How 5 houseplants can help eliminate dampness and odor during the rainy season
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Aaj Tak
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How 5 houseplants can help eliminate dampness and odor during the rainy season

With the arrival of the rainy season, the heat subsides, but indoor humidity significantly increases. This is especially noticeable when there is prolonged rain and windows and doors remain closed for long periods, leading to a feeling of dampness in rooms, bathrooms, and near windows.

Furthermore, in some homes, this situation exacerbates problems with mold, dampness, and unpleasant odors, for which people often use expensive products. Nevertheless, during humid weather, plants can be used to remove damp odors from the house.

Various houseplants can be planted to green up the home. These plants are capable not only of improving the appearance of the dwelling but also of making the atmosphere fresher and more comfortable. However, it should be understood that the mere presence of plants is not enough to eliminate excess moisture in the house. It is important to maintain ventilation by opening windows during the monsoon season and using dehumidifiers if necessary.

If you enjoy indoor gardening, you can consider the following plants for the autumn period:

Spider Plant — this is a suitable option for Indian homes as it requires minimal care. It can be placed near a window, on a balcony, or in a room that does not receive direct sunlight. During the rainy season, do not water it too frequently, as the soil may remain wet for a long time. Water only when the top layer of the soil has dried.

Peace Lily decorates the home with its white flowers and green leaves. They are best placed in areas with soft or diffused light. Although this plant likes a moist environment, standing water in the pot must be avoided. Excessive watering during the rainy season can damage the roots, so ensure proper drainage.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria) is suitable for those who prefer low-maintenance plants. It can be placed in a living room, an entrance area, or near a window. This plant does not require regular watering. During the rainy season, always check the condition of the soil before watering. It is crucial that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent water accumulation.

English Ivy, with its vine-like leaves, gives a beautiful green look to the corners of the house. It can be placed in hanging baskets near a window. However, it should not be placed in very dark and enclosed corners. The plant does not require direct sun; a spot with good light and fresh air is sufficient.

Boston Fern, with its dense green foliage, makes the house fresh and aesthetic. Since this is a moisture-loving plant, it can be grown indoors during the monsoon season. However, avoid placing it in enclosed corners where there is already severe dampness. Air circulation around the plant must be maintained. The soil should be moist, but water should not stagnate.

The main rule when caring for plants in rainy weather is not to overwater them. Due to constant rain and high humidity, the soil in pots does not dry out quickly. Therefore, avoid daily watering without inspecting the soil.

All pots with plants must have drainage holes to drain excess water. Additionally, regularly remove dry or damaged leaves and place the plants where they receive some natural light and air circulates.

If there are already problems with dampness or mold in the house, simply placing plants will not solve the problem. In such cases, it is much more important to find the cause of the increased humidity and ensure better ventilation in the house.

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How to use the rains: plant these 12 cuttings to green your balcony for free
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www.aajtak.in

How to use the rains: plant these 12 cuttings to green your balcony for free

The rainy season is special not only because of the cool drizzle and pleasant weather, but also for gardening enthusiasts. Rain is a true blessing for plants. The air humidity and soil moisture during this period help many plants root from cut pieces. Therefore, if you want to grow plants from cuttings on your balcony at home for free, you can do it without much hassle. You don't need to buy seeds or spend money on buying a new plant from a nursery every time.

If you also want to make your balcony, roof, or garden green without spending a lot of money, be sure to plant cuttings of these 12 plants during the rains. With the correct planting method and a little care, they can sprout new leaves and roots in a short time. Below are 12 such plants considered easiest to grow from cuttings during the rainy season.

  1. Rose: A new seedling can be prepared from a healthy and strong rose stem. Take a branch about 4-6 inches long with new growth. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in well-drained soil. Maintain soil moisture, but do not allow waterlogging.
  2. Hibiscus: Hibiscus is among the known plants that can be grown from cuttings. Take a healthy branch about 4-6 inches long and remove the lower leaves. After planting in the soil, place the cutting in a spot with soft light. With good humidity, roots may begin to form within a few weeks.
  3. Mugga: Mugga is excellent for making the house fragrant, as its scent is liked by everyone. A new seedling can also be obtained from a relatively sturdy mugga branch. During the rainy season, humidity can help it root.
  4. Bougainvillea: If you want to decorate your balcony or roof with colorful flowers, plant a bougainvillea cutting. For this, take a healthy branch. It is best to plant it in sandy soil with good drainage. Bougainvillea starts growing in just a few days.
  5. Periwinkle: The next plant on the list is periwinkle, or vinca. It can also be prepared from cuttings. Plant a cutting about 10-15 centimeters long in well-drained soil. This plant is not too delicate, and with proper care, it starts growing quickly.
  6. Carnation: New plants can also be grown from carnation cuttings. For this, take a branch about 4-6 inches long with new and good growth. After planting the cuttings, keep the soil slightly moist and protect it from bright sun.
  7. Coleus: If you like plants with colorful foliage, be sure to plant coleus. A new seedling is easily obtained from its stem cutting. Humidity during the rainy season can help the cutting root.
  8. Croton: The beautiful colorful foliage of croton decorates the home garden. A new seedling can also be obtained from its stem cutting. Plant the cutting in moist, but not waterlogged soil, and provide filtered light initially.
  9. Monstera (Money Plant): Monstera is one of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings. When cutting the stem, ensure there is at least one node on it. It can be planted in water or in soil. Roots will begin to appear from the node after some time.
  10. Euphorbia (Snake Plant): A new seedling can be prepared from a piece of euphorbia leaf. Although its growth may be slower than other plants, patience is important after planting. Do not allow water to accumulate in the soil.
  11. Portulaca: Portulaca is also called the 'nine-hour flower'. It can be prepared from the stem. It roots easily in soil when planting a healthy branch. This plant likes good light, so after rooting, it can be moved to a sunny spot.
  12. Jasmine: Some varieties of jasmine can also be propagated by stem cuttings. A somewhat hard and healthy branch is taken and planted in moist soil. The humidity of the rainy season can be favorable for rooting the cutting.
  • Always choose a healthy branch: Take a healthy branch of the plant that has good growth.
  • Remove lower leaves: Remove the leaves from the part of the cutting that will be in the soil.
  • Be sure to leave a node: The chances of roots appearing are higher where the leaves grow, i.e., at the node.
  • Do not allow waterlogging in the soil: This is the most important thing during the rains. Excess water can lead to the rotting of the cutting. The soil must drain well.
  • Initially avoid bright sun: In the initial stages, it is better to keep the new cutting in a place with soft or filtered light, rather than under bright sun. After roots and new growth appear, gradually change the location according to lighting needs.

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