Alexander Shubham

G'day! I'm passionate about growing our amazing native orchids. Here's my practical approach:

I started with the easier ones: Dockrillia (formerly Dendrobium) linguiformis and Dendrobium kingianum are great beginners. I grow most in squat terracotta pots with very coarse mix - native pine bark, gravel, and charcoal.

The key is mimicking their natural habitat: most grow in eastern forests with good light but protection from midday sun. I use 50% shade cloth. Watering is the trickiest part - thorough watering then drying appropriately for the species.

Seasonal changes are crucial! Many need distinct wet summers and drier winters. Don't keep them uniformly moist year-round. Also, many are cool-growing - avoid hot greenhouse conditions.

The flowers might be smaller than tropical orchids, but their forms and fragrances are incredible! Well worth the learning curve.

Growing Gondhoraj lemon from seed is possible but requires patience! I've grown several trees this way:

Start with fresh seeds from ripe Gondhoraj lemons. Clean all pulp thoroughly and plant immediately - citrus seeds lose viability quickly. Sow in well-draining potting mix, about 1/2 inch deep.

Keep consistently moist and warm (75-85°F). Germination takes 2-6 weeks. Once seedlings emerge, provide bright light. Transplant carefully when they have several true leaves.

Important: Seed-grown citrus may not produce identical fruit to the parent and can take 7-15 years to fruit. For true-to-type fruit and earlier production, grafted plants are better.

Gondhoraj lemons need tropical to subtropical conditions with protection from frost. They make attractive container plants in cooler regions.

The incredible fragrance makes them worth growing even as ornamental plants!

Growing Gokarna plant (Cilantro/Coriander) from seeds is very easy! I grow it year-round in my kitchen garden:

Coriander seeds are actually the dried fruits containing two seeds. You can sow them directly or gently crush to separate. Sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep in well-draining soil. They germinate best in cooler temperatures (60-70°F).

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Germination takes 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart. They prefer cooler weather and may bolt (flower) quickly in heat. Succession plant every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest.

For leaf production, choose slow-bolt varieties. The seeds (coriander) and leaves (cilantro) are both useful in cooking! They grow well in containers too.

Seed Savers cilantro guide has specific variety recommendations and growing tips!

As someone who maintains multiple aquariums, here's my practical approach to establishing beneficial bacteria:

I always "fishless cycle" new tanks - it's more humane and gives better results. I use pure ammonia from the hardware store (no surfactants!) to feed the bacteria, maintaining 2-4 ppm until nitrites appear, then lower to 1-2 ppm.

The bacteria need surface area - I use sponge filters, ceramic rings, and even lava rock. More surface area = larger bacterial colony. Temperature around 80°F speeds the process, as does pH around 7.5-8.0.

The most common mistake: overcleaning! I only clean filter media when flow is restricted, and even then, I only squeeze sponges in old tank water. Complete media replacement crashes your cycle.

Once established, avoid antibiotics and water conditioners that kill bacteria. A stable bacterial colony means healthy fish and clear water!

Establishing beneficial bacteria is the foundation of a healthy aquarium! I've set up dozens of tanks and here's the process:

The nitrogen cycle depends on two main bacteria types: Nitrosomonas convert toxic ammonia to nitrite, then Nitrobacter convert nitrite to less harmful nitrate. This process takes 4-8 weeks in new tanks.

You can speed cycling by seeding with established filter media from a healthy tank, using bacterial supplements, or adding a small amount of fish food to produce ammonia as food for bacteria. Don't add too many fish at once - the bacterial colony needs time to grow with the bioload.

Don't clean filter media aggressively - rinse in tank water during water changes, never tap water which kills bacteria. Maintain stable temperature and good oxygenation - these bacteria need oxygen!

Aquarium Co-Op's cycling guide is incredibly helpful for beginners!

While you can't "grow" knee cartilage like a plant, you can support cartilage health and potentially stimulate some regeneration through natural approaches. As someone who's dealt with knee issues, here's what evidence suggests:

Low-impact exercise is crucial - activities like swimming, cycling, and walking maintain joint health without excessive impact. These stimulate synovial fluid production, which nourishes cartilage. Strength training for quadriceps and hamstrings provides better knee support.

Nutrition plays a key role: Omega-3s (fish oil), vitamin C (collagen production), vitamin D, and antioxidants all support joint health. Some supplements like glucosamine/chondroitin may help some people, though evidence is mixed.

Maintaining healthy weight is possibly the most important factor - every pound lost reduces 4 pounds of pressure on knees. Avoid activities that cause pain and consider physical therapy for proper movement patterns.

Arthritis Foundation has excellent evidence-based advice!