Watering pot plants through an Indian summer and monsoon
By Devendra K Jha · updated 2026-09-27
In summer, water early in the morning, more often, and move tender pots out of afternoon sun. In the monsoon, water less, clear drainage holes, and skip watering on rain days for open balconies. A drip kit's schedule and delay mode handle both without daily attention.
Summer: March to June
Pots heat up and dry fast, small pots fastest. Water in the early morning so the water reaches the roots before the heat. Group pots, use larger pots where you can, and move ferns, herbs and flowering plants out of afternoon sun.
Monsoon: June to September
Humid air slows drying, and open balconies get rain. Water less often, make sure every pot drains well, empty saucers after rain, and watch for fungus on leaves that stay wet.
What to change on a drip kit
| Setting | Summer | Monsoon |
|---|---|---|
| Days | More days a week | Fewer days a week |
| Run time | Longer | Shorter |
| Time of day | Early morning | Early morning |
| Rain days | — | Use delay mode to skip |
Check once each season
At the start of each season, run the kit once on manual and check each pot's soil an hour later. Adjust the run time until the soil is moist at root depth without water pooling.