Bay Tree (Laurus nobilis)

Last updated: August 3, 2025

Lighting

Potted bay trees thrive in full sun to partial shade. For best growth and leaf quality, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. A spot on a sunny patio, deck, or a west or south-facing location is ideal. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorch. If overwintering indoors, place the tree in the brightest window available.

Watering Routine

Bay trees prefer consistently moist, but not soggy, soil. They are very susceptible to root rot if they are overwatered or left to sit in water. Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. During hot, sunny periods, this may mean watering daily, especially if the pot is made of a porous material like terracotta. Always allow excess water to drain completely from the bottom of the pot. Reduce watering significantly in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Fertilizer Requirements

Bay trees are "heavy feeders" and benefit from regular nutrients during their active growing season, which is spring and summer.

For Liquid Feed: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer. Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid) or Schultz Liquid Plant Food are good, easily available options. Dilute these commercial concentrates to achieve approximately 100-200 ppm N in your final solution. This is often equivalent to using them at "full strength" or even slightly higher than the package's recommended "half strength" for general houseplants.
For Granular Feed: A slow-release granular fertilizer, such as Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food All-Purpose, can be applied at the beginning of the growing season for a steady supply of nutrients.
DIY Fertilizer Suggestion:
For robust growth, use your homemade 3-1-2 liquid fertilizer concentrate (High Nitrogen) or a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate.
- For 3-1-2 concentrate (30,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Moderate to Heavy Feeding" rate, using 3.33 ml to 6.67 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~100-200 ppm N). See recipe details.
- For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Heavy Feeding" rate, using 20 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~200 ppm N). See recipe details.

Do not fertilize your bay tree in the fall or winter.

Misting Requirements

Bay trees are not humidity-demanding plants. Misting is not necessary when the tree is outdoors. However, if you bring your bay tree indoors for the winter, the low humidity of a heated home can cause leaves to turn brown or drop. Occasional misting or placing the pot on a pebble tray can help prevent this and maintain a healthier appearance.

Pot Size and Soil Type

Pot Size: Bay trees prefer to be somewhat root-bound. When repotting, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. A pot that is too large can hold excess moisture, leading to root rot. Repotting is generally recommended every 1-2 years in the spring. A sign that it's time to repot is when roots begin to emerge from the drainage hole.
Soil Type: The key is a well-draining, fertile soil. A high-quality, soil-based potting mix is recommended. You can create an ideal mix by amending a standard potting soil with perlite or coarse horticultural grit to improve drainage. A good recipe is a mix of:

2 parts all-purpose potting soil
1 part perlite or horticultural grit

Important Note on Winter Care

If you live in an area with freezing winters, you must protect your potted bay tree, as the roots are not as insulated as they would be in the ground.

Move the pot to a sheltered location, like a garage, unheated shed, or porch, when temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
Ensure the location is cool and bright.
Reduce watering to a minimum. The soil should be kept barely moist to prevent it from drying out completely.