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How to Water Rosemary: Guide for Healthy Plants

Publisert November 20, 2025

How to Water Rosemary: Guide for Healthy Plants

How to water

Feel the soil: the top layer (about 1 inch) should be dry before giving more water. If the soil is still wet, you risk giving the plant too much water and it can rot. There are several ways to water Rosemary. Choose a way that suits you the best.

If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.

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Water over the soil

  1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap

  2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes

  3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water

  4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

Rosemary likes water but also wants to dry out at the same time, so water well and then let the soil dry up a bit before watering again.
— Planta tip

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Bottom watering

  1. Fill the plant tray with water

  2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray

  3. Wait for about 10 minutes

  4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray

  5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray

  6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

Water bath

  1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water

  2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water

  3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped

  4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off

  5. Put your plant back in the cachepot or on the tray

  6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

Rosemary is somewhat drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to stress about it drying up a bit.
— Planta tip

Ofte stilte spørsmål

How do I know when to water my rosemary?

Water your rosemary when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This helps prevent overwatering and rot, as rosemary likes to dry out a bit between waterings.

What are the best ways to water rosemary?

You can water rosemary by pouring water over the soil until it drains, using a bottom watering technique, or giving it a water bath. Choose the method that suits you best.

How do I water rosemary from the top?

Pour water over the soil until it starts to run out from the drainage holes. If you use a tray, make sure to remove any collected water afterwards so your plant doesn't sit in it.

Is rosemary drought-tolerant?

Yes, rosemary is somewhat drought-tolerant, so you don't need to worry if its soil dries out a bit between waterings. It's important to let the soil dry to prevent rot.

Should I always bottom water my rosemary?

While bottom watering is effective, it's important to also water over the soil occasionally. This helps wash away salts and other minerals that can build up in the soil.