From my perspective, my most crucial need is abundant, direct sunlight. I am a Mediterranean herb, and my very essence is built upon basking in the sun. To thrive and produce the potent oils that give me my signature aroma and flavor, I require a minimum of six to eight hours of direct light each day. Therefore, the absolute best location for me is a south-facing window. This exposure provides the most consistent and intense sunlight throughout the day. An east or west-facing window can be acceptable, but you may notice my stems stretching slightly toward the light, a sign I am not getting quite enough. Without sufficient light, I will become leggy, my growth will be stunted, and my leaves will be pale and lackluster.
I enjoy warmth but not extreme, dry heat. A spot with a consistent room temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C - 24°C) is ideal. Please keep me away from frequently opened doors in winter and far from air conditioning vents or radiators. These sources create sudden drafts or blasts of hot, dry air that I find very stressful. They can cause my soil to dry out erratically and may lead to leaf drop or wilting. A gentle, natural airflow from a slightly opened window (when temperatures allow) is beneficial, however, as it strengthens my stems and helps prevent fungal diseases by reducing stagnant, humid air around my foliage.
My roots demand a home that breathes. I despise having wet feet. Sitting in waterlogged soil will cause my roots to rot, quickly leading to my demise. The perfect indoor location must include a pot that complements my needs. Ensure my container has excellent drainage holes and is filled with a light, well-draining potting mix. A cactus or succulent mix is often suitable, or you can amend a standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. The pot itself should not be excessively large for my current size; a little root crowding is preferable to a vast amount of damp soil that my roots cannot use.
My watering needs are directly tied to my location. In my sunny south-facing window, I will dry out more quickly and will appreciate a drink when the top inch of my soil feels dry to the touch. In a less sunny spot, I will need water less frequently. The key is to water me deeply, allowing moisture to reach my entire root ball, but then to let the soil dry out significantly before watering again. While I do not require tropical humidity, very dry indoor air in winter can sometimes be a challenge. A light misting or placing my pot on a pebble tray with water can provide a slight humidity boost, but good air circulation remains more important to keep my leaves healthy.
