Bay trees are low maintenance and with just a little bit of pruning in the summer it’s easy to keep in good shape. Read through our bay tree care guide and learn everything you need to know on how to look after a bay tree.
Bay leaf plants, also known as sweet bay or bay laurel, are a popular herb used to add flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes While they are relatively easy to grow, properly watering your bay leaf plant is essential to keeping it happy and healthy This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about watering requirements for your bay leaf plant.
Understanding Bay Leaf Plants
Bay leaf plants are slow-growing evergreen shrubs or small trees that originated in the Mediterranean region. They can reach up to 10-30 feet tall in ideal conditions, but when grown in containers they are more commonly kept pruned to 3-5 feet tall.
The leaves are oval-shaped and shiny dark green. They grow in pairs along the stems and release a pleasant aromatic fragrance when brushed against or crushed. These leaves are usually harvested and dried to use as a spice.
How Often to Water Bay Leaf Plants
The frequency with which you need to water your bay leaf plant depends on several factors
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Container vs. in-ground – Container-grown plants will need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. Check soil moisture daily for containers.
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Soil type – Well-draining soil means less frequent watering. Poor drainage means more frequent watering needs.
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Climate – Hot and dry climates require more watering. Cool and humid climates need less frequent watering.
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Plant size – Younger, smaller plants need less water than mature, full-grown shrubs.
As a general guideline, established in-ground bay leaf plants only need watering once or twice per week. Container plants may need water every 1-3 days. Check soil moisture before watering.
How to Check Soil Moisture
The best way to determine when your bay leaf plant needs water is to check soil moisture. Here are some tips:
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Use your finger to check moisture 1-2 inches deep in the soil.
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If soil is dry and crumbly, it’s time to water.
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You can use a moisture meter probe for accurate readings.
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Lift the plant to check weight – lighter means drier soil.
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Leaves may droop slightly when the plant needs water.
Watering Methods
When watering your bay leaf plant, focus water at the soil base and avoid wetting the leaves. You can use any of these effective watering methods:
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Watering can – Gently pour water until it drains from the bottom of the container.
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Drip irrigation – Great for container plants, provides slow steady moisture.
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Soaker hose – Allows water to seep slowly into soil for in-ground plants.
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Sprinkler – Works for in-ground plants, avoid excessive water runoff.
How Much Water Do Bay Plants Need?
Bay leaf plants need a thorough watering whenever the top few inches of soil become dry. Water until you see water draining from the bottom of the container or soil.
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Container plants may need as much as 2-3 gallons of water per watering session.
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In-ground plants need about 10-15 gallons per session, depending on plant size.
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Soak the entire root zone area, not just surface soil.
Watering Bay Leaf Plants in Pots
Container gardening comes with more frequent watering needs. Here are some best practices:
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Choose containers with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil.
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Use a quality potting mix, not garden soil which retains too much moisture.
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Add bark, perlite or gravel to improve drainage.
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Place containers in partial shade to slow soil drying.
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Consider self-watering containers to maintain soil moisture.
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Lift pots to check weight and water when light.
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Group pots together to create a beneficial microclimate.
Signs of Underwatering
An underwatered bay leaf plant will show signs like:
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Dry, cracked soil
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Drooping or wrinkled leaves
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Leaves browning at tips or edges
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Lack of new growth
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Brittle stems
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Stunted growth
Signs of Overwatering
Too much moisture can also damage bay plants. Watch for these overwatering signs:
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Wet, soggy soil
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Mushy stems
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Yellowing leaves
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Leaf drop
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White fungal growth on soil
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Soft, brown spots on leaves
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Rotting roots
Tips for Proper Bay Leaf Plant Watering
Follow these tips for success in watering your bay leaf plant:
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Water early morning so leaves can dry out.
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Add organic mulch like bark or leaves to retain moisture.
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Improve drainage by amending soil with perlite or gravel.
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Use drip irrigation for consistent moisture.
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Water at soil level, avoid wetting leaves.
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Check soil moisture before adding more water.
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Adjust watering habits based on weather and plant needs.
Common Questions about Watering Bay Plants
How often should I water my indoor bay leaf plant?
Indoor bay plants in containers will likely need water every 2-4 days. Check soil each day and water when top inch is dry. Provide a humidity tray for added moisture.
What kind of water should I use on bay leaf plants?
Room temperature tap water is fine for bay plants. If your tap water is highly chlorinated, allow it to sit out overnight before using. Avoid artificially softened water.
When is the best time of day to water my bay plant?
Water first thing in the morning, so the leaves have time to dry out in the sun. Avoid evening watering which can lead to mold issues.
Should I mist my bay leaf plant?
Occasional misting can boost humidity around the plant but is not a substitute for thorough soil watering. Use a spray bottle for misting to avoid geting leaves too wet.
Conclusion
Properly watering your bay leaf plant is crucial to keeping it healthy and productive. Check soil frequently, water thoroughly as needed, and adjust your schedule based on climate, soil, and other factors. With the right watering habits, your bay plant will thrive indoors or out.
How to Re-pot a Bay Tree
To re-pot your bay tree follow the tips below:
- We advise that you withhold water for a couple of days in advance to allow the soil to dry out slightly.
- Loosen the soil around the edge of the pot and pull the tree out by the base of the main stem
- Add some extra soil into the bottom of the new pot before you insert the plant. We recommend John Innes number two for bay trees – with 10-20% added horticultural grit or perlite to improve drainage.
- Fill in with a mix of soil, compost and grit
- Water the plant thoroughly, and keep it well watered for several weeks to allow the roots to bed in.
After this first repotting your tree will need to be repotted every few years as it continues to grow and deplete the nutrients in the potting soil. If the tree is too large to re-pot, you could refresh the potting soil by replacing up to 50% of the old soil with fresh.
Bay Tree Watering
Just like other potted plants, pot grown bay trees have restricted access to water, so will need to be watered regularly in hot or dry periods.
Water the tree regularly throughout the summer checking the soil every couple of days. Check by feeling the top first inches of soil. If it feels dry then give the tree a deep watering making sure that the water can drain away freely from the pot.
Bays do not react well to having wet feet or waterlogged soil so make sure the pot has good drainage is an important step. If you suspect that the pot isnt draining well enough then you will need to look to some ways to improve it.
In the short term, underwatering will be much less harmful than overwatering, so always be modest with the watering can!