Continuing my series, this post is about the Mexican Heather plant that we recently bought.
Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is a charming, low-maintenance ornamental plant known for its fine-textured foliage and delicate, colorful flowers. Despite its name, it’s not a true heather but gets the nickname due to its similar appearance.
I generally grows about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for borders and ground cover. It is a pollinator-friendly plant, attracting bees and butterflies. The flowers are tiny, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of purple, lavender, pink, or white, appearing almost year-round in warm climates.
With its dainty flowers and tidy growth habit, Mexican Heather adds soft color and texture to gardens almost year-round and is a favorite for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike.
This plant is native to Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Central America. It thrives in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and naturally grows in open, sunny areas with well-drained soils.
I keep this plant in direct sunlight. On our south-facing balcony in winters & north-facing balcony in summers, where it receives bright sunlight 2-3 hours a day.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Garden Croton plant that we recently bought.
The Garden Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a vibrant, tropical shrub known for its bold, multicoloured foliage. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, it features leathery leaves in a dazzling mix of green, yellow, red, orange, and even purple, often with dramatic veining or spotting.
While they’re often grown outdoors in tropical climates, they also make striking houseplants. However, keeping them indoors turns the leaves dull and green, so I refuse to bring it indoors.
It is known for the variety of leaf shapes it offers—ranging from broad and oval to long, narrow, and even twisted or lobed.
I keep this plant on our south-facing balcony, in indirect sunlight. I plan to move it indoors during the winters, so prevent it from getting hit by the direct sun.
This plant requires low maintenance.
I water it three times a week, but will reduce the frequency once it is indoors.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
I had been using my Synology NAS for a few months now. However, as I started to do more and more with it, its inherent lack of processing power started to irk me. The CPU was too slow, the RAM too limited. More than that, its ugliness on my living room shelf disgusted me. Eventually, I decided to replace it with a Mac Mini.
Synology DS224+ next to my Mac Mini
Since I was anyways using the NAS more as a computer than for storage (a measly few hundred GBs), the choice was not difficult. I got a good deal on a used Mac Mini M2 Pro and went about migrating my data and services from the Synology.
Remote Access
Since I planned to use the Mac Mini as a headless server, the first thing I needed to do during setup was enable remote access. I used my TV as the initial display. Luckily, macOS has built-in VNC & SSH servers and enabling them was as simple as checking a few boxes.
Remote Management and Remote Login, macOS
Remote Management, macOS
With an Apple only environment, you can have better security by
Selecting the “Remote Management”, not the “Screen Sharing” option
Not selecting the “VNC viewers may control screen with password”
Using VNC over SSH when connecting with clients over the internet
The above will break compatibility with most commercial VNC applications. I like Screens 5 & Termius for VNC and SSH respectively. Both apps are paid, but quite powerful.
After verifying that remote access was working, I disconnected the TV, keyboard and mouse for good & haven’t needed them since.
Docker & Threadfin
The service I was most worried about was Threadfin, because it is not natively supported on the Mac and I need to run it within docker.
Thankfully, docker desktop works quite seamlessly on the Mac and the settings & environment variables look similar to container manager on Synology. My only problem was, I couldn’t get the container to auto-start after reboots, using environment variables in the GUI. Eventually, I could get it to work via the terminal
docker update --restart always <container_id>
Once it worked, I could clearly see the performance difference. While on Synology, the container took approx 2-3 mins from start to being usable, on the Mac, it takes less than 10 seconds.
PS: You can’t fetch new images from docker’s repository till you click on the verification link sent via email, if you have created a new account.
CloudflareTunnel
Cloudflare tunnel is installed via homebrew. It is as simple as copy/pasting a few commands via Terminal. Since the configuration of the tunnel is handled from the Cloudflare dashboard, there are no further steps required on the Mac itself.
Bonus feature, Cloudflare also allows you to setup VNC & SSH connections to your device, exposing a web interface to any browser you want to use it with. Over the same tunnel.
Plex & Homebridge
Plex is supported natively on the Mac and installing it is as easy as mounting the disk image. It detected Threadfin as a DVR fairly easily.
At first, Plex refused to detect media content from my external SSD, which was an APFS encrypted volume. However, after erasing it and setting it up as un-encrypted, it was detected fairly quickly. Funnily, once I encrypted it again, it continued to work, so I am not sure what the original problem was.
Homebridge is also natively supported on the mac and is installable via homebrew. Thankfully it comes with backup/restore functionality out-of-the-box, which worked seamlessly. Just had to keep in mind 2 things:
The plugins are not backed up and restored, so these need to be installed on the new machine manually before restoring the backup
I had to delete the bridge from my home app and add it again for my device status to work properly.
Backblaze Backup
Unlike my NAS, there’s no disk redundancy on the mac, so I chose to subscribe for Backblaze’s backup service. It is quite cheap, allows unlimited storage and if you need, they can even send you a USB drive to restore your content from.
Backblaze backup on macOS
It took around 2 days for the client to upload all my data in auto-throttled mode.
qBittorrent
For macOS, most people recommend Transmission to download torrents and the app itself is rock-solid, however, it is lacking support for RSS feeds. One can use add-ons like flexget to enable this, but I couldn’t get it to work.
Eventually, I settled for qBittorrent, which, although dated, has all the necessary features and works quite well. Its web UI is near-unusable on mobile phones, though and I couldn’t find a client on the App Store which works well, yet.
qBittorrent v5.0.5 on macOS
Resource & Environmental monitoring
I use TG Pro to monitor environmental parameters like temperature, fan speeds. It is a paid app, but is quite cheap and requires a one-time-payment only.
I use stats to monitor the CPU, GPU, Memory and bandwidth utilisation on the Mac. It is open-source and installable via homebrew.
Stats & TG Pro on Mac Menu bar
Summary
Overall, what I miss most from my Synology is its easy-to-use web interface and cloud connectivity features, which worked seamlessly. Even after a lot of effort, I cannot achieve the same level of integration on the mac, as all the services are from separate providers & lack cohesion.
However, the sheer computing power and the lack of physical ugliness more than makes up for it.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Split-Leaf Philodendron that we recently bought.
Philodendron bipinnatifidum, commonly known as the Split-Leaf Philodendron, is a stunning tropical houseplant popularly prized for its dramatic, deeply lobed leaves that can grow quite large.
This plant is native to SouthAmerica.
This plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, but I myself am skeptical if this has any practical impact, even in indoor spaces.
I keep this plant in partial sunlight, near our south facing windows, where it receives sunlight 2-3 hours a day in the late afternoons. We keep it inside a cane basket, propped up on a metal stand.
The Split-lead philodendron requires no maintenance at all, but it is important to watch out for signs of pests on the leaves.
I water it twice a week. It’s essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
It is important to note that these plants are highly toxic to animals (and humans, to a lesser extent). Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause vomiting and swelling of the throat if ingested.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Candelabra spurge that we recently bought. Although it is a succulent, I thought it deserved its own post.
The Candelabra spurge, also known as the Euphorbia lactea is a fascinating and sculptural succulent native to tropical Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. It features upright, triangular stems with wavy, jagged edges that are often streaked with pale green and white—giving it a marbled, almost bone-like appearance. The stems, which may be mistaken for leaves are actually quite hard, despite its fragile appearance.
The plant’s name “lactea” refers to the milky sap it produces, which, like other Euphorbias, is toxic and can be irritating to skin and eyes.
My second run of the year was the Bangkok 21k park Run 2025. This was my second time participating in this run, having done it in 2024, too. This is one of my most favourite running events in Bangkok.
Like before, the run was in the scenic Suan Luang Rama IX park. Like last time, it was raining the entire week, but surprisingly didn’t rain on the morning of the race.
Bangkok 21k Park Run 2025 Race Map for 10k
Since this is a race I did twice with a gap of 1 year, it is a good opportunity to compare the metrics.
1 Year Metric comparison
Bangkok Park Run 2024 vs 2025 statistics
As you can see, I was able to shave almost 10 mins off the race time.
Bangkok Park Run 2024 vs 2025 splits
As you can see, there’s an improvement of approximately 1 minute for each split, consistently. This time, I was able to maintain sub-6 minute splits almost throughout the race.
Bangkok Park Run 2024 vs 2025 HR Zones
This time, I seem to have much less time in Zones 3 and 5 and more time in Zone 4. Also, post-workout recovery seems to be much better.
Overall, I am quite pleased with the improvement in performance and hope to improve more by next year.
Bangkok Park Run 2025 MedalBangkok Park Run 2025 Medal
Continuing my series, this post is about my Parlour Palm.
The Parlour Palm, scientifically known as Chamaedorea elegans, is a popular houseplant appreciated for its graceful, feathery fronds and adaptable nature.
The Parlour palm was discovered in Central America and brought back to the United States, where it became a popular indoor palm.
Parlour palms grow in attractive clumps with light-textured foliage cloaking thin trunks. These slow growers can take years to reach full height (2 to 6 feet indoors and 6 to 16 feet outdoors).
I got it as a gift from our neighbours who were leaving Thailand and I have kept it outside my bedroom window ever since. The sight of its fronds swaying in the breeze is something I look forward to, everyday.
With minimal maintenance and stunning foliage, this plant is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
I keep this plant in indirect sunlight. It lives in our south-facing balcony in the summers and north-facing balcony in the winters, where it receives sunlight 1-2 hours a day.
The only thing I do for maintenance is clipping dead fronds from time to time. Unlike Gurgaon, there’s not so much dust here, so I don’t mist it often.
I water it thrice a week; less if it has rained.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Dumbcane plant that my wife has been neglecting for quite some time.
Dumbcane, scientifically known as Dieffenbachia Seguine is recognized for its striking variegated leaves, typically featuring shades of green and cream. It’s a popular choice among plant enthusiasts due to its ability to adapt to lower light levels. It is one of the most common plants that people have in their homes.
It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas.
Dieffenbachia Seguine (Dumbcane)
Although we have had it for quite some time, I recently took over its care, moving it to an earthen pot (from a black plastic pot, if you can believe it) and fertilising it. I have no idea where it came from.
I keep this plant in indirect sunlight. It lives in our south-facing balcony, in the summers and north-facing balcony in the winters, where it receives direct sunlight 1-2 hours a day.
The Dumbcane requires no maintenance at all, not even dead-leafing.
I water it twice a week; less, if it has rained.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
It’s worth noting that this plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic if ingested. It’s always advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets and small children.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Dracaena Trifasciata, commonly known as the Snake Plant.
The Dracaena Trifasciata is an incredibly resilient plant that thrives in various conditions. Known for its striking, upright leaves that can grow several feet tall, this plant is a favorite among indoor gardeners. People say it purifies the air, but I am skeptical of how much impact it can actually have.
This plant is native to West Africa, specifically from Nigeria to the Congo region.
Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant)
The pot is Fjärilsbuske from Ikea, and has a beautiful glaze.
I keep this plant in shade all the time, as it prefers indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. It sits next to my working desk.
The Snake Plant requires no maintenance at all, making it perfect for those who may not have a green thumb.
I water it twice a week. It is drought-tolerant, so I don’t have to worry about watering it frequently.
Additionally, I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth, helping to promote healthy foliage and overall vitality.
Continuing my series, this post is about the Orange Jasmine plant that we recently bought.
The Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata) is a fragrant, evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its lush foliage and beautifully scented white flowers. Despite its name, it’s not a true jasmine but gets its name from the sweet, citrus-like fragrance of its blooms, which resemble orange blossoms.
Orange Jasmine (Murraya Paniculata)
Native to South and Southeast Asia, it is often used as a hedge or ornamental plant due to its dense, glossy green leaves and attractive shape. It can grow up to 12 feet tall in the right conditions.
Its white, star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters, often multiple times a year, especially in warm climates. These are followed by small, oval red berries that attract birds. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
I keep this plant in direct sunlight. On our south-facing balcony in winters & north-facing balcony in summers, where it receives bright sunlight 2-3 hours a day.
This plant requires low maintenance, however, pruning the branches triggers growth and maintains the desired shape.
I water it four times a week, however it can tolerate drought well, once established.
I fertilise it every 2 months or when it shows signs of growth.
