---
title: "Hi there. I’m doing great with tropical plants which is weird because…"
description: "Hi there. I’m doing great with tropical plants which is weird because I live in PA now anyway I just can’t seem to keep my few herbs in the kitchen happy. Any…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/x8_aVt91R1-MU6xd79uMKQ/64d7b71d32fdfc3944016aa5"
community: "Edible Gardening"
author: "Christine"
published: "2023-08-12T16:45:17.743Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DFskPZtGSJazSgpsBs3kcYIoFeEp__snxvJaGrys7hg/a6229679545d41f98859bec74e2508c8.webp?size=large"
---

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# Hi there. I’m doing great with tropical plants which is weird because…

_Posted by Christine on 2023-08-12_

Hi there. I’m doing great with tropical plants which is weird because I live in PA now anyway I just can’t seem to keep my few herbs in the kitchen happy. Any tips?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/DFskPZtGSJazSgpsBs3kcYIoFeEp__snxvJaGrys7hg/a6229679545d41f98859bec74e2508c8.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### HotelRomeo commented on 2023-08-12

Same!! I can keep very difficult tropicals thriving and am riding the struggle bus with herbs.

I am learning that Rosemary and basil demand full sun.

Rosemary likes a dry soil top.

#### Christine replied on 2023-08-12

Hmm maybe I’ll try hanging in a window or put them on the porch. The basil just smells so good lol

#### jedijae replied on 2023-08-12

I would pinch back your basil!

### Sunny commented on 2023-08-12

I treat indoor potted herbs similar to herbs planted in a garden, to an extent.  
1\) They need 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight or artificial light.  
2\) They need well draining soil rich in nutrients. The standard potting soil is not enough. I usually add an organic fertilizer like bone meal, and fish emulsion. Organic solid fertilizers are added as top dressing to the first inch or two of a large potted herb that is established. I only use rooting hormone when the plant is a starter size. My husband’s grandmother swears by chicken manure. I think it’s too much for a small pot. My aunt always adds broken egg shells to her soil. Fish emulsion is the easiest. It’s a liquid.  
4\) Gradually repot to the largest pot size you can to help get a bigger root system and healthier growth.

#### HotelRomeo replied on 2023-08-12

Great tips. Thanks.

### Choc commented on 2023-08-13

My basil is outside

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/u61KcgjxDOeoM3xWv2C1UesKHVp1Yu4-1SDpPRS3ino/116c779369f6460d8565d9e30dd25839.webp?size=large)

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