Grow Light for Bay Laurel: Overwintering Bay Trees Indoors
A grow light for bay laurel adds light to a potted bay tree while it spends winter inside. University of Wisconsin Madison Extension notes Laurus nobilis grows as an ornamental in zones 7a to 10b but can be a long lived houseplant or container plant in cold climates.
The short answer
Iowa State Extension advises bringing bay indoors before night temperatures drop below about 40°F. Place it in the brightest spot you have, such as a sunny south window. University of Vermont Extension suggests supplemental grow lights for plants that grew in full sun. Water less in winter plus let the soil dry between waterings.
Why does bay laurel need to come indoors?
NC State Extension notes sweet bay needs to come indoors in winter in areas colder than zone 8b to prevent frost damage. It can reach 60 feet in its native range but stays much smaller in a container.
Wisconsin Extension notes plants can move outdoors in spring plus back inside in fall when temperatures stay above freezing.
How much light does bay need in winter?
Iowa State advises the brightest spot available, such as a sunny south facing window. Vermont Extension advises a spot near a sunny south window plus supplemental grow lights for plants that grew in full sun outdoors.
Wisconsin notes a cool room changes that need. Held at 35 to 60°F, the tree stays dormant plus needs little light. A warmer room calls for as much sun as possible.
| Factor | Target | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bring indoors | Before nights drop below about 40°F | Iowa State |
| Indoor temperature | 50 to 65°F preferred | Iowa State |
| Dormant room | 35 to 60°F with little light | Wisconsin |
| Light spot | Sunny south window plus grow light | Vermont |
| Back outdoors | After frost danger passes | Iowa State |
Source: Iowa State University Extension, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension plus University of Vermont Extension.
How do you water bay while it overwinters?
Iowa State advises watering less often in winter plus letting the soil dry between waterings. Wisconsin Extension notes a dormant tree in a cool room needs little water, just enough that the soil stays barely moist. Iowa State notes yellow leaves often come from overwatering or poor drainage.
How to: step by step
- Bring the pot in before nights fall below about 40°F.
- Hose the plant off first, per Vermont.
- Set it near a sunny south window.
- Add a grow light on a timer.
- Water less often through winter.
- Move it back out after frost danger passes.
Troubleshooting
Leaf drop after moving: Iowa State notes plants often recover as they adjust.
Yellow leaves: overwatering or poor drainage, per Iowa State.
Sticky leaves or bumps: scale. Wisconsin notes scale can be a problem indoors.
For more on lights see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers to set hours. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Sweet bay, Laurus nobilis, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension
- How do I grow bay laurel?, Iowa State University Extension Yard and Garden
- Laurus nobilis (bay laurel), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Moving houseplants back indoors for winter, University of Vermont Extension
FAQ
When should bay laurel come inside?
Iowa State Extension advises bringing bay indoors before nighttime temperatures drop below about 40°F, which is typically mid September in Iowa.
Can bay laurel sit in a cool room?
Yes. University of Wisconsin Madison Extension notes that in a cool room of 35 to 60°F the tree stays dormant plus needs little light plus very little water.
How warm should a bay tree be in winter?
Iowa State Extension notes cooler indoor temperatures of 50 to 65°F are preferred if possible. In a warmer room Wisconsin advises regular watering plus as much sun as possible.
When can bay go back outside?
Iowa State Extension advises moving plants outdoors after the danger of frost has passed in spring, which is typically mid May in Iowa.
What pests affect bay indoors?
Iowa State Extension notes scale insects plus spider mites are the most common indoor pests. It advises inspecting plants periodically, especially in winter.
