Complete Guide to Cinnamon Tree Care (Cinnamomum verum)

Sun-Loving Tropical

Unlike many of our low-light rainforest understory favorites (like the Snake Plant or Aglaonema), the Cinnamon Tree is a canopy tree. It craves light.

• Best Spot: Directly in front of a South or West facing window. It enjoys full sun indoors, which is much weaker than outdoor sun.
• Minimum Light: Very Bright Indirect Light. It will struggle in low light areas, becoming leggy and stopping production of those beautiful red leaves.
• Summer Outdoors: If you have a patio, your Cinnamon tree will love spending the summer outdoors in partial shade to full sun (acclimate it slowly to prevent scorch).

Signs of Poor Lighting

• No New Growth: Validated by the slow-down of the tree.
• Green-Only Leaves: If the new leaves emerge green or pale instead of red, it often means the plant isn’t getting enough energy from the sun.
• Leaf Drop: Shedding lower leaves can be a sign it’s sacrificing older foliage to survive in low light.

Consistent Moisture is Key

The Cinnamomum verum is not a drought-tolerant plant. It originates from the wet tropics of Sri Lanka and Southern India, where rain is plentiful.

• The Rule: Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the pot dry out completely like you would for a Succulent.
• The Check: Use your finger or a moisture meter to check the soil. If the meter reads 3-4 (Approaching dry), it’s time to water.
• Consistency: Irregular watering (letting it go bone dry, then soaking it) will cause stress and browned leaf edges.

Water Quality

As a sensitive tropical, the Cinnamon Tree can benefit from:

• Filtered Water: If your tap water is very hard or high in chlorine.
• Rainwater: The holy grail for plants, typically acidic and free of chemicals.
• Room Temperature: Avoid shocking the roots with ice-cold water.

Acidic and Sandy

This is where many growers go wrong. Cinnamon trees prefer a slightly acidic soil (pH 4.5 to 5.5). Most standard potting soils are neutral (pH 7).

The Ideal Mix:

• 50% High-Quality Potting Soil
• 30% Sand or Perlite (For excellent drainage - they hate wet feet!)
• 20% Peat Moss (To increase acidity and moisture retention)

You can also use a mixture designed for Citrus trees or Gardenias, as they share similar acidic needs.

Feeding for Foliage

Since we mostly grow this plant for its lush leaves (and not for fruit production indoors), a nitrogen-rich fertilizer works well.

• Schedule: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (Spring through Summer).
• Product: A balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) diluted to half strength is safe. Alternatively, an acid-loving plant fertilizer (like Miracid) can help maintain that low pH soil environment.
• Winter: Stop fertilizing in late Autumn and Winter. The plant enters a rest period and doesn’t need the extra nutrients.

The Jungle Environment

This is the biggest challenge for indoor growers. The Cinnamomum verum is a true child of the humid tropics.

• Ideal: 60-80% Humidity.
• Acceptable: 50%.
• Danger Zone: Below 40%.

If your home is dry (especially in winter with central heating), you will almost certainly see brown, crispy tips on the leaves.

How to Fix It:

1. Humidifier: The most effective solution. Place one near the tree.
2. Grouping: Group it with other humidity lovers like Ferns or Calatheas to create a microclimate.
3. Pebble Tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (don’t let the water touch the pot base).

The Red Flush

Leaf Structure

If you look closely at a mature leaf, you’ll see a unique vein pattern. Unlike most plants with a central midrib and branching veins, the Cinnamomum family features three prominent longitudinal veins running from the base of the leaf all the way to the tip. This is a key identification feature for the genus.

Shaping the Tree

In the wild, these trees can reach 30-50 feet. Indoors, we want to keep them manageable (4-8 feet).

• When to Prune: Early Spring is best, just as growth kicks in.
• How: Prune back the top leader to encourage lateral branching. This creates a bushier, fuller tree rather than a single tall stick.
• Dead Wood: Remove any dead or crossing branches at any time to improve airflow and prevent pests.

Bonus: The pruned leaves and branches are aromatic! You can dry the leaves to use in potpourri or teas (ensure no pesticides were used).

Stem Cuttings

Propagating Cinnamomum verum is notoriously tricky, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries.

1. Take a Cutting: In late Spring, cut a 4-6 inch stem tip. Choose semi-hardwood (stems that are partly green and partly woody).
2. Prepare: Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone - this is crucial for woody stems.
3. Plant: Insert into a pot with a mix of perlite and peat moss (or sand).
4. Humidity: Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain 100% humidity.
5. Wait: Keep warm (75°F+). Roots can take 3-6 months to develop.

Common Invaders

Despite being a spice plant (which often repels bugs), the succulent new growth of the Cinnamon Tree is tasty to pests.

• Mealybugs: Look for white cottony fluff in the leaf axils.
• Scale: Hard, brown bumps on the stems. They suck sap and weaken the plant.
• Spider Mites: If the air is dry, these tiny arachnids will cause stippling on the leaves.

Treatment: Regularly wipe down the broad leaves with a damp cloth. For infestations, use Neem Oil or an Insecticidal Soap.

What is wrong with my Cinnamon Tree?

• Yellowing Leaves: (Chlorosis) Usually a sign of overwatering (root rot) or soil pH issues. If the veins remain green but the leaf turns yellow, your soil might be too alkaline, locking out nutrients. Try an iron supplement or soil acidifier.

  

• Brown Tips: Low humidity or build-up of salts from tap water. Flush the soil with distilled water and increase humidity.

• Dropping Leaves: Cold drafts or sudden temperature changes. Keep it away from AC vents and doors in winter.

A Statement Piece

The Cinnamon Tree is a structural plant. Its upright habit and large, dark leaves make it perfect for:

• Focal Point: Place it in a woven basket or a glazed ceramic pot in a bright corner.
• Tropical Vibe: Pair it with broad-leaf plants like the Bird of Paradise or Monstera for a layered jungle look.
• Scent Garden: Even if it doesn’t flower, growing it alongside fragrant plants like Hoya adds to a sensory indoor garden.

Can I harvest cinnamon from my indoor tree?

Why are the new leaves red?

Is Cinnamon Tree toxic to cats?

Does it smell like cinnamon?

How fast does it grow?