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Cinnamon Tree

SCENTIFIC NAME: Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon) or Cinnamomum cassia

KNOWN AS: Cinnamon Tree, Ceylon Cinnamon, Cassia Tree

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Sri Lanka & South Asia | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: The Cinnamon Tree is a lush, evergreen tropical tree prized for its aromatic inner bark and glossy, leathery leaves. New leaves emerge with a beautiful pink or reddish tint before maturing into a deep emerald green with distinct parallel veins. While they can reach 50 feet in the wild, they are easily pruned into manageable indoor shrubs

Cinnamon Tree Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Indoors, the Cinnamon Tree is a sun-lover. It needs a spot near your brightest window—ideally south-facing. It thrives with at least 6–8 hours of direct or very bright indirect sunlight. If your home doesn't get enough natural light, you will likely need a high-quality LED grow light to prevent the tree from becoming leggy and weak, consider the Soltech Highland Track Light system

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Watering

Quick Tip: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.

Cinnamon trees come from rainforest environments and dislike drying out completely. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure your pot has excellent drainage; while they love moisture, their roots are highly susceptible to root rot if allowed to sit in stagnant water. Use lukewarm, filtered water if possible.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 65º - 85º

As a tropical native, this tree loves consistent warmth. It will not tolerate temperatures below 60ºF (15ºC) for long and is not frost-hardy. Keep it away from cold winter drafts or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature drops can cause leaf drop.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 80%; Moderate/High Humidity

Humidity is the "secret sauce" for a thriving Cinnamon Tree. In dry indoor air, the leaf edges will quickly turn brown and crispy. Use a humidifier, group it with other plants, or place it on a pebble tray. Regular misting can help, but a humidifier is far more effective for long-term health.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Cinnamon trees can be propagated via seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds: Seeds must be planted while fresh, as they lose viability quickly. Germinate in a warm, moist environment. Cuttings: Take semi-hardwood cuttings in the summer. Use rooting hormone and keep them in a high-humidity environment (like a propagation dome) until roots are established, which can take several months.
Toxicity
Quick Warning: Toxic to Cats and Dogs. While the spice is generally safe for humans in culinary amounts, the plant contains coumarin, which can be harmful to pets if ingested in large quantities. It can cause skin irritation, digestive upset, or more serious liver issues if a pet chews on the leaves or bark.
Repotting
Repotting is usually necessary every 1–2 years to accommodate its root system. When to Repot: Best done in early spring. Choose a Pot: Select a pot 2 inches larger than the current one with plenty of drainage holes. Repot: Use a fresh, high-quality acidic soil mix. Be careful not to bury the trunk deeper than it was previously.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep a Cinnamon Tree at a manageable indoor size. Maintenance: Remove any dead or crossing branches in late winter. Size Control: You can prune it back to a "shrub" form of 3–8 feet. Harvesting: If the tree is at least 2–3 years old, you can harvest small sections of the branches to peel the inner bark for your own fresh cinnamon!
Fertilizer
The Cinnamon Tree is a moderate feeder during the growing season. What to Use: A balanced, liquid fertilizer or a slow-release organic fertilizer. When to Apply: Fertilize every 2–4 weeks during the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the winter to allow the plant to rest.
Soil
Cinnamon Trees prefer a rich, slightly acidic growing medium. Ideal Mix: A well-draining, peat-based soil. Recommended Blend: A mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite works well. Aim for a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 for optimal growth.

Hanging Heights

Cinnamon Tree Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

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