Bread Flower/Kesidang Plant: An Enchanting Beauty for the Senses

Nature is truly captivating. It fills our lives with joy and peace. But nature also needs our help. As climate change makes the weather hotter and more unpredictable, we depend more on air conditioners, even for our babies. Yet, people miss the benefits of urban gardening. It can cool our homes and naturally relieve stress (Bay Leaves Healing Therapy). Urban gardening helps the environment and fills the air with the soothing scent of flowers, offering a peaceful escape from the stress that harms us.

Enter Ms. Nava, the founder of Nava's Zen, a true enthusiast of urban gardening. Today, she introduces us to the enchanting bread flower, also known as Kesidang, Kerak Nasi, Tikar Seladang, or Vallaris Glabra (Ylang Ylang). These white, star-shaped blossoms have a scent that evokes pandan leaves or the aroma of cooked fragrant jasmine rice. Whenever they bloom, Ms. Nava takes a moment to stand in Nava's Zen and inhale their delightful fragrance. It's her natural way to calm her senses and enjoy a bit of tranquility (Rangoon Creeper).

Planting
Get the bread flower plant from a nursery or buy it online. Some people grow them in pots, and they flourish like crazy. Mine, however, is trailed on the pergola. If you're growing it in a pot, support the plant with a coco stick or a garden plant support ring. There are many options for plant supports online. Keep in mind that bread flower plants don't have clinging tendrils to attach to fences or other structures.

Pruning
Pruning encourages new shoots to grow. Prune your bread flower plant after its flowering season. If you prefer a shorter plant or don’t want it to trail, trim its height. This will keep it bushy and compact.

 

Watering

Do I even need to mention that all plants need watering?

Fertilizer

I use organic fertilizer to encourage blooming. Without fertilizer, you won't see many flowers.

 

What Can You Do with Bread Flowers?

Bread flowers are natural potpourri. Bundle them as you would for potpourri, and enjoy their amazing scent throughout your home.

 

You can also float them in water, where they look like dainty little angels. I love putting them in my water harvesting barrel and watching them float, which makes me happy.

Or, simply place them anywhere you like and enjoy their natural beauty.

Imagine a plant that's tough and beautiful, just like the bread flower. It grows easily in warm climates like Southeast Asia, making it great for any gardener, new or experienced.

 

But what's really cool about the bread flower is that it attracts bees and butterflies to your garden. They love its flowers, adding life and color to your space. And not only is it pretty, but it's also part of traditional ceremonies and decorations in this region.

So, when you plant a bread flower, you're not just planting any old flower. You're bringing nature and tradition together right in your own house.