Camphor Tree
cinnamomum camphora
Also known as: ["Laurelwood","Kusukusu","Camphor Laurel"]
Overview
A large evergreen tree native to East Asia, known for its aromatic wood and leaves, which contain camphor oil.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Laurales |
| Family: | Lauraceae |
| Genus: | Cinnamomum |
| Botanical Name: | Cinnamomum camphora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot, or as a container plant in a spacious area
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; can tolerate a range of soils but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; light pruning can be done as needed year-round.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed, but avoid heavy pruning on young plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though some afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid leaf burn; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers warm to hot temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); can tolerate mild frosts but thrives in subtropical conditions.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heating vents; protect from frost in winter; maintain consistent temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize during active growth; use a balanced formula; reduce or stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or air layering; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting with at least two nodes, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment in a new pot can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix, plastic wrap or humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; keep out of direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction; remove crossing or inward-growing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; also prune to control size in containers.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the plant, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim any circling roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly, and avoid direct sun for a few days.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the root zone directly, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the roots, allow excess water to drain to prevent waterlogging, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in response to extreme cold or heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, cause leaf drop, and may lead to dieback if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or move to a sheltered location; avoid sudden temperature drops; mulch to insulate roots.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, ensure good air circulation, and mist leaves in extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth season, use appropriate fertilizer, dilute correctly, avoid overfertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to camphor compounds found in Cinnamomum camphora. Ingestion can cause severe neurological and gastrointestinal distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
ToxicThe ingestion of Cinnamomum camphora by dogs can lead to camphor poisoning, which affects the central nervous system and can be fatal in high doses.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
ToxicCinnamomum camphora contains compounds that can be toxic when ingested, particularly camphor, which affects the central nervous system. Overconsumption can lead to severe physiological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is camphor tree safe for pets?
A: No, camphor is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does the camphor tree have any medicinal uses?
A: Yes, camphor oil extracted from the tree is used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Q: How fast does the camphor tree grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, reaching heights of 50–60 feet in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lauraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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