Over a week ago I bought indoor plants and one of them is the Basket plant. It turns out this is my favorite of all I got although it didn't start out that way. I paid less attention to it from the start and it happens to be the one showing the most growth so far. I call it Cali.
Basket plant (Callisia fragrans) is a fast-growing plant that climbs and trails, spreading up to 6 feet and a height of 12 inches.
Basket plants are houseplants that require minimal care, they only need to be watered every 2-3 days and they flourish. I haven't been consistently watering mine but then I see that the leaves have grown taller the last few days. I don't have a proper flower pot for it yet so I make do with a bowl without a hole for drainage but it doesn't seem to be bothered. It loves moist soil anyway.
They are ornamental indoor plants but they also do very well outdoors. They grow fine in shady areas so they only need little to medium sunlight. Mine doesn't get any sunlight indoors so I take it out for the morning sun sometimes as too much light can scorch it. Sunlight also makes the leaves colour brightly.
Surprisingly, it's a flowering plant with short-lived white, fragrant flowers that wilt at noon. I'm yet to see mine but with its growth rate, I expect my flowers soon.
This is a fast-growing plant so it will need to be repotted when it becomes overcrowded and also when it loses its lower leaves.
This plant flourishes in loamy soil which is not hard to find in tropical areas.
The Basket plant has a lot of uses and it also purifies the air. It's said to have antibiotic properties and is used to relieve digestive problems. It's used to treat some skin problems, inflammation, and is also infused in teas. Not to forget its ornamental purpose, it's a beautiful plant for hanging baskets and window boxes spillover.
I think this is just the right plant to begin your homesteading journey since it doesn't need a lot of care.
All images are mine.
