Tulsi Plant Potato Viral Hack: The Tulsi plant planted in the courtyard of the house is considered a symbol of religious faith as well as greenery. This is the reason why when its leaves start turning yellow or the plant starts drying up, people try various home remedies to save it. These days, one such hack of burying raw potatoes near the roots of the basil plant is going viral on social media. It is being claimed that due to this, Tulsi gets the necessary nutrition and the plant starts becoming thick and green rapidly. But is this claim really true or is it just a misleading advice spreading on the internet?
Does basil benefit from burying potatoes in the ground?
The reason behind this viral method is that the starch, potassium and moisture present in potatoes nourish the soil. It is believed that potatoes buried in soil slowly rot and act as fertilizer. However, this does not mean that planting a whole raw potato in the pot will be beneficial for basil.
Organic fertilizers are used to provide nutrients to plants, but by burying raw potatoes directly in the pot, there is no control over the quantity and effect of nutrients. Therefore, it is not right to blindly trust this viral method to make basil green.
Can the plant be harmed?
If potatoes planted in the soil start rotting, it can lead to foul smell, mold and other microbial activity around the plant. If there is more water in the pot than before, the risk of damage to the roots may also increase. Additionally, if the potatoes sprout, they will begin to grow and compete for space and materials in the pot.
However, it is not always true to say that pressing potatoes will harm basil. Its effect depends on the soil, moisture and condition of the pot. However, this is not a tried and tested method to keep Tulsi healthy.
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How to keep basil thick and green?
For good growth of basil, first of all pay attention to regular care. Keep the plant in a place where there is good sunlight. In general, about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day is beneficial, although this requirement may vary depending on the season and local conditions.
Water only when the top layer of soil starts drying. It is also important to have proper holes in the pot for water to drain out. Removing dry leaves and flower buds from time to time makes plant care easier. Vermicompost or well decomposed cowdung can be used as per requirement.