The Scientific Name of Parijat flower is Nyctanthes arbor-tristis; also known as Harshringar or Night-blooming jasmine and Coral Jasmine, is grown mostly as a shrub or a small tree.
Its fragrance is liked by most and it is used in traditional medicines which helps in different treatments.
It is a beautiful and mysterious plant whose flowers fall to the ground after blooming. Parijat or Harsingar is considered a flower fit for the gods.
The word ‘Parijat’ literally means descended from or celestial. Flowers bloom at night and fall down from the branches in the first rays of light, leaving us wanting for more.
The mythological story shows that Parijat is a heavenly tree brought to earth by Lord Krishna. The flowers of Parijat have seven to eight petals on an orange-red stem. These beautiful flowers are used in many spiritual activities. This flower loses its lustre during the day and blooms at night.
How to Plant Parijat?
To grow Parijat /Harsingar plant from cutting, you simply need to get a few cuttings of about 6-8 inch, which are little brownish in color. Fill a container with fast draining potting soil and plant these cuttings inside it and cover it with a bag to give it heat and retain moisture.
Choosing the Right Cuttings:
To get the right cuttings, make sure that the cuttings are at least 6-8 inches in size and have 4-5 leaves on it. Don’t get the ones that are tender and looks greener. It should be brown in color or a bit matured.
Now, remove all the leaves from its bottom part, only keeping 2-3 leaves on its top.
Now, cut the bottom part of the cuttings at 45-degree angle, you don’t have to be precise but this help in increasing the surface area, which then helps in absorbing more nutrients and water.
Preparing the container:
Take a container (8 inch) make a drainage hole at the bottom of it.
Now, fill it with potting mix.
The soil for growing Parijat/Harsingar cutting needs to be fast draining and should have following ingredients.
- Garden Soil – 1/3 part
- 1/3 Part Cow dung or Vermicompost
- River Sand 1/3rd part
- Add a handful of fungicide.
Once the container is ready.
Promoting Root Growth:
Dip the bottom of cuttings in rooting hormone and then insert them inside the soil about 1-1.5 inches deep.
And press gently around it.
Water thoroughly after planting the cutting.
And now comes the most important part:
Cover these potted cutting with the help of either plastic bag or plastic bottle for greenhouse effect.
And keep it in under shade.
After 10-12 days remove the plastic bag/bottle and if everything goes well you will see new life seeping through it.
Now you can move it to a bigger pot whenever it starts outgrowing its current pot.
Best Time To Plant Parijat:
in the spring season, Avoid planting parijat in the winter season and avoid the seeds from germinating.
The best time to grow Parijat/Harsringar plant from cutting is during monsoon season, when the temperature ranges from 25-35 degree Celsius.
So, it should be grown around June – Early September.
What is Ideal Soil For Parijat flower?
The potting mix must be that of 50% normal garden soil and 50% any organic compost like vermicompost. Mix well and fill the tray.
How Much Sun Does Parijat Need?
This plant only requires light direct sunlight (morning sunlight), so if your plant is placed in a location where it receives direct sunlight all day consider moving its location. Or if its placed in a shady location Parijat plant will also not be able to flower. The key here is to provide it with direct morning sunlight and then bright indirect sunlight all day long.
How Much Water Does This Plant Need?
Maintain the moisture but do not overwater.
Never let water accumulate as that harms the plant. There should be proper drainage.
It should be watered once in the morning and the other time in the evening only if the top layer of soil seems dry.
During summer season, depending on the harshness of the heat, you might need to water it twice in a day.
In the cold season, avoid watering it regularly.
Caring Tips of Parijat Flower Plant:
For Parijat (Harsingar) plant care, provide it a fast draining potting soil that has good amount of nutrition. Grow it in a location with moderate sunlight and water deeply only when the few inches of the top layer is dry. Fertilize in the spring and summer season.
Medicinal Use of Parijat Flower Plant:
They are used to treat constipation.
The plant is mainly used to treat snake bites.
In Ayurveda, parijat leaves benefits do wonder. They are used to treat various types of fever, cough, arthritis, worm infections etc. The juice of the leaves is bitter and acts as a tonic. Hard or decoction is excellent for arthritis, constipation, worm infection.
Parijat stem powder is very good for treating joint pain and malaria.
Juice of its leaves when mixed with a little sugar to treat stomach diseases of children.
The plant’s green leaves are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Its leaves are great for immunity. Grind 25 leaves and blooms of parijat with 1 glass of water. Boil it to half and make 3 portions. Each portion must be consumed in the morning, afternoon and evening and do this for 2 months. However, it is best to consult an ayurvedic specialist to avoid any allergy.