Looking for philodendron tortum care tips? Philodendon tortum, otherwise known as the fernleaf philodendron, is a relatively hardy variety with delicate-looking leaves. Learn more about this plant with my post!
All about philodendron tortum, aka the fern leaf philodendron!
I’ll be honest—I hadn’t heard of the philodendron tortum until relatively recently. Until I hit “order” on one, that is. I saw it pop up online and thought, “huh, that looks cool.” And my service to you? I bought it, learned about caring for it, and am now going to write about it ????
There are a ton of different varieties of philodendron. So unless you’re a big philodendron fan or a super serious houseplant collector, it’s possible that you haven’t heard of tortum, either. Or you might have heard it referred to by its common name “fern-leaf philodendron.”
Can you tell me about the philodendron tortum?
The philodendron tortum grows wild in some tropical regions of South America. It is often referred to as the fern-leaf philodendron because its green leaves have deep lobes that create delicate-looking, fern-like leaves.
It reminds me a bit of the philodendron selloum/bipinnatifidum, which is sometimes referred to as the “lacy tree philodendron.” Except the leaves on the philodendron tortum aren’t nearly as big and beefy as the selloum/bipinnatifidum’s leaves.
Is philodendron tortum rare?
Philodendron tortum is somewhat rare; it is a newer plant on the houseplant collecting scene, so that brings with it a bit of hype. But the grower Costa Farms—one of the biggest growers in the United States, began growing it recently.
And that means they are producing a lot of them. I’ve yet to see them in a store, but they have them for sale on their website as of writing this for $50 including shipping.
The plants are a little more expensive on their website. But you also have to account for the cost of shipping—and they package the plants very well. I also heard directly from a contact at Costa Farms that their direct shipping plants are held to a higher standard than the ones they sell in stores like Home Depot and Lowes.
So all of that is to say the prices are not outrageous on these. You may still find them for higher prices, though, until they become more common in stores.
How do you care for the philodendron tortum?
Caring for philodendron tortum is about as challenging as caring for other philodendrons. And philodendrons are, in general, pretty easy plants.
So if you’re wondering if tortum is a toughie, I wouldn’t worry. We’ll walk through some of the common care topics you’ll need to know, starting with light.
As with other plants grown in tropical areas, philodendron tortum generally preferred loads of bright, indirect light or bright shade. That’s because it grows up trees in the wild, and those trees generally have dense canopies that shield the plants on the lower level from direct sun.
If you have your tortum indoors, shoot for a window with lots of natural light. An east- or west-facing window will generally get the best light in your home. If you don’t have a great spot for it, you can supplement its lighting needs with grow lights.
Outdoors—and I love bringing philodendrons outdoors for the summer—you can put the plant under a tree, in a pot in a shade garden, or under a covered deck or patio. My gazebo on my patio is perfect because it is shaded but gets loads of brightness reflecting up from the patio.
If your plant gets too much direct light—either from the sun or a grow light that is too strong/too close to the plant—it will burn the foliage. You can’t reverse these burns, so make sure you take care to increase light levels slowly.
How much water does this plant need?
You can safely water this plant once about the top half to top two-thirds of soil has dried out. I tend to err on the side of slightly drier soil with my philodendrons.
When you water the plant, do so thoroughly in a sink or shower. At least that’s what I like to do. I love deep watering my plants by completely drenching the soil and letting all of the excess water flow from the pot’s drainage holes.
This is also a great time to rinse off the leaves. The foliage on this one is a bit delicate, and that means wiping the leaves by hand could be challenging.
Do not overwater your plant. If you give it water too often or if you’ve planted your tortum in soil that retains too much water, it can prevent oxygen from flowing to the plant’s roots. This will lead to root rot and kill the plant.
How often you need to water your plants depends heavily on other factors like the amount of light it is getting, how dense the soil is, how warm temperatures are, and more. But generally I water my indoor philodendrons weekly in the spring and summer, every 10-14 days in the late fall and winter.
What is the best soil?
And soil is, of course, a critical component of the watering routine. Use something chunky and well-draining. Anything labeled as a “houseplant” or “indoor plant” soil will work just fine. I love this brand.
These mixes usually come with things like perlite, coco coir or peat moss (the latter I try to avoid for sustainability issues), or orchid bark mixed in. These ingredients help to lighten up soil and facilitate drainage, allowing lightweight moisture retention.
Always check soil moisture before watering—it’s the best way to determine if it’s time to water! Stick that finger in to see or invest in a moisture meter. (I used my finger.)
Temperature & humidity needs
I’ve mentioned the rainforest and tropical environments a few times already. So that should probably tell you that the philodendron tortum does best in hot, humid conditions.
It will do well in a variety of normal household temperatures, though growth will likely slow down in the winter if you keep your house cooler. Shoot for the 70s, 80s, or even low 90s Fahrenheit for the best growth.
It is not cold or frost hardy at all. So if you have it outdoors on a patio for the summer, bring it inside once temperatures begin dropping down into the 50s at night.
Philodendron tortum will be happiest in humidity levels above 50%, which is higher than most standard home humidity levels. I recommend adding a humidifier to your plant room or growing this one in something like a glass greenhouse cabinet.
Misting doesn’t really boost humidity levels for longer than a few seconds. But it is fun, so I’m not going to tell you not to do it ????
Philodendron tortum is a climbing plant, often growing up trees, branches, and the like in its natural habitat. You’ll probably get your plant when it is small and has no need to climb just yet.
But as the plant grows, you should consider giving it something to climb. A moss pole would be a great choice—or some sort of branch would be cool, too.
Tortum’s leaves can grow to be over a foot long, and it will probably need to climb something to help it mature. So tie it up gently to a moss pole and spritz the pole with water to keep it moist.
Is philodendron tortum fast growing?
I would say that the philodendorn tortum is about average as far as growth speed goes. I have not noticed it to be particularly fast or slow.
How often should I repot my plant?
I personally do not repot my plants until they really need it. I don’t want to disturb the root system if I don’t have to. I wait until the roots are growing out of the pot’s drainage holes or they are circling the bottom of the pot a ton.
You can usually tell a pot is totally rootbound because you can pick it up out of the pot and not make a big mess. But when I pot up, I do so only about an inch or so for philodendrons. They don’t want to be drowning in soil.
How do you propagate a philodendron tortum?
Philodendrons in general are pretty easy to propagate. I have actually not tried to propagate my tortum yet, but the process is the same as many other philos I have propagated.
First take a cutting that has at least one growth point on it in addition to the leaf. You may choose to take a cutting with 2-3 leaves and gently remove the bottom-most leaf to expose a growth point.
Honestly, I would just pop it in water, monitor the root development, and then transfer to soil after a few weeks. Keep the soil evenly moist while the cutting’s water roots are adapting to soil.
Is philodendron tortum toxic?
Yes, all phiodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals. They should not be ingested by pets or humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to oral irritation; pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips; excessive drooling; vomiting; and difficulty swallowing, according to the ASPCA.
So keep philodendrons up and away from any curious kids or pets. Another reason a glass grow cabinet might be a good solution for this plant!
Looking for philodendron tortum care tips? Philodendon tortum, otherwise known as the fernleaf philodendron, is a relatively hardy variety with delicate-looking leaves. Learn more about this plant with my post!
All about philodendron tortum, aka the fern leaf philodendron!
I’ll be honest—I hadn’t heard of the philodendron tortum until relatively recently. Until I hit “order” on one, that is. I saw it pop up online and thought, “huh, that looks cool.” And my service to you? I bought it, learned about caring for it, and am now going to write about it ????
There are a ton of different varieties of philodendron. So unless you’re a big philodendron fan or a super serious houseplant collector, it’s possible that you haven’t heard of tortum, either. Or you might have heard it referred to by its common name “fern-leaf philodendron.”
Can you tell me about the philodendron tortum?
The philodendron tortum grows wild in some tropical regions of South America. It is often referred to as the fern-leaf philodendron because its green leaves have deep lobes that create delicate-looking, fern-like leaves.
It reminds me a bit of the philodendron selloum/bipinnatifidum, which is sometimes referred to as the “lacy tree philodendron.” Except the leaves on the philodendron tortum aren’t nearly as big and beefy as the selloum/bipinnatifidum’s leaves.
Is philodendron tortum rare?
Philodendron tortum is somewhat rare; it is a newer plant on the houseplant collecting scene, so that brings with it a bit of hype. But the grower Costa Farms—one of the biggest growers in the United States, began growing it recently.
And that means they are producing a lot of them. I’ve yet to see them in a store, but they have them for sale on their website as of writing this for $50 including shipping.
The plants are a little more expensive on their website. But you also have to account for the cost of shipping—and they package the plants very well. I also heard directly from a contact at Costa Farms that their direct shipping plants are held to a higher standard than the ones they sell in stores like Home Depot and Lowes.
So all of that is to say the prices are not outrageous on these. You may still find them for higher prices, though, until they become more common in stores.
How do you care for the philodendron tortum?
Caring for philodendron tortum is about as challenging as caring for other philodendrons. And philodendrons are, in general, pretty easy plants.
So if you’re wondering if tortum is a toughie, I wouldn’t worry. We’ll walk through some of the common care topics you’ll need to know, starting with light.
As with other plants grown in tropical areas, philodendron tortum generally preferred loads of bright, indirect light or bright shade. That’s because it grows up trees in the wild, and those trees generally have dense canopies that shield the plants on the lower level from direct sun.
If you have your tortum indoors, shoot for a window with lots of natural light. An east- or west-facing window will generally get the best light in your home. If you don’t have a great spot for it, you can supplement its lighting needs with grow lights.
Outdoors—and I love bringing philodendrons outdoors for the summer—you can put the plant under a tree, in a pot in a shade garden, or under a covered deck or patio. My gazebo on my patio is perfect because it is shaded but gets loads of brightness reflecting up from the patio.
If your plant gets too much direct light—either from the sun or a grow light that is too strong/too close to the plant—it will burn the foliage. You can’t reverse these burns, so make sure you take care to increase light levels slowly.
How much water does this plant need?
You can safely water this plant once about the top half to top two-thirds of soil has dried out. I tend to err on the side of slightly drier soil with my philodendrons.
When you water the plant, do so thoroughly in a sink or shower. At least that’s what I like to do. I love deep watering my plants by completely drenching the soil and letting all of the excess water flow from the pot’s drainage holes.
This is also a great time to rinse off the leaves. The foliage on this one is a bit delicate, and that means wiping the leaves by hand could be challenging.
Do not overwater your plant. If you give it water too often or if you’ve planted your tortum in soil that retains too much water, it can prevent oxygen from flowing to the plant’s roots. This will lead to root rot and kill the plant.
How often you need to water your plants depends heavily on other factors like the amount of light it is getting, how dense the soil is, how warm temperatures are, and more. But generally I water my indoor philodendrons weekly in the spring and summer, every 10-14 days in the late fall and winter.
What is the best soil?
And soil is, of course, a critical component of the watering routine. Use something chunky and well-draining. Anything labeled as a “houseplant” or “indoor plant” soil will work just fine. I love this brand.
These mixes usually come with things like perlite, coco coir or peat moss (the latter I try to avoid for sustainability issues), or orchid bark mixed in. These ingredients help to lighten up soil and facilitate drainage, allowing lightweight moisture retention.
Always check soil moisture before watering—it’s the best way to determine if it’s time to water! Stick that finger in to see or invest in a moisture meter. (I used my finger.)
Temperature & humidity needs
I’ve mentioned the rainforest and tropical environments a few times already. So that should probably tell you that the philodendron tortum does best in hot, humid conditions.
It will do well in a variety of normal household temperatures, though growth will likely slow down in the winter if you keep your house cooler. Shoot for the 70s, 80s, or even low 90s Fahrenheit for the best growth.
It is not cold or frost hardy at all. So if you have it outdoors on a patio for the summer, bring it inside once temperatures begin dropping down into the 50s at night.
Philodendron tortum will be happiest in humidity levels above 50%, which is higher than most standard home humidity levels. I recommend adding a humidifier to your plant room or growing this one in something like a glass greenhouse cabinet.
Misting doesn’t really boost humidity levels for longer than a few seconds. But it is fun, so I’m not going to tell you not to do it ????
Philodendron tortum is a climbing plant, often growing up trees, branches, and the like in its natural habitat. You’ll probably get your plant when it is small and has no need to climb just yet.
But as the plant grows, you should consider giving it something to climb. A moss pole would be a great choice—or some sort of branch would be cool, too.
Tortum’s leaves can grow to be over a foot long, and it will probably need to climb something to help it mature. So tie it up gently to a moss pole and spritz the pole with water to keep it moist.
Is philodendron tortum fast growing?
I would say that the philodendorn tortum is about average as far as growth speed goes. I have not noticed it to be particularly fast or slow.
How often should I repot my plant?
I personally do not repot my plants until they really need it. I don’t want to disturb the root system if I don’t have to. I wait until the roots are growing out of the pot’s drainage holes or they are circling the bottom of the pot a ton.
You can usually tell a pot is totally rootbound because you can pick it up out of the pot and not make a big mess. But when I pot up, I do so only about an inch or so for philodendrons. They don’t want to be drowning in soil.
How do you propagate a philodendron tortum?
Philodendrons in general are pretty easy to propagate. I have actually not tried to propagate my tortum yet, but the process is the same as many other philos I have propagated.
First take a cutting that has at least one growth point on it in addition to the leaf. You may choose to take a cutting with 2-3 leaves and gently remove the bottom-most leaf to expose a growth point.
Honestly, I would just pop it in water, monitor the root development, and then transfer to soil after a few weeks. Keep the soil evenly moist while the cutting’s water roots are adapting to soil.
Is philodendron tortum toxic?
Yes, all phiodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals. They should not be ingested by pets or humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to oral irritation; pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips; excessive drooling; vomiting; and difficulty swallowing, according to the ASPCA.
So keep philodendrons up and away from any curious kids or pets. Another reason a glass grow cabinet might be a good solution for this plant!
If you’re curious about rosemary oil for hair growth, this detailed, step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about how to make and use it! Read on for a deep dive into rosemary oil’s proven benefits for hair regrowth, thickening, and reducing hair loss. Plus, discover 3 easy ways to make rosemary hair oil: with herbal infusion, essential oils, or rosemary extract.
You’ve likely heard of the latest hair growth craze to sweep the internet: rosemary. From herbal infused oil to the ultra-trendy rosemary water, everyone seems to be dousing their hair in the aromatic herb.
But this isn’t just another over-hyped TikTok beauty tip – and it’s not a new discovery, either. Rosemary is a well-known natural hair growth remedy with plenty of evidence to support its efficacy, and making your own rosemary infused oil is one of the best ways to reap the benefits.
It’s wonderful to see natural solutions gain popularity. But while most people mean well, not all methods of making rosemary oil are effective or ideal.
That’s why I created this guide. When making rosemary oil for hair, using the right kind of rosemary, carrier oil, and infusion method is important to achieve the best results.
I’ll show you how to extract the most hair growth benefits from your infused oil, while also avoiding common mistakes.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
How to make rosemary oil for hair, including the best carrier oil and infusion method
Rosemary benefits for hair and scalp health
How to dilute rosemary essential oil for hair growth
How to use this homemade remedy to encourage fast hair growth, improved thickness, and to help stop hair fall
Note: this is a long, info-packed guide. If you’re eager to get started, you might want to skip straight to the DIY, which includes step-by-step photos of the process. You can also find tips and a FAQ section at the end of this article.
Many people seem to be experiencing hair loss these days, and if you’re on a hair regrowth journey, I’m right there with you.
I recently started ramping up my growth efforts after a period of stress-induced hair fall. In an effort to regain some length and thickness, I’ve been using homemade rosemary oil and rosemary water religiously.
While I still have a long way to go, it didn’t take much time to notice a difference – the excess shedding has stopped, and I’ve seen steady new growth.
Since I’ve found both remedies to be very helpful, I’ve also written a detailed guide to using rosemary water for hair. And if you struggle with a sensitive, irritated scalp, I also have a hair growth oil recipe with soothing willow bark and green tea.
Rosemary oil for hair
Rosemary oil refers to a carrier oil infused with rosemary leaves. Not to be confused with rosemary essential oil, this aromatic, herbal-infused oil has a variety of benefits for hair and scalp – especially growth and thickening.
The process of making rosemary oil for hair involves gently heating rosemary leaves with a carrier oil and antioxidant, then allowing the mixture to infuse for a couple weeks. This method yields a potent, fragrant, vibrant golden oil imbued with rosemary’s antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
With its beautiful golden color, it’s like liquid gold for hair growth. But expect some natural color variation – the longer you infuse it, the stronger and darker it becomes, sometimes turning almost a golden-green hue.
Afterwards, DIY rosemary oil can be used directly on the scalp to help grow hair, improve thickness, and halt shedding. Or, it can be incorporated into other homemade hair growth recipes, such as:
While rosemary essential oil contains mostly aromatic compounds, rosemary infused oil contains a wide spectrum of lipid-soluble antioxidants, polyphenols, and fatty acids that aren’t present in the purified essential oil – all of which are very good for your hair.
In terms of benefits, rosemary infused oil is likely best for growth. Still, that doesn’t mean the essential oil isn’t effective. If you don’t have rosemary herb, you can also dilute rosemary essential oil in a carrier oil to help stimulate hair growth (more on how to do this later). Alternatively, you can also use rosemary CO2 extract.
Another thing to note is that rosemary infused oil smells more like food (think delicious focaccia dipping oil), whereas the essential oil smells more medicinal.
But while it smells downright edible, I wouldn’t recommend using this rosemary oil recipe for culinary use.
Rosemary oil benefits for hair
Applied to the scalp, rosemary oil has been shown to help stimulate hair growth, stop hair fall, and even increase the size and number of hair follicles – quite literally thickening the hair1.
In fact, in a study comparing rosemary oil and minoxidil, both groups saw increased hair regrowth. However, rosemary was found to decrease hair loss even more so than the hair loss medication – without any of minoxidil’s side effects1.
There are a few main mechanisms by which rosemary oil helps grow longer, thicker hair: by stimulating scalp blood flow, decreasing inflammation1, downregulating hair loss hormones2, controlling yeast3, and protecting the hair and scalp’s lipids from oxidative damage4.
Let’s dive a little deeper into its benefits.
1. Stimulates hair follicle circulation
Rosemary oil potently stimulates scalp circulation, which is crucial for successful hair growth5. Blood flow delivers nutrients to the hair follicles, and well-nourished follicles grow longer, thicker hair.
Not only that, but effective circulation also encourages new hair follicles to grow, and also increases their size. So if you have thin or fine hair, using rosemary oil on your scalp can help increase thickness.
2. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
Rosemary oil contains a wide variety of antioxidants, such as carnosic acid4, rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, caffeic acid, oleanolic acid, micromeric acid6, and betulinic acid7 – all of which have potent anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain a healthy scalp.
This is very important for growth too, as scalp health is directly tied to healthy hair growth.
Just as low antioxidant levels are associated with skin aging, it’s well-known that low scalp antioxidant levels are associated with hair loss and alopecia8. In fact, applying antioxidants to the scalp has been shown to help stop hair shedding9.
Aside from helping growth, rosemary’s potent antioxidants also help prevent lipid peroxidation on the hair and scalp. In other words, they help stop your sebum from going rancid. (Yes, this can happen.)
Rancid oils create free radicals and oxidative stress, which stresses and ages our hair follicles10. So preventing this is key for keeping the hair healthy and growing.
3. Downregulates hair loss hormones
Rosemary is a natural herbal alternative to DHT blockers11 – it contains compounds that block the conversion of DHT, an androgen associated with hair loss at high levels.
Specifically, the carnosic acid2, rosmarinic acid12, and ursolic acid13 in rosemary all inhibit 5a-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into hair loss-causing DHT.
So, using a rosemary hair oil may help balance hormone levels in favour of hair growth, helping it grow long and strong.
4. Reduces yeast, bacteria, and dandruff-induced hair fall
Left unchecked, yeast and bacteria on the scalp can work against your best hair growth efforts.
But rosemary’s potent antibacterial and anti-fungal properties help keep the scalp terrain in check, maintaining the optimal conditions to grow long, healthy hair.
In particular, rosemary helps inhibit Malasezzia3, a species of scalp yeast that can cause dandruff and hair loss when allowed to grow out of control8.
It also helps control acne-causing bacteria, helping keep pesky scalp pimples and the associated inflammation at bay14.
5. Nourishes, conditions, and strengthens the hair
Rosemary oil has nourishing and conditioning properties that promote soft, silky hair1.
Aside from antioxidants and flavonoids, rosemary leaves also contain phospholipids, glycolipids15, and fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitic acid16.
These oily substances help nourish the hair, preventing breakage and keeping strands strong17. Because another facet of growing longer, thicker hair is keeping the hair you already have in good condition!
Still, this is barely covering rosemary’s many benefits for hair growth. To learn more, see my post on rosemary hair tea – it has even more benefits you can’t get from the oil.
DIY rosemary oil for hair ingredients
Making rosemary infused oil for hair is simple. You’ll need:
Note: if you don’t have rosemary herb, you can also find 2 alternate hair oil recipes with essential oils or rosemary extract below.
Organic rosemary
You’ll need a large amount of dried rosemary herb to make rosemary oil for hair. Dried organic rosemary is very affordable in bulk. I buy it by the bag and use it liberally to make hair oil, rosemary water, and other hair growth DIYs.
How much rosemary do you need to make rosemary oil? The short answer: a lot. I use approximately 3/4 cup dried organic rosemary leaves to 1 cup carrier oil for a strong, highly concentrated hair growth oil.
Organic is always best to avoid pesticide residue, but if it’s not available to you, regular dried rosemary is fine. Just be sure to buy dried whole leaves, not the small broken pieces you find in the spice aisle. And if you source culinary rosemary, you can use the leftover in food, too.
If you’d like to use fresh rosemary, it’s vital that you dry it first to avoid mold in your hair oil. For instructions, please see the FAQ section.
Carrier oils
This rosemary hair oil recipe calls for castor oil and fractionated coconut oil (or MCT oil).
It’s important to choose the right carrier oil for infused oils. Popular haircare oils such as sunflower oil, argan oil, and almond oil are extremely high in unstable PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids), which are easily damaged and not suitable for heat infusion.
This is important, as oxidized oils are not good for our skin or hair – they use up antioxidants, which stresses the scalp and can even inhibit hair growth10.
Aside from being low-PUFA, cold-pressed castor oil has hair growth benefits of its own, including prostaglandin-like effects that directly modulate the growth cycle18.
It’s also abundant in growth-promoting vitamin E, and contains ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid that deeply nourishes the hair shaft17.
Many find straight castor oil difficult to use because of its highly viscous texture. But diluting it with another stable oil, such as fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil, solves this issue and makes it much easier to use (and wash out!).
Liquid coconut oil and MCT oil are two of the best carrier oils for heat infusing herbs. They’re comprised of mostly saturated fats, which makes them extremely heat-stable and gives them a long shelf life.
However, some hair types do not do well with these oils, especially protein sensitive hair. For some people, using coconut oil in excess may cause frizz or hair breakage.
In this case, low-PUFA monounsaturated oils such as jojoba oil, avocado oil, marula oil, and olive oil are other good choices to dilute your castor oil. More on the best low-PUFA skincare oils here.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E oil is a secret weapon for making herbal infused oils and other homemade hair growth treatments, including lash and brow serum.
Adding it to your rosemary infused hair oil has a few key benefits. First, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps stabilize fats. It acts as insurance to help protect your oil’s fatty acids during heat infusion.
But it also has direct benefits for growing hair – when used topically, vitamin E was found to accelerate hair growth all on its own19. Much like rosemary, vitamin E stimulates blood flow, and its powerful antioxidants help revitalize and improve hair follicle health.
For best results, choose an amber colored vitamin E. Dark colored vitamin E oil contains a wider spectrum of tocopherols (the compounds that comprise vitamin E). The wider the spectrum, the more antioxidant benefits.
Notes on making rosemary oil
Before you make rosemary oil, here are a few notes about the process, shelf life, and tips for packaging.
Quantity, shelf life, and packaging
This recipe makes 1 cup (200g) rosemary hair oil. It’s easier to make larger amounts of infused oil, so feel free to double the recipe. The oil lasts a long time, and you’ll also have plenty of extra for homemade gifts.
For best potency, use your homemade rosemary oil within a year. However, this is a conservative guideline, as it will likely last up to 2 years – rosemary contains many antioxidants that slow oxidation, and vitamin E lengthens its shelf life even more.
Store rosemary infused oil in a cool, dark place. The best packaging is a dark glass dropper bottle, as this will protect it further from light. You can still use clear glass bottles if you’d like (like the bamboo dropper bottles pictured), but just be sure to store the oil in the dark between uses.
Herbal infusion process
There are a few basic steps to making rosemary infused oil: combining the dry herb and carrier oils, infusing with gentle heat, then allowing the mixture to further infuse at room temperature for a couple weeks. Double infusing the oil in this way gives it even stronger hair growth benefits.
Whichever container you use for infusion, please ensure it’s safe for the stovetop and has a lid. This saucepan with built-in pour spout is extremely handy.
Equipment + supplies
You’ll also need the following equipment and supplies:
Start by placing dried rosemary leaves in a small stainless steel saucepan or miniature double boiler. Then, pour castor oil and fractionated coconut oil (or another carrier oil such as jojoba oil) over top to cover the herbs.
Add vitamin E oil to the mixture. Stir to incorporate and ensure the herbs are completely submerged in oil.
Place the pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat, and keep your laser thermometer handy. The key is to extract as many benefits from the rosemary leaves as possible without overheating the oil. To keep from scorching the oil or herbs, please keep the rosemary oil from exceeding 110°C.
Once the rosemary oil begins to heat up, shut off the stove, give the oil a stir, and place a lid over the pot to retain the heat. This allows the oil to infuse at a low temperature without needing to check it obsessively. At this point, you can leave and come back to your rosemary oil in about an hour once it cools.
Note: If you don’t have a thermometer, just use your best judgment and don’t exceed medium-low heat.
Every hour or so, come back and repeat this process: once the oil cools, warm it up again on medium-low heat. Then turn off the heat, stir, and replace the lid to allow it to infuse once again.
Repeat for 4-6 hours. During infusion, the rosemary oil will turn bright golden yellow and become beautifully fragrant. After heating the oil for the final time, don’t replace the lid, and leave the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Once the oil cools, transfer it to a mason jar or another glass container with a lid. Seal it tightly, and place it in a dark, cool cupboard to infuse for at least 2 weeks. The longer you infuse, the more potent it will be. During infusion, your rosemary hair oil may deepen from a bright yellow to a greenish golden hue, depending on how long you leave it. Give the jar a light shake every few days or so to extract the most from your rosemary leaves.
After 2 weeks, it’s time to strain. Using a sieve, cheesecloth, or both, strain the rosemary leaves out of the infused oil. Whichever method you choose for straining, be sure to squeeze the herbs to release every last drop of infused oil.
Once you’ve strained and removed every last particle of debris, transfer your rosemary hair growth oil into a glass dropper bottle. Now, it’s ready to be used directly on the scalp or incorporated into other recipes.
How to dilute rosemary essential oil for hair growth
As mentioned, if you don’t have rosemary leaves or don’t want to go to the trouble of making infused oil, you can also make hair oil with rosemary essential oil.
According to Tisserand and Young’s Essential Oil Safety, rosemary essential oil’s maximum dermal usage is between 6.5%-22%, depending on the type of rosemary oil used20.
There are several different phenotypes of rosemary oil: 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor CT, and verbenone CT, all of which can aid hair growth. A conservative dilution of 5% ensures you will not exceed the maximum usage level.
To dilute rosemary oil for hair, use a maximum of 5ml (1 teaspoon) rosemary essential oil in 1/2 cup (4oz) carrier oil. Place in a glass dropper bottle with 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil and shake to combine.
1 teaspoon is approximately 100 drops of essential oils. However, a drop size depends on many factors, including your dropper’s size. Measuring in millilitres prevents you from exceeding a safe level of rosemary oil.
For more exact measurements, use a cosmetic scale to combine 5g rosemary essential oil with 95g carrier oil for a precise 5% dilution.
How to use rosemary extract for hair
If you don’t have rosemary essential oil, you can also use rosemary oil extract. Other names include rosemary oleoresin (ROE) or rosemary CO2 extract.
Rosemary extract is commonly used in packaged food as a stabilizer, preservative, and antioxidant21. It’s particularly high in carnosic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps promote hair growth by inhibiting DHT and suppressing inflammation.
Rosemary extract is highly concentrated, and too much can irritate the skin, so its maximum usage level is 0.5%. Make sure you choose an oil-based extract, not a water-soluble rosemary leaf extract.
To use, combine 0.5g rosemary extract with 95g carrier oil and use it on your scalp.
How to use rosemary oil for hair growth
Apply the rosemary infused oil to your scalp, massaging it with your fingertips as you go. You can use your bottle’s dropper to squirt the oil directly onto your head. Or, you can dispense the oil into your hands, using your fingertips to gently press it into your scalp.
Work your way around your entire head. Make sure to apply the rosemary oil to your temples and hairline, however, be careful not to get it on your face. Don’t forget to apply it to the back of your head which often gets missed, too.
After you’ve saturated your scalp, you can also turn your head upside down and continue the scalp massage – inverting your head diverts blood to the scalp and hair follicles, further stimulating growth. (However, please only do this if this if inversions are safe for you.) Use a massaging gua sha comb for a stronger massage.
Shortly after applying, you’ll feel your scalp pulsating and tingling – that’s rosemary oil’s circulation-promoting effects at work. So you’ll know it’s bringing vital nutrients to your scalp and helping your hair grow!
If desired, you can also pull some oil through the length of your hair to nourish your strands with rosemary’s potent antioxidants.
For best results, leave the rosemary oil on for as long as you can to allow it to work its hair growth magic. Then, wash your hair as normal, and follow it with a rosemary hair rinse for even more growth benefits.
Tips for using rosemary hair oil
You can apply your rosemary oil to dry or slightly damp hair. If you find that oils tend to dry out your hair, wetting hair first helps lock in moisture.
It likely goes without saying that if your goal is fast growth, a hair growth oil is best used as often as possible. You can use rosemary oil on your hair every day if you already wash your hair daily. But if you don’t, just apply it according to your usual washing schedule, as often as your lifestyle allows. If that’s only twice a week, that’s fine – just be consistent!
Consistency is key – you won’t see crazy overnight hair growth with rosemary. As with anything, it’s the small things done on a regular basis that make the most difference.
This rosemary infused oil is highly concentrated. So while you saturate your entire hair and scalp in it if you wish, you don’t need to use a lot.
Be mindful of bedding and clothing, as rosemary oil stains.
Here are a few more ideas on how to use your hair oil:
Apply rosemary oil in the morning on the day you plan to wash your hair, then wash it out at night. If you plan to work out, even better – the gentle heat of your scalp helps the oil permeate even more.
Can you leave rosemary oil in your hair overnight? Absolutely – apply it before bed and wash it out in the morning. Just be sure to sleep on a pillowcase you don’t care about, as the brightly colored oil will stain bedding.
Don’t have time to leave the oil in for long? No problem – there’s no need to have a greasy scalp all day to see results. Just try to find at least a couple hours to leave the rosemary oil on your scalp before washing it out.
If you’re pressed for time or don’t like the feeling of an oily scalp, you can use what I call the “quick method” to apply rosemary oil. Instead of dousing your head, simply use your fingertips to gently press a small amount of oil into your scalp for a light, even coating. This method is useful before going to bed so you don’t turn you pillow into an oil slick.
FAQ
How long does rosemary oil take to grow hair?
That depends. In the study comparing rosemary oil and minoxidil, it took 6 months to see a significant increase in hair growth and thickness with daily use. However, it only took 3 months for rosemary oil to decrease hair fall. It depends on your unique hair growth cycle and how often you use it.
Can you use fresh rosemary for rosemary oil?
You can use fresh rosemary to make infused oil, but only if you dry it first.
It’s vital for oil-based products to be anhydrous (free of water), as oil and water together create the perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.
Fresh rosemary is high in moisture. So if you try to use fresh rosemary to make hair oil, it’ll end up rancid or moldy before you have a chance to use it up.
How to dry fresh rosemary for rosemary oil
Place washed and dried rosemary bunches on a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting, then turn the oven off to ensure you don’t damage the herbs. Place the herbs in the oven with the power off for 2-4 hours until completely dry. Remove the dried leaves from the stems before using to make rosemary infused oil.
Why is the rosemary oil cloudy?
You’ll notice the rosemary oil is cloudy, but that’s not because it’s spoiled. The double heat infusion method liberates fatty acids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds from the dry rosemary leaves, creating a cloudy oil that you won’t get from cold infusion.
Over time, the oil will separate into 2 layers, as the heavier fatty acids will create a sediment at the bottom. Simply shake it up before using it on your hair and scalp.
Why isn’t my rosemary oil bright green?
Depending on how long you infuse your rosemary oil, there may be some natural color variation between batches. Yours may vary between bright yellow or a deeper greenish-yellow hue.
Often, culinary rosemary oil is infused with fresh rosemary, which creates a vibrant green oil. But there’s a very good reason you don’t want to use fresh rosemary to make hair oil, explained above.
[mv_create key=”133″ type=”diy” title=”Rosemary Oil for Hair Growth Recipe” thumbnail=”https://alifeadjacent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rosemary-oil-for-hair-growth-diy.jpg”]
More rosemary hair growth recipes
You might also enjoy these other rosemary-infused recipes for hair:
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de Macedo, Lucas Malvezzi et al. “Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L., syn Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) and Its Topical Applications: A Review.” Plants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,5 651. 21 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/plants9050651
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Trüeb, Ralph M et al. “Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress.” International journal of trichology vol. 10,6 (2018): 262-270. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_57_18
Davis, M.G., Piliang, M.P., Bergfeld, W.F., Caterino, T.L., Fisher, B.K., Sacha, J.P., Carr, G.J., Moulton, L.T., Whittenbarger, D.J., Schwartz, J.R., Scalp application of antioxidants improves scalp condition and reduces hair shedding in a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int. J. Cosmet. Sci. 43, S14– S25(2021). https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12734
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MITSUO KAMIMURA, NAOKO SASAKI, EFFECT OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF VITAMIN E ON THE HAIR GROWTH OF RABBITS, THE JOURNAL OF VITAMINOLOGY, 1965, Volume 11, Issue 1, Pages 1-8, Released on J-STAGE February 26, 2010, Online ISSN 2185-2553, Print ISSN 0022-5398, https://doi.org/10.5925/jnsv1954.1
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There’s nothing more exciting than getting ready for a cruise! However, there are parts of going on a cruise that can be worrying, like bad weather while at sea or getting seasick.
If you’re very unlucky, your cruise line may avoid some of the rougher seas, making you miss one of the places on your bucket list! In other cases, cruises are delayed due to bad weather making it impossible to board the ship.
However, most modern cruise ships are able to navigate rough seas, like hurricane season in the Caribbean and Antarctica’s Drake Passage, very well and without problems. Additionally, some passengers enjoy the thrill of being on very rough seas that produce large waves, powerful winds, and choppy cruises.
If you would like to avoid an unpleasant ride on cruises that include rough seas, however, our list of the stormiest seas in the world is sure to help you cruise smarter.
Rough Seas Defined
Before diving into our list of the world’s many rough seas, it can be helpful to first understand what defines a rough sea.
Seas are classified according to the Douglas Sea Scale of measuring wave heights. Typically, seas are considered rough when they are capable of producing waves of eight feet or higher, and very rough seas are capable of producing waves of thirteen feet or higher.
Some cruise lines traversing very rough seas will close off the outer decks as a safety measure, and your itinerary may change suddenly if the ship needs to navigate through a tropical storm.
World’s Roughest Seas for Cruise Ships
The Gulf of Alaska
If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, most of the trip will include smooth sailing through the Inside Passage, home to calm waters and several islands that provide shelter.
However, some ports require crossing the Gulf of Alaska, such as Anchorage, Seward, and Whittier. Here, the freezing Arctic air and powerful surface currents combine to create a rough area with big storms.
The stormiest time in Alaska’s Gulf is from October to February, but keep in mind that storms can happen even outside of that window.
The South China Sea
Located in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the South China Sea is a rough or very rough area that can produce large storms at any time throughout the year. These storms include cyclones and tropical typhoons, typically experienced from July to November in the tropical storm season.
These tropical storms produce the highest waves, and the worst time to visit is in August and September when it is peak stormy season.
It is also home to an area with sunken reefs, low islands, and barely-covered atolls, which is referred to as “Dangerous Ground”.
The Drake Passage
Cruises through the Antarctic Ocean (also known as the Austral Ocean or the Southern Ocean that circles round Antarctica) are notorious for including frequently rough waters, such as the renowned stormy seas of the Drake Passage.
The passage is the shortest crossing to Antarctica and is located between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, at the southern tip of South America. It is also the body of water where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans connect.
Easily considered one of the roughest seas, if not the roughest ocean, the area includes a current with an unimpeded flow, high wind speeds, a huge volume of water, frequent huge swells, and a lack of large landmasses. These combine to create cruises that usually include rough waters, regardless of the time of year.
However, these kinds of expedition cruises are ideal for the more adventurous tourist, and you’re likely to see a variety of icebergs in the South Shetland Islands and gorgeous mountainous landscapes while rounding Cape Horn.
The Bay of Biscay
Located between the French and Spanish borders, just off the west coast of France, the Bay of Biscay is an area with powerful winds, the Atlantic’s fiercest weather, and a shallow sea bed that combine to produce huge waves.
Late spring also brings with it the June Gloom, when the southern-most parts of the bay are covered by a large fog triangle.
The best time of year to avoid storms and enjoy calmer seas in the Bay of Biscay is during the summer.
The Pacific Ocean
If you are traveling between North America and Asia or Hawaii, you can expect some rough waters. The second-largest of the world’s oceans and lacks shelter, making it very likely that you will experience large waves.
The peak time for stormy seas in the Pacific is from February to April.
The Atlantic Ocean
If you’re planning on taking transatlantic cruises, such as the one between New York and Southampton, it’s important to remember that most ocean crossings experience rough seas- since they tend to lack adequate landmass to shelter ships from heavy currents or strong winds.
While there can be large waves regardless of when you travel, you would do well to avoid the intense winter months from November to February.
The Caribbean
If you’re traveling on the Caribbean Ocean during hurricane season, be aware that stormy waters are very likely.
Peak hurricane season is typically from June to November, with most tropical storms happening around August or September. If you don’t want your itinerary to change, and you’re worried about seasickness ruining your holiday, it’s best to avoid cruising during this time.
There is always a greater risk of rough seas in the area where one body of water connects with another, such as where the Atlantic Ocean runs into the Caribbean. While there is a risk of experiencing storms in all the Caribbean Islands, the ones most commonly affected are the British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas.
The Mediterranean
For an ocean that is seemingly very sheltered, with multiple ships sailing its waters every year, it may surprise passengers to know that the Mediterranean is known for being quite rough.
Typically, the winter and autumn months bring the strongest winds and the most storms, but that is not to say that travelers won’t come across rough seas during the summer or spring.
Western Mediterranean cruises, such as the ones departing from Rome or Barcelona, are especially affected by storms. The region usually experiences a Mediterranean hurricane, dubbed a “medicane”, at least once a year during the autumn months.
Cruises departing from Istanbul or Venice, in the Ionian Sea, should also be aware of this storm, as it can hit during the first two months of the year.
Cook Strait
Located at the connection between the South Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, between New Zealand’s South islands and north islands, Cook Strait is considered one of the world’s roughest, most unpredictable, and most dangerous oceans. This is due to its high winds, big waves, tidal surges, submarine ridges, and unbalanced tide elevation.
Roughest Seas FAQs
How safe is a cruise ship sailing through rough seas?
You can rest assured that cruise ships are quite safe, even in the roughest of seas. They have stabilizers designed to reduce the rocking motion of the ship in rough seas and can easily traverse waves of up to fifteen feet.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, it may be a good idea to remain seated while the ship crosses rough waters and use seasickness medication as needed.
