Imagine hanging a beautiful bay leaf (bay laurel) wreath in your kitchen, where its simple beauty adds charm and a hint of nature to your space. As the leaves dry, they can be plucked and used to infuse your cooking with their distinctive flavor. Make this bay laurel wreath using just a few materials. This blog post will guide you through making your own bay laurel wreath.
Adding greenery to your indoor space provides many benefits – it purifies the air, reduces stress, and brings natural beauty into your home. If you’re looking for a unique way to incorporate plants, consider hanging a bay leaf plant. The cascading leaves and fragrant aroma make it a wonderful addition. This article will explore tips for caring for and enjoying a hanging bay leaf plant.
Benefits of a Hanging Bay Leaf Plant
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Purifies indoor air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. NASA research shows bay leaves are excellent air-purifying plants.
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Provides a relaxing green accent to brighten up any space. The cascading rounded leaves create an elegant, tranquil look.
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Adds fantastic fragrance – the leaves release a pleasant, herbal aroma.
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Supplies fresh bay leaves for cooking whenever you need them Just pluck a few leaves
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Trails beautifully from baskets, hanging pots or wall mounts. Lets you decorate without taking up table/floor space.
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Low maintenance and hardier than many delicate houseplants. Adapts well to various indoor conditions.
Choosing the Right Bay Leaf Plant
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Select a young plant 12-18 inches tall in a 4-6 inch pot. Make sure it’s healthy with no yellowing leaves.
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For cooking, choose the Mediterranean bay laurel (Laurus nobilis). The California bay (Umbellularia californica) has a stronger medicinal flavor.
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Pick a compact variety like ‘Saratoga’ if you need a smaller plant. Standard bay trees grow quite large.
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Look for plants grafted onto hardy laurel rootstock. They resist disease better.
Ideal Conditions for Healthy Growth
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Lighting: Bright indirect light is best. Avoid hot direct sun which can scorch leaves.
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Temperature: Average room temp of 65-75°F. Avoid drafty areas.
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Water: Water when top inch of soil is dry. Take care not to overwater.
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Soil: Use well-draining potting mix. Add perlites for drainage.
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Fertilizer: Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring/summer.
Tips for Hanging Your Bay Leaf Plant
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Consider the size at maturity before selecting a basket or pot. Standard varieties need at least a 12″ deep container.
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Make sure the hanging chain/rope can support the plant’s full weight when mature. Test before installing.
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Choose an attractive hanging pot that complements your decor. Options include wire, ceramic, glass, rattan, and more.
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For wall mounts, make sure the bracket is firmly anchored and rated for the plant’s eventual weight.
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Group with other hanging plants for a lush indoor jungle effect. Combine with pothos, philodendrons, spider plants and more.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
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Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
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Mist leaves occasionally to increase humidity. Avoid wetting the leaves at night to prevent disease.
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Watch for pests like aphids and scale. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap if issues arise.
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Prune to shape and remove any dead/damaged foliage or crossing branches.
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Rotate plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.
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As it grows larger, replace hanging ropes and repot in a bigger container with fresh soil.
Harvesting and Using Bay Leaves
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You can begin harvesting leaves after the plant matures in 2-3 years. Always use sterile shears.
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Harvest before intense mid-day sun, when aromatic oils peak. The flavor is best then.
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Select leaves from different parts of the plant. Don’t overprune any one branch.
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Rinse and pat leaves dry before use. Refrigerate extras in airtight bags for 2-3 months.
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Add whole leaves to soups, stews and curries. Remove before eating as they are tough.
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The dried leaves have a more intense flavor. Use about half the amount of dried vs. fresh.
Bring Natural Beauty Indoors
Hanging a bay leaf plant makes a gorgeous focal point and provides an evergreen pop of color. Caring for it is easy, and it offers wonderful benefits. With its cascading greenery, fragrant aroma and flavorful leaves, a bay leaf plant is a unique living accent sure to enhance any space.
Step 3: Arrange the Bay Leaves
Overlap several leaves while keeping the petioles (the stalk that supports a leaf in a plant and attaches it to the stem) even, and then trim the end off using scissors or pruning shears.
Insert the stems into the wire circle until it is full. Continue this process until the entire circumference is covered with lush greenery.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
To make a bay leaf wreath, you will need fresh bay leaves, wire, and string. It’s important to use fresh leaves as they are more pliable and easier to work with. Learn how to grow bay laurel in this blog post.
How to Grow Bay Leaves (Bay Laurel) – Complete Growing Guide
FAQ
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