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Also known as
Bay Laurel, Bay Laurel, Bay Leaf Tree, Sweet bay, True laurel, Grecian laurel, Laurel and Laurus nobilis.
Taxonomy
Laurus nobilis
Laurus
Lauraceae
Laurales

How to care for Sweet Bay

How often to water your Sweet Bay

every 9
Sweet Bay needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot located in Orlando, Florida.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Orlando, Florida
46% Low

Growing Sweet Bay in Orlando right now
Plant growth potential is currently low 📉
January 24th, 2023
Sunlight intensity as measured by “net radiation” in Orlando is currently low 📉.
The availability of high quality sunlight in your home impacts ability for plants to thrive and is key in determini…
Sunlight will increase by 20.4% ☀️
January 28th, 2023
Orlando is trending towards greater sunlight intensity!
The amount of sunlight in Orlando is expected to increase by 20.4% over the next 2 weeks to an average of 12.1 megajoules of energy per m2 p…
Daylight will increase by 0.5 hours 📈
January 24th, 2023
This month, Orlando is getting an average of 7.5 hours of clear sky sunlight per day.
Hours of daylight will increase by 5.3% over the next two weeks. Your plants will get 10.8 total hours of dayl…
Finding light for Bay Laurel in your home

a window
Sweet Bay love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive during this time of reduced sunlight intensity in Orlando, Florida ⛅.
Sweet Bay does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

How to fertilize Sweet Bay

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Sweet Bay after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
When to repot Sweet Bay
Is this a good time of year to repot? No ⏳
January 25th, 2023
The growing potential in Orlando is low 📉.
Repotting in late fall or winter when the day lengths are shorter can be very stressful for a plant and cause it to go into shock.
It's best to repot…

Sweet Bay is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Sweet Bay prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Sweet Bay requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Sweet Bay is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Soil
Sweet Bay does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Sweet Bay should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Sweet Bay will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Sweet Bay can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Care Summary for Sweet Bay
Sweet Bay
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on your location in Orlando, Florida, the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
