Licorice Plant

Choosing Your Licorice Plant

Hi there, green thumb in training! The Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) is a beautiful trailing plant with soft, silvery-gray leaves that give off a subtle licorice-like scent when touched. You can start with seeds, but it's often easier for beginners to buy young plants from a garden center or nursery.

Tip: Look for healthy-looking plants with no yellow or brown spots on the leaves. These are usually a sign of stress or pests.

Timing

Licorice Plants love warm weather and don't do well in frosty conditions. If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s best to plant them outdoors after the last frost has passed—usually late spring or early summer. If you're keeping it indoors, you can start at any time!

Tools and Materials

Licorice Plant seedlings (or seeds if you’re feeling adventurous)

Pots with drainage holes (at least 8 inches/20 cm wide if growing in containers)

Well-draining potting soil (cactus or succulent mix works well)

Watering can

Fertilizer (a balanced, water-soluble type)

• A bright, sunny spot (indoors or outdoors)

Tip: Don’t use heavy garden soil; Licorice Plants prefer lighter, airy soil that drains quickly.

If Using Seedlings:

1. Fill your pot with well-draining soil, leaving about an inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top.
2. Dig a small hole in the soil that’s just big enough for the root ball of your seedling.
3. Gently remove the plant from its nursery container and place it into the hole.
4. Cover the roots with soil and lightly press down around the base of the plant to secure it.
5. Water thoroughly until water starts to drain out the bottom of the pot.

If Starting from Seeds:

1. Fill a small pot or seed tray with a light, well-draining soil mix.
2. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil.
3. Mist the soil with water to keep it moist but not soggy.
4. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot (but not direct sunlight).
5. Seeds should germinate in about 2-3 weeks. Once they’ve grown a few sets of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots.

Tip: Licorice Plants are great for hanging baskets or containers because their trailing stems look stunning as they cascade over the edges!

Sunlight Requirements

Licorice Plants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If you’re growing them indoors, place them near a south-facing window where they can get plenty of light.

Watering Method

• Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch.
• Be careful not to overwater! Licorice Plants like to dry out a bit between waterings.
• In hot weather, you may need to water more frequently, but always check the soil first.

Tip: If the leaves start to turn yellow or look droopy, you might be overwatering. Let the soil dry out a bit before watering again.

Fertilizing Tips

• Feed your Licorice Plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
• Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the plant’s roots.
• Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant isn’t growing as actively.

Pruning

To keep your Licorice Plant looking neat and bushy, pinch back the tips of the stems occasionally. This encourages the plant to grow more side shoots and prevents it from getting too leggy.

While Licorice Plants aren’t typically “harvested” for food, you can enjoy their beauty by using cuttings in floral arrangements or simply admiring their cascading foliage in your garden or home.

Taking Cuttings

If you’d like to propagate your Licorice Plant, here’s how:

1. Cut a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) piece of stem just below a leaf node (where the leaves meet the stem).
2. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water or directly into moist soil.
3. Keep it in a bright spot, and within a few weeks, roots should start to form.
4. Once the roots are established, you can plant the cutting in its own pot.

Tip: Propagating is a great way to create more plants for yourself or share with friends!

1. Why Are My Leaves Turning Brown?

Cause: This could be due to underwatering or too much direct sunlight. Solution: Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. If the plant is in full sun all day, try moving it to a spot with partial shade.

2. Can I Grow Licorice Plant Indoors?

Absolutely! Licorice Plants make excellent houseplants. Just make sure they get plenty of bright, indirect light and good air circulation.

3. My Plant Looks Leggy. What Should I Do?

Cause: Not enough sunlight or pruning. Solution: Move the plant to a brighter location and pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth.

4. Is Licorice Plant Safe Around Pets?

Yes, Licorice Plants are non-toxic to pets, so it’s a safe choice if you have curious cats or dogs.

5. How Do I Overwinter My Licorice Plant?

If you live in a colder climate, bring your Licorice Plant indoors before the first frost. Place it in a sunny window and reduce watering during the winter months.

6. Why Are the Leaves Drooping?

Cause: This could be a sign of either too much or too little water. Solution: Check the soil—if it’s soggy, let it dry out before watering again. If it’s bone dry, give the plant a good drink.