True Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
True Cinnamon, also known as Ceylon Cinnamon, is a prized tropical evergreen tree from the Lauraceae family. While famous for its spice-producing bark, it serves as an elegant houseplant featuring glossy, lance-shaped leaves that emerge in a vibrant burgundy-red before maturing to a deep forest green. This plant offers a lush, fragrant presence for indoor gardeners looking for a unique tropical specimen.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs according to major animal safety registries, though ingestion of large quantities of foliage or bark can lead to mild digestive upset or mouth irritation.
Care Guide
Lighting: Place in a location with consistent bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid harsh direct midday sun which can scorch the foliage, though morning sun is tolerated. ### Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again. ### Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels, ideally above 50 percent, by misting regularly, using a pebble tray, or placing near a humidifier. ### Temperature: Keep the environment warm, ideally between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 60 degrees. ### Pruning: Prune in late winter to control size and encourage bushier growth; the plant can be trained to a standard tree form or kept as a shrub.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid 20-20-20 fertilizer
Soil
Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic peat-based potting mix.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3 to 8 feet in containers
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings or fresh seeds.