The Shami plant, also known as the Bani Mala or Kejri tree, has a sacred significance. Its scientific name is Prosopis Cineraria. The Shami plant is revered as a bringer of wealth, happiness and peace and is used in various treatments for ulcers and stomach ailments.

Like every living organism, plants also have their own unique characteristics and require special care and maintenance for optimal growth. This detailed article aims to explain and answer all the facts and questions about the Shami plant. Lifespan of Shami Plant
This perennial plant can last for many years with proper care.

Best time to see Shami
A typical summer plant, it grows best from February to October.
In winter, it should be kept in a shady place to protect it from cold and rainwater.
Characteristics of Shami Plant
1. The leaves are small. 2. It has thorns on its trunk and branches.
3. Its leaves droop in the evening.
4. We recommend you keep it in a sacred place.
5. It is an outdoor plant, so it needs at least 3-4 hours of direct sunlight.
6. In very hot weather, keep it in the shade or under a green net for protection. 

Shami Planted in Clay Pot
A large terracotta pot is recommended for the shami plant. In a large pot, the shami plant will grow and spread faster.

1. Garden Soil – Use regular garden soil.

Make sure it is clean and free of debris such as broken glass, plastic, termites, dry roots, etc. 2. Compost – use half the amount of soil.

3. Coco peat – use half the amount of compost.

4th Sand – Use the same amount as coconut.

5. Neem cake powder (optional) – Add a small amount to prevent fungus, insects, diseases and root rot.

6. Cinnamon powder (optional) – Add a few to prevent insect and fungal infestation. Mix all these ingredients together to make the perfect soil mixture for your shami plant.

Repotting a shami

1. Wait 2-3 days after purchasing from a nursery before repotting.
2. Do not transfer the plant to a new pot until the plant has gotten used to the new environment and shows no signs of stress. 3. After repotting, water thoroughly and place in shade for 2-3 days.
4. Then gradually introduce the plant into sunlight.

Watering a Shami Plant
The combination of soil mix and clay pots helps maintain a perfect moisture balance in the soil. If the soil surface feels dry, loosen the soil lightly and water the plant. Continue watering until water flows out of the holes in the bottom of the pot.
This hardy plant is very hardy and can tolerate occasional too much or too little watering. However, avoid overwatering.

Hard pruning of the shami:
Hard pruning can help the plant recover better, especially if it has been stressed in winter. It is advisable to do any major pruning of the plant only in February and avoid the monsoon season. This procedure will rejuvenate the plant and promote healthy growth.

Compost for Shami Plant
Avoid using chemical fertilizers such as NPK, Epsom salts, DAP, and urea on this plant. Also, avoid using strong fertilizers such as banana peel fertilizer and seaweed fertilizer.

Instead, feed your Shami plant with liquid mustard cake fertilizer in March, but make sure to dilute it before applying. This helps to nourish the plant without harming it.

Suggested Fertilizers:

1) Liquid Fertilizer from Cow Dung:

Take 1 cup of liquid cow dung tonic and dilute it with tap water 10 times.

After mixing, apply it on the Shami plant.

2) Worm Compost Tea:

Take a small amount of worm compost and soak it in water for 24 hours.

Use the top layer of this solution and mix it with 4 times the amount of water. Apply it to your plants.

Note:

Always make sure the top layer of the soil is dry before fertilizing. This will help the nutrients to be absorbed.

Loosen the soil before fertilizing.

Apply one of these fertilizers once a month to encourage lush growth of your plants.

Proper growth of plants cannot be achieved by fertilizer and sunlight alone. Timely pruning is essential. From March to October, the plant should be carefully pruned regularly using garden shears or pruning shears.

Prune the tips of the plant every 15 days to encourage new branches to grow and promote healthier growth.

Pest Control for Shami Plants Shami plants are generally resistant to infection, but in rare cases they can become infected if the surrounding plants are infested with mealybugs or aphids.

To prevent pest infestation, spray the plant with a solution of neem leaves once a week. If the plant is already infested with pests, control them with neem oil. This was complete care of shami plants from small plants (nursery) to large bushes and flowering plants (at home).