Licorice plant Care (Helichrysum petiolare)

This trailing perennial prefers bright, gentle sun with some protection from intense midday exposure.

• Provide 4–6 hours of direct morning sun, then light shade or dappled light in the afternoon, especially in hot summer climates.
• Tolerates partial shade, but stems may stretch and foliage color fades if it receives less than 3–4 hours of direct or strong filtered light per day.
• In very bright, hot positions, Licorice plant can scorch; watch for bleached, crispy leaves and move it to a slightly shadier spot or add light shade cloth.

This plant favors slightly dry conditions and suffers more from excess moisture than from brief dryness.

• Water when the top 2–4 cm of soil feels dry, using your finger to check rather than following a fixed schedule.
• Ensure sharply draining soil so water runs through within a few seconds; yellowing, limp leaves and a sour soil smell indicate overwatering and possible root rot.
• In cooler seasons or during slow growth, allow the soil to dry a bit deeper, while in hot, windy weather monitor more often to prevent total bone-dry collapse.

This species prefers mild, frost-free conditions and slows or dies back in cold climates.

• Optimal growth occurs around 65–80°F (18–27°C), where foliage stays dense and trailing stems extend steadily through the growing season.
• Plants are damaged near 30–32°F (-1–0°C) and usually killed by hard frost; in cold regions it is often grown as a tender annual or overwintered in a protected spot.
• Tolerates short heat spells up to about 90–95°F (32–35°C) if soil is well drained and not waterlogged, but prolonged extreme heat with hot, dry wind can cause leaf scorch and stalling.

This species handles typical indoor and outdoor humidity well, so humidity is rarely a limiting factor.

• Aim for 30–50% humidity; most home and garden conditions meet this range easily.
• Licorice plant tolerates dry air, but prolonged hot, very dry conditions can cause leaf edges to crisp.
• If tips brown in very dry climates, group plants together or place near other irrigated containers to slightly raise local humidity.

Helichrysum petiolare prefers light, fast-draining soil that stays airy around the roots.

• Use a sandy or loamy mix with plenty of coarse material so water passes through quickly and roots get oxygen.
• Combine roughly 50–60% peat- or coir-based potting mix with 30–40% coarse sand or perlite and a small amount of compost.
• Aim for slightly acidic to neutral pH around 6.0–7.0, which supports nutrient uptake without encouraging toxicity.
• Avoid heavy clay, compacted, or waterlogged soil, which quickly leads to root rot and weak, floppy growth.

This trailing species is well-suited to containers and hanging baskets.

• Choose a wide, shallow to medium-depth pot to support spreading stems and prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy and tipping over.
• Select a slightly heavier material such as ceramic or clay outdoors to stabilize long, trailing growth in wind.
• Ensure large, unobstructed drainage holes so frequent watering in containers does not trap water around the fine roots.

This plant benefits from modest feeding to support dense foliage and trailing growth.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (for example 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) at 1/2 strength for caring for Licorice plant in containers.
• Feed every 3–4 weeks during spring and summer while growth is active.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer or light compost dressing for bedding plants at the start of the growing season.
• Stop or reduce feeding to once in 6–8 weeks in fall and winter when growth slows.

Thoughtful pruning keeps Helichrysum petiolare compact, dense, and attractive.

• Carry out main pruning in early spring, before strong new growth begins.
• Use clean, sharp scissors or hand pruners to remove dead, damaged, or leggy stems.
• Tip back long runners to encourage branching and a fuller mound or cascade.
• Lightly trim after flowering flushes if needed to maintain shape and prevent excess woody growth.

Container-grown plants need periodic repotting, while bedded plants respond well to careful transplanting.

• Check for roots circling the pot, growing from drainage holes, or unexplained slow growth as signs to repot.
• Plan repotting or transplanting for early spring, or very early fall in mild climates, to allow re-establishment.
• Move to a pot only 2–5 cm wider, using fresh, well-drained mix, and gently loosen circling roots.
• Water thoroughly after moving and keep in bright, indirect light for 3–7 days to limit transplant shock.

This species is commonly propagated from stem cuttings for consistent foliage color and vigor.

• Take 7–10 cm softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer from healthy, non-flowering shoots.
• Remove lower leaves, optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and insert into a very free-draining mix.
• Maintain bright, indirect light, 65–75°F, and high humidity while keeping the medium lightly moist, not wet.
• Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; pot on gently once new growth is visible and resistance is felt when tugged.

Cold sensitivity means many plants need some level of winter protection, especially in regions colder than USDA zone 9.

• Expect top damage or death below about 25°F; roots may survive brief light frosts in well-drained soil.
• Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer around outdoor plants in fall, keeping it slightly away from stems.
• Move containers indoors or into a bright, frost-free space before hard frost, and water sparingly but do not allow complete drought.