How To Care For Rosemary Indoors.
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Tips for Keeping a Potted Rosemary Plant Indoors
1. Provide Plenty of Light
• Rosemary is a Mediterranean herb that loves sunlight. Place it near a south-facing window where it can get at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• If natural light is limited (e.g., during winter), supplement with a grow light positioned 6-12 inches above the plant for 12-14 hours a day.
2. Use Well-Draining Soil
• Plant rosemary in a pot with drainage holes using a sandy, well-draining potting mix (e.g., a cactus/succulent mix or a blend of potting soil with perlite or sand).
• Heavy, waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which will dry out or kill the plant over time.
3. Choose the Right Pot
• Terra cotta pots are ideal because they’re breathable and help excess moisture evaporate, reducing the risk of overwatering.
• Ensure the pot is appropriately sized—rosemary likes slightly snug conditions but needs room for root growth.
4. Maintain Proper Temperature
• Keep the plant in a spot with temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid placing it near cold drafts, heaters, or air vents, which can dry it out or stress it.
5. Prune Regularly
• Trim rosemary to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from becoming leggy. Use the clippings in cooking or dry them for later!
• Avoid cutting into the woody parts—stick to the green, tender stems.
6. Fertilize Sparingly
• Feed it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.
Ways to Keep Rosemary from Drying Out
1. Water Correctly
• Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Rosemary prefers slightly dry conditions over soggy ones.
• Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom, then empty the saucer to avoid standing water.
• Overwatering is a bigger threat than under-watering—let it dry out a bit between waterings.
2. Boost Humidity (If Needed)
• Indoor air, especially in winter, can be dry. Rosemary tolerates low humidity better than most plants, but if the tips brown and crisp up, increase moisture slightly.
• Place a tray of water with pebbles near (but not under) the pot, or mist the plant lightly once a week. Avoid over-misting, as rosemary dislikes wet foliage.
3. Monitor for Signs of Stress
• If needles turn yellow or drop, it might be overwatered or lacking light. If they’re brown and brittle, it’s likely under-watered or in too dry an environment.
• Adjust care based on what you observe.
4. Avoid Over-handling
• Rosemary’s leaves contain oils that can evaporate if touched too much, potentially drying out the plant. Handle it gently and only when pruning or inspecting.
