Care guides
Simple, season-wise care for everything you grow and use from India Gardening.
Care guide
Succulents & Cacti Care Guide
Every succulent and cactus needs the same three things: bright light, very little water and soil that drains fast. Get these right and they are the easiest plants you will ever own.
Covers:EcheveriaJade & CrassulaAloe VeraHaworthiaSempervivumString of PearlsBurro's TailCactiHadjodKalanchoe& more
LightBright light4–6 hrs of gentle sun; shade from harsh afternoon sun
WaterOnly when fully dryAbout every 7–10 days in summer, every 3–4 weeks in winter
SoilFast-draining mixHalf potting soil, half coarse sand or perlite
Temperature10–35°CProtect from frost and heavy rain
Your first week after delivery
- Unpack gentlyLeaves and spines break easily. A few dropped or bruised leaves after travel are normal.
- Rest in bright shadeKeep the plant in bright light without direct sun for 3–5 days so it can recover.
- Hold the waterIf the soil is still moist, do not water until it dries out completely.
- Repot after a weekMove it to a pot one size bigger, with a drainage hole and succulent mix. Wait 2–3 days before the first watering so any broken roots heal.
- Bring in sun slowlyIncrease direct sun little by little over 1–2 weeks to avoid sunburn.
How to water (soak and dry)
- Push a finger or a wooden stick 2 inches into the soil. If you feel any moisture, wait.
- When fully dry, water slowly until it runs out of the drainage hole.
- Empty the saucer after 15 minutes. Never let the pot stand in water.
- Pour water on the soil, not into the centre of rosette plants. Water sitting in the centre causes rot.
- Wrinkled leaves mean thirsty. Soft, yellow or see-through leaves mean too much water.
Soil and pot
- Simple mix: 2 parts potting soil + 1 part coarse sand + 1 part perlite, pumice or small brick pieces.
- Avoid plain garden soil or heavy cocopeat mixes; they stay wet for too long.
- Terracotta pots dry faster and are the safest choice for beginners.
- A drainage hole is a must. Choose a pot only 2–3 cm wider than the plant.
- Feed half-strength liquid fertilizer or a pinch of vermicompost once a month from March to September. No feeding in winter.
Season-by-season care in India
| Season | Light | Water | Extra care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Mar–Jun) | Morning sun; shade from 12–4 pm | Every 7–10 days | Use a shade net when it crosses 40°C |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Brightest spot under a roof | Only when bone dry, often every 2–3 weeks | Keep out of rain; check stems for rot and fungus |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | As much sun as possible | Every 3–4 weeks | Bring indoors or cover on nights below 5°C |
Different types, small differences
| Type | Examples | What's different |
|---|---|---|
| Rosette succulents | Echeveria, Sempervivum, Aloe, Graptopetalum | Water the soil, not the centre. Lower leaves drying up is normal; just remove them. |
| Jade type (woody stems) | Jade (Crassula ovata), Mini Jade, Red Pagoda | Handle the most sun. Red tints appear in bright light. Prune to keep a nice shape. |
| Low-light succulents | Haworthia, Gasteria | Prefer bright indirect light. Turn brown or reddish in harsh sun. |
| Trailing succulents | String of Pearls, Burro's Tail, String of Hearts | Best in hanging pots. May need water a little more often in summer. Handle gently. |
| Cacti | Mammillaria, Bunny Ear, Echinopsis, Golden Barrel | Most sun, least water. Hold with folded paper or thick gloves when repotting. |
| Succulent climbers | Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) | Give a stick or trellis. Water when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry. |
| Flowering succulents | Kalanchoe, Portulaca (Moss Rose) | Need slightly more water and full sun to flower. Remove old flowers. |
Grow more plants for free
- Leaf cuttingsTwist off a healthy leaf cleanly. Let it dry for 2–3 days, then lay it on dry succulent mix. Mist lightly once tiny roots appear.
- Stem cuttingsCut 3–4 inches of stem. Let the cut end dry for 2–5 days, plant in dry mix and give the first water after a week.
- Pups (baby plants)Many succulents and cacti grow babies at the base. Gently separate one with its roots and pot it on its own.
Common problems and quick fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, mushy or black stem and leaves | Too much water, root rot | Stop watering. Cut away rotten parts, let the plant dry for 2–3 days and replant in fresh, dry mix. |
| Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves | Thirsty | Water deeply once, then go back to the soak-and-dry routine. |
| Plant stretching, gaps between leaves, leaning | Not enough light | Move to a brighter spot, slowly over a week. |
| Brown or white crispy patches | Sunburn | Give shade in the afternoon. |
| White cotton-like spots | Mealybugs | Dab with cotton dipped in rubbing alcohol, or spray neem oil once a week. |
| Lowest leaves drying up | Normal ageing | Nothing to worry about. Pull them off gently. |
Pets: Jade, Aloe, Kalanchoe and String of Pearls can upset cats and dogs if chewed. Keep them out of reach.
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Tulsi & Herb Plants Care Guide
Tulsi and most kitchen herbs want plenty of sun, soil that is moist but never soggy, and regular pinching. The more you pick, the bushier they grow.
Covers:Rama TulsiShyama TulsiVan TulsiBasilMintCorianderLemongrassCurry Leaf& more
Light4–6+ hrs direct sunLight afternoon shade in peak summer
WaterWhen top inch is dryPots may need daily water in summer
SoilRich & well-drainedPotting mix with about 25% compost
Temperature20–35°CTulsi suffers below 10°C
Growing herbs from seed
- Pick the seasonWarm herbs like Tulsi and Basil: February–April or June–August. Cool herbs like Coriander: October–February.
- Prepare a tray or potFill with a light mix (half cocopeat, half compost) and moisten it before sowing.
- Sow shallowTiny seeds such as Tulsi and Basil: scatter on top, press lightly and dust with a thin layer of soil. Bigger seeds like Coriander: about 1/4 inch deep.
- Keep moist and warmMist daily. Seeds usually sprout in 5–14 days. Move the tray into light as soon as they sprout.
- Thin and transplantWhen seedlings are 4–6 inches tall with 2–3 pairs of leaves, move each into its own 8–10 inch pot.
- First harvestStart picking once the plant is bushy, usually 6–8 weeks after sowing.
Pinching and harvesting
- Once the plant has 3–4 pairs of leaves, pinch off the top just above a leaf pair. Two new branches will grow from there.
- Remove flower spikes (manjari) as soon as they appear so the plant keeps making leaves.
- Leave a few spikes to dry on the plant if you want seeds to sow again.
- Harvest in the morning, from the top, and never take more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Feeding and pests
- Add compost or vermicompost every 2–4 weeks during the growing season.
- For herbs you eat, avoid chemical sprays. Use neem oil spray and wash leaves well before use.
- Check the underside of leaves every week for tiny insects.
- Repot into a bigger pot when roots come out of the drainage hole.
Season-by-season care in India
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| Summer (Mar–Jun) | Water pots daily, preferably in the morning. Give afternoon shade when it crosses 40°C. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Make sure pots drain well. Water only when the topsoil is dry. Watch for fungus on stems. |
| Winter (Oct–Feb) | Keep Tulsi in the sunniest, warmest spot, near a wall. Cover it on cold nights and water less. Some leaf drop is normal. |
Herb-by-herb tips
| Herb | Sun | Water | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsi (Rama, Shyama, Van) | Full sun | When top inch is dry | Pinch flower spikes. Shyama Tulsi's purple colour is deepest in full sun. Van Tulsi grows tallest. |
| Basil (Sweet, Thai) | Full sun | Evenly moist | Care is the same as Tulsi. Harvest often. |
| Mint (Pudina) | Morning sun, afternoon shade | Keep moist | Spreads fast, so give it its own wide pot. |
| Coriander (Dhaniya) | 4–6 hrs sun | Evenly moist | Cool-season herb. Crush seeds in half and soak overnight. Sow every 3 weeks for a steady supply. |
| Lemongrass | Full sun | Plenty of water | Divide the clump every year. |
| Curry Leaf (Kadi Patta) | Full sun | When topsoil is dry | Slow at first. Feed monthly and pinch tips to make it bushy. |
Common problems and quick fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow lower leaves | Too much water or poor drainage | Let the soil dry and check that the drainage hole is not blocked. |
| Tall, thin plant with few leaves | Not enough sun or no pinching | Move to more sun and pinch the tips regularly. |
| Leaves turning black or dropping in winter | Cold | Move to a warm, sunny spot, cover at night and water less. |
| Small leaves, slow growth | Hungry plant | Add compost or vermicompost. |
| Curled leaves with tiny insects | Aphids or whitefly | Wash with a strong spray of water, then spray neem oil every 5–7 days. |
| Seedlings fall over at the base | Damping off (fungus) | Water less, improve airflow and don't sow too thickly. |
Traditional use: Tulsi has been grown in Indian homes for centuries for daily worship, herbal tea and kadha. In Ayurveda it is valued as a calming herb. These are traditional uses, not medical advice.
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Vegetable Seeds Growing Guide
Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of sun, evenly moist soil and compost every 2–3 weeks. Sowing in the right season matters more than anything else.
Covers:GourdsCucumberBeansTomatoChilliBrinjalOkraSpinachCorianderMethiCarrotRadish& more
Light6–8 hrs sunLeafy greens manage with 4–5 hrs
WaterEvenly moistWater in the morning, at the base
SoilLoose & rich60% soil or cocopeat + 40% compost
FeedingEvery 15–20 daysCompost or vermicompost
What to sow when (plains of North & Central India)
| Season | Sow these |
|---|---|
| Summer (Feb–Mar) | Bottle gourd, sponge gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, cucumber, okra, beans, chilli |
| Monsoon (Jun–Jul) | Gourds, cucumber, okra, beans, brinjal, chilli |
| Winter (Sep–Nov) | Spinach, coriander, methi, lettuce, tomato, carrot, radish, beetroot, peas, cabbage, cauliflower |
In South India and the hills, timings shift. Always check the sowing time printed on the seed packet.
From seed to seedling
- Prepare the soilMix in compost and loosen the soil 8–12 inches deep. Moisten it a day before sowing.
- Sow at the right depthSimple rule: sow 2–3 times as deep as the seed is big. Small seeds about 1/4 inch, large gourd seeds about 1 inch. Soak hard seeds (gourds, beans, okra) for 6–12 hours first.
- Direct sow or use a traySow directly: gourds, cucumber, beans, okra, peas, root vegetables and leafy greens. Start in a tray, then transplant: tomato, chilli, brinjal, cabbage and cauliflower, at 4–6 weeks old, in the evening.
- Wait for germinationMost seeds sprout in 5–14 days. Keep the soil moist and shade it from harsh sun.
- Thin outKeep the strongest seedlings at the right spacing. Thinned leafy greens can be eaten.
- Support and mulchPut up a trellis for climbers and stakes for tomato and brinjal. Add a 2-inch layer of mulch.
Vegetable groups at a glance
| Group | Examples | Pot size | Spacing | Harvest in | Key tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climbers | Bottle gourd, sponge gourd, bitter gourd, cucumber, beans | 20–30 L, 12–15 in deep | 1–3 ft | 45–70 days | Give a 5–6 ft trellis. Pick young and often. |
| Fruiting | Tomato, chilli, brinjal, capsicum | 10–15 L | 1.5–2 ft | 60–90 days | Stake early and feed well once flowers appear. |
| Leafy greens | Spinach, coriander, methi, lettuce, amaranth | Tray 6 in deep | 3–4 in | 25–45 days | Cut outer leaves first. Remove flower stalks. |
| Root | Carrot, radish, beetroot | 12 in deep | 2–4 in | 30–80 days | Loose, stone-free soil. Always sow directly. |
Watering and feeding
- Water in the morning, at the base of the plant. Avoid wetting leaves in the evening.
- Pots dry out faster than beds. Check them every day in summer.
- Add compost or vermicompost every 15–20 days.
- Once plants flower, a potash-rich feed (banana peel compost or a pinch of wood ash) helps fruiting.
- Mulch with dry leaves, straw or cocopeat to keep roots cool and moist.
Natural pest control
- Spray neem oil (5 ml neem oil + a few drops of liquid soap in 1 litre water) every 10–15 days, in the evening.
- Check under leaves twice a week. Pick off insects and damaged leaves.
- Hang yellow sticky traps to catch whitefly.
- Remove weeds regularly, and don’t grow the same vegetable in the same pot every season.
Common problems and quick fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gourd or cucumber flowers fall without fruit | Poor pollination | Hand-pollinate in the morning: touch pollen from a male flower onto the female flower (the one with a tiny fruit behind it). |
| Yellow leaves | Over- or under-watering, or hungry plant | Check soil moisture and add compost. |
| White powder on leaves | Powdery mildew | Remove badly affected leaves, spray neem oil and improve airflow. |
| Seedlings fall over at the base | Damping off (fungus) | Water less and use fresh, clean seed mix. |
| Greens flowering early, leaves bitter | Too much heat | Sow in the cool season, give light shade and harvest early. |
| Tomatoes cracking | Uneven watering | Water on a regular schedule and mulch the soil. |
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Bird Feeder, Birdhouse & Bird Seed Guide
Birds come back to places that feel safe and stay clean. Hang feeders and houses in a quiet, partly shaded spot, keep everything dry and clean it gently without chemicals.
Covers:Hanging feedersTube feedersCoconut shell feedersWooden birdhousesCoir nestsBird seedWater bowls& more
Height5–10 ftFeeders 5–7 ft, birdhouses 6–10 ft
SpotQuiet & part shadeAway from cats, pets and foot traffic
CleaningFeeder every 1–2 weeksBirdhouse once a year
WaterFresh bowl dailyMost needed in summer
Setting up a feeder
- Fill with fresh, dry seedFor open or tray feeders, add only one or two days' worth so it doesn't go stale.
- Hang it 5–7 ft highUse a strong branch, hook or balcony grill. A bush or tree 2–3 metres away gives birds a place to escape to.
- Keep it out of the rainChoose a spot with partial shade where rain doesn't fall directly on the seed.
- Add a water bowlA shallow bowl of fresh water attracts more birds. Change it every day.
- Be patientBirds may take 1–2 weeks to find a new feeder.
Placing a birdhouse
- Hang or fix it 6–10 ft above the ground (never lower than 4 ft).
- Choose a quiet spot in partial shade, away from harsh afternoon sun.
- Turn the entrance hole away from strong wind and rain.
- Put it up in late winter (February–March), before the main nesting season.
- If you have more than one, place them a few metres apart.
During nesting season
- Do not open, move or shake the house while birds are nesting.
- Watch from a distance and keep pets away.
- Keep the feeder and water bowl filled nearby.
- Native plants and shrubs nearby give birds food and shelter.
Cleaning schedule
| Item | How often | How |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder | Every 1–2 weeks (weekly in monsoon) | Empty it, wash with warm water, rinse and let it dry fully before refilling. |
| Water bowl | Every day | Rinse and refill with fresh water. |
| Birdhouse | Once a year, after nesting ends | Remove old nest material and brush the inside. Let it dry in shade. |
| Seed | Every refill | Throw away wet, clumped or mouldy seed. It can make birds sick. |
Care by material
| Material | Care |
|---|---|
| Plastic or acrylic | A little mild soap is fine; rinse well. Keep out of harsh sun to prevent fading and cracking. |
| Wood | Keep dry. Check for cracks, loose panels and worn hooks. Never paint or varnish the inside. |
| Coconut shell & coir | Brush off dirt; no soap. If it gets wet, let it dry naturally in shade. Avoid long exposure to rain and check the rope often. |
| Clay or terracotta | Wash with plain water and handle carefully. |
| Metal | Check for rust and sharp edges. Avoid afternoon sun, as metal gets very hot. |
Do's and don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Hang in shade or part shade | Hang in harsh afternoon sun or open rain |
| Keep feeders, houses and seed dry | Leave wet seed or soaked coir sitting around |
| Clean with water and a soft brush | Use strong cleaners, pesticides or scented sprays near them |
| Store seed airtight in a cool, dry place | Give salty, spicy or fried food |
| Check ropes and hooks regularly | Hang from a weak branch or loose hook |
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Spices Use & Storage Guide
Heat, light and moisture are what make spices lose their colour and aroma. Keep them airtight, cool, dry and dark, and they stay fresh much longer.
Covers:Haldi (Turmeric)MirchDhaniya PowderJeeraGaram MasalaWhole Spices& more
ContainerAirtightGlass or steel jar with a tight lid
PlaceCool, dry & darkAway from the stove and sunlight
SpoonAlways dryMoisture causes lumps and mould
Best within6 months of openingWhole spices last about a year
How to store
- Move to an airtight jarAfter opening, shift the spice into a glass or steel jar, or seal the pouch tightly.
- Keep away from heat and lightDon't store next to the stove, sink or a sunny window. Heat, steam and light fade colour and aroma.
- Use a dry spoonNever sprinkle straight from the jar over a steaming pan.
- Keep a small daily jarRefill a small jar for daily use and keep the main stock sealed.
- No need for the fridgeA cold jar collects moisture every time it is opened. A cool cupboard is better.
Is it still fresh?
| Check | Fresh | Time to replace |
|---|---|---|
| Smell | Strong aroma when you rub a pinch | Faint or no smell |
| Colour | Bright and even | Dull or faded |
| Texture | Free-flowing powder | Hard lumps, webbing or insects |
Ways to use Haldi
- Golden milk: stir 1/2 tsp into a glass of warm milk.
- Cooking: add to hot oil or ghee for a few seconds before other ingredients, for better colour and flavour.
- Face pack: mix with honey or curd. Do a small patch test on your arm first.
- Drinks: add a pinch to herbal teas, kadha or smoothies.
Tips for all powdered spices
- Add powders to hot oil for only a few seconds; they burn quickly and turn bitter.
- Buy amounts you can finish in a few months.
- In monsoon, check jars every few weeks for lumps or moisture.
- Haldi stains: wipe spills on counters quickly with lemon juice or a baking soda paste.
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