Plant Library

Rosemary Care Guide

Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis)

By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated 6 Nov 2026 · How we research · Report an error

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Rosemary is the easiest woody herb to keep in a pot, and it is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. It needs a lot of sun and good air flow.

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Light

Full sun: 6+ hours. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.

Water

When the top 1 in of soil is dry; do not let it dry out completely. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.

Humidity and temperature

Humidity: low to average. Indoors in winter it survives best in a cool, sunny room of about 45-55°F (7-13°C); warm, dry homes are hard on it.

Soil and feeding

Use a well-draining potting mix with extra grit or perlite. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.

Our tip

Indoor rosemary often dies in winter from dry soil plus low light; keep it on the sunniest sill and check the soil weekly.

Common problems

• Powdery white leaves: Powdery mildew from poor air flow.
• Browning needles: Dried out completely, or root rot.
• Leggy growth: Not enough light.

Pets

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), according to the ASPCA plant list. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.