Home laurel: home care, types, reproduction and transplant

The aroma of bay leaves is familiar to everyone from childhood. This is the most popular spice, which is added to the first and second courses, as well as pickles and marinades when preserved. But now, when growing spices at home is gaining popularity, laurel can increasingly be found as a houseplant. And this is great, since home laurel is not only beautiful and fragrant, but also emits a large amount of phytoncides (volatile biological substances, natural antibiotics), which purify and disinfect the air. In this article we will talk about what conditions a plant needs to create for a comfortable existence.

General information

The Laurel family unites about 55-57 genera, one of which Laurel unites two species - Azores and noble. These are evergreens. They grow naturally in the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. Laurel is grown as a houseplant. Of course, it will not reach the size to which it grows in nature (up to 15 meters). However, in the conditions of an apartment, it will grow to a maximum of 2 meters. And then with very good care for several decades.

Home laurel: care

So, when purchasing a plant, you must first think about where you will place it. Laurel loves the sun, is not afraid of direct rays. Therefore, it can be placed on southern windowsills. And in the summertime, generally take it out into the street - into the garden or onto the balcony. But immediately after purchase and in early spring, when the plant comes out of dormancy, it is gradually taught to the sun's rays so that burns do not appear.

The most comfortable air temperature is about +26 degrees. In winter, when the laurel is resting, if possible, place it in a room with a temperature of about + 13 ... +15 degrees. It is necessary to reduce and increase the temperature gradually so that the plant has time to adapt.

Water for irrigation should be settled and slightly warm. In no case do not pour cold water on it directly from the tap. In the spring and summer, abundant watering is necessary. Sometimes, on particularly hot days, you can water twice a day and spray constantly. Laurel needs high humidity. So if possible, place a humidifier or just a container of water next to it. In autumn, watering should be gradually reduced, and in winter, water only after the top layer of the earth has dried.

In the spring-summer period, the plant can sometimes be fed. For this, both organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable. At the end of summer, it is time for pruning and crown formation. Laurel tolerates a haircut well. You can form a ball, cube or cone, or any shape of your choice.

Laurel grows very slowly. Of course, at first, the bush will need to be replanted every couple of years, but an adult tree does not need this. For him, a transplant once every 4 years will be enough. When transplanting, do not take a pot that is too large, the diameter of each subsequent one should differ from the previous one by 2-3 cm.Place drainage at the bottom, shift the substrate from peat, sand, sod and leafy soil and humus in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 2: 2 ...

Reproduction

Like most plants, laurel can be grown from seed or propagated by cuttings. To root the cuttings, you need to cut them off in March-April. Only non-woody twigs with two or three internodes no more than 9-11 cm long are suitable. Prepare a container with turf soil and pour a couple of centimeters of sand on top.

Plant the cuttings to a depth of one and a half centimeters and leave at a temperature of 18-20 degrees. Rooting should take place in about a month.You will learn that everything worked out by the appearance of new young leaves. After that, the cuttings can be transplanted into small pots (about 7 cm in diameter).

If you decide to grow laurel from seeds, then sowing should be done in the spring. Prepare the soil from leafy, turfy soil and sand (2: 2: 1). The room should be warm enough. After a couple of true leaves appear at the seedlings, cut them into separate pots. Young laurels should be watered frequently and sprayed regularly. They should grow at a low temperature (about +15 degrees) in a lighted place.

Homemade laurel and its beneficial properties

First, laurel is a versatile spice that enhances the flavor and aroma of any food. The content of essential oils in laurel leaves reaches its highest level in November and December - this is the best time to collect them for further use. And believe me, the scent of your freshly harvested leaves cannot be compared to a store-bought bay leaf in a bag, exhausted by transportation.

In terms of the amount of phytoncides released, laurel is second only to eucalyptus. Its leaves have antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant effects. Laurel essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy - the smell has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, helps to cope with insomnia, overwork and depression. For diseases of the upper respiratory tract, laurel oil is rubbed on the chest and back.

Baths with a decoction of bay leaves are useful for nervous conditions, as well as for inflammation of the bladder. It is also good to add a few drops of citrus or coniferous essential oil to such baths. Laurel is also actively used in dermatology, for cosmetic purposes. The oil helps to deal with flaky skin, acne and furunculosis. And with an ointment with the addition of bay leaves, dermatitis, eczema, as well as joint diseases and bruises are treated. A decoction of laurel leaves helps to cope with digestive disorders and urolithiasis.

Now you know that home laurel will not require superhuman efforts from you, despite its noble origin. And the beauty of the plant, its aroma and the benefits it can bring, are beyond doubt. Take good care of your laurel tree and it will become the pride of your houseplant collection.