Growing culinary herbs indoors is an easy and inexpensive way to enjoy their fresh taste year-round.
- Light – Six hours of direct, bright light or 12-14 hours of artificial light is the first requirement.
- Water – Watering will vary by herb, so check the plant tag and be sure to use plant containers with drainage holes.
- Fertilizer – A liquid houseplant food at half the recommended rate will keep indoor herbs vigorous.
- Trimming – Regular pruning of the tips, for seasoning meals or just to keep things tidy, will also encourage dense, healthy growth.
I need to know why my Ashwagandha leaves are turning yellow?
Hello Andrea —
Thank you for your inquiry, Andrea. Native to India, Ashwagandha is an easy-to-grow herbaceous plant that needs little maintenance but doesn’t come without some challenges. Since your inquiry came to us through our article Growing Herbs Indoors, lets review what the most favorable conditions are for growing Ashwagandha indoors, and some of the hurdles you may meet growing this amazing herb.
Ashwagandha prefers a sandy, well-draining soil. In its natural environment, it thrives in dry, arid conditions, and does not like its roots to be saturated. To prevent overwatering, water when the top 2” of soil is dry to the touch. Ashwagandha thrives in a bright, sunny location with an average room temperature between 68°F and 95°F.
Common pests that can affect Ashwagandha are Aphids and Spider Mites. These two pests can cause dry, yellowing foliage, and can be difficult to detect without careful inspection. New growth is especially prone to infestation. Treat aphids with an insecticidal soap available at most nurseries. Spider mites can be treated with a solution of 3 parts water to 1-part isopropyl alcohol. For both treatments, apply to the top and bottom of the foliage.
Finally, Alternaria Leaf Spot often affects Ashwagandha. Yellowing leaves followed by brown blotches is a sign of this fungal disease. To treat, follow the directions and apply an organic fungicide that includes Copper or Sulphur to obtain the best results.
Growing your own herbs can be extremely rewarding. We hope these tips will help you to be successful!
Want yo know my basil rosemary and mint and rosemary are dying turning black spring harvest
Hi Rosa,
The most common reason for these herbs to turn black would be stress from overwatering (and possible root rot) or exposure to temperatures under 50°F (10°C). Either of these conditions could result in blackening of the foliage.
If your plants are in a drafty window, near a door that allows in cold rushes of air, or near an air conditioning vent, you will want to move them to a different location. If you suspect that your plants are overwatered, please see our article How to Rescue an Overwatered Houseplant. Although it’s focused on houseplants, the tips for examining the plant roots and how to salvage the plant can be applied to any potted plant.