California Nutmeg

Also known as

California torreya, California-nutmeg and Stinking cedar

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Torreya californica

Genus

Torreya

Family

Taxaceae

Order

Pinales

How to care for California Nutmeg

💦 Water

How often to water your California Nutmeg

California Nutmeg needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

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

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for California Nutmeg in your home

California Nutmeg may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of California Nutmeg in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize California Nutmeg

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for California Nutmeg: repot after 2X growth

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 California Nutmeg after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

California Nutmeg 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

California Nutmeg may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

🪴 Soil

California Nutmeg 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

California Nutmeg grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

California Nutmeg 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
California Nutmeg can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 6a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.