Indoor mint prefers fairly moist soil. In between thorough waterings allow the top inch (2.5 cm.) or so to become dry and then water again. Depending on if you are growing in a terra cotta pot versus plastic or glazed ceramic, and also on how much light you are giving your plant, the time in between watering will vary.
How do you take care of an indoor peppermint plant?
Basic care for growing mint indoors
- Keep the growing substrate/soil moist.
- Rotate plants in your herb garden every few days to prevent them from bending towards the light.
- Avoid fertilizing plants.
- Pinch or prune plants regularly to keep them from getting leggy.
Can a peppermint plant be kept indoors?
Unlike many other herbs, mint is very easy to grow indoors, as long as you give the plant enough light and consistent moisture (more on both of these in a later section). Mint also makes a surprisingly beautiful houseplant.
Does peppermint plant need sun?
As long as the soil is moist, peppermint prefers exposure to full sun which helps the plant produce its oils. They can tolerate partial shade, but the flavor is strongest when your plant receives full sun.
How often should I water my peppermint plant?
Water mint plants twice a week with a thorough watering so that excess water trickles from the base of the pot or container. Mint plants require the soil to be evenly moist but not saturated to prevent wilting and avoid root rot. If the top inch of the soil feels dry, give your mint plants a good soak.
How long do peppermint plants live?
Mint plants are perennials and can live for 5-10 years when planted in the ground. Potted mint plants can also last for more than 5 years when cared for properly. Every winter, the mint plant lies dormant and regrows in spring. Mint plants grown in water can survive for months with proper care.
Why is my mint dying?
A dying mint plant is usually because of under watering or as a result of mint that is planted in a pot that is too small and therefore has limited moisture and nutrients. If your mint is wilting and turning brown this is likely because of dry soil and under watering.
Can I grow mint indoors all year?
Mint plants are easy to grow indoors, year-round. One of the most important details is to select a container with a wide surface, rather than a deep one, to keep the mint roots from encircling themselves and choking a plant.
Do mint plants attract bugs?
The pungent nature of mint deters bugs from making your home their home. Pests like ants, mosquitos, and mice will avoid mint plants whenever possible, and it can also help with other menaces like roaches, spiders, and flies.
Why are my mint leaves turning yellow?
Nutrient Deficiencies
Nitrogen deficiency will result in the yellowing of the mint leaves. Lack of or low presence of potassium will also result in the tips and edges of your mint leaves turning yellow.
Where is the best place to plant peppermint?
Plant mint in full sun or part shade. It can adapt to just about any type of soil, but develops the best foliage in moist, well-drained soil that has been enriched with compost. Keep the area around your mint free of weeds.
Do peppermint plants keep bugs away?
Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden. One thing to keep in mind when planting mint is that it is an invasive plant and will spread quickly. It is best to grow mint in containers when you have space limitations.
Do peppermint plants bloom?
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) produces blossoms from the middle of summer until fall. The purple flowers of M. piperita are about ¼ inch long and form around a thick spike that protrudes from the stem. Peppermint is a hybrid species and, therefore, unable to produce healthy, viable seeds.
Can you over water a peppermint plant?
Spearmint, Mojito mint, Peppermint, Chocolate mint and Apple mint are some examples of Mints and they all really love water and do not like to dry up! It’s hard to overwater it, but even a water-loving plant can get overwatered. Always feel the soil before watering – it should feel damp but not wet.
How do you know if mint needs water?
Generally speaking, the best way to determine how often to water your mint plant is to check the top half-inch of soil for dampness. As a rule of thumb, if it’s dried out, give the mint plant some water. If it’s still damp or moist in the top half-inch, then no need to water the mint plant.
Why is my peppermint plant turning brown?
Mint leaves turning brown due to low humidity, improper watering, and diseases such as fungal infections. The less likely reasons could be nutrient deficiencies, heat scorching, limited roots, or aging.
Can we eat mint leaves directly?
Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.
How do I make my mint plant bushy?
For bushier, healthier mint, pinch off the top two sets of leaves regularly. Don’t be afraid to cut leggy mint plants to the ground, as shown at left. They’ll quickly send up new shoots full of fragrant leaves.
Is mint plant good for home?
Mint: it smells great, it grows fast, it tastes good and it has amazing benefits. Not to mention, growing it in your home will help keep pesky bugs like ants and flies outside. The health benefits of mint leaves are unbelievable!
Why is my indoor mint wilting?
The most common reason for wilting mint is because of dehydration due to dry soil that drains too quickly or under watering. Mint prefers consistently moist soil otherwise the leaves can droop. Water the mint as frequently as required to keep the soil consistently moist.
How do I know if my mint plant is dying?
How to Know If Mint Is Dying?
- Brown Crunchy Leaves. A mint’s leaves vary a bit based on the variety.
- Soft Sickly Leaves. Soft yellowing leaves are struggling to get nutrients.
- Weak Stems.
- Dropped Leaves.
- Total Disintegration of The Plant.
- Over-watering.
- Under-watering.
- Lack of Nutrients.