Why does potted rosemary frequently die?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Potted rosemary frequently fails due to poor drainage, causing root rot, which is most frequently the culprit. Containers without holes or dense soil mixes typically retain water around the roots. This herb thrives in well-draining conditions, similar to its natural rocky hillsides in the Mediterranean, where water escapes quickly.
Drainage Issues
- Containers lacking drainage holes trap excess water
- Standard potting soil becomes compacted over time
- Insufficient coarse material like perlite or sand
Environmental Stress
- Less than 6 hours direct sunlight daily
- Sudden temperature drops below 30°F (-1°C)
- Low humidity near heating vents in winter
Care Mistakes
- Watering on schedule instead of checking soil
- Using oversized containers that stay wet too long
- Skipping acclimation when moving plants indoors/outdoors
I discovered container size the hard way when I lost a rosemary plant due to a large pot. Too much dirt retained moisture for a few weeks, even with drain holes. Now I only go with pots 2-4" wider than the root ball. Terra cotta material works well for wicking away moisture.
Avoid transplant shock with gradual acclimation. When moving plants to a new environment, adjust over 7 to 10 days. Start with one hour outdoors and increase it by one hour daily. Be cautious of direct sun and wind initially to prevent leaf scorch and quick wilting.
Select well-draining soil for Mediterranean herbs. Combine cactus soil, perlite, and coarse sand in equal amounts. If pots have holes, place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the container for drainage. The above conditions will create the best rooting scenarios and prevent it from encountering the most frequent causes of death for potted rosemary.
Read the full article: 7 Essential Steps: How to Grow Rosemary Perfectly
