Cinnamomum cebuense Plant Care

Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Cinnamomum cebuense, the Cebu cinnamon or, locally, kaningag, is a species of cinnamon endemic to Cebu Island, Philippines. It was first discovered in Cantipla, Cebu in mid-1980s and described by Kostermans in 1986.

🌳Trees🌿Shrubs
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Partial to full sun

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Cinnamomum cebuense?

Plant Cinnamomum cebuense in partial to full sun (USDA zones 13a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

What Is the Cinnamomum cebuense?

Cinnamomum cebuense (Cinnamomum cebuense) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Cinnamomum genus. Cinnamomum cebuense is native to neighboring Camotes Islands and Siquijor Island.

Cinnamomum cebuense displays a tall, evergreen tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Cinnamomum cebuense produces small, inconspicuous flowers in panicles.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Water a young or newly planted Cinnamomum cebuense every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Cinnamomum cebuense Need?

Cinnamomum cebuense thrives in partial to full sun.

Light Requirement

Partial to full sun

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Cinnamomum cebuense Prefer?

Cinnamomum cebuense tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Cinnamomum cebuense prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

50–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cinnamomum cebuense to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Feed Cinnamomum cebuense every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Choose a spot with partial to full sun and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Cinnamomum cebuense is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Cinnamomum cebuense can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Prune Cinnamomum cebuense while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Cinnamomum cebuense in Winter?

Cinnamomum cebuense is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Cinnamomum cebuense?

Cinnamomum cebuense can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to camphor tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Cinnamomum cebuense Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Cinnamomum cebuense, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cinnamomum cebuense?

Cinnamomum cebuense is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Cinnamomum cebuense Need?

Cinnamomum cebuense grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Cinnamomum cebuense is native to neighboring Camotes Islands and Siquijor Island. In cooler regions, grow Cinnamomum cebuense as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Cinnamomum cebuense is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Cinnamomum genus — compare its care with other Cinnamomum species on PlantoScan.

Cinnamomum is part of the Lauraceae plant family — browse all Lauraceae genera and species.

Cinnamomum cebuense thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Cinnamomum Species

Other Cinnamomum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Cinnamomum cebuense Kosterm., family Lauraceae (first published in Ginkgoana 6: 56 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cinnamomum cebuense, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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