Mint care guide
Mentha spicata
Quick answer
Water your mint when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 2 to 4 days.
- WateringEvery 2 to 4 days · summer
Every 6 to 8 days · winter - LightBright / direct light
- Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
2 cm (0.8 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 2 to 4 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 6 to 8 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Mint needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your mint every 45 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Humidity40–60%
Mint is comfortable between 10 and 24 °C (50–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above -15 °C (5 °F).
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice. ASPCA lists the whole Mentha genus, so this applies to every Mentha species, including this one.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a mint?
Water your mint (Mentha spicata) when the top 2 cm (0.8 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 2 to 4 days. In winter, slow down to every 6 to 8 days.
How much light does a mint need?
Mint needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Is mint safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep mint out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like old man cactus, basil, Arabian jasmine, or Echeveria.
Sources
- This guide follows established plant-care guidance and official ASPCA pet-safety references. How we verify our plant data →
- How we check our plant advice
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