Quick Summary:
Caring for rosemary indoors is easy with the right light, watering, and soil. Provide plenty of direct sunlight, water only when the soil is dry, and use well-draining pots and soil. Follow these simple steps for a fragrant, thriving herb year-round. Learn the “genius tips” to make your indoor rosemary flourish!

Welcome to the wonderful world of growing herbs right in your home! If you’ve ever dreamed of snipping fresh rosemary for your cooking or just enjoying its delightful scent, you’re in the right place. Many people think growing herbs indoors is tricky, especially a Mediterranean native like rosemary. But don’t worry! With a few simple tips and a little attention, you can easily cultivate a happy, healthy rosemary plant right on your windowsill. We’ll guide you through everything, from finding the perfect spot to keeping it perfectly watered. Get ready to bring a piece of the garden inside!

Why Grow Rosemary Indoors?

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a beloved herb, known for its woody stems, needle-like leaves, and incredible aroma. It’s a staple in kitchens worldwide, adding a distinctive flavor to roasted meats, potatoes, breads, and so much more. Traditionally grown outdoors in warmer climates, it can absolutely thrive indoors with the right care, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean right into your living space. Plus, having fresh herbs on hand means better flavor for your meals and a more sustainable kitchen!

Indoor rosemary offers several fantastic benefits:

• Freshness on Demand: No more last-minute trips to the store for a sprig of rosemary. It’s right there when you need it!
• Aromatic Ambiance: The scent of rosemary is known to be uplifting and can add a lovely fragrance to your home.
• Culinary Delights: Elevate your home cooking with the freshest possible ingredients.
• Connection to Nature: Nurturing a plant indoors can be incredibly rewarding and a great way to de-stress.
• Space-Saving: Perfect for apartments, small kitchens, or any home without garden space.

Essential Elements for Indoor Rosemary Success

Just like any plant, rosemary has specific needs to thrive. When growing it indoors, we need to do our best to mimic its natural outdoor environment. This means focusing on a few key areas: sunlight, water, soil, and temperature. Let’s break down each one.

1. The Golden Rule: Sunlight, Sunlight, Sunlight!

Rosemary is a sun-worshipper. In its native Mediterranean habitat, it basks in intense, direct sunlight for many hours a day. Replicating this is the most crucial step for indoor success. Without enough light, your rosemary will become leggy, weak, and less flavorful. It might even start to drop its leaves.

How Much Light Does Rosemary Need Indoors?

Aim for at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot is usually a south-facing window. If you don’t have a south-facing window, a west- or east-facing window can work, but you might need to supplement with grow lights.

What to Look For:

• South-facing window: Ideal for maximum sun exposure.
• West-facing window: Good afternoon sun.
• East-facing window: Morning sun, which can be beneficial.

If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, don’t despair! Using grow lights is a fantastic solution. Full-spectrum LED grow lights are energy-efficient and provide the specific light wavelengths your rosemary needs to grow strong and healthy. Place the lights a few inches above the plant and keep them on for 12-16 hours a day. You can find great options online and at garden centers.

2. Watering Wisely: The Art of Not Overdoing It

One of the most common ways people accidentally harm their rosemary plants indoors is by overwatering. Rosemary prefers to dry out between waterings. Think of its natural environment: it grows in well-draining soil in sunny, often dry conditions. Soggy soil is a recipe for root rot, which is a serious problem for any plant.

When Should You Water?

The best way to tell if your rosemary needs water is to check the soil. Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, wait a few more days and check again.

How to Water:

• Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root ball gets moisture.
• Discard any excess water that collects in the saucer. Never let the pot sit in standing water.
• Water the soil directly, not the leaves. Wet leaves can encourage fungal diseases.

In winter, rosemary generally needs less water as its growth slows down. Always err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering.

3. The Perfect Pot and Soil: Foundation for Growth

Choosing the right pot and soil is crucial for preventing drainage issues and providing the nutrients your rosemary needs. Rosemary absolutely detests sitting in waterlogged soil.

Potting Essentials:

• Drainage Holes are Non-Negotiable: Always use pots that have drainage holes at the bottom. This is the single most important feature of any pot for rosemary. Terracotta pots are excellent because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out more quickly.
• Pot Size Matters: Start with a pot that’s only slightly larger than the root ball of your plant. If a pot is too large, the soil can hold too much moisture, increasing the risk of root rot. As your plant grows, you can repot it into a slightly larger container every 1-2 years.
• Material: While terracotta is great, plastic and ceramic pots can also work, as long as they have good drainage.

Soil Mix:

Rosemary thrives in well-draining, slightly sandy soil. A good commercial potting mix designed for succulents or cacti is a great starting point. You can also create your own by mixing:

• 2 parts peat moss or coconut coir
• 1 part perlite or coarse sand
• 1 part compost or regular potting soil

The goal is a loose, airy mix that allows water to drain through quickly. Avoid heavy, dense soils that retain too much moisture.

4. Temperature and Air Circulation: Mimicking Nature

Rosemary is a hardy herb that tolerates a range of temperatures, but it prefers conditions similar to its Mediterranean origins.

Ideal Temperatures:

• Rosemary enjoys warmth during the day, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
• It can tolerate cooler temperatures at night, down to around 50°F (10°C).
• Avoid placing your rosemary plant near drafty windows in winter or directly next to heating vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.

Good Air Circulation:

Adequate airflow helps prevent fungal diseases and keeps the plant healthy. If you keep your windows open often, that’s great! If not, consider using a small fan on a low setting for a few hours a day, especially in humid environments.

5. Feeding Your Rosemary: Less is More

Rosemary isn’t a heavy feeder. In fact, over-fertilizing can lead to a weaker flavor and increased susceptibility to pests. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can feed your plant a diluted liquid fertilizer once or twice.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) diluted to half strength.
• Fertilize only during spring and summer.
• Do not fertilize in fall or winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows down.
• If you repot your rosemary into fresh potting mix with compost, it may not need additional fertilizer for quite some time.

6. Pruning for Productivity and Shape

Regular pruning is essential for keeping your indoor rosemary healthy, bushy, and productive. It encourages new growth and prevents the plant from becoming leggy and woody.

When and How to Prune:

• Harvesting as Pruning: Whenever you snip off sprigs for cooking, you’re essentially pruning! Cut just above a set of leaves or a side shoot.
• Shaping: To encourage a bushier plant, trim back stems by about one-third. You can do this after harvesting or in early spring.
• Remove Dead or Diseased Stems: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove any yellowing, brown, or dead stems.
• Avoid Pruning Too Much: Don’t remove more than one-third of the plant at a time. Also, avoid cutting back into old, woody growth where there are no leaves, as it may not sprout new growth.

Pruning also helps maintain a manageable size for your indoor space.

Troubleshooting Common Indoor Rosemary Problems

Even with the best care, you might encounter a few issues. Here’s how to tackle them:

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Often overwatering, but can also be underwatering or lack of nutrients.
• Solution: Check soil moisture first. If the soil is waterlogged, let it dry out and adjust your watering schedule. If it’s bone dry, water thoroughly. If neither seems to be the issue, try a light fertilization.

Leggy Growth (Long, weak stems with few leaves):

• Cause: Insufficient light.
• Solution: Move the plant to a sunnier location or supplement with grow lights. Prune back the leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Dropping Leaves:

• Cause: Can be caused by stress from overwatering, underwatering, drastic temperature changes, or pests.
• Solution: Assess your watering habits, light exposure, and temperature. Check for pests (see below).

Pests (e.g., Aphids, Spider Mites):

• Cause: Stressed plants are more prone to pests.
• Solution: Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth. For more persistent infestations, use a horticultural soap or neem oil spray. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread. You can check out resources from the UC IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for detailed information on identifying and managing common garden pests.

When to Repot Your Rosemary

Repotting gives your rosemary fresh soil and more space for its roots to grow. It’s usually needed every 1-2 years.

Signs It’s Time to Repot:

• Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
• The plant dries out very quickly after watering.
• Growth has significantly slowed or stopped.
• The plant seems top-heavy and easily tips over.

How to Repot:

1. Choose a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes.
2. Gently remove the rosemary from its current pot. If it’s stuck, you might need to tap the sides or slide a knife around the edge.
3. Inspect the roots. Trim away any that are mushy or black (signs of rot).
4. Place a layer of your well-draining potting mix in the bottom of the new pot.
5. Position the rosemary in the new pot so the top of the root ball is about an inch below the rim.
6. Fill in around the root ball with fresh potting mix, pressing gently.
7. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom.

Harvesting Your Indoor Rosemary

The best part of growing your own rosemary is harvesting it! You can snip sprigs as needed throughout the year.

Harvesting Tips:

• When to Harvest: Harvest sprigs in the morning after the dew has dried, as this is when the essential oils are most concentrated, giving you the best flavor and aroma.
• How to Harvest: Use clean scissors or pruners to cut sprigs from the main stem, just above a leaf node (where leaves grow from the stem). This encourages new branching.
• Amount: Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing it.

Freshly harvested rosemary can be used immediately. For longer storage, you can tie small bunches together and hang them upside down in a cool, dry place to dry, or freeze sprigs in an ice cube tray filled with water or olive oil.

A Table of Essential Rosemary Care

Here’s a quick reference guide to keep your indoor rosemary happy:

Indoor Rosemary Care Essentials

Factor	Ideal Conditions	Signs of Trouble
Light	6-8+ hours direct sun daily (south-facing window or grow light equivalent)	Leggy growth, pale leaves, sparse foliage
Watering	Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; irrigate thoroughly; let drain	Yellowing leaves, wilting, root rot (mushy roots, foul smell)
Soil	Well-draining, sandy mix (e.g., cactus/succulent mix, or 2:1:1 peat/perlite/compost)	Waterlogged soil, persistent dampness
Temperature	60-70°F (15-21°C) daytime; cool nights OK (around 50°F/10°C)	Leaf drop, stress from drafts or heat vents
Pot	Must have drainage holes; terracotta recommended for breathability	No drainage holes, pot too large allowing excess moisture retention
Fertilizer	Diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength) once or twice in spring/summer; none in fall/winter	Leaf burn, weak growth, no flavor (over-fertilizing)
Air Circulation	Good airflow; avoid stagnant air	Increased risk of fungal diseases, pests

FAQ: Your Indoor Rosemary Questions Answered

Here are some common questions beginners have about caring for rosemary indoors:

Q1: Can I grow rosemary from a cutting indoors?

A: Yes, you can! Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy rosemary plant, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional, but helpful). Plant it in a small pot with a well-draining mix (like half perlite, half potting soil) and keep the soil consistently moist but not wet. Cover it loosely with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots usually form within 3-6 weeks. Once established, you can plant it in its permanent pot.

Q2: My rosemary looks sad, what should I do?

A: First, check the soil moisture! Most indoor plant sadness is due to watering issues. Is it too wet or too dry? Then, assess the light – is it getting enough, or too much direct, harsh sun if it’s a young plant? Ensure it’s not near a draft or heat source. Sometimes, simply adjusting these three things (water, light, temperature) can perk up a plant quickly.

Q3: How often should I prune my indoor rosemary?

A: You can prune your rosemary whenever you harvest it! For general shaping and to encourage bushiness, a light trim every few months, or more significantly in early spring before the main growth spurt, is beneficial. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at once, and never cut into old, leafless wood.

Q4: Can I use any type of pot for my indoor rosemary?

A: The most crucial feature is drainage! Any pot with good drainage holes will work. Terracotta pots are often recommended for rosemary because they are porous, allowing excess moisture to evaporate through the sides, which helps prevent overwatering. Other materials are fine as long as drainage is adequate.

Q5: Why are the tips of my rosemary leaves turning brown and brittle?

A: This is often a sign of underwatering, especially if the soil is consistently drying out completely. It can also be caused by low humidity or exposure to extreme heat or wind (even from a fan set too high or too close). Double-check

Quick Summary: Caring for a rosemary plant indoors is simple! Provide plenty of sunlight, well-draining soil, and water only when the soil is dry. Avoid overwatering and drafts. With these basics, your fragrant herb will thrive on your windowsill!

Are you dreaming of fresh rosemary for your cooking, but live where year-round outdoor growing isn’t an option? Bringing this aromatic Mediterranean herb indoors can feel a bit tricky, but it’s totally achievable! Many beginners worry about keeping their rosemary happy and healthy inside, especially with common issues like wilting or finicky soil. Don’t let past plant woes discourage you! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, step-by-step, to cultivate a flourishing rosemary plant right in your home. Get ready to enjoy the scent and flavor of fresh rosemary any time of year!

Why Grow Rosemary Indoors?

Bringing rosemary inside offers a delightful blend of culinary convenience and sensory pleasure. Imagine snipping fresh sprigs for your roasted potatoes or fragrant focaccia, even when snow is falling outside! Beyond its incredible flavor and aroma, a rosemary plant can also add a touch of green elegance to your home décor. It’s a living piece of nature that connects you to the outdoors, even on the coziest of days.

For apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor space, growing rosemary indoors is a fantastic way to participate in gardening and enjoy homegrown herbs. It’s a small step towards a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing your reliance on herbs that have traveled long distances. Plus, the simple act of tending to a plant can be incredibly therapeutic, offering a moment of calm in a busy world.

Choosing the Right Rosemary Variety for Indoors

Not all rosemary is created equal when it comes to indoor living. While most rosemary varieties (Rosmarinus officinalis) share similar care needs, some are naturally more compact and better suited for containers and indoor conditions. Look for these types:

• Arp: A very popular and forgiving variety, known for being cold-hardy outdoors but also doing well as an indoor plant. It has a strong rosemary scent.
• Blue Boy: This cultivar is specifically bred for its dwarf size and ornamental appeal, making it an excellent choice for small indoor spaces.
• Spice Rosemary: Similar to Arp, it’s a robust grower that adapts well to container living and boasts a strong aroma.
• Tuscan Blue: While it can grow quite tall outdoors, Tuscan Blue is still manageable indoors and known for its upright growth habit and prolific scent.

When purchasing your plant, check for healthy, green foliage and avoid any specimens that look leggy, yellowed, or are already showing signs of stress. A good nursery or garden center will usually have well-cared-for herbs ready to go.

Essential Rosemary Care: The Golden Rules

Caring for rosemary indoors boils down to mimicking its native Mediterranean environment. Think warm, sunny days, dry soil, and good air circulation. Here’s how to provide that:

1. Sunlight: The More, The Merrier!

Rosemary absolutely adores sunlight. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to truly thrive. The best spot for your indoor rosemary is a south-facing window. If you don’t have a south-facing window, an east or west-facing window can also work, but you might need to supplement with grow lights.

Signs your rosemary isn’t getting enough sun:

• Leggy growth (stems stretching out with large gaps between leaves)
• Pale green or yellowing leaves
• Reduced fragrance
• Plant leaning heavily towards the light source

If natural light is insufficient, consider investing in a good quality LED grow light. You can find many affordable options now that are designed specifically for plant growth. Position the light a few inches above your plant and run it for 12-16 hours a day. For more on how to pick the right grow lights, check out resources from The Royal Horticultural Society. Consistency is key!

2. Watering: Less is More!

This is where most indoor rosemary plants run into trouble. Rosemary prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is the quickest way to kill it, leading to root rot. Think “desert plant” rather than “rainforest plant” for its watering needs.

How to water properly:

1. Check the soil moisture: Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it still feels moist, wait a few more days.
2. Water thoroughly: When you do water, water deeply until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. This encourages roots to grow down.
3. Discard excess water: Never let your rosemary sit in a saucer full of water. Empty the saucer about 15-30 minutes after watering.
4. Reduce watering in winter: During the cooler, darker months, your plant will use less water, so you’ll need to water even less frequently.

A good rule of thumb: it’s much easier to revive an underwatered rosemary than an overwatered one. When in doubt, wait a day or two and check the soil again.

3. Soil: Drainage is King!

Rosemary needs a well-draining soil mix. This prevents water from sitting around the roots, which is crucial for preventing root rot. A regular potting mix can often hold too much moisture for rosemary, especially indoors.

What to look for in a soil mix:

• Sandy or gritty texture: This allows water to flow through easily.
• Good aeration: The soil should be light and airy.

DIY Rosemary Potting Mix:

You can create your own ideal mix by combining:

• 2 parts peat moss or coco coir
• 1 part perlite or coarse sand
• A small amount of compost for nutrients

Alternatively, look for a commercial potting mix specifically designed for succulents or cacti, as these are formulated for excellent drainage. You can also amend a regular potting mix by adding perlite or coarse sand (about a 3:1 ratio of potting mix to perlite/sand).

4. Container Choice: Potting Up Wisely

The pot you choose for your rosemary is incredibly important for its health. The key is excellent drainage!

Ideal Pot Features:

• Drainage Holes: This is non-negotiable. Ensure the pot has multiple holes at the bottom. If your decorative pot doesn’t have holes, use it as a cachepot for a nursery pot that does have drainage.
• Material: Terracotta pots are often recommended for rosemary because they are porous, allowing the soil to dry out faster and providing good air flow to the roots. Plastic pots can retain more moisture, so you’ll need to be extra mindful of watering.
• Size: Start with a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball of your plant (usually about 2 inches wider in diameter). Rosemary prefers to be slightly root-bound; overcrowding its roots can actually encourage more fragrant growth. Avoid planting a small plant in a massive pot, as this can lead to the soil staying too wet.

Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years as the plant grows. When you repot, choose a pot that is only one size larger than its current one, and always use fresh, well-draining soil.

5. Temperature & Humidity: Mimicking the Mediterranean

Rosemary thrives in warm conditions, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it doesn’t like prolonged exposure to cold drafts from windows or doors.

While rosemary can adapt to average household humidity, it prefers slightly drier air. Avoid placing it in steamy bathrooms or near humidifiers, as excessive humidity can encourage fungal diseases. If your home is particularly dry in the winter due to heating, it’s generally not an issue for rosemary, as it prefers these conditions.

6. Air Circulation: Letting it Breathe

Good air movement around your rosemary plant helps prevent fungal issues and keeps the plant healthy. Avoid overcrowding it with other plants, especially those that require higher humidity. If you notice stagnant air, a small, low-speed fan can be a great help, especially in enclosed spaces or during humid periods.

7. Feeding: A Light Touch

Rosemary isn’t a heavy feeder. Over-fertilizing can actually lead to weaker, less fragrant growth, and can even burn the roots. In fact, many gardeners find that rosemary does perfectly well without any added fertilizer, especially if you’re using a good quality potting mix with compost.

If you choose to fertilize, do so sparingly:

• When: Feed only during the active growing season, which is typically spring and summer.
• How often: Once a month is more than enough.
• What to use: Opt for a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. An all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength is a good choice. Alternatively, a slow-release organic fertilizer applied in early spring can also work well.

Always water your plant before fertilizing to avoid shocking the roots. If you notice the leaves are already a healthy green and the plant is growing well, it likely doesn’t need any extra food.

Troubleshooting Common Rosemary Problems Indoors

Even with the best care, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

Wilting Leaves

Cause: This is usually a sign of either overwatering (leading to root rot, where the roots can’t take up water) or severe underwatering.

Solution: Check the soil moisture. If it’s waterlogged, you may have root rot. See “Root Rot” below. If the soil is bone dry, water thoroughly and monitor. Ensure your pot has drainage holes.

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering is the most common culprit. It can also be a lack of sunlight or, less commonly, a nutrient deficiency.

Solution: Reduce watering frequency and ensure excellent drainage. Move the plant to a sunnier spot. If suspecting nutrient deficiency, consider a very dilute fertilizer application in spring/summer.

Brown or Crispy Tips/Edges of Leaves

Cause: This can indicate the plant is too dry (either the soil or the air), over-fertilization, or exposure to harsh, cold drafts.

Solution: Ensure consistent soil moisture, but don’t overwater. Check nearby drafts from windows or AC vents. If you recently fertilized, you might need to flush the soil with plain water to remove excess salts.

Leggy Growth

Cause: Insufficient sunlight is the primary reason for leggy, stretched-out stems with sparse foliage.

Solution: Move your rosemary to the sunniest location possible or supplement with grow lights. Pruning can also help encourage bushier growth, but ensure it gets enough light.

Root Rot

Cause: This is caused by overwatering and poor drainage, where the roots sit in soggy soil and begin to decay. It’s a serious issue for rosemary.

Solution: If caught early, carefully remove the plant from its pot. Trim away any mushy, dark-colored roots with clean scissors. Repot into fresh, dry, well-draining soil in a clean pot (with drainage holes, of course!). Water very sparingly afterward. If the rot is extensive, the plant may not recover.

Pests (Less common indoors, but possible)

Common Pests: Spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs can sometimes affect indoor rosemary.

Solution: Inspect your plant regularly. If you spot pests, isolate the plant. You can often treat minor infestations by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, using insecticidal soap, or neem oil. A strong blast of water can also dislodge aphids.

Pruning and Harvesting Your Indoor Rosemary

Regular pruning and harvesting are beneficial for your rosemary plant. They encourage bushier growth, prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, and provide you with delicious herbs!

Pruning Techniques

• Timing: Prune lightly year-round as needed, but a more substantial pruning can be done in spring after the main flush of growth.
• How to prune: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut back stems to just above a set of leaves. This tells the plant to branch out from that point. Don’t be afraid to cut back significantly if the plant is getting leggy, but always leave some green foliage. Aim to shape the plant and keep it from getting too tall.
• Don’ts: Avoid cutting back into old, woody stems that have no leaves, as this growth may not sprout new leaves.

Harvesting Tips

You can harvest your rosemary throughout the year. The oils are most concentrated in the leaves, so harvesting is most rewarding when the plant is healthy and fragrant.

• When to harvest: Best in the morning after the dew has dried, but for indoor plants, any time is usually fine.
• How to harvest: Snip off sprigs with scissors. You can cut sprigs to your desired length.
• Amount: Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time. Always leave enough foliage for the plant to continue photosynthesizing and growing.

Freshly harvested rosemary can be used immediately, or you can dry it for longer storage by tying small bundles together and hanging them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area.

Bringing it All Together: Rosemary Care at a Glance

To make it super simple, here’s a quick cheat sheet for your indoor rosemary care:

Aspect	Ideal Conditions	Signs of Trouble & Solutions
Light	6-8+ hours direct sunlight daily (south-facing window ideal)	Leggy growth, yellow leaves, pale color: Increase light (grow light if needed).
Watering	Water only when soil is dry 1-2 inches deep; allow drainage.	Wilting, yellowing leaves, root rot: Reduce watering, ensure drainage. Brown tips: Check for dryness or drafts.
Soil	Fast-draining, sandy/gritty mix (e.g., 2 parts peat/coir : 1 part perlite/sand).	Soggy soil, root rot: Repot in well-draining mix.
Pot	Terracotta with drainage holes preferred; only slightly larger than root ball.	Waterlogging: Use terracotta, ensure drainage.
Temperature	60-70°F (15-21°C); avoid cold drafts.	Drooping/damage: Move away from drafts or extreme temperatures.
Humidity	Average to dry indoor humidity acceptable.	Fungal issues: Ensure good air circulation, avoid steamy rooms.
Feeding	Sparingly (half-strength liquid fertilizer) once a month during growing season (spring/summer).	Yellowing leaves (if not watering issue), weak growth: Light feeding if needed, but often unnecessary. Burned tips: Too much fertilizer.

This table is a handy reference to keep your rosemary happy and healthy throughout the year. Remember, observing your plant is the best way to understand its needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Rosemary Care

What kind of pot is best for rosemary indoors?

The best pots are those made of terracotta because they are porous and allow the soil to dry out more quickly. Crucially, any pot you choose MUST have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. If you use a decorative pot without holes, use it as a ‘cachepot’ to hold a nursery pot with drainage.

My rosemary is getting leggy. What should I do?

Leggy growth typically means your rosemary isn’t getting enough light. Move it to the sunniest spot available, ideally a south-facing window. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light for 6-8 hours a day. You can also prune the leggy stems back to encourage bushier growth, but the underlying light issue needs to be addressed for good results.

How often should I water my indoor rosemary?

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