Lazy Gardener’s Guide to Monsoon Plants That Practically Grow Themselves
You don’t need a green thumb or endless free time to grow a lush garden this monsoon. All you need are the right plants—and maybe a mug of chai to sip while watching them thrive in the rain. The monsoon brings more than just petrichor and poetry. It’s also nature’s signal to plant, prune, and play in the mud (with purpose, of course).
If you’re the kind of gardener who forgets to water or can’t tell compost from coffee grounds, don’t worry. These five fuss-free plants love the rain, ask for very little, and give back in spades—be it greenery, fragrance, or a mosquito-free evening.
1. Tulsi (Holy Basil)
You’ve seen it in courtyards, balconies, and even perched on apartment grills—and for good reason. Tulsi thrives in the monsoon, and you don’t need to babysit it.
Tulsi plants have medicinal properties and act as a mosquito repellent as well. Picture source: Shutterstock
Why it’s great:
It’s medicinal, aromatic, and doubles up as your flu-fighting buddy. Plus, mosquitoes don’t like it—so that’s a bonus win for your evenings.
What it needs:
- A medium-sized pot with good drainage
- Four to six hours of sunlight daily (so don’t shove it in a shady corner)
- Occasional pruning to keep it bushy
- Water only when the topsoil is dry — monsoon showers usually do the job
2. Ferns
Ferns are the introverts of the plant world. They love cozy, humid corners and minimal interference. Perfect for shaded balconies or that gloomy bathroom window you’ve ignored forever.
Ferns love cosy, humid corners and minimal interference. Picture source: Shutterstock
Why it’s great:
They purify air, add instant jungle vibes, and make you look like you know a lot more about gardening than you do.
What it needs:
- Indirect light or dappled shade
- Consistent moisture—but not waterlogging (think sponge, not swamp)
- A pot with lots of holes, and maybe a pebble tray underneath
- A little liquid compost once a month for that healthy green glow
3. Lemongrass
Low on maintenance, high on fragrance—and tea.
This tall, spiky wonder looks like ornamental grass but smells like a spa. Lemongrass is the unsung hero of monsoon gardens: hardy, fragrant, and mosquito-unfriendly.
Lemongrass has multiple benefits and doesn’t need much hassle to maintain. Picture source: Shutterstock
Why it’s great:
It keeps the bugs away, flavours your chai, and adds a zen vibe to your garden corner.
What it needs:
- Full sun or partial sunlight (at least five hours daily)
- A roomy pot or a ground patch—it grows fast
- Light pruning every few weeks to keep it tidy
- Occasional compost to keep it lush
4. Money Plant (Pothos)
There’s a reason every Indian home has a money plant trailing out of an old bottle. It forgives you when you forget it, survives in water or soil, and turns any dull corner into a Pinterest board.
Money plants can make any corner of your house look straight out of a Pinterest mood board. Picture source: Shutterstock
Why it’s great:
Air purifier, mood booster, and possible financial luck charm (hey, can’t hurt).
What it needs:
- Water, soil, or even hydroponic jars—take your pick
- Indirect light (it’ll burn in harsh sun)
- Occasional trimming to keep it bushy
- Rinse leaves during heavy rain to keep them dust-free and shiny
5. Marigold (Genda)
Want instant colour and pollinator-friendly blooms? Marigold is your monsoon MVP. It grows from seed like it’s in a hurry, blooms like it’s Diwali, and deters pests while looking cute.
Marigold plants are mostly fuss-free and require fertilisers every couple of weeks. Picture source: Pexels
Why it’s great:
Bright flowers, low upkeep, and a solid line of defence against aphids and whiteflies.
What it needs:
- Full sunlight (minimum five to six hours)
- Well-drained soil and a not-too-deep pot
- Pinch off dry blooms to make space for new ones
- A little fertiliser every couple of weeks to keep the party going
So, what’s the catch?
Honestly, there isn’t one. These plants don’t demand spa-level care. Just keep them away from soggy pots, give them a little love (or just occasional attention), and let the rains do most of the work.
Remember, monsoon gardening isn’t just about greens—it’s about grounding. It’s about that soft smell of wet earth, the splash of a sudden bloom, and the joy of knowing that something’s growing because you planted it.
So this rainy season, trade your plastic plant for the real deal. Pick one (or all five), find them a happy spot, and let your low-maintenance jungle begin.
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