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California Bay Laurel

Also known as

California bay laurel, Umbellularia, Pōl’-cum ōl, Oregon myrtle, California bay, California laurel, Pepperwood, Spicebush, Cinnamon bush, Peppernut tree, Headache tree, Mountain laurel and Balm of heaven

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Umbellularia californica

Genus

Umbellularia

Family

Lauraceae

Order

Laurales

How to care for California Bay Laurel

💦 Water

How often to water your California Bay Laurel

California Bay Laurel 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 Bay Laurel in your home

California Bay Laurel 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 Bay Laurel in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize California Bay Laurel

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for California Bay Laurel: 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 Bay Laurel after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

What’s wrong with my laurel? #CaliforniaBayLaurel

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💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

California Bay Laurel 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 Bay Laurel 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.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

California Bay Laurel 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 Bay Laurel can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 7a-10b. 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.