Panama cinnamon Plant Care

Panama cinnamon (Nectandra reflexa) belongs to the Lauraceae family within the Nectandra genus. Panama cinnamon is native to Ecuador and Peru. Panama cinnamon is also known as Nectandra panamensis.

Panama cinnamon displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Panama cinnamon produces small, inconspicuous flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Panama 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.

Panama cinnamon thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Panama cinnamon in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Nectandra reflexa tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Panama cinnamon prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Panama cinnamon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Panama 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 shade and rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Panama cinnamon is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

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.

Panama 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 Panama 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.

Panama cinnamon is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Panama cinnamon can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to nectandra angusta plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Panama cinnamon is susceptible to scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Panama cinnamon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Panama cinnamon is native to Ecuador and Peru. In cooler regions, grow Panama cinnamon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.