Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Light
- Full sun, at least 4 to 6 hours a day.
- Water
- Keep the soil lightly moist, but never soggy.
- Good to know
- Pinch off the flower spikes (manjari) so the plant grows bushier. Protect it from frost and cold winter nights.
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Plant care, made simple
Easy, practical tips to help your plants settle in and grow well in an Indian home, through summer, monsoon and winter.
The four basics
Get these four things right and most plants will do well.
Light
Light decides how well a plant grows. “Bright indirect” means a bright spot without the sun hitting the leaves for hours, like near a window. “Low light” still means some daylight, not a dark corner.
Water
Do not water on a fixed schedule. Push a finger 2 to 3 cm into the soil. If it feels dry, water deeply until it drains out of the bottom. If it is still damp, wait. Too much water is the most common reason plants die.
Soil and pot
Always use a pot with drainage holes and a loose, well-draining mix. Standing water around the roots makes them rot. Pick a pot only slightly bigger than the root ball.
Feeding
Feed during the growing season (spring through monsoon) every 3 to 4 weeks with a diluted organic fertilizer or vermicompost. Skip feeding in winter and do not feed a plant that looks stressed.
Care by plant
Quick guides for popular plants in Indian homes.
Money plant (Pothos)
- Light
- Bright indirect light. Tolerates lower light.
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil is dry.
- Good to know
- Trim long vines to keep it full. It can also grow in a bottle of water. Toxic to pets if chewed.
Snake plant
- Light
- Low to bright indirect light.
- Water
- Every 2 to 3 weeks. Let the soil dry out fully in between.
- Good to know
- Very forgiving, and overwatering is the only real way to lose it. Mildly toxic to pets.
Aloe vera
- Light
- Bright light, including a few hours of direct sun.
- Water
- Water deeply, then let the soil dry completely.
- Good to know
- Use a gritty, fast-draining mix. Mildly toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach.
Peace lily
- Light
- Medium to low indirect light.
- Water
- Keep the soil lightly moist. Leaves droop when it is thirsty and perk up after watering.
- Good to know
- Wipe the leaves now and then to remove dust. Toxic to pets if chewed.
Jade plant and succulents
- Light
- Bright light, with some direct sun.
- Water
- Only when the soil is completely dry. Water much less in monsoon and winter.
- Good to know
- Soft, wrinkly leaves mean thirst. Mushy, translucent leaves mean too much water.
Care through the seasons
Summer
- Plants dry out faster, so check the soil more often.
- Water in the early morning or evening, not in the midday heat.
- Give tender plants some shade during peak afternoon sun to avoid leaf burn.
Monsoon
- Water less. The air is humid and soil stays damp longer.
- Make sure pots drain well and are not sitting in water.
- Watch for fungus and pests, and keep air moving around your plants.
Winter
- Growth slows, so water less and stop feeding.
- In cold areas, bring frost-sensitive plants like Tulsi into a sheltered, sunny spot at night.
- Keep plants away from cold drafts and heaters.
Common problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Most often overwatering or poor drainage. A few old, lower leaves yellowing now and then is normal. | Let the soil dry out, check the drainage holes, and water less often. |
| Brown, crispy tips | Dry air, uneven watering, or too much fertilizer. | Water more evenly, flush the soil with plain water, and trim the brown tips. |
| Drooping leaves | Either thirst or soggy roots. Check the soil before you act. | Dry soil: water well. Wet soil: stop watering and improve drainage. |
| Long, thin, leaning stems | Not enough light. | Move the plant closer to a bright window, and rotate it every week or two. |
| Sticky leaves or white fluff | Pests such as aphids or mealybugs. | Wipe the leaves, then spray with diluted neem oil every 5 to 7 days until clear. |
When your plant arrives
- 1
Unpack and inspect
Take it out gently and check it right away. If something is damaged, wrong or missing, email photos and a short video with your Order ID to support@ugjaped.com within 24 hours.
- 2
Let it settle
Place it in bright, indirect light. Water only if the soil feels dry. Avoid repotting for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
- 3
Move to sun slowly
Plants from a nursery are often grown in partial shade. For a sun-loving plant, increase its sun time over 5 to 7 days to avoid leaf burn.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my plant?
There is no fixed number of days, because it depends on the plant, pot, weather and season. Check the soil with your finger first. Water when the top 2 to 3 cm is dry for most plants, and let succulents and snake plants dry out fully.
Should I repot my plant right after it arrives?
Usually not. Let it settle in for 1 to 2 weeks first. Repot later if roots are coming out of the drainage holes, ideally in the growing season.
Which plants are good for low-light rooms?
Snake plant, money plant and peace lily cope with low light better than most. Remember that low light still means some daylight, and no plant grows well in a completely dark room.
I have pets. Which plants should I be careful with?
Several common houseplants, including pothos, snake plant, aloe vera, peace lily and jade, can upset pets if chewed. If you have pets, check each plant before you bring it home and keep them out of reach.
Still not sure what is wrong with your plant?
Write to us at support@ugjaped.com