Have you finally fallen in love with a pretty basil plant, but don’t know how to water and care for it? Don’t worry, we’ll give you the keys to make your basil grow and thrive. Learn how to care for and water your potted basil with the right gestures!

How do you care for a basil plant? Tips and advice

Basil is an aromatic and medicinal herb that is widely used in traditional medicine and cooking around the world. However, potted basil or the basil plant can die quickly and for no apparent reason. From fungal diseases to care mistakes, here’s how to care for this plant to keep it healthy for a long time. As you wish!

How should basil be watered? Gentle watering indoors and outdoors….

To keep your basil from rotting, it’s important to water it properly. Pay attention to the moisture of the soil and water it without flooding the potting soil of the plant. If the plant shows signs of disease, it is important to act as soon as possible to save it. Also, make sure the plant drains well after watering and allow the soil to dry out between watering cycles. With this basic care, you’ll be able to enjoy this fresh, aromatic weed all year long.

What exposure is needed for basil? Shade or sun?

In addition to proper watering, this plant must receive adequate sunlight and be protected from extreme weather conditions such as drafts and temperatures that are too cold or, conversely, too hot. Therefore, basil can grow well in a garden, balcony, windowsill or indoors with sufficient natural light. However, the plant may suffer from prolonged and continuous exposure to sunlight, especially in places with very hot climates.

Why is my potted basil dying?

  • Fusarium wilt

Fusarium oxysporum is a fungus that causes plants, including basil, to wilt. This fungal disease thrives primarily in warm climates and acidic soils. Symptoms of Fusarium wilt include yellowing and desiccation of the plant with reduced growth. Once the first signs of this disease appear, basil plants can die within seven days.

  • Anthracnose

As explained in this study, the fungus Colletotrichum is responsible for anthracnose in the basil plant. These are lesions that cause black spots on the stems and leaves of basil. Sudden temperature changes between hot, humid nights and cool nights can cause this disease.

  • Root rot and seedling disease

Pythium ultimum and Phytophthora are germs that grow primarily in moist soils and cause root rot. These bacteria can spread through garden tools, plant debris, and unsterilized trays. They are responsible for infecting and rotting the roots of the basil plant, as well as causing poor seedling growth.

How to repot basil?

Have you just bought a basil plant from the store and want to repot it? If you are growing your basil from seed, wait until the seedlings are two weeks old before repotting them. Moreover, if the climate allows it, you can transplant your basil in your garden or patio; Otherwise, take a pot with a depth of 7/10 inches and a capacity of 7 quarts and put your seedlings in it. Follow the leaders!

You will need the following tools:

  • A larger container: why a larger pot? To allow the roots to spread better, it must be at least 2-3 inches higher.
  • A similar soil: Did you know that basil prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH? To avoid stressing your plant when repotting, the new potting soil should be similar to the one it was planted in.

Proceed as follows:

  • Sprinkle the new container with the new potting soil about 2 inches above the bottom of the pot.
  • Then carefully grasp the original pot, place your hands on the bottom of the sides, and slowly and evenly rotate the pot
  • Apply pressure with your hands to allow the plant to slide out of the pot
  • Then place the plant in its new pot. If you can’t reach the 2 inches at the rim of the pot, add or remove the soil below it
  • Finally, sprinkle new potting soil around the plant to reduce the distance between it and the pot it is in.
  • Once your basil is comfortable in its new container, move it to daylight or outdoors (depending on the temperature!) and water it gently.

Now you know not only how to properly care for your basil plant, but also how to repot it. So, what are you waiting for to take care of it and enjoy it?!