How to Grow Mint Indoors
Last Updated: June 2026
TL;DR
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. Give it bright light, a roomy pot, and steady moisture. Prune often to keep it full, and grow it in its own container because mint spreads aggressively when planted with other herbs.
| Factor | Indoor Mint Requirement |
|---|---|
| Light | Bright window or grow light; tolerates medium light with slower growth |
| Water | Keep lightly moist, never swampy |
| Pot | 6-8 inches wide to start; larger for a heavy harvesting plant |
| Harvest | Cut stems regularly above leaf nodes |
| Best Varieties | Spearmint, peppermint, mojito mint, apple mint |
Keep Mint in Its Own Pot
Mint grows by spreading stems and roots. Outdoors it can take over a bed; indoors it can crowd smaller herbs in a mixed planter. A dedicated pot keeps it easier to water, prune, rotate, and refresh.
Start with a 6-inch pot for a young mint plant. Move up when roots fill the pot or the soil dries too fast. The pot size calculator can help choose the next step without oversizing.
Watering Mint Indoors
Mint likes steadier moisture than most Mediterranean herbs. Water when the top inch starts to dry, then let the pot drain fully. If the leaves wilt and the pot feels light, it is probably thirsty. If leaves yellow and soil smells sour, the roots are too wet.
Terra cotta dries quickly, which can be useful for overwaterers. Plastic retains moisture longer, which can work well if you often forget to water.
How to Keep Indoor Mint Full
- ->Harvest stems, not single leaves. Cut above a node so the plant branches.
- ->Rotate the pot weekly. Mint leans toward the window if light comes from one side.
- ->Refresh tired plants. Root new cuttings when an older plant becomes woody or sparse.
- ->Do not let it flower early. Pinch buds to keep the plant focused on leaves.
Related Indoor Herb Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors. It tolerates more moisture than woody herbs, roots easily from cuttings, and regrows quickly after pruning. It still needs bright light to stay compact.
Indoor mint grows best in bright light with several hours of sun or a grow light. It can survive in medium light, but weak light produces long stems, smaller leaves, and less flavor.
Water mint when the top inch of soil begins to dry. Mint prefers more consistent moisture than rosemary, thyme, or oregano, but the pot still needs drainage so roots are not sitting in stale water.
Often, yes. Place healthy mint stems in water, remove the lower leaves, and keep the nodes submerged. Roots usually form quickly, then the cuttings can be potted into moist well-draining mix.
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