicines, confectionery, drinks, dental creams, and mouthwashes.
This blog will cover many such unknown facts about Rajnigandha and also let you know how to grow it at home.
In this blog, we will discover the following: -
- Facts about Rajnigandha
- What are the benefits of Rajnigandha flower?
- How to grow Rajnigandha at home easily?
- Gardening & care tips for Rajnigandha flower plants
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
Facts about Rajnigandha
- The Europeans took tuberoses from Mexico in the 16th century and distributed them in various colonies. Rajnigandha, upon reaching France, swept everyone off their feet. France is famous for its perfumes, and even today, the best French fragrances incorporate Rajnigandha's sensual essence.
- Did you know that the traditional brides In Hawaii wear tuberose-blossom leis? Rajnigandha is also a famous décor item for Indian and western weddings.
- Some may think that tuberose is related to roses because the name contains that word. To clarify, tuberose is not related to roses by appearance, genus, or scent. But it is true that they comprise tube-shaped florets.
- In Indonesia, the Rajnigandha flower is used in cooking.
- Louis XIV of France had hundreds of tuberoses planted in the flower beds of the Grand Trianon at Versailles. Why? Because the overpowering scent of tuberose would mask the odours from the poor hygiene of the palace.
- As per the area and production statistics of the National Horticulture Board, the total area under tuberose cultivation in the country is more than 7 lakh hectares.
What Are The Benefits of The Rajnigandha Flower?
1. Treats cataract
A cataract is an eye condition that causes patients' vision to become blurry and affects the visual organ of the body. The tuberose flower is beneficial for treating and reducing the symptoms of cataracts.
2. Prevents anemia
Anemia is a disorder that occurs when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body to properly oxygenate the tissues. By raising blood levels, tuberose, or Rajnigandha, is known to treat anemia.
3. Cures insomnia
It is said that tuberose, or Rajnigandha, is sedative in nature. This property calms the nerves and allows people to fall asleep faster. Thus, it is a great cure for insomnia.
4. Relaxes mind and body
The essential oil obtained from tuberose is a known anti-depressant. It is used in aromatherapy because of its phenomenal power to relax the mind and body. Rajnigandha promotes relaxation in the body.
5. Prevents nausea
Isn't the aroma of Rajnigandha captivating? This powerful yet peaceful aroma can also help with motion sickness. People suffering from motion sickness while travelling can carry rajnigandha with them.
6. Sedative in nature
The tuberose flowering plant is used to make tuberose essential oil. This essential oil is sedative in nature and treats inflammations related to the respiratory and nervous systems.
7. Antispasmodic
Rajnigandha is antispasmodic by nature. It means it can have relaxing effects on muscles, the brain, and nerves. So, don’t worry next time when you experience a muscle cramp!
8. Prevents anxiety
As mentioned earlier, tuberose, or Rajnigandha, has sedative properties that help people calm down. So, people suffering from anxiety can use tuberose and experience wonderful results.
9. Has anti-inflammatory properties
Tuberose has amazing anti-inflammatory qualities. All types of inflammatory infections, like sore throats or sinusitis, can be treated with Rajnigandha.
10. Prevents skin infections
Rajnigandha, or tuberose, is known for treating critical skin infections like eczema and psoriasis. It has healing properties that can cure acne breakouts too.
11. Treats bladder inflammation
Rajanigandha flower is known as an excellent diuretic. The extracts of the Rajanigandha or tuberose flowers are given to people who are suffering from bladder inflammation and urinary retention to relieve symptoms.
12. Bouquets and decoration
Rajnigandha flowers are used in various flower bouquets, floral ornaments, and artistic garlands. They also make excellent cut flowers for vase or bowl arrangements meant for decoration.
How to Grow Rajnigandha at Home Easily?
Season of growing Rajnigandha
The best season to plant Rajnigandha is between March and September. The winter months lack warmth and bright sunlight, which is why those months are avoided.
Propagation by bulbs
This is the most common and easiest way to plant Rajnigandha. Check out the following steps and get started.
- Tuberoses and Rajnigandha are propagated through bulbs or seeds. First of all, you need to choose a spot that receives good afternoon sunlight.
- Then, add a layer of compost that is at least 4 inches thick to promote good drainage and to provide necessary nutrients to the soil.
- Get individual tuberose bulbs measuring 0.6 inches in diameter for your garden. Make sure the buds are facing upward.
- Now water the ground well and cover the tuberose/Rajnigandha bulbs with soil for 2 inches.
- After 90-120 days, i.e., 3-4 months around late summer or early fall, you will see it bloom
Typically, tuberose plants can reach a height of 60 cm each year and live for two to three years.
How to Take Care of Rajnigandha Flower Plants?
Soil
Rajnigandha flowering plants love loamy or sandy soil. The soil for Rajnigandha should be rich in organic matter with good drainage. The pH level must be 6-7.
Location
Tuberose requires full sunlight. But you also have to protect this plant from strong gusts of wind. A shaded area in your house or garden won’t also be good for the growth of tuberose, as that would affect the quality of the flowers. Choose a location that gets 6–8 hours of direct sunlight.
Water
You must understand that watering is required for plant growth, but overwatering will kill it. So, water your plant only when the top 1 inch of the soil is dry. Make sure to water once a week throughout the growing season. Reduce watering when the temperature outside is decreasing. Remember that overwatering will lead to the rotting of the roots.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for tuberose growth is 21–24 degrees Celsius. That’s why it is grown in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Fertilizer
A potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilizer with the ratio 8-8-8 is necessary for tuberoses or Rajnigandha blooms. Fertilizer can be used at the start of the growing season. Alternatively, until the growing season is over, add fertilizer every three to six weeks.
Mulching
Tuberose is a sun-loving plant and requires bright, sunny weather to flower abundantly. However, they will not thrive in dry or broken soil. Therefore, add a 3-inch-thick layer of mulch to keep the soil moist. This will also prevent the growth of weeds.
References:
https://www.flower.style/flowers-we-love/tuberose
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/tuberose/indoor-tuberose-care.htm
https://www.ugaoo.com/blogs/ornamental-gardening/how-to-grow-rajnigandha-flower
https://cikipedia.com/10-great-benefits-tuberose
https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/tuberose-absolute.asp
https://www.organicfacts.net/tuberose.html
https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v6i11/5011701.pdf
https://trustherb.com/health-benefits-of-rajanigandha-flower/
https://urbanplants.co.in/blogs/news/things-to-know-about-rajnigandha-flower
