Bay laurel care guide
Laurus nobilis
Quick answer
Water your bay laurel when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
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- Light
- Bright / direct light
- Typical interval
- Every 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - Climate
- 5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- Pet safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
When and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Light and placement
Bright / direct light
Bay laurel needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. Place it directly in front of a south- or southwest-facing window.
Feeding
Feed your bay laurel every 14 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate5–24 °C (41–75 °F)
Humidity40–60%
Bay laurel is comfortable between 5 and 24 °C (41–75 °F). Planted out, established plants take light frost to about minus 5 °C (23 °F). In a pot, bring it into a bright, frost-free place once nights fall to about 0 °C (32 °F).
It does best at 40–60% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Overwintering bay laurel
Planted out, bay tolerates about minus 5 °C (23 °F). Move a potted bay to a bright, cool room at about 2 to 10 °C (36–50 °F) once nights fall to about 0 °C (32 °F), where it rests and needs little water.
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water a bay laurel?
Water your bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted name · classification
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxSun · soil · containers · cold protection · pests · diseases · human exposure note
- Royal Horticultural SocietyContainer use · light · soil · hardiness · pests · diseases · Container care · winter protection · roots · pruning and placement
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · eugenol and essential oils · clinical signs for dogs, cats and horses
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