Calathea Varieties (Prayer Plant)
Often called the 'Prayer Plant' because its leaves fold up at night, the Calathea family is famous for its stunning, patterned foliage. These plants are native to tropical rainforest floors, which means they are perfectly adapted to lower light and high
humidity – just like the conditions in many Indian apartments during the monsoon. They crave humidity levels of 60% or more to keep their decorative leaves from getting crispy edges. To keep them happy, place them in a spot with bright, indirect light and consider misting them daily or grouping them with other plants to create a humid microclimate. They are a bit more demanding than other plants on this list, but their unrivalled beauty makes the effort worthwhile.
Boston Fern (Sword Fern)
The Boston Fern is a classic choice for adding a touch of lush greenery. Its feathery, arching fronds create an instant feeling of a cool, damp forest. These ferns absolutely love the high humidity that comes with the rainy season in India. They are perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where steam is common, but they will also thrive in a living room if misted regularly. It's crucial to keep their soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. One common mistake is letting the soil dry out completely, which can cause the fronds to turn brown. Using a plastic pot instead of terracotta can help retain soil moisture longer, making care easier during the humid months.
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
The iconic Monstera, with its large, split leaves, is a favourite in modern Indian homes for good reason. Originally from the tropical rainforests of Central America, it naturally enjoys warm and humid conditions. While it can tolerate average room humidity, it will grow more vigorously and develop its signature leaf splits (fenestrations) in a more humid environment, ideally between 60% and 80%. During the monsoon, the naturally high humidity is perfect for the Monstera. Place it in a spot with bright, indirect light and allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent root rot.
Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant)
The Arrowhead Plant, or Syngonium, is one of the most adaptable and forgiving indoor plants, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. It comes in a variety of colours, from deep green to vibrant pink. Syngoniums appreciate the moist air of the monsoon season but are also tolerant of average household humidity, which means they won't complain if you run the air conditioner. Unlike more sensitive plants, they are generally fine with regular tap water in India. During the monsoon, you may only need to water it once a week or every 10-14 days, as the soil will dry out much slower. It’s also an excellent air purifier, helping to keep your indoor environment fresh.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily is beloved for its elegant white blooms and glossy dark green leaves. It's an excellent choice for the rainy season because it thrives in high humidity and can absorb excess moisture from the air, which can even help reduce mould in damp spaces. These plants are well-suited for the humid conditions found in coastal Indian cities. They are also known for being great communicators; their leaves will visibly droop when the plant is thirsty, taking the guesswork out of watering. Peace Lilies do well in shady spots and low-light conditions, making them ideal for apartments that don't get a lot of direct sun, especially on cloudy monsoon days.
