Indian Bay Leaf Plant Care

Indian Bay Leaf (Cinnamomum tamala) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Cinnamomum genus. Indian Bay Leaf is native to northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and southwestern China. Indian Bay Leaf is also known as Malabar Leaf, Tejpat.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Indian Bay Leaf 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.

Indian Bay Leaf thrives in partial to full sun.

Cinnamomum tamala tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Indian Bay Leaf 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 Indian Bay Leaf to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Indian Bay Leaf 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.

Indian Bay Leaf is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

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.

Indian Bay Leaf 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 Indian Bay Leaf 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.

Indian Bay Leaf is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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Indian Bay Leaf 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.

Indian Bay Leaf grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Indian Bay Leaf is native to northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and southwestern China. In cooler regions, grow Indian Bay Leaf as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.