As the monsoon ends and the nights turn cooler, your plants change pace. A few small adjustments now will carry them through to spring.
October is a turning point for plants across most of India. The rains ease, the air dries and the days grow shorter. Houseplants respond by slowing their growth, and balcony plants prepare for their best flowering season. A little attention this month sets them up well.
Water less, and check more
Cooler air means soil dries more slowly. Most indoor plants need about half the water they took in summer. Check the soil with a finger before every watering and let the top few centimetres dry out. Succulents and cacti may need water only once a month until February.
Chase the light
The sun sits lower in the sky in winter, so a spot that was bright in June may now be dim. Move plants a little closer to the window and clean the glass. Wipe dusty leaves so they can use every bit of light. Turn the pots every two weeks to keep growth even.
Hold back on feeding
Foliage plants that are resting do not need much food. Give one last diluted feed in early October, then pause until March. The exception is winter bloomers and vegetables on the balcony, which benefit from vermicompost every three to four weeks.
Repot before it gets cold
If a plant is root-bound, early October is the last good window to repot before spring. Roots still have a few warm weeks to settle. Use fresh potting mix and move up only one pot size.
Watch for pests
Dry air encourages spider mites and mealybugs. Look under leaves and along stems once a week. A wipe with a damp cloth and a spray of diluted neem oil will deal with most early problems.
Plant for the season
This is the best time of year to sow. Marigold, coriander, spinach and other greens germinate quickly in mild weather. Tulip bulbs can be chilled now and planted in November in cooler cities. Bougainvillea and hibiscus will flower heavily if you give them full sun and let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Protect tender plants
In northern cities, bring tropical plants away from cold window glass at night and keep them out of draughts. In Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad, a sheltered balcony is usually enough.