How to Pollinate Parachute Plant:
Increase Your Yield

Introduction

The Parachute Plant, also known as the Gynura crepioides, is a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts. With its vibrant green leaves and unique parachute-shaped flowers, it adds a touch of beauty to any space. However, to ensure that your Parachute Plant produces a bountiful yield, proper pollination is essential. In this article, we will explore the best practices for pollinating your Parachute Plant and increasing its yield.

Understanding Parachute Plant Pollination

Before diving into the techniques of pollination, it is important to understand the basics of how the Parachute Plant reproduces. The Parachute Plant is a self-pollinating plant, meaning it has both male and female reproductive organs on the same flower. However, due to the nature of its flowers, which are clustered and small in size, natural pollination can be challenging.

Why Pollination is Important

Pollination is crucial for the Parachute Plant’s reproduction process. Without successful pollination, the plant will not produce seeds or fruits, resulting in a poor yield. By manually pollinating the plant, you can ensure that the flowers are properly fertilized, leading to healthier plants and higher yields.

Best Time for Pollination

The best time to pollinate your Parachute Plant is when it is in its blooming phase. Look for flowers that have just opened up fully and are displaying their vibrant colors. These flowers are most receptive to pollination and have higher chances of successful fertilization.

Tools Required for Pollination

To pollinate your Parachute Plant effectively, you will need a few basic tools:
1. Fine paintbrush or cotton swabs: These will be used to transfer pollen from the male reproductive organs (stamens) to the female reproductive organs (pistils) of the flowers.
2. Tweezers: These will come in handy for carefully manipulating the flowers during the pollination process.

Pollination Techniques

Here are two effective techniques for pollinating your Parachute Plant:

Technique 1: Hand Pollination

1. Identify a flower that is ready for pollination, with its stamens and pistils fully exposed.
2. Gently take the paintbrush or cotton swab and collect pollen from the stamens by brushing them lightly. The pollen should stick to the brush or swab.
3. Carefully transfer the collected pollen to the pistil of the same flower. Gently brush the tip of the pistil with the pollen, ensuring that it comes into contact with the stigma located at its tip.
4. Repeat this process for all the flowers you wish to pollinate.

Technique 2: Cross Pollination

1. Choose two different Parachute Plants that are in their blooming phase.
2. Identify a flower on the first plant as the “donor” flower and another flower on the second plant as the “receiving” flower.
3. Collect pollen from the donor flower using a paintbrush or cotton swab, as described in Technique 1.
4. Transfer the collected pollen to the stigma of the receiving flower on the second plant.
5. Repeat this process with multiple flowers on both plants to ensure successful cross-pollination.

Post-Pollination Care

After successfully pollinating your Parachute Plant, it is important to provide proper care to maximize yield:

Watering

Maintain proper watering practices for your Parachute Plant. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and damage the delicate pollinated flowers.

Light and Temperature

Ensure that your plant receives adequate sunlight or artificial light for optimal growth. Additionally, maintain a suitable temperature range for the Parachute Plant, as extreme temperatures can negatively affect pollination and fruit development.

Fertilization

Consider providing your Parachute Plant with a balanced fertilizer to support its growth and yield. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can damage the plant and hinder fruit production.

Conclusion

Proper pollination is essential for increasing the yield of your Parachute Plant. By understanding the basics of pollination, utilizing the right tools, and following the recommended techniques, you can significantly improve the success rate of fertilization and enjoy a bountiful harvest. Remember to provide post-pollination care to ensure healthy growth and maximize your plant’s yield. With a little effort and attention, you can enjoy the beauty and abundance of your Parachute Plant for years to come.