Broadleaf Thyme – The Resilient Herb for Indoor Growing
I’ll be honest with you…
I used to believe all those articles that said growing herbs indoors was easy.
Every autumn, I’d bring my herbs inside with optimism — basil, rosemary, all the usual favourites — only to watch them slowly struggle through winter. The light never felt quite right, the air was too dry, and those cold windowsills didn’t help either.
Maybe you’ve been there too.
After a few seasons of frustration, I stopped trying to force delicate herbs to survive indoors… and instead started looking for plants that actually wanted to live in real homes.
That’s how I found Broadleaf Thyme.
The Herb That Changed Everything for Me
Broadleaf Thyme (Plectranthus amboinicus) — also known as Cuban oregano or Indian borage — completely shifted how I felt about indoor growing.
The first cutting I had? I barely paid attention to it.
I left it sitting in a pot, forgot to water it properly, moved it around more than I should have… and somehow, it just kept growing.
Not struggling. Not surviving.
Thriving.
It’s one of those rare plants that doesn’t punish you for being busy.
Why I Recommend This to Everyone (Especially Beginners)
If you’re just starting your herb journey — or you’ve lost confidence after a few failed plants — this is the one I always suggest.
It’s:
- Incredibly forgiving
- Fast growing
- Easy to propagate from cuttings
- Happy on a sunny windowsill
- Perfect for a healing herb garden at home
It doesn’t need perfect conditions.
It just grows.
If you’re building your own space, you might also enjoy starting with something gentle like lemon balm or chamomile — both are beautiful additions alongside this plant. (You can explore more in the “Starting Your Healing Herb Garden” guide.)
Growing Broadleaf Thyme Indoors (The Simple Way)
What I love most is how uncomplicated it is.
I keep mine in the brightest spot I have — nothing fancy, just a window that gets decent light.
I use a free-draining soil mix (a bit of sand works well), and I only water when the soil feels dry.
That’s it.
In winter, it can stretch a little, but I just pinch the tips — and it comes back fuller.
And unlike many herbs…
It doesn’t stop growing.
You can harvest from it all year round, which makes it feel like a constant companion rather than a seasonal plant.
Don’t Overlook It Outdoors Either
If you’re more of an outdoor grower, don’t skip this one.
During the warmer months, Broadleaf Thyme absolutely loves being outside. It grows quickly, fills out beautifully, and becomes a really generous plant to harvest from.
Just remember — it’s not frost-hardy.
So before temperatures drop, I always take a few cuttings and bring them indoors. It’s incredibly easy — just snip and root in water or soil — and you’ve got new plants ready to carry you through winter.
A Herb You’ll Actually Use
One of the reasons I’ve kept this plant year after year is simple…
I use it.
The leaves are thick, aromatic, and full of flavour — somewhere between thyme and oregano, but deeper and more rounded.
I add it fresh to:
- Soups and broths
- Curries
- Slow-cooked dishes
And occasionally, I’ll steep the leaves into a simple herbal tea — something that’s been done traditionally for generations.
It’s one of those plants that becomes part of your everyday life without you even realising.
A Quick Note on Names
You might see this plant called:
- Broadleaf Thyme
- Cuban Oregano
- Indian Borage
Botanically, it’s Plectranthus amboinicus (sometimes still listed as Coleus amboinicus).
Same plant — just different names depending on where you find it.
If You’ve Struggled With Herbs Before…
I really believe this is the one that brings your confidence back.
It doesn’t demand perfection.
It doesn’t fail at the first mistake.
It grows with you.
If you’re ready to try something that actually works in real conditions, you can find it here:
👉 Get it Here
And if you’re just beginning, I’d gently point you towards the “Starting Your Healing Herb Garden” — it’s a beautiful place to begin building something of your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the herb that never gives up: broadleaf thyme about?
Broadleaf Thyme – The Resilient Herb for Indoor Growing I’ll be honest with you… I used to believe all those articles that said growing herbs indoors was easy
Is this suitable for beginner herb gardeners?
Yes — all content on The Healing Herb Garden is written to be accessible for beginners while providing enough depth to interest experienced gardeners and herbalists.
Where are The Healing Herb Garden plants grown?
All plants are grown in the UK in small batches using natural, organic methods. They are supplied as healthy, established plants in biodegradable pots.
Can I grow healing herbs in pots and containers?
Most traditional healing herbs grow well in containers. Use a loam-based compost with good drainage, choose appropriately sized pots, and water more frequently than for border plants.
Are herbal preparations safe?
Traditional herbal preparations are generally well tolerated when used appropriately. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbs medicinally, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
What is the difference between medicinal and culinary herbs?
Many herbs serve both culinary and medicinal traditions — the distinction is often one of use and dose rather than the plant itself. Culinary herbs are used in food; medicinal use involves more specific preparations and intakes.
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