Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

Rangoon Creeper, also known as Combretum Indicum, goes by many names like Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. It's like a breath of fresh air in Nava's Zen. Can you believe it? Even at 60, I find myself climbing the ladder to prune and trail my Rangoon Creeper. This lovely plant is native to tropical Southeast Asia, especially Burma (now Myanmar), where it got its common name, "Rangoon Creeper," in honor of the former capital, Rangoon, now known as Yangon. I remember when I visited Myanmar about 8 years ago; I didn't even notice any Rangoon Creeper. Maybe I wasn't paying attention, who knows?

It all started 20 years ago when I moved to Kemuning Greenville, Shah Alam. Coming from a flat with no gardening space, I found myself falling in love with gardening in this new area. About 19 years ago, I decided to add a pergola to my garden. The landscaper whom I hired also gave me a Rangoon Creeper plant, and I've been nurturing it ever since.

When I first encountered Rangoon Creeper, I was clueless about its existence. It took a good three years for the creeper to grace my pergola with its lush canopy. It was during this time that I delved into learning more about this fascinating plant. Yet, it's not just book knowledge that fuels my gardening passion - it's the hands-on experience that truly nurtures my understanding.

 

Oh, the scent of Rangoon Creeper! It's simply breathtaking. When a gentle breeze carries its fragrance, it feels like natural aromatherapy enveloping (YLANG YLANG THERAPY) the surroundings. The sweet and fruity aroma, adds magic to every moment spent in the garden. Starting as small white bunches, Rangoon Creeper's flowers gradually transform into stunning red clusters. Over time, the slender stems planted by the landscaper have grown into thick vines, happily trailing and crawling along my pergola. I've even shared cuttings with friends and neighbours, spreading the passion of gardening and the joy of this beautiful plant to their homes.

Wondering where to find Rangoon Creeper? Online shopping offers convenience and variety, allowing you to choose the size and maturity of the plant according to your preference. Unlike physical nurseries, online platforms often provide a wider selection, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your garden. Rangoon Creeper's blooms are seasonal, erupting into full splendor when conditions align. To ensure a breathtaking array of color, constant meticulous care and attention are imperative.

Caring for Your Rangoon Creeper: Essential Gardening Tips 
Watering

Like any other plant, watering is crucial for your Rangoon Creeper's health. If you're fortunate to have frequent rainfall, you might not need to water during rainy periods. However, for those growing in pots without rainwater access, don't forget to water. How do you know when to water? Simply touch the soil - if it feels dry, it's time to water.

 

Pruning/Trimming

Don't overlook this vital practice - it removes dead stems, stimulates new growth, and enhances the plant's lushness. Regular pruning encourages strong foliage and abundant flowering.

 

Trailing

Support your Rangoon Creeper's trailing vines adequately. I use gardening wires to gently guide them along my pergola, ensuring they stay in place, especially during heavy winds.

 

Growing in Pot

While Rangoon Creeper thrives in soil, successful cultivation in pots is possible. Be mindful that once the roots fill the pot, growth may stagnate, indicating it's time to repot into larger containers. Before repotting, trim excess roots, add soil, and ensure proper aeration to prevent soil hardening, which can hinder growth.

 

Fertilizing

Apply organic fertilizer every two weeks, adjusting the amount based on the size of your Rangoon Creeper and pot. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so use caution. Fertilizing is crucial for promoting blooms.

 

Sunlight

Despite Malaysia's scorching climate, Rangoon Creeper thrives in sunlight. Adequate exposure is essential for blooming, so position your plant carefully to maintain its vitality and beauty.

Medicinal Value 
While Rangoon Creeper may have medicinal properties, such as wound healing and potential diabetes and gastrointestinal disorder management, I won’t and dare not vouch. Its aesthetic appeal is undeniable, but its medicinal attributes require thorough exploration within herbal medicine and complementary therapies.

 

All in all, Rangoon Creeper enhances the beauty of my outdoor environment. As I step into my compound, the delightful scent of Rangoon Creeper envelops me, bringing a sense of well-being to my breathe, body, mind, and soul. It's as if they are the first ones to warmly welcome me home, their vibrant blooms smiling and grinning at the diligent care they receive.