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
Umbellularia californica
Umbellularia
Lauraceae
Laurales
How to care for California Bay Laurel
Water
How often to water your California Bay Laurel
every 9
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
Light
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.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for California Bay Laurel in your home
a window
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
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.
FAQs
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.
Care Summary for California Bay Laurel
California Bay Laurel
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
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