The Carambola Tree: A Symbol of Good Fortune and Healing
The carambola, or star fruit tree, is more than just a pretty plant. It is believed by many to be a bringer of good fortune and is often used in Feng Shui practices. Additionally, the carambola tree offers a plethora of health benefits for people of all ages.
The leaves of the carambola tree are said to treat skin ailments such as acne and rashes, while the fruit is packed with antioxidants, offering a boost to your overall health.
Not only is the carambola tree aesthetically pleasing, but it also holds symbolic value. The tiny purple flowers and golden-hued fruits that dangle in clusters resemble shining gold and silver, making it an attractive addition to any garden or home. The carambola tree can be shaped into a bonsai or left to grow naturally, depending on your preference.
Caring for Your Carambola Tree: Encouraging Abundant Flowers and Fruits
Watering: Carambola trees thrive in moist conditions, so regular watering is essential, especially for potted plants. Water newly planted trees every two days, gradually reducing frequency after three months. For young trees, daily watering is necessary, but ensure that the plant isn’t sitting in water to prevent root rot.
Pruning: Pruning is vital to the carambola tree’s development and helps shape its branches. Remove old, diseased branches to maintain the tree’s health. The ideal time to prune is before the flowering season and after harvesting the fruits. As the tree’s bark is sensitive to sunlight, create a canopy of branches to shield the trunk from direct sunlight. As the tree grows, thin out the canopy by removing old, crowded, diseased, or weak branches to encourage airflow and light penetration.
Fertilizing: Traditional wisdom suggests that for sweeter fruits, organic matter such as animal remains should be applied to the tree’s base. However, when the tree is bearing fruit, avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers and opt for potassium-rich alternatives like wood ash and lime powder to enhance fruit quality.
Pest Control: Carambola trees are susceptible to attacks by moth larvae (Lepidoptera) and fruit flies. These pests cause flowers and fruits to drop prematurely. Spraying with Trebon 0.2% during the early fruit-forming stage is effective, but exercise caution when applying to larger fruits to avoid toxicity. Annually, during the dry season, protect your tree by painting its trunk with limewater to prevent boring insects from infesting and damaging it.
Preventing Fruit Drop
During the fruit-bearing stage, maintain moisture by watering twice a day, once in the early morning and again in the evening. Insufficient water will cause the fruits to drop. To prevent fruit drop and protect against pests, keep bees and ants away from the fruits.
Prune the growing tips of the branches, leaving about 20 cm of new growth. Removing these tips will encourage the growth of new shoots and tiny flowers. Continue to fertilize and water the tree to support fruit development.
For taller trees, break only the lower, thicker branches, leaving the thinner, higher branches for the next pruning session. Pinch the growing tips and withhold water for 2-3 days. Then, apply a highly diluted solution of urea. In about 50 days, the tree should bloom and produce large fruits.
To encourage fruit set and abundant yields, apply organic matter to the base of the tree at least twice a year and bird droppings every two months. Additionally, fortify the tree with rice water once a week.
The 4 Things That Bring Debt and Misfortune When Placed at the Bedside
Feng shui, the ancient art of harmonizing spaces, holds immense power not just over our physical well-being but also our financial prosperity, career success, and familial bliss. The bedroom, being the sanctuary where we spend nearly a third of our lives, warrants special attention to ensure it fosters good fortune and wards off any misfortune.