Loofah Plant
Although it looks like a cucumber on the outside the inside looks just like the stuff you use in the shower because it IS.
Loofah plant. Natural loofah sponges actually come from the fruits of vine-growing Luffa plants. Grow in seed trays and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Loofah genus Luffa genus of seven species of annual climbing vines of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae native to the Old World tropics.
As much sun as possible. Fold the cloth in half so that you have two folds in the middle of the cloth. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20C and 30C.
What Is a Loofah Plant. They planned to domesticate it in the New World. Loofah Luffa sponge plants can be attacked by the same insects and diseases that other winter squash and gourds are beset by.
Cucumber beetles squash vine borers and squash bugs are the main insect pests. Soak the seeds for 24 hours prior to planting them in a seed starting tray and consider placing them on a seed heating pad to improve germination. Regularly check your plants for signs of an invasion.
Cylindrica is the most commonly grown variety for harvesting sponges because of its very fibrous nature. They come from the old crusty loofah plant the one thats toughened up with age. Any soil type enriched with organic matter.
Centuries ago the luffa plant was brought to this country by European settlers. Luffa or loofah botanically Luffa aegyptiaca is a vine-grown member of the pumpkin squash and gourd family Cucurbitaceae. These plants are part of the gourd family Cucurbitaceae making them relatives of watermelons cucumbers and pumpkins.