Dry rosemary? That’s why it happens and how to make it flourish

Updated on March 18, 2025

If your rosemary seems to be pulling the last, don’t panic. Maybe you look at him and think he is passed off, but the truth is that in most cases you can still save him.

Rosemary is a tough plant, used to resisting sun and drought, yet sometimes it seems not to do it. Perhaps you have noticed that lately some aromatic plants in supermarkets seem beautiful only at the beginning, but then they die in a few days: it is often the fault of the soil too compact or the conditions of cultivation in the greenhouse. Even your rosemary may need some “rehabilitation” after the purchase.

In addition, attention to temperatures: the thermal changes between the day and night can put it in difficulty, especially if it has been moved by a hot environment to a colder one without a period of adaptation. This often happens in spring, when you put it out too early.

Understand what’s wrong It is the first step to make him come back luxuriantly. Let’s see together the most common problems and how to solve them.

Rosemary is dry: water fault (too much or too little)

Have you ever heard that rosemary does not like too much water? Well, it’s true. This Mediterranean plant is used to dry and well drained soils, therefore its worst enemy is precisely the excess of humidity.

Many, for fear of making him suffer, watering him too often. The result? Radical rot. The roots, always immersed in the water, do not breathe anymore and weaken until they die. If you see that your rosemary has brown leaves and soft branches, it is likely that it is “drowning”.

On the contrary, if you ignore it too much and the ground becomes completely dry for days and days, he also suffers from it. A useful trick is to put a wooden stick in the ground: if it comes out dry, it is time to water, if it is wet, it is better to wait a little longer.

Also, keep an eye on the weather! If there were days of intense rain, maybe your rosemary has already received enough water without the need for further watering. On the contrary, in the torrid summers, especially if the vase is small, it may need an extra sip of water than usual.

In short, the rule is simple: wet only when the ground is dry to the touch, but without exaggerating!

Choose the right vase: more important than you think

Another common mistake? The Wrong vase. If your rosemary is in a container without drainage holes, the water does not flow and the roots drowned. Result? The plant yellows and then dies.

Here’s what to do:

• Use a terracotta vase: helps the ground to dry faster.
• Make sure you have holes on the bottom to make the water flow.
• Avoid sauces full of water: if you really want to use them, empty them regularly.

In recent years, many gardeners have started to prefer coconut or fabric fiber vessels, which favor better oxygenation of the roots and reduce the risk of water stagnation. It is worth trying them, especially if you live in a wet climate.

If you have planted rosemary in a too small vase, it could also suffer for this. The roots are compressed, the ground dries too quickly and the plant cannot absorb enough water. In addition, during the waves of summer heat, the small pots tend to overheat much faster, creating stress to the plant.

If you notice that it grows little or dry easily, maybe it’s time to give it more space. A good indicator? If you see the roots come out of the drainage holes, it is the signal that needs a new vase!

The soil makes the difference: sandy is better

Rosmarino is not a “universal soil” plant. If the ground holds too much humidity, he will suffer from it. The solution? A drenant mixsimilar to what he would find in his natural habitat.

To make it perfect, mix:

• Flat -up soil
• Coarse sand or perlite (helps to drain water)
• A little gravel on the bottom of the pot To avoid stagnation

In recent years, some nurserymen also recommend adding coconut fiber, which improves soil ventilation without holding too much humidity. This can make a difference, especially if you grow rosemary in the house.

If you live in a very rainy area, you could opt for even more draining soil, adding a greater percentage of sand than the traditional soil. This helps to avoid stagnation that could damage the roots.

With this combination, the risk of rot is drastically lowered! In addition, it always controls the composition of the soil purchased: many contain excess peat, which retains too much water and is not ideal for rosemary.

How to resume a suffering rosemary

If your rosemary seems now passed off, do not give it the coup de grace. Before surrendering you, try these steps:

1. Check the ground: If it is soaked, let it dry and reduce the watering. If the problem is stagnation, try lifting the pot with feet to improve drainage.
2. Cut the dry or damaged parts: It will help the plant to concentrate its energies on the still vital parts. Better to do it with well sharpened and disinfected scissors, to avoid infections.
3. Repot it in a draining soilif necessary. Add a little carbon active to the mixture can help prevent harmful mushrooms and bacteria.
4. Position it to the sun: needs at least 6-8 hours of light a day. If you grow it at home, put it close to a well -exposed window and, if needed, use an artificial light lamp in the winter months.
5. Protect it from the cold: if you live in an area with rigid winters, better to repair it or bring it indoors in the colder months. A sheet of non -woven fabric can be a good solution to protect it from night frosts.

Rosemary can be saved!

So if your rosemary is suffering, not despair. Sometimes that’s enough correct some mistakes to see him come back green and fragrant. The key is always the same: Less water, more sun and good drainage.

If you follow these tips, soon you can again enjoy its perfume in the kitchen and in your garden. And maybe, the next time you see a plant in difficulty, you will know exactly what to do!

Photo © Stock.adobe