How to Take Care of a Potted Thyme Tree

Thyme grows as a perennial herb. As the plant ages, its stems become woody. With careful pruning, thyme is trainable into the shape of a small tree or shrub. Growing the thyme in a pot allows you to enjoy the plant both indoors and out. The leaves from the thyme tree provide an aromatic herb for culinary use while the plant provides an attractive houseplant. With proper care, the thyme maintains its shape and remains healthy while still producing well as an herb plant.

Fertilizer
Shears

Instructions

- 1
  Plant thyme in a well-drained potting soil mix, as the plant can't tolerate sogginess. A soil containing peat with sand, vermiculite or perlite provides optimum drainage.
- 2
  Set the thyme where it receives at least six and preferably eight hours of daily sunlight. Thyme prefers warm temperatures, so move outdoor plants indoors to a sunny window before the first fall frost.
- 3
  Water the thyme tree when the soil feels dry at a 2- to 3-inch depth. Thyme grows well in slightly dry soil but is weakened if the soil dries out completely.
- 4
  Fertilize the plant every three to four weeks with a soluble balanced fertilizer applied at the rate indicated on the label. Apply fertilizers in spring and summer. Though an evergreen, thyme enters semi-dormancy in winter and doesn't require fertilization.
- 5
  Clip the side branches from the main stems on the lower third of the plant to form the trunk. Cut these flush with the main stems. Clip in spring as new growth begins.
- 6
  Pinch 1/4 inch from the tip of the remaining branches at the top of the stem with your fingers. Pinching encourages further branching and results in a fuller tree shape.

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