Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Licorice on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Licorice
Glycyrrhiza uralensis, commonly known as Chinese licorice or gamcho, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, primarily valued for its rhizomatous roots rich in glycyrrhizin. It grows to a height of 50 to 150 cm, featuring erect stems and pinnately compound leaves. This plant is an excellent choice for medicinal herb gardens or as part of a xeriscape landscape, offering attractive green foliage and pale purple flower spikes in summer.
Native range
China, Mongolia, and Siberia
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun exposure, although it can tolerate some partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is susceptible to waterlogging. It requires well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. A common mistake to avoid is overwatering, which can lead to root rot and affect the quality of the harvest.
How to save a dying Licorice
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft or blackened stems. Soft or foul-smelling roots.
- First aid
- Remove plant, inspect roots. Prune rotten parts. Repot in fresh, well-draining substrate. Minimal watering.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and waterlogged soil. Roots rot easily with constant moisture.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot hasn't spread too much. Act fast to aerate roots and dry out substrate.