Creating a diverse garden with plants that offer multiple benefits is a wonderful way to contribute to the ecological richness of your outdoor space. So, here goes the list of nine essential plants that everyone should have, each offering a multitude of benefits to enrich and beautify any garden.
1. Tulsi plant
2. Curry leaf
3. Ajwain plant
4. Giloy
5. Aloe Vera
6. Pothos
7. Jade Plant
8. Hibiscus Plant
9. Jasmine Plant
9 Plants You Should Grow at Home
1. Tulsi Plant (Holy Basil)
Embarking on your gardening journey? Make room for the auspicious Tulsi plant – it is a must-have at home.
- This summer-loving plant thrives from February to October, although it may start to wither in winter. With proper care, it can recover after the cold season.
Direct sunlight
- For this outdoor plant, ensure it receives at least 4 hours of direct sunlight. When it comes to hydration, water it when the top layer of soil gets parched.
- Be cautious not to drown it if the soil is still damp; that’s a surefire way to root rot.
Medicinal benefits
- This Ayurvedic plant has many medicinal benefits and is used to treat cold, cough and many other problems.
2. Curry Leaf
The curry leaf is a fantastic addition to kitchens because it smells and tastes great. It is also a useful herb and you will find it in many homes.
Summer plant
- It is a plant that loves the summertime, growing well from February to October.
- In winter, its leaves may look sad and black, but do not worry, it comes back to life in February after a good trim.
Sunlight
- This plant likes lots of sunlight, about 5-6 hours a day, but it does not need too much water.
Curry leaves provide various medicinal benefits:
- Curry leaves are a good source of vitamins A, B, E and E, which provide essential nutrients for overall health.
- Curry leaves are a good source of antioxidants, which help deal with oxidative stress and protect the body from damage.
- They may contribute to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, supporting heart health.
3. Mexican Mint/ Ajwain plant
The Mexican mint, also known as Indian Borage or ajwain plant, is a cool addition to your garden, smelling like carom seeds.
Summer plant
- It is a summer -hardy plant, flourishes in warmer months but might struggle in winter season.
- As winter sets in, its growth may face some challenges—leaves could lose their shine, turn black, and wither.
Sunlight
- A minimum of 2-3 hours of direct sunlight is a must, but if you can offer more, it will surely appreciate the extra sunshine.
Medicinal benefits
- Being a medicinal plant, it is very beneficial in treating gastric problems.
- The problem will be cured by eating some leaves on an empty stomach. Moreover, it enhances aroma in various dishes.
4. Giloy (heart-leaved moonseed)
Giloy is an important plant that should be in your home. The plant is characterized by heart-shaped leaves, which is reflected in its common name, “heart-leaved moonseed.”
Summer plant
Giloy is a summer plant that thrives in a warmer season but tends to get a bit sad in winter, losing its leaves and keeping only the stem.
- It starts growing again when summer comes back, usually in the hottest months, not so much in February or March.
Sunlight
- For optimal growth, provide abundant sunlight. Place it in the area with the maximum sun exposure.
Medicinal benefits
- In traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda, Giloy (Heart-Leaved Moonseed) is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
- Giloy is often used to boost the immune system, promote longevity, and support overall health and well-being.
- People use Giloy sticks to make a special drink that helps in fever and other health problems.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is one of the most important plants that you should keep at your home. It has many benefits.
- This plant loves ignorance, occasional watering is sufficient, and it doesn’t require extensive care for optimal growth.
Flourishes in all seasons
- Aloe vera flourishes in all seasons—summer, winter, and the rainy season.
- While its growth may experience a slight hindrance in winter, autumn is considered the optimal season for cultivation.
Medicinal benefits
- Aloe vera, a medicinal plant, is famous for its healing properties, which solve problems like joint pain, stomach discomfort and migraine.
- The gel extracted from aloe vera serves many purposes and provides various benefits.
- People apply its gel on the face and hair, using its soothing properties to treat sunburn and deal with hair fall, respectively.
6. Pothos (Money plant)
Here is another plant you should keep at home: Pothos, also known as the Money Plant.
It is a popular indoor plant known for its attractive trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It is also commonly referred to as the Devil’s Ivy.
Summer plant
- As a typical summer plant, this plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in various conditions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Light Requirements:
- Pothos can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright, indirect light. However, it tends to do best in moderate, indirect light.
Air-Purifying Qualities:
- Pothos is known for its air-purifying abilities, helping to remove common indoor pollutants.
7. Jade Plant
Jade Plants are known for their hardiness and adaptability. They can thrive in outdoor environments with proper care.
The Jade Plant, also known as the Lucky Plant, is a popular succulent and bring glory to your garden.
Summer plant
While it’s a typical summer plant, it doesn’t succumb entirely to winter.
- Although its growth may slow down, and leaves might gracefully exit, with proper care, it can retain its green charm even through the winter months.
- This sun-friendly plant thrives with a minimum of 2 hours of sunlight, but it’s even happier with an extended exposure of up to 8 hours.
Pot size
Its adaptability shines through, fitting seamlessly into any type of pot—small, big, hanging, or whatever suits your gardening style.
- If buying a new pot, an 8-12 inch size is preferred.
Watering
The plant requires minimal watering—just ensure the soil is completely dry, even at a deeper level, before giving it a drink.
- Succulents know how to thrive with a little negligence.
- Overwatering can lead to issues like leaf shedding, darkening, and unwanted insect guests.
This lucky plant can make your luck shine if cared for well, bringing brightness to your garden.
8. Hibiscus Plant
A blossoming plant that enhances the garden with its splendid beauty.
Summer plant
- This flowering plant is a classic summer variety that experiences stress in winter.
- Young plants of 5-6 months might exhibit a slowdown in flowering, while mature plants bloom consistently throughout the year, with the possibility of smaller flower sizes.
Sunlight
- It will blossom well if exposed to 5-6 hours of sunlight.
Medicinal benefits
- Many medicines and hair oils are being made from hibiscus flowers.
9. Jasmine Plant
A beautiful white flowers yielding plant , graces the garden with its magical aromatic flowers. This plant can offer the option to be either a graceful creeper or kept as a normal plant by propagating its cutting.
- Flower jewellery like Gajras and all are also crafted from jasmine flowers.
Summer plant
- A classical summer plant grows well in summers, growth gets hindered during winters but mature plants would yield the flowers throughout the year.
Sunlight
- Medium sunlight of 3-4 hours is enough for its ample growth.
Medicinal benefits
- This medicinal, aromatic, sacred and beautiful plant is such a stress reliever that everyone should grace their garden with it.
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Sounds like a fantastic lineup of plants! Having a variety that not only enhances the beauty of the garden but also brings multiple benefits is a win-win. It’s like creating a harmonious and beneficial ecosystem right in your own backyard.
Also read:
6 Best plants that need less water
Happy Gardening !!
