From my perspective as a plant, my primary needs are simple but non-negotiable: abundant light, excellent drainage, and good air circulation. I am a Mediterranean native, evolved to thrive in sunny, arid, rocky hillsides with poor soil. The typical indoor environment is a stark contrast to this. It is often dim, humid, and still. To grow me successfully inside, you must replicate my native conditions as closely as possible. Failure to do so will result in a weak, leggy plant susceptible to pests like spider mites and prone to fatal root rot from damp soil.
My most urgent requirement is light, and a great deal of it. I need a minimum of six to eight hours of direct, bright sunlight daily to photosynthesize effectively and produce the strong oils that give me my signature fragrance. A south-facing window is my ideal indoor location. An east or west-facing window may suffice, but I will likely become leggy as I stretch toward the light source. Without sufficient light, my growth will be stunted, my fragrance will be weak, and I will almost certainly not produce any of the beautiful purple flower spikes you desire. If natural light is insufficient, you must supplement with a strong full-spectrum grow light placed just a few inches above my foliage for 12-14 hours a day.
My roots are highly susceptible to rot and cannot tolerate "wet feet." The single greatest threat to my life indoors is overwatering. You must plant me in an extremely well-draining potting mix. A standard cactus or succulent mix is a good start, but I truly prefer a blend that has been amended with additional perlite, coarse sand, or small gravel to ensure water flows through instantly. The pot must have ample drainage holes. Water me deeply only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, and then ensure all excess water drains away completely. In the winter, when my growth slows, I will need even less water. It is always better to underwater me than to overwater.
I prefer cooler temperatures, especially at night, but I am adaptable to average household temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). High humidity is my enemy, promoting fungal diseases. The dry air of a heated home in winter is actually more to my liking than a steamy bathroom. Furthermore, I require good air circulation around my leaves and stems to prevent moisture from settling and to discourage pests. Please do not crowd me amongst other plants; give me space to breathe. A gentle breeze from an oscillating fan can significantly improve my overall health and resilience.
While you can keep me alive indoors, convincing me to flower profusely is the ultimate challenge. Flowering requires not just perfect light but also a dormant period. To encourage blooming, I need a period of cooler temperatures in winter, with reduced watering, to rest. Even with impeccable care, my lifespan as a lush, flowering indoor houseplant is often limited to a few growing seasons. I am, at heart, an outdoor perennial shrub. The best results often come from keeping me outdoors in the sun during the warm months and bringing me to a cool, bright spot indoors only to protect me from freezing winter temperatures.
