Sunlight Secrets for Indian Summers
Full Sun Plants
Require: 6–8+ hours of direct sunlight
Ideal Locations: Rooftops, south-facing balconies, open yards
Popular Summer Survivors in India:
- Marigold (Genda Phool): Thrives in heat, adds color, and repels pests.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Loves sunlight; great for medicinal and spiritual use.
- Tomato: Needs strong sun to flower and fruit.
- Chilli/Capsicum: Sunlight boosts fruiting and flavor.
- Sunflower: Literally turns toward the sun—give it a sunny corner!
Pro Tip: Full sun plants dry out faster in Indian heat. Water deeply early in the morning and mulch the soil to retain moisture.
Partial Sun / Partial Shade Plants
Require: 3–5 hours of direct sun (preferably morning light), rest in shade
Ideal Locations: East-facing balconies, under trees, verandahs with filtered light
Common Plants:
- Coriander (Dhaniya): Grows best with morning sun, wilts in harsh afternoon heat.
- Mint (Pudina): Needs moist soil and mild sun exposure.
- Strawberries (in cooler regions): Benefit from cooler light conditions.
- Aloe Vera: Hardy but prefers indirect heat to avoid leaf burn.
- Balsam (Gulmehendi): Shade-tolerant flowering plant perfect for low-light corners.
Note: These plants are ideal for people with limited space or semi-covered balconies.
Shade-Loving / Low Light Plants
Require: Bright, indirect light or dappled shade
Ideal Locations: Indoors near windows, north-facing balconies, shaded patios
Top Choices:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Perfect indoor air purifier, low-maintenance.
- ZZ Plant: Tough and tolerant of low light and occasional neglect.
- Money Plant (Pothos): Great for hanging baskets and trellises indoors.
- Areca Palm: Adds tropical feel to shaded spaces.
- Ferns (Boston, Maidenhair): Love humid and cool corners.
Humidity Hack: Place a water bowl near shade plants to increase air moisture in dry zones.