About Rosemary
Rosemary is a culinary staple with intensely aromatic, needle-like leaves. Native to Mediterranean coastal regions, it prefers sunny, dry conditions. It can be challenging indoors due to high light needs and susceptibility to powdery mildew in stuffy conditions.
Light
Needs maximum light—6+ hours of direct sun. South-facing windows are best. Insufficient light is the top reason rosemary fails indoors.
Rosemary needs excellent air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Don't crowd it with other plants, and ensure good airflow.
Water
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Don't let roots sit in water. Rosemary tolerates drought better than wet conditions.
Humidity
Prefers dry conditions with good air circulation. Humidity promotes fungal problems.
Temperature
Comfortable at 40-80°F (4-27°C). Tolerates cool conditions and benefits from cooler winter temperatures.
Common Problems
Yellowing, dropping needles
Overwatering or root rot. Let soil dry more between waterings.
Powdery mildew
Fungal issue from poor air circulation. Improve airflow and avoid crowding.
Leggy growth
Insufficient light. Provide maximum sun.
Styling Notes
Rosemary works in sunny kitchen windows where it's handy for cooking. Can be trained into topiaries or small trees. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth.