Plant Encyclopedia
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) plant care guide
intermediateherb

Rosemary Care Guide

Salvia rosmarinus

Also known as: Rosmarinus

Watering

Summer

Every 10 days

Winter

Every 14 days

Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.

Light

Direct sunlight

South-facing window, full sun for 4+ hours

Humidity

30-50%

Thrives in dry air. No misting needed.

Pet & Child Safety

Safe for pets and children

Pot & Soil

Terracotta pot with excellent drainage. Sandy, well-draining mix - hates wet roots.

Pot-size watering

The 10-14 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry.

Balanced root room

This plant does best with a pot just larger than the root ball. Too much spare wet soil can make watering harder to judge.

Soil refresh

Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.

💡

Good to Know

Needs maximum light. Mediterranean plant that prefers dry conditions. Fragrant.

Frequently asked

How often should I water Rosemary?

Every 10 days in summer and every 14 days in winter is the reference range. The 10-14 day range is a starting point. A 5cm pot dries quickly, but the soil should still reach its proper dry-down before watering. A 22cm pot can hold moisture deep inside even when the top looks dry. Let the top 2-3cm of soil dry out before watering. Stick your finger in - if it feels dry, water.

What light does Rosemary need?

Direct sunlight. South-facing window, full sun for 4+ hours.

Is Rosemary safe for pets and children?

Yes - Rosemary is safe for pets and children.

What humidity does Rosemary prefer?

30-50%. Thrives in dry air - no misting needed.

What soil and pot does Rosemary need?

Terracotta pot with excellent drainage. Sandy, well-draining mix - hates wet roots. This plant does best with a pot just larger than the root ball. Too much spare wet soil can make watering harder to judge. Refresh gritty mix when drainage slows, salts crust on the surface, or the potting mix collapses - usually every 18-24 months for stable plants.

Is Rosemary beginner-friendly?

Rosemary is a herb at intermediate difficulty - manageable with a bit of care attention.

Track your Rosemary in LeafLovers

Smart watering reminders and care history are free. Premium adds AI diagnosis.

Get Started Free

Similar plants

Your plants deserve better than a sticky note

Smart reminders that adapt to your pot size, light, and seasons.

💧Watering reminders that actually learn
🩺AI plant doctor with photo diagnosis
🛡️Pet safety warnings on every plant
🔒Your data stays yours - always exportable
Start Growing Free

No credit card. No tricks. Ready in 30 seconds.

LeafLovers dashboard showing weekly care, plants needing soil checks, and smart watering reminders