As a sun-loving Mediterranean native, my most critical need is abundant, direct sunlight. To thrive and produce the potent essential oils you love, I require a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sun daily. A south-facing window is my ideal spot in your US home. If the winter days are short and gloomy, particularly in northern states, I will become leggy and weak. In this case, you must supplement my light with a grow light placed 6-12 inches above my foliage for 12-14 hours a day. Without this, I simply cannot perform adequate photosynthesis.
My roots despise being wet and stagnant. I demand exceptionally well-draining soil to prevent fatal root rot. A perfect home for me is a cactus or succulent potting mix, or you can create a blend by mixing a standard potting soil with 30% perlite or coarse sand. Equally important is my container. It must have ample drainage holes. A terra cotta pot is an excellent choice because its porous walls allow the soil to dry out more evenly between waterings, which my root system greatly appreciates.
Please, do not love me to death with water. My watering needs are simple: I prefer to dry out slightly between drinks. The best method is to check the soil with your finger. Insert it about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it is time to water me thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes. Always empty the saucer afterward. If the soil is still cool and moist, leave me be. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill me. In winter, when my growth slows, I will need even less frequent watering.
I am quite comfortable with the typical indoor temperatures found in most US homes, between 60-80°F (15-27°C). However, I struggle with dry, stagnant air, especially during winter when heating systems are running. While I don't like tropical humidity, very dry air can make me susceptible to spider mites. Please keep me away from hot air vents and consider placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting in the water) to increase local humidity. A gentle breeze from an occasional fan is also beneficial for strengthening my stems and discouraging pests.
I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing season in spring and summer, you can nourish me with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. Over-fertilizing will lead to rapid but weak growth and diminish the concentration of my flavorful oils. To keep me bushy and encourage new growth, regularly prune me by snipping stems for your culinary use. Avoid cutting into the woody, leafless parts of my stems, as they may not regenerate new growth. This pruning mimics the grazing I evolved with and keeps me compact and productive.
