potted_plant
Rosemary care requirements
water
Low. Allow to dry between waterings.
soil
Sandy, well-draining, slightly alkaline soil.
light
Full sun — 6+ hours daily.
symptoms
Symptoms to look for in Rosemary
Roots turn brown to black and mushy, often with a sour smell, and above-ground growth browns and wilts despite the plant's usual drought tolerance.
help
Common causes in Rosemary
The Pythium and Phytophthora fungi behind root rot thrive in moist soil — the opposite of the dry, well-draining Mediterranean conditions Rosemary's roots need, making overwatering the near-universal trigger.
healing
How to treat root rot in Rosemary
Remove the plant, cut away all affected roots, and replant into fresh, gritty, well-draining soil, ideally in a raised bed or large container with excellent drainage.
shield
Preventing root rot in Rosemary
Plant in sandy, well-draining soil, and let the soil dry out fully between waterings — rosemary needs far less water than most garden plants.