Cinnamon Tree Growing Zone and How to Care for One

The source of the warm and sweet spice known as cinnamon is Cinnamomum verum, a tropical evergreen tree native to Sri Lanka and India. Growing one of these trees offers the potential for harvesting your own cinnamon sticks, and the leaves are also highly aromatic, releasing a pleasant fragrance when crushed. Because it originates from a warm and humid climate, its ability to be grown outdoors is limited to specific parts of the world. Understanding its tropical requirements is the first step in successfully cultivating this plant, whether in the ground or as a container specimen.

Cinnamon Tree Hardiness Zones

Cinnamomum verum is a tropical plant that can only survive outdoors year-round in very warm climates, defined by USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12. This classification means the tree is suited to regions where the absolute minimum winter temperature does not drop below 30 to 40°F. The plant is frost-sensitive and will not tolerate prolonged exposure to sub-freezing conditions.

For gardeners living on the edge of this range, such as in zone 9b, attempting to grow a cinnamon tree in the ground is a considerable risk. Success in such a marginal zone would depend on a protected microclimate, such as a spot against a south-facing wall or in a courtyard shielded from cold winds. Even with these precautions, survival through a colder-than-average winter is not guaranteed. In-ground cultivation is reliably successful only within its designated hardiness zones.

Growing Outdoors in Suitable Climates

For those in the appropriate tropical climates of zones 10-12, planting a cinnamon tree can be very rewarding. These trees thrive in conditions that mimic their native habitat, receiving full sun to partial shade. While young trees benefit from some protection from intense direct sun, mature trees become more tolerant. In very hot and dry climates, a location that offers some afternoon shade can help prevent the leaves from scorching.

Cinnamon trees prefer a rich, well-draining soil, with a sandy loam being an ideal texture. The soil should retain consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged, as the tree’s roots are susceptible to rot in heavy clay. Amending the planting site with plenty of organic matter, such as compost, will help achieve the desired richness and structure. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH provides the best environment for nutrient uptake.

A newly planted tree requires regular watering to help its root system get established. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated; a good rule is to water when the top two inches of soil feel dry. When choosing a planting location, consider that a mature Cinnamomum verum can reach a height of 30 to 50 feet with a canopy spread of 20 to 40 feet, so it should be spaced accordingly.

Growing Cinnamon Trees in Containers

Gardeners outside of the tropical zones can still enjoy this plant by growing it in a container. This method allows the tree to be moved to a protected location during cold weather. A large pot, at least 18 inches in diameter and 20 inches deep, provides adequate space for the roots to develop. The container must have ample drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from pooling and causing root issues.

A high-quality, loose potting mix will provide the necessary aeration and drainage. To further improve the drainage properties, the mix can be amended with materials like perlite or coarse sand. This ensures that water moves freely through the pot. Heavy garden soils or dense potting mixes should be avoided as they can retain too much moisture.

When indoors, the plant requires a spot where it can receive several hours of bright, indirect sunlight, such as near a south-facing window. Cinnamon trees are native to humid environments and appreciate higher humidity levels than are found in the average home. To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves with water, group it with other houseplants, or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Overwintering Care for Cinnamon Trees

For container-grown cinnamon trees, the transition indoors for the winter is an important annual event for its survival. This process should begin well before the threat of the first frost. The tree must be brought inside when nighttime temperatures consistently begin to drop below 50°F (10°C). Waiting longer risks exposing the tropical plant to cold stress, which can damage its leaves and halt its growth.

Before moving the tree indoors, it is good practice to inspect it thoroughly for any pests that may have taken up residence over the summer. Check the undersides of leaves and the stems for common houseplant pests like spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Addressing any infestations with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil while the plant is still outdoors is much easier than dealing with a pest problem inside the home.

Once inside, the cinnamon tree’s care routine will change in response to the different growing conditions. Indoor light is less intense and growth will naturally slow down during the fall and winter months. The plant will require less water than it did outdoors. It is best to allow the top inch or two of the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings. All fertilizing should be stopped during this semi-dormant period, resuming in the spring when new growth appears.