Rosemary - growing in a pot in an apartment and caring for it at home

Greens and herbs

Rosemary is an evergreen plant used in cooking and folk medicine since ancient civilizations. While the shrub has been used as a spice for centuries, its cultivation as an ornamental plant is more recent.

In the short time that rosemary has been growing on windowsills, gardeners have come to appreciate all its beneficial and decorative properties. It's now increasingly common to find this healthy herb growing in a pot at home as a beautiful addition to any room's decor. Furthermore, by releasing phytoncides into the air, the shrub not only refreshes but also purifies it of harmful impurities.

Rosemary is an unpretentious plant, the cultivation of which will not take much time and effort even for a novice gardener.

Characteristics of rosemary and what it looks like

Rosemary is a genus of perennial plants in the Lamiaceae family. In its natural habitat, it grows as a shrub or subshrub, making it often grown as a hedge. This Mediterranean wild plant can be found on the dry mountain slopes of Africa, Turkey, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

This shrub boasts a highly developed root system, capable of penetrating up to 4 meters into the soil, allowing it to thrive even in arid areas. Its beautiful and malleable bark makes it suitable for bonsai cultivation. The shrub can reach a height of 1.5-2 meters in its natural habitat and up to 1 meter indoors.

The sessile, linear leaves are attached to the gray, pubescent shoots of rosemary by short petioles. The leathery, glossy leaves with curved edges are bicolored. They are deep green above, and gray-green or almost white below.

Rosemary's blue-violet flowers form dense, compact clusters. Under favorable conditions, flowering can last for about 25 days. The shrub exudes a pleasant, refreshing aroma, reminiscent of a blend of pine, eucalyptus, and lemon.

Growing rosemary at home in a pot

Rosemary is a wild plant that has only recently been domesticated, so gardeners face some challenges when growing it, including propagation and care. The plant is propagated by cuttings, division, and seeds. However, cuttings are the most commonly used method for propagation at home.

From seeds

Rosemary seeds can be purchased at any specialty store. However, it's important to remember that they are slow to germinate, so when propagating this way, it's important to follow all gardening recommendations as closely as possible.

It is recommended to sow seeds in early spring or fall. Only well-moistened seedlings can be sown. To moisten, simply spread the seeds on a generously dampened gauze pad and leave them for 48 hours.

After soaking, spread the seeds over moist soil and cover with plastic wrap, pierced several times to ensure good air circulation. A plastic food container with a lid can also be used for sowing seeds. However, keep in mind that such containers require daily ventilation. The soil containing the seeds requires regular moistening.

The first shoots, which will appear in 2-4 weeks, should be kept moist with a spray bottle only. Once the seedlings reach 7-9 cm in height and have more than three leaves, you can begin the transplanting process.

From cuttings

Growing a healthy shrub from cuttings is quite simple; it's not only a convenient but also a productive way to propagate this herb. However, it's important to keep in mind that this method requires at least one mature shrub, as cuttings for propagation can only be taken from a mature specimen.

Rooting material is best taken in the spring, before the shrub blooms, or in the fall. The upper part of the shoot, which has already become covered with bark, is used as a cutting. The cutting should be 8 to 10 cm long. Before rooting, the lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cut areas treated with brilliant green.

The cutting rooted equally well in a glass of water or in a moist soil mixture of peat and sand, mixed in equal parts. It is recommended to plant the cutting at a depth of 3-4 cm in the soil.

If the container with the cuttings is kept warm and adequately moist, the first roots may appear in as little as 2-3 weeks. To encourage the development of lateral shoots, you can pinch off the tip of the cutting as soon as it begins to actively grow. After 4-6 weeks, the rooted cuttings can be planted in permanent containers.

By dividing the bush

Dividing a bush is the fastest method of propagating a plant, which can be used every time the plant is repotted. The optimal time for this propagation method is early spring. To minimize the risk of damaging the bush's root system, water it with warm water immediately before removing it from the pot. The bush should be removed from the container with the root ball still attached.

The bush is divided into sections using pruning shears, ensuring the root ball is barely disturbed. The resulting small seedlings should be replanted in individual containers.

Basic rules for caring for rosemary at home

Rosemary is a fairly unpretentious plant that is easy to grow at home; however, caring for it still requires following basic agricultural recommendations.

Important!

The main thing to remember when growing rosemary is that it absolutely does not tolerate frost, and even minimal frosts are fatal for it.

Lighting

Rosemary is a light-loving plant, so even prolonged exposure to direct sunlight does not harm it. In spring and summer, the plant can be placed on a balcony or loggia; this will not only provide it with sufficient light but also provide it with oxygen.

Temperature conditions

During the warm season, the flower does not need to be maintained at a certain temperature; the ambient temperature is quite suitable for it.

With the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to keep rosemary in a cool room, as cold wintering stimulates its flowering. The recommended temperature for keeping the plant in winter can range from 8-13°C.

Humidity and watering

Although rosemary is drought-tolerant, it needs to be watered regularly, otherwise its leaves will turn yellow. From early spring until the first frost, the plant requires frequent watering. While dormant, frequent watering is not necessary; once every two weeks is sufficient. However, avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely.

Advice!

For watering, it is recommended to use well-settled “soft” water at room temperature.

Rosemary has no specific humidity requirements. However, periodic misting during severe drought will benefit this ornamental plant.

Top dressing

During the active growth period, which lasts from March to September, the spice plant requires additional feeding once every two weeks. During the rest of the year, fertilizing more frequently than once every 30 days is not necessary. A complete fertilizer for ornamental plants can be used as a supplement. A calcium solution can also be used to fertilize the plant.

Transfer

Rosemary's root system grows rapidly, quickly taking up all the space in its pot, so the plant needs to be repotted at least every two years. If necessary, the plant can be repotted annually.

Typically, the plant is repotted in the spring before it blooms. The main rule when repotting is to ensure the soil has good drainage.

Features of pruning

Pruning stimulates the formation of new branches and improves the plant's decorative appeal. Pruning should be performed immediately after flowering. When pruning, it is recommended to remove no more than one-third of the shoot from the leaf tips.

Remember!

When pruning, do not touch the woody base of the bush.

Potential problems when growing rosemary in an apartment

Even an experienced gardener may encounter some difficulties when first starting out growing rosemary indoors. A hardy and resilient plant like rosemary, it's susceptible to various diseases and pests caused by improper care:

Prolonged exposure of the above-ground portion of the plant to direct sunlight can cause its leaves to fade and eventually wilt. Moving the container to a location with indirect light will help solve this problem.
Yellowed lower leaves indicate that watering is inadequate and the plant is not getting enough moisture. A weakened aroma and fallen leaves, on the other hand, indicate that the soil is overwatered.
Establishing a watering system will restore the flower's decorative appearance.
Keeping the shrub in a poorly ventilated area with high humidity can lead to the development of the fungal disease downy mildew. The disease appears as a white coating on the above-ground surface of the plant, which may then turn brown. Treatment involves removing the affected areas and replanting the shrub in new, disinfected soil. Treating the plant with antifungal agents is also recommended.
During the winter, when indoor air is too dry, the plant may be susceptible to spider mite infestation. The mites can be identified by the fine webbing that covers the leaves and stems of the shrub. A mild infestation can be controlled with soapy water. However, if the infestation isn't noticed immediately, insecticides may be necessary.
Rosemary disease
In addition to spider mites, the shrub can also be susceptible to aphid infestation. The leaves of such plants become deformed and curl. These insects can only be controlled with insecticides.

Signs and benefits of the plant for the home

By growing rosemary in a pot at home, you can simultaneously have a beautiful plant, a delicious herb, and a natural air freshener. The history of cultivating this shrub dates back to ancient times, when rosemary was considered a symbol of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. People believed the plant could preserve youth and harmonize thoughts and emotions.

Nowadays, it's believed that rosemary blooms only for a "real" housewife, one who controls not only her home but also her husband. Therefore, a healthy, lush, and blooming shrub is a compliment from nature itself.

The shrub's leaves contain essential oil rich in phytoncides and antioxidants, which freshen the air and purify it of harmful impurities and particles. The scent of the shrub promotes relaxation and relieves stress, balancing one's emotional state.

Good to know!

Having a bush in a child's room helps calm the child and normalize his sleep.

Rosemary is rich in nutrients and vitamins, which is why its oil is widely used in folk medicine to treat various pathologies, such as migraines, diabetes, neurasthenia, and inflammation of the kidneys, liver, and gastrointestinal tract.

Due to the plant's distinctive pine aroma, it is a popular spice that adds a refined flavor to any meat, fish, or vegetable dish. Drinks infused with rosemary sprigs can energize and invigorate.

The plant will purify the air, bring calm to the home, and will also be a wonderful addition to any dish, be it a side dish or dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rosemary oil used for?

Rosemary oil is often added to baked goods and liqueurs to impart a spicy flavor. It is also widely used in folk medicine to relieve spasms and inflammation. Furthermore, rosemary oil can be used as a natural antiseptic.

How to make rosemary bloom?

Providing the shrub with a dormant period will be an excellent stimulus for its flowering. Without a cold wintering period, it's unlikely that rosemary will bloom.

How often should a plant be repotted?

It is recommended to repot the plant every 2 years, however, if its root system grows strongly, annual repotting may be necessary.

Is it okay to put a pot of rosemary in a child's room?

Rosemary is perfect for growing in a child's room. Being a natural air freshener, the shrub will provide children with not only fresh but also clean air, which will improve the quality of their sleep.

What size pot should I choose for planting a cutting?

The pot for rosemary should be spacious and sturdy, for this reason it is recommended to choose a clay or ceramic container with a diameter of 25 cm and a height of 15-25 cm.