How to Grow Bay Leaf Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Bay leaf tree is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 40m tall. The leaves are dark green and leathery, and the tree produces small, white flowers. The bay leaf tree is native to the Mediterranean region, and it has been used for centuries in cooking. The leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, and other dishes.

How to Grow Bay Leaf Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Indonesia: Salam leaf
  • Malaysia: Daun salam
  • Philippines: Bayabas-Bayabasan
  • Thailand: Bai makrut
  • Java: Salam leaf

Basic info

  • Bay leaf trees are native to the Mediterranean region.
  • These trees typically grow to be 20-30 feet tall.
  • The leaves of the bay leaf tree are used as a culinary herb.
  • When dried, bay leaves can be used to make a tea.
  • The essential oil of the bay leaf tree is used in aromatherapy.
  • The bark and leaves of the bay leaf tree are used in traditional medicine.
  • Bay leaf trees are cultivated in many parts of the world.
  • These trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil.
  • Bay leaf trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases.
  • Bay leaf trees can live for hundreds of years.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Growing Steps

  1. For bay leaf tree, first step is to find the perfect location. It should be a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
  2. Bay leaf tree cannot tolerate wet feet, so make sure to plant it in an area that has good drainage.
  3. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the tree’s root ball.
  4. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  5. Water the tree deeply and regularly for the first few weeks.
  6. Once the tree is established, you can cut back on watering.
  7. Fertilize the bay leaf tree in early spring and mid-summer with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Prune the tree as needed to shape it and remove any dead or damaged branches.
  9. Bay leaf trees can be susceptible to insect pests and diseases. Watch for signs of problems and treat accordingly.
  10. Harvest bay leaves from the tree as needed for cooking.

Related plant:
Date Tree

The Soil

About soil condition, Bay Leaf Trees need a well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The tree does not like wet feet and will not tolerate flood conditions. The ideal soil is a sandy loam or a loam with a high clay content.

Light requirement

Similar to other trees, a bay leaf tree needs sunlight to grow. It should be planted in an area that gets at least six hours of sun per day. The tree will also need to be watered regularly, especially during the hot summer months. When watering, make sure to soak the ground around the tree, as the roots need access to moisture in order to thrive.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for the growth of a bay leaf tree is between the temperatures of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree does not like extreme cold or heat and it needs a lot of moisture to survive. If the tree is in an environment that is too dry, it will not produce as many leaves.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the leaf will start to yellow and fall off. Bay Leaf Tree is also sensitive to temperature changes, so it's best to keep it in a room that has a consistent temperature.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant that needs the most fertilizer is the bay leaf tree. The leaves of this tree are dried and used as a spice, so it's important to keep the tree healthy. Fertilizing the bay leaf tree will ensure that the leaves remain potent and fragrant. When it comes to the roots of the tree, it's important to make sure they're healthy as well. This means making sure the roots are getting enough water and nutrients. Bay leaf trees are native to warm climates, so they need a lot of sun and heat to thrive.

Light requirement

Pruning a bay leaf tree is important to keep the tree healthy and looking its best. Bay leaf trees are typically pruned in late winter or early spring. However, you can prune your tree any time of year if necessary. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches. You should also trim back any overgrown branches.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done in spring or early summer, by taking softwood cuttings from the tips of new growth. Select a healthy shoot around 10-15cm long, and cut just below a leaf node with a sharp knife. Remove the lower leaves, making sure that you leave at least two leaves at the top of the cutting. Dip the base of the cutting into hormone rooting powder, then plant in a pot of moistened, well-drained propagating mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or propagator lid to maintain high humidity, and place in a warm spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and in 4-8 weeks the cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant into a larger pot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 15-24 inches per year. However, some trees have been known to grow much faster. The world's fastest growing bay leaf tree was recorded in southern India and grew an incredible 61 feet in just four years.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are yellow leaves, brown leaves, and dried leaves. These problems are often caused by too much sun, too little water, or too much fertilizer. To fix these problems, you should give the tree more water, less sun, and less fertilizer.

Growing Tips

  • Remember to water your bay leaf tree regularly, as it will need a good amount of moisture to thrive.
  • Place your tree in a sunny spot in your garden or home, as it will need plenty of light to grow well.
  • Use a quality potting mix or compost when planting your tree, as this will help it to establish itself quickly.
  • Be sure to fertilize your tree every few months to help it grow strong and healthy.
  • When your tree starts to produce bay leaves, you can harvest them by snipping them off with scissors.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to protect your tree from the cold by wrapping it in burlap or placing it in a sheltered spot.
  • Bay leaf trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so be sure to keep an eye out for any problems and treat them immediately.
  • Prune your tree regularly to

Alternative Plants

  • Aralia cordata
  • Aralia elata
  • Aralia heterophylla
  • Aralia humilis
  • Aralia japonica
  • Aralia laciniosa
  • Aralia lancea
  • Aralia mandshurica
  • Aralia racemosa
  • Aralia spinosa

Source:
Bay – Nutritional Geography - UC Davis
General | problems in bay leaves - Pennsylvania State University
680 Tree Fact Sheets: Trees by Scientific Name | Environmental ...

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Herbs Category