Indian Bay Leaf
Cinnamomum tamala
Indian bay leaf is a small evergreen tree whose aromatic, three-veined leaves are used in pulao, biryani and curries. It is different from the Mediterranean bay laurel and has a warm, cinnamon-like scent.
Photo: Sonja Pauen · Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Partial sun, Full sun
Watering
Moderate
Water regularly when young; established trees need watering only in dry spells.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile loam; pH 5.5–7.0.
Temperature and humidity
3–38 °C · Moderate humidity
Feeding
Feed with compost once or twice a year.
Pruning and propagation
Propagate by seed, stem cuttings, air layering
Prune to keep it compact if grown in a pot; harvest mature leaves.
The leaves are safe as a spice; remove them before serving, as they are tough.
Top Cultivation Tips
Dry leaves in shade to keep their colour.
Grows well in a large container.
Young leaves are pinkish.
Give some shade in hot plains summers.
Common problems
Leaf miners
Larvae of small flies and moths that tunnel inside leaves, leaving pale, winding trails.
How to treat it →DiseaseLeaf spot
Fungal or bacterial infections that cause brown, black or purple spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo, leading to early leaf drop.
How to treat it →PestScale insects
Immobile, shell-covered insects that cling to stems and leaves, draining sap and weakening trees and houseplants.
How to treat it →
