Indian laurel is a plant that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a member of the Lauraceae family and is closely related to the true laurel (Laurus nobilis). Indian laurel is a large evergreen shrub or tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The leaves are glossy green and up to 20 centimeters long. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a blackberry-like drupe. Indian laurel is commonly used as an ornamental plant, and its wood is used in furniture making.
Related plant:
Indian Hawthorn Plant
Related plant:
Indian Hawthorn Bush
About soil condition, Indian Laurel prefers well-draining soil mix. If the potting mix is too dense, the plant may suffer from root rot. The plant cannot tolerate sitting in water for long periods of time. It's best to let the potting mix dry out somewhat between watering.
Like the other climbers, Indian laurel does best in full sun. It's a fast-growing plant, so it will quickly cover a bare wall or fence. Indian laurel is a good choice for covering a large area quickly, but it does need some support.
The temperature conditions in India are extremely hot and humid. The Indian Laurel is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The Indian Laurel is an important tree in the Indian landscape and is often planted in public parks and gardens. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of temperature conditions and can even survive in the hottest and driest parts of the country.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is above 60%. The Indian laurel does not tolerate long periods of dryness. If the leaves start to turn brown and curl, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough moisture. Indian laurel prefers a humid environment but can also tolerate some drought.
Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much and regular fertilizing. An annual feeding in early spring is usually sufficient. When grown in containers, Indian laurels benefit from being Root bound. In fact, they often perform better when slightly pot bound. Just be sure not to let them become too dry between waterings. The roots need to stay moist, but not soggy.
Pruning is an important part of caring for your Indian Laurel. Pruning not only keeps the plant healthy, but also helps to control its growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves, as well as any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also prune any stems that are longer than the desired length.
Propagation of Indian Laurel is typically done through rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and each cutting should have 2-3 leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they have rooted. Once roots have developed, the newly rooted plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the growing conditions and the amount of sunlight the plant receives. If the plant is healthy and getting enough light, it can grow up to 24 inches per year. However, if the plant is not getting enough light or if the soil is poor, the growth rate will be much slower.
Common problems for this kind of plant plants are mainly due to incorrect watering, over-fertilizing, or poor drainage. If the plant is not receiving enough water, the leaves will begin to droop and the plant will eventually die. If the plant is receiving too much water, the leaves will yellow and the plant will eventually die. If the plant is not receiving enough drainage, the roots will rot and the plant will eventually die.
Source:
Ficus microcarpa - North Carolina State University
Online & Distance Education | Laurel Institutes
Indian Hills Community College | Indian Hills Community College