1. Bright Location

• Rosemary needs plenty of light to grow well. Place it in a spot where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light per day. A south or west-facing window is ideal.
• If natural light is insufficient (for example, in winter), you can use grow lights to supplement the necessary light.

2. Temperature

• Rosemary prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C and 22°C during the day. At night, a slight drop in temperature is acceptable, but avoid placing it in cold areas (below 10°C) or near cold drafts.
• Also, avoid placing it too close to heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, as this could dry out the plant.

3. Watering

• Rosemary is a drought-tolerant plant, but it should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. The important thing is to avoid excessive moisture. Let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Water it moderately when the soil becomes dry, but ensure that excess water can drain easily. If the pot does not have drainage holes, the risk of root rot is high.
• In winter, reduce watering, as the plant enters a dormant period.

4. Soil and Drainage

• Rosemary prefers well-drained soil. A standard potting mix can be improved by adding sand, gravel, or perlite to enhance drainage. You can also use a Mediterranean plant mix.
• Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from stagnating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.

5. Pruning

• To encourage compact and vigorous growth, it is advisable to prune your rosemary regularly. Remove dead or damaged stems, and lightly trim young shoots to stimulate new branches.
• You can also cut stems for culinary use. Do not cut too many branches at once to avoid stressing the plant.

6. Fertilization

• Rosemary does not need much fertilizer. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring (when growth resumes) can be beneficial, but do not fertilize too often. Excessive nitrogen can harm the plant.
• If you use compost, it is a good option to provide nutrients gently.

7. Winter Care

• In winter, rosemary enters a resting phase and requires less light and water. You can leave it in the room where it receives the best light, but reduce watering and avoid very low temperatures.
• If you live in a cold region, make sure the plant is protected from cold drafts or snow.

8. Disease Monitoring

• Rosemary is generally disease-resistant, but it can be affected by insects like aphids or whiteflies. If you notice pests, you can use natural methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Also, be careful with excessive moisture, which can lead to mold or fungal diseases.

9. Harvesting

• You can harvest rosemary leaves for cooking, but be careful not to remove more than one-third of the plant at a time to allow it to continue growing.
• For better aroma preservation, it is best to harvest before flowering and during active growth.