The licorice plant, Helichrysum petiolare, is a popular choice for indoor gardening due to its distinctive silvery-gray, velvety foliage and trailing habit. Though often grown as an annual outdoors, its tender perennial nature makes it well-suited for cultivation as a houseplant.
Indoor Care Essentials
Light Requirements
Licorice plants thrive in bright, indirect light when grown indoors. Placing the plant near a south or west-facing window typically provides adequate illumination, helping maintain its vibrant silvery coloration. Direct, harsh afternoon sun can scorch the delicate leaves, so a sheer curtain or slight distance from the window can offer protection.
Watering Practices
This plant prefers its soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Before watering, check the top inch or two of the soil; if it feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensuring good drainage and avoiding consistently soggy conditions is important.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining potting mix is ideal for licorice plants. A standard potting mix amended with perlite or sand can enhance drainage and aeration, helping prevent waterlogging. The pot must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape freely. This combination supports a healthy root system.
Temperature and Humidity
Licorice plants prefer warm indoor temperatures, generally aligning with typical household conditions. They are not tolerant of frost and should be brought indoors before cold weather arrives if previously outside. While they appreciate average household humidity, extreme dryness should be avoided. Very high humidity can sometimes lead to fungal issues, so good air circulation is also beneficial.
Fertilization
During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer can be applied to support healthy growth. Dilute the fertilizer to about half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing. Fertilization can be reduced or stopped entirely during the cooler, less active months of fall and winter. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive growth.
Troubleshooting Common Indoor Issues
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by stretched-out stems with sparse foliage, often indicates insufficient light. To address this, move the plant to a brighter location. Pruning back the leggy stems can also encourage bushier, more compact new growth.
Pests
Indoor licorice plants can occasionally encounter common houseplant pests such as spider mites, aphids, or whiteflies. Regularly inspecting the plant’s foliage, especially the undersides of leaves, helps in early detection. If pests are present, they can often be managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil, applied according to product instructions.
Discolored Leaves
Yellow or brown leaves can signal several issues. Yellowing may indicate overwatering, which suffocates roots, or nutrient deficiencies. Conversely, consistently dry soil from underwatering can also lead to browning or wilting. Assessing soil moisture and the plant’s watering schedule can help pinpoint the cause. Adjusting watering practices or providing a balanced fertilizer can often correct leaf discoloration.
Pruning and Shaping for Indoor Growth
Pruning helps indoor licorice plants maintain their desired shape and encourages a fuller, bushier appearance. Pinching back the tips of young stems promotes branching and a denser habit. Regular trimming of longer, sprawling stems can also manage the plant’s size and prevent it from becoming unruly. This encourages the plant to put energy into developing more leaves closer to the main stem.
Propagation Techniques
Propagating licorice plants is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most common and effective method for indoor growers. To take a cutting, select a healthy, non-flowering stem segment about 3 to 6 inches long, cutting just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. The cut end can be placed in water until roots develop, or directly into a well-draining potting mix. Keeping the rooting medium consistently moist and providing bright, indirect light will encourage successful root formation.