Hadjod/Pirandai/Mangarahalli/Kandvel Healthy Herbal Plant

Hadjod plant (also called Asthisamharaka / Pirandai / Veldt grape) is very easy to grow once established.

Botanical name: Cissus quadrangularis

🌱 Climate & Location

• Grows best in warm, tropical to subtropical climates
• Temperature: 20–35°C
• Needs bright sunlight (6–8 hours); tolerates partial shade
• Protect from frost

🌿 Soil

• Well-drained soil is essential
• Sandy loam or garden soil mixed with compost
• Avoid waterlogged soil (causes stem rot)

Ideal mix (for pots):

• 40% garden soil
• 30% sand or perlite
• 30% compost/vermicompost

🌱 Propagation (Best Method)

Hadjod is grown from stem cuttings, not seeds.

Steps:

1. Cut a 6–10 inch healthy stem with 3–4 joints
2. Let the cutting dry for 1 day (prevents rotting)
3. Plant horizontally or slightly slanted in soil
4. Bury 1–2 joints, keep remaining joints above soil
5. Water lightly

⏱ Roots form in 2–3 weeks

💧 Watering

• Water sparingly
• Allow top soil to dry between watering
• Overwatering = rotting

🌿 Fertilizer

• Every 3–4 weeks, add:
  • Compost or vermicompost
  • OR diluted cow dung manure
• Avoid heavy chemical fertilizers

✂️ Pruning & Support

• It’s a climbing plant
• Provide a trellis, fence, or stick support
• Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth

🪴 Growing in Pots

• Pot size: 12–16 inches
• Ensure good drainage holes
• Clay pots are better than plastic

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Usually pest-resistant
• Occasional mealybugs or aphids → neem oil spray
• Root/stem rot → improve drainage

🌿 Harvesting

• Ready for harvest in 3–4 months
• Cut mature stems; don’t remove entire plant
• Best medicinal value in thick, mature stems