From my perspective, my roots are my mouth and my anchor. When you water me too much, the soil becomes a swamp, pushing out all the air. My roots need to breathe! Without oxygen, they begin to rot and decay. Once this happens, they cannot absorb water or nutrients, no matter how much you give me. I will stop growing entirely, my leaves may turn yellow and wilt, and I will eventually die. The fix is simple: only water me when the top inch of soil feels dry to your touch. Ensure my pot has excellent drainage holes and that I am planted in a well-draining soil mix, perhaps with some sand or perlite mixed in.
As a Mediterranean plant, I am a solar-powered organism. I need abundant, direct sunlight to perform photosynthesis effectively. This process is how I create the energy (sugars) required for all my growth—new leaves, stronger stems, everything. If you place me in a dim corner or a spot with only weak, indirect light, I am literally starving. I will become leggy, stretching weakly towards any light source, and my growth will be stunted or non-existent. My leaves may be smaller and less fragrant. Please place me in your sunniest spot where I can bask in at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Imagine trying to grow while wearing shoes that are three sizes too small. That is what it feels like when my root system has completely filled my pot. There is no more room for my roots to expand and explore for new nutrients and water. When they become a tight, circling mass (root-bound), they cannot function properly. My growth above the soil will halt because the foundation below cannot support it. If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or the soil dries out incredibly fast, it's time for a new home. Gently transplant me into a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter.
While I am not a heavy feeder, I still require essential nutrients to build new cells. The primary nutrients I need are Nitrogen (N) for leafy growth, Phosphorus (P) for strong roots, and Potassium (K) for overall health. If I am planted in old, depleted soil or have been in the same container for years without fresh nutrients, I have nothing to build with. My growth will be slow and feeble. You can help me by feeding me with a balanced, half-strength liquid fertilizer once in the spring as I start my active growth period. Avoid over-fertilizing, as a salt buildup can also damage my roots.
I thrive in conditions that mimic my native habitat: warm days and cooler nights. If I am exposed to cold drafts, consistently low temperatures, or a sudden frost, I will go into survival mode. My growth will completely stop as I conserve energy to stay alive. Similarly, extreme heat without adequate water can also cause severe stress. Please keep me in a temperate environment, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C), and protect me from sudden temperature swings, especially in winter if I am kept indoors near a drafty window.
