West Indian Bay Tree

West Indian Bay Tree Care

Pimenta Racemosa

What is the plant

Pimenta racemosa is an evergreen tree with a dense, columnar, dark green crown; it usually grows up to 15 metres tall, but with some specimens up to 25 metres. The bole, which is often slightly ridged and grooved, is up to 20cm in diameter.The plant is harvested from the wild for its leaves and fruits, which are used as food flavourings, medicines and a source of essential oils. It is sometimes cultivated for its essential oil, and is also grown as an ornamental and shade-producing tree

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

22°C - 32°C

Hardiness zone

10a - 11

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water the bay rum tree when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil becomes dry to the touch. Apply at least 3 inches of water from a garden hose to the area below the canopy to moisten the soil to a depth of 18 inches. Water bay rum trees during the morning hours to reduce evaporation and allow stray water droplets on the trunk to dry before nightfall. Never overwater the tree to the point that the soil becomes soggy or develops standing water.
Pruning
Prune the tree in late winter when growth is slow. Cut off any dry, dead and broken limbs. Use pruning shears to cut branches with diameters less than 3/4 inch, loppers for diameters of 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches and a pruning saw for diameters greater than 1 1/2 inches. Make each cut 1/4 inch above a lateral branch, growth node or the branch bark collar. Remove any branches that cross or rub against other limbs. Cut off any low-hanging branches that impede foot traffic on adjacent walkways.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the bay rum tree once per year in the spring just before fast, active growth begins. Apply a 10-10-10 (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium) slow-release fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per square foot of ground located underneath the tree's canopy. Broadcast the fertilizer in a 12-inch-wide band just outside of the canopy's perimeter. Mix the granules into the top 3 inches of soil with a rake. Water the area thoroughly.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Prefers a sunny position
Soil
succeeding in most soils that are well-drained. Growth is best on deep fertile loamy soils with a slightly acid to neutral pH, but most plantations are on marginal soils on slopes, better soils being allocated to food crops
Temperature
It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperate is within the range 22 - 28°c, but can tolerate 18 - 32°c. It can tolerate occasional very light frosts, the leaves being damaged at temperatures of -1°c, and limbs being killed at -3°c[

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Container
All tropical tree varieties grow well in containers, indoors or on the patio. Smaller varieties grow best in 12″ to 16″ diameter pots while larger varieties need enough room for growth, generally a 16″ to 30″ diameter, 14 ” deep container will suffice. Remember the looser the roots, the taller and healthier your tree will be. When the tree becomes root bound its growth will slow, at that point it is time for a larger pot.
Popularity
33 people already have this plant 10 people have added this plant to their wishlists