Taiwan Cinnamon Plant Care

Taiwan Cinnamon (Cinnamomum osmophloeum) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Cinnamomum genus. Taiwan Cinnamon is native to broad-leaved forests of central and northern Taiwan.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Taiwan Cinnamon 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.

Taiwan Cinnamon thrives in partial to full sun.

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

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

Feed Taiwan Cinnamon 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.

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

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.

Taiwan Cinnamon is suited to USDA Zone 8b – 10b.

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.

Taiwan Cinnamon 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.

Prune Taiwan Cinnamon 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.

Taiwan Cinnamon is hardy down to USDA zone 8b, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown trees need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

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

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

Taiwan Cinnamon 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.

Taiwan Cinnamon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8b – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8b. Taiwan Cinnamon is native to broad-leaved forests of central and northern Taiwan.