How To Grow And Care For A Bay Laurel Tree Plant

If you're thinking of growing your own herb garden, then the Bay Laurel plant is a great place to start! Not only does it have culinary uses, but it also has a whole host of health benefits. But before you dive into growing your own Bay Laurel plant, it's important to understand the plant attributes, plant care, pruning, propagation, potting and repotting, common pests and plant disease and common problems that may arise. Plant Attributes: The Bay Laurel plant, also known as Laurus nobilis, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall if left to its own devices! However, it is easily pruned and shaped to the desired size. One of the most famous attributes of the Bay Laurel plant is its leaves. Bay leaves are used to add flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes, and they also have medicinal properties that make them popular for treating colds and other respiratory illnesses. Plant Care: One of the great things about the Bay Laurel plant is that it is fairly easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil, so make sure to plant it in a pot or in a well-draining soil in the garden. Water it regularly, but make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering to avoid overwatering. The Bay Laurel plant also prefers full sun, so make sure to place it in a spot that gets plenty of direct sunlight. Pruning: Because the Bay Laurel plant can grow quite tall if left unchecked, it's important to prune it regularly to keep it at a manageable size. You can prune the plant at any time of year, but it's best to do it in the spring just before the new growth starts. When pruning, make sure to cut back any dead or diseased growth and shape the plant as desired. Propagation: If you want to propagate your Bay Laurel plant, there are a few different methods you can try. The easiest method is to take cuttings from the plant and root them in water or soil. To do this, take a 6-inch cutting from the plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in soil or place it in a jar of water. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm place until roots form, then transplant it into a pot. Potting & Repotting: If you're growing your Bay Laurel plant in a pot, it's important to make sure it has plenty of room to grow. When first planting the Bay Laurel plant in a pot, choose a pot that is at least 1-2 inches bigger than the root ball. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to let excess water out. When repotting, choose a pot that is 2-3 inches bigger than the current pot. Common Pests & Plant Disease: Like any plant, the Bay Laurel plant is susceptible to pests and disease. One common pest is the spider mite, which can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Another common pest is the mealybug, which can be treated with alcohol or insecticidal soap. The Bay Laurel plant can also be susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so make sure to let the soil dry out slightly between watering to avoid this. Common Problems: One of the most common problems with the Bay Laurel plant is yellowing leaves. This can be caused by a number of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency, or pests. Make sure to diagnose the cause of the problem before attempting to treat it. Another common problem with the Bay Laurel plant is leaf drop, which can be caused by changes in temperature or humidity. In conclusion, growing your own Bay Laurel plant can be a rewarding experience. Not only can you use the leaves for cooking, but the plant also has a number of health benefits. Just make sure to understand the plant attributes, plant care, pruning, propagation, potting and repotting, common pests and plant disease and common problems before diving in. Happy gardening! Bay Leaf Plants - How to Grow and Care for Bay Laurel