Licorice Plant
helichrysum petiolare
Also known as: ["Licorice Plant","Trailing Licorice Plant"]
Overview
A trailing or mounding evergreen shrub with silvery-gray, felt-like foliage that emits a licorice scent when crushed.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Helichrysum |
| Botanical Name: | Helichrysum petiolare |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, airy space or outdoor garden bed in mild climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates full sun with acclimation.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually introduce to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; provide shade during intense midday sun; adjust light based on season.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry between waterings
Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; water early in the day.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better texture.
Temperature
Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent warmth for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize less in winter; apply to moist soil to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring or summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut back leggy stems to a leaf node.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove leggy growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, or a knife.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead or damaged growth; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, or browning edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Growth slows; leaves may turn yellow or drop; susceptible to frost damage below 30°F (-1°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or scorch; growth may stall in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHelichrysum petiolare is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHelichrysum petiolare is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines after ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicHelichrysum petiolare is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is commonly used in culinary and medicinal applications without reported adverse effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Helichrysum petiolare toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Helichrysum petiolare?
A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Q: Can Helichrysum petiolare be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright indirect light indoors with good air circulation.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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