How to Care for a Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamon trees are usually more of a plant, but can be trained into an actual tree form if you cut all but one of the shoots. The bark of the cinnamon tree is where cinnamon comes from, and the plant must be trimmed back every few years in order to get to it. If you are planning to cut the tree down every few years to get to the cinnamon out of the middle, put it in a pot and grow it indoors. If you don't care about the cinnamon, you can grow a relatively nice looking tree indoors or out. However, a tropical climate is required for outdoor growth.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning snips
• Rich soil
• Water

Instructions

1. Plant your cinnamon tree in rich, well draining soil. Dig the hole deep enough so that the top of the root ball of the tree is just below the surface of the soil. Cover the top of the roots with about 1/4 to 1/2 inches of soil. Press soil in around the roots so that there are no air pockets. Fill in around the tree roots until the hole is filled and the roots are covered. Tamp the soil down with your foot to pack it in.

2. Place cinnamon trees in at least partial sun. They do well in full sun or partial, but never in full shade.

3. Water the cinnamon tree just enough to keep the soil damp. Do not ever soak or allow the soil to get soggy. Check the soil every few days to see if it needs water. If the soil is damp to the touch or wet down at least 2 inches into the soil, do not water it. If you feel no moisture at a 2-inch depth, water the tree. How often you water it depends on the climate such as whether or not it is in or out doors, humidity levels and rain amounts. Generally, trees kept indoors will need water at least once a week, but outdoor trees will vary greatly based on conditions.

4. Cut down the plant every couple of years down to a few inches from the soil. Wait for it to grow new shoots.

5. Peel off the outer edge of the new shoots to obtain the cinnamon, then let it continue to grow into a new tree.

6. Cover the tree to protect it from the cold, if an unusual cold snap develops and your tree is planted outside.

References

• Accents for Home and Garden: Cinnamon Trees
• Tropical Plants Flowers and Decor: Cinnamon Trees
• You Grow Girl: Cinnamon Trees