The Onam pookalam, or flower arrangement, is a quintessential part of Keralam’s 10-day Onam celebrations. For home gardeners in Keralam, it’s the time of year when other family members rely on the garden for pookalam materials like flowers and green leaves, since sourcing these from local markets can burn a hole in your pocket. While the flowers are the stars of an Onam pookalam (the word literally means flower design), pookalam designs also use leaves for green contrast among reds, yellows, and oranges. While my previous blog focused on the 11 traditional pookalam flowers, I discuss how to get green into your pookalam using a variety of green leaves easily available in your home garden.

What Green Leaves Are Used in Pookalam?

While designers use a wide variety of leaves in Onam pookalams, I have listed the most commonly used ones with images for your reference and have further categorized them into traditional, common, and background leaves.

Traditional Leaves with Religious Significance

Beyond vibrant flowers, traditional pookalams, especially those created in temple courtyards, often include sacred green leaves that carry deep cultural and spiritual meaning. These green leaves serve more than a decorative purpose — they connect the pookalam design to Keralam’s rituals, beliefs, and festive heritage.

Tulasi / Tulsi / Holy Basil Leaves

Ranging from deep green to lighter shades and even the almost brown Krishna Tulasi or Shyama Tulsi, these aromatic Holy Basil leaves are an essential part of the traditional Onam pookalam and hold spiritual significance, especially on Atham and Chithira, the first and second day of Onam, respectively. In fact, some regions of Keralam use only tulasi leaves and white thumbapoo for the first-day pookalam, with Tulasi leaves placed in the pookalam’s center.

Thumba Leaves / Ceylon Slitwort Leaves / Goma / Dronapushpi

While the white Thumba is the classic Onam flower, its narrow green leaves and seed cluster also occupy a place of pride in the Onam pookalam. The thumba plant, together with the stem, seed cluster, and leaves, is traditionally used on Atham (the first day), Chithira (the second day), and Thiruvonam (the final day) as part of the closing rituals.

Mukkutti Leaves / Biophytum sensitivum / Little Tree Plant Leaves / Sensitive Plant / Lajalu / Lajwanti

The delicate fern-like Mukkutti leaves come from the Little Tree Plant (Biophytum sensitivum), also known in English as the Sensitive Plant. In Kerala’s Onam traditions, the tiny green leaves and bright yellow flowers of Mukkutti hold deep religious significance in the pookalam. They are closely associated with Lord Shiva and are believed to symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and devotion. Their presence alongside colorful flowers adds both texture and cultural depth to the pookalam, making Mukkutti an essential element in the festive floral pookalam designs that honor heritage and spirituality.

Common Local Greenery Used as Fillers

Onam pookalam artists also make use of locally available green leaves to add contrast and depth to their creations. In fact, pookalams that are more decorative and celebratory than religious are made using whatever green vegetation is easily available to bring designs to life. So don’t be surprised if you find Christmas tree leaves interspersed with Onam flowers in a pookalam! People can get very creative! It’s the sasti jugaad (cheap hacks) that all Indians are familiar with.

These are the leaves more commonly used in Onam pookalams.

Nandiyarvattam Leaves / Crape Jasmine / Pinwheel Flower Leaves / Tabernaemontana divaricata / Chandni / Tagar

The smooth, glossy dark green leaves of Nandiyarvattam (Tabernaemontana divaricata) are often used as fillers in Onam pookalams. Their glossy texture and rich color provide a natural backdrop that enhances the vibrancy of floral patterns. These leaves are either used whole or chopped up and used to add dark green to a pookalam.

Chethi Leaves / Ixora Leaves / Thechi / Rangan / Jungle Geranium

The deep green Chethi (Ixora) leaves are widely used as fillers or to create layers in pookalams. The leaves have a sturdy texture which ensure they do not wilt easily. Additionally, the rich glossy color provides a natural contrast for the pookalam that enhances the brightness of flower petals, making the design look fuller and more balanced.

Muringila / Drumstick / Moringa Leaves

The small, clustered compound Muringa (Drumstick / Moringa) leaves are a practical choice for pookalam fillers, as you can simply strip them from the stem and use them. Their fine texture adds softness and density to floral patterns. The Drumstick tree (Moringa oleifera), locally called Muringa, is a familiar sight in Keralam — almost every home garden has one – which is why these leaves are easily accessible to pookalam artists.

Curry Leaves / Kariveppila / Kadi Patta

The highly fragrant, dark green Curry leaves (Kariveppila) are a must in every Kerala kitchen. That’s why you will find these plants in most Kerala home gardens as well. For pookalams, they serve as effective fillers or can be chopped up to add deep green contrasting sections to the design. Their glossy green appearance adds freshness and depth, helping highlight the vibrant colors of surrounding flowers.

Outline & Background Leaves

For pookalam designers, outline and background leaves play a vital role in framing their floral patterns and enhancing their visual appeal. They provide density, contrast, and a fresh backdrop that makes the vibrant flower petals stand out. Two of the most common leaves are discussed below.

Banana Leaves / Vazhayila / Kele Patte

You do not chop up the banana leaves for your pookalam design. Instead, the large banana leaves are frequently used as the waterproof base/mat underneath pookalams to keep the flowers layered on top away from the soil. With a bed of banana leaves under your pookalam, you get a relatively smooth surface to work on, and the flowers stay insulated from the ground heat. This method of laying a pookalam also means that you can mist your pookalam to prevent the flowers from wilting quickly, without having to worry about the mud from below creeping into your design.

Mango Leaves / Maavila / Aam Patte

The bright green, sturdy long leaves of the mango tree are often laid flat around the outermost edge of the pookalam to create a pointed, star-like frame. These leaves are also chopped up and added as pookalam fillers.

Which Green Leaf Is Best for Pookalam?

If you are looking to find out which leaf is the best option for a pookalam, there isn’t a single best one. It all depends on the creativity of the pookalam artist. Each leaf carries its own charm and cultural meaning, and the focus is more on the requirements of the design, rather than the leaf itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Leaves Used in Pookalam

1. Which green leaves are commonly used in Pookalam?

Leaves commonly associated with Pookalam arrangements include Tulasi, Thumba, Biophytum sensitivum, Crape Jasmine, Ixora, Drumstick, Curry Leaves, Banana, and Mango leaves. Their availability and use can vary depending on the region, household traditions, and the type of Pookalam being created.

2. Can Tulasi leaves be used in Pookalam?

Yes. Tulasi (Holy Basil) can be used as greenery in Pookalam arrangements. Its fresh green color can provide contrast against brightly colored flowers, while the plant also has an important place in many Indian households and traditions.

3. Are banana leaves used for Pookalam?

Yes. Banana leaves can be used creatively as part of festive floral decorations. Their large size and broad green surface make them useful for creating a natural backdrop around a Pookalam.

4. Can mango leaves be used for Pookalam?

Yes. Mango leaves can be incorporated into Pookalam decorations, particularly as borders or decorative greenery. Their elongated shape can create attractive lines and patterns around colorful flower arrangements.

5. Which leaves can be used to create a green border around a Pookalam?

Large leaves from plants such as Ixora and Mango are best suited for Pookalam borders. These can provide different shades of green. Smaller leaves like hibiscus and neem leaves also work well for detailed borders, while larger leaves can be used for broader decorative elements.

6. Can flowering plant leaves be used in a Pookalam?

Yes. Leaves from flowering plants such as Thumba, Crape Jasmine, and Ixora can complement their flowers and other seasonal blooms. Using greenery alongside flowers can add texture and make the color combinations stand out.

7. Is Biophytum sensitivum used in Pookalam?

Biophytum sensitivum can be included as a natural green element in a Pookalam, along with its yellow bell-shaped flowers. Its delicate appearance makes it different from broader leaves such as banana or mango and can be useful when creating finer details.

8. Should Pookalam leaves be fresh?

Fresh, clean leaves generally give a Pookalam a more vibrant and natural appearance. Choose leaves that are free from visible damage, dirt, pests, or disease, and use them soon after collecting them so they remain fresh during the celebration.

9. Can I make a Pookalam using only flowers and leaves?

Absolutely. A Pookalam can be adapted to the flowers and greenery available to you. You can create a simple design using a few colorful flowers combined with fresh green leaves rather than trying to use a large number of different plant materials.

10. What is the best way to arrange leaves in a Pookalam?

There is no single arrangement that must be followed. You can use smaller leaves for fine borders and patterns, while larger leaves such as banana or mango can be used for broader accents and backgrounds. Try placing greenery between contrasting flower colors to make the design more defined.

A Touch of Green for Your Pookalam

You may not think of green leaves when you think of the Onam pookalam, but they add an important element to the overall design, either cultural, aesthetic, or both. From the sacred Tulasi and delicate Thumba to familiar garden leaves such as Ixora, Crape Jasmine, Curry Leaves, Drumstick, Banana, and Mango, these plants offer different shades, shapes, and textures that can beautifully complement the colourful pookalam flowers. While Tulasi (Holy Basil) is revered for purity and devotion, Mukkutti (Biophytum sensitivum) symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. Thumba leaves and flowers are considered sacred and simple, and you will often find them in traditional designs. Nandiyarvattam (Crape Jasmine) adds glossy freshness to your pookalam, while mango leaves can create a vibrant border for it. Ultimately, the choice is yours, whether you want spiritual symbolism, vibrant contrast, or practical fillers.