While Bay Laurel is a beautiful plant and can be grown as a tree. There are different varieties. The most understod part of Bay Laurel are its cooking leaves.
Unfortunately, Bay Laurel will not survive outdoors in all zones because it is adapted to the Mediterranean region.
This makes it more difficult for those living in the colder zones to keep it alive.
Learning how to grow Bay Laurel indoors solves those cold winters that could kill Bay Laurel. It is also and option for those who live in urban apartments wanting some greenery inside. Bay Laurel is a good candidate for growing and taking care of a plant indoors.
How Do You Get Started Growing Bay Laurel Indoors?
Most herb experts say:
- The easiest way to grow a Bay laurel indoors is to purchase a small, healthy, and growing plant but, if you’d like, you can also grow one from seed.
- Make sure to put the plant in a clean pot that has a lot of drainage.
- The pot does not have to be super large but should be larger than the original pot.
When starting out, you can use a smaller container and then transfer to a larger container as the Bay Laurel grows.
You may supplement the new container with fresh potting soil but it doesn’t have to be special. The Bay Laurel can grow in just about any soil.
One thing the Bay Laurel will definitely need is sunshine, so many people move the laurel in and out to accommodate the weather changes.
In summer, it can be outside on a porch or deck while it can be something nice to have inside in the fall through spring.
Once you move the Bay Laurel inside, it will continue to need sunshine, so be sure to place it near a sunny window.
Most likely you will find that the afternoon sun will be best for the Bay Laurel. One thing to consider is to put it in a draft-free location, and not near appliances that will give off heat.
Plants grown in Mediterranean climates, such as Bay Laurel, do not need as much water as other plants. Most people find once a week watering is sufficient watering.
Allow enough time for the soil to dry out in between waterings.
Important: Remember that the Bay Laurel has shallow roots, so ensure you keep a routine of watering, as well as checking on it regularly because it can dry out quickly in dry indoorheat.
What About Humidity?
A Bay Laurel bush or tree can encounter difficulties in a residence as it needs some humidity.
To compensate for the plant drying out, you can place your plant in a cooler area of the home.
If it begins to dry out, there may be a few leaves that drop. You can use the leaves to cook with.
Should I Fertilize a Bay Laurel Growing Indoors?
Bay Laurel plants are slow-to-moderate in growth and don’t need much fertilizer. Most plants enter into a sort of dormancy in terms of growth during winter, whether they are indoors or outdoors, and Bay Laurel should be no exception.
Generally speaking, all container plants should receive some fertilizer during the spring growing season.
The recommended schedule is to fertilize container plants like a Bay Laurel, then again in mid-summer.
A balanced, organic fertilizer is preferred for Bay Laurel plants.
In the spring, it is also advantageous to refresh the top 2-inches of soil with fertilizer, being careful not to disturb the roots.
How Tall Will Bay Laurel Grow Indoor?
The Bay Laurel shrub is capable of growing into a tree, and the height to which it grows depends on the size of the container.
Like a tree, this plant can survive to about 20 years old with minimal maintenance, making it a popular container plant.
By keeping it in a smaller container, you can maintain the lower end of the height ultimately reaches.
The container for growing indoors should have a wide base to keep it steady as the tree begins to grow in size.
Pot Size: A tree that is 4 to 6 feet tall will do well in a 24-inch pot. As the plant continues to grow, the repotting should only be needed every 5 years.
Should I Prune It?
Bay trees, when unpruned, can grow as much as 60 feet tall.
You will want to prune it so that it does not outgrow your space.
Pruning it in the springtime is ideal, as this is when it will begin to grow again.
There is no certain amount to prune off your tree:
- Trim it. That’s right, trim it to the size you want. And remember, the laurel will produce new heavy shoots the same place you cut it.
- You should promptly prune off any damage, like die-back. Severe damage will demand you to cut your plant back to just 6 inches tall to allow growth to emerge from the base more effectively.
When Can I Harvest the Leaves?
Mature plants will produce leaves that can be harvested at any time.
You will want to wait at least two years until it is time to harvest leaves.
Usually, you don’t require many leaves to produce dishes but can easily dried for later use.
What Is So Good About Growing a Bay Laurel Indoors?
In addition to being simple to grow and care for, Bay Laurel has an attractive appearance all year.
The glossy green leaves are beautiful and add to the look of any space.
The Bay tree lives a long time and requires little effort.
The other advantage of the bay bush or tree is that it is one plant that does not attract pests.
The bay tree repels pests which is a great thing to have to keep pests out of your house or apartment.
How Many Types of Bay Plants Are There?
There are four types of bay plants and all can be kept as plants or left to grow as trees.
They include:
- Laurus nobilis Angustifolia
- Laurus nobilis Aurea
- Laurus nobilis Undulata
- Laurus nobilis Saratoga
The different species mainly differ in leaves’ shape and color.
Augustfolia has slender willow-like leaves; Aurea has yellow leaves that smell divine.
Undulata has a rippled-wavy leaf, and the Saratoga has rounded light green leaves and also provide a nice leaf variety for seasoning.
Conclusion
The Bay Laurel is a lovely plant to keep in the house as great both indoors and outdoors.
If you provide it with ample sunlight and keep watered, it will provide beauty for many years.