Buckeye vs Licorice Plant Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Buckeye
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) and other Aesculus species
Buckeyes are deciduous trees or shrubs, known for their palmate leaves, showy flower clusters (panicles), and distinctive seed capsules containing large, glossy seeds. They are primarily outdoor plants, valued for their ornamental appeal in parks and large gardens. Buckeyes are not suitable for indoor cultivation due to their size, light requirements, and dormancy needs. They are grown for their aesthetic value, providing shade and seasonal interest with their spring flowers and autumn foliage.
Licorice Plant
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. It features pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers, typically purple to pale blue. The plant is primarily cultivated for its rhizomes and roots, which contain glycyrrhizin, a compound responsible for its characteristic sweet flavor. Licorice is mainly grown outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun. While it can be attempted indoors, it's challenging to replicate its ideal growing conditions, and it may not thrive.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Buckeye | Licorice Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to partial shade | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Once or twice a week during dry periods, less frequently during cooler months. | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-25°C | 15-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate To Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Not applicable indoors; outdoors: 15-30 meters | 0.5-1 meter (indoors, likely smaller) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral pH. | Well-drained loamy soil |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes monthly (pruning, pest control). | 30 minutes weekly (primarily for watering, weeding, and pest control). |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Buckeye
| Scientific Name | Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) and other Aesculus species |
|---|---|
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Native To | Balkan Peninsula (Horse Chestnut); North America (various Buckeye species) |
| Also Known As | Buckeye, Horse Chestnut, Ohio Buckeye, Red Buckeye, California Buckeye |
| Leaves | The leaves are palmately compound, with 5-7 leaflets radiating from a central point. Leaflets are oblong to lance-shaped, with serrated edges. The color is typically dark green in summer, turning yellow, orange, or red in autumn. |
| Flowers | Buckeyes produce showy flower clusters (panicles) in spring. The flowers are typically white, pink, or red, depending on the species. They are attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Flowering does not occur indoors. |
Licorice Plant
| Scientific Name | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Native To | Southern Europe and parts of Asia |
| Also Known As | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately compound, typically consisting of 9-17 leaflets. Each leaflet is oval to lance-shaped, with a smooth margin and a slightly sticky texture. The leaves are generally green in color. |
| Flowers | Licorice produces pea-like flowers that are typically purple to pale blue. Flowering usually occurs in the summer months. It is unlikely to flower indoors due to insufficient light. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Buckeye
Licorice Plant
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Buckeye
Methods: Seed, grafting, cuttings (difficult)
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips: Collect seeds in the fall, stratify them over winter, and sow in spring. Grafting is used to propagate specific cultivars. Cuttings are difficult to root.
Licorice Plant
Methods: Seed, Rhizome division, Root cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: For rhizome division, separate rhizomes in early spring and plant them in well-drained soil. Root cuttings should be taken in late fall or early winter and planted horizontally.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Buckeye
Buckeyes are known for their distinctive palmate leaves and showy flower clusters. The seed capsules contain large, glossy seeds that are considered poisonous. The Ohio Buckeye is the state tree of Ohio.
- ✓ Provides shade in summer
- ✓ Attracts pollinators
- ✓ Adds visual interest with flowers and foliage
- ✓ Offers seasonal color changes
- ✓ Can increase property value
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Licorice Plant
The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that is significantly sweeter than sugar. This plant has a long history of use in both culinary and traditional medicine.
- ✓ Provides a unique flavoring agent for culinary uses.
- ✓ Has potential medicinal properties (consult a healthcare professional).
- ✓ Adds visual interest to a garden with its foliage and flowers.
- ✓ Can be a rewarding challenge for experienced gardeners.
- ✓ Supports biodiversity in a garden ecosystem.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Buckeye
Licorice Plant
🌞 Light Requirements
Buckeye
Full sun to partial shade
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Licorice Plant
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Buckeye
Water deeply when the topsoil feels dry, especially during hot and dry periods. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Established trees are relatively drought-tolerant.
Licorice Plant
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Buckeye
Temperature: 10-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Licorice Plant
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Buckeye
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) and other Aesculus speciesLandscapers and gardeners with large outdoor spaces who appreciate ornamental trees.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a large outdoor space for a shade tree.
- You appreciate showy spring flowers.
- You want a tree with interesting seed pods.
- You are looking for a tree that attracts pollinators.
- You are aware of the toxicity and can keep pets and children away.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited space.
- You have pets or small children who might ingest parts of the plant.
- You live in an area with poor soil drainage.
- You are looking for an indoor plant.
Licorice Plant
Glycyrrhiza glabraExperienced gardeners who want to grow licorice outdoors for its roots, understanding its toxicity to pets.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a sunny outdoor garden space.
- You are interested in harvesting licorice root for culinary or medicinal purposes.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a unique plant to grow.
- You understand the plant's toxicity to pets and can keep it away from them.
- You are prepared to provide the specific care this plant needs to thrive.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You are not prepared to manage the plant's potential for rhizomatous spread.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Buckeye needs full sun to partial shade, while Licorice Plant prefers full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
Buckeye has moderate to fast growth, while Licorice Plant grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Buckeye Care Tips
Buckeyes are not suitable for indoor cultivation. They require full sun, well-draining soil, and ample space to grow. They also need a period of winter dormancy. Maintaining these conditions indoors is extremely challenging. Toxicity to pets is a major concern.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply during dry periods, especially when young.
- Fertilize in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.
- Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches.
Licorice Plant Care Tips
Licorice is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun and well-drained soil. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements and potential for rhizomatous spread. It also poses a toxicity risk to pets. Indoor cultivation requires careful attention to light, watering, and potential toxicity.
- Provide well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Ensure at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Harvest licorice roots in the fall after 3-4 years of growth.
- Be mindful of its potential for rhizomatous spread and contain it if necessary.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Buckeye
Licorice Plant
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Buckeye
What are the light requirements for Buckeye?
Buckeyes require bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced leaf production. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing ample morning light without harsh afternoon sun. A south- or west-facing window can work, but position the plant a few feet away from the window or use sheer curtains to diffuse the light.
How do I care for Buckeye?
Buckeye trees, though typically outdoor plants, can thrive indoors with proper care. Select a large pot with drainage holes, using well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring excess water drains away. Provide bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch leaves. Maintain humidity levels around 50-60% through misting or a humidifier.
How do I propagate Buckeye?
Buckeyes can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering, although success rates can vary.
Licorice Plant
What are the light requirements for Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and faded foliage color. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A south- or west-facing window can also work, but be sure to filter the light with sheer curtains or blinds, especially during the hottest part of the day.
How do I care for Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant thrives in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth, though it can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the morning. These plants prefer moderate temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
How do I propagate Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings and layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain moisture. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots develop, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Last updated: May 9, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.