Caring for and Maintaining Your Pimenta Racemosa (Bay Rum Tree)

The Pimenta is also known as the Bay Rum Tree in its native territory--the Caribbean. The tree is slow-growing, and produces an enticing scent resembling cloves; in fact, historically, the essential oil extracted from the leaves of this tree have been used for making perfumes and colognes as well as in cooking and tea-making. In addition, the tree has long been thought to possess medicinal properties, and interestingly, scientists have found that the tree's essential oil has anti-bacterial qualities.

 Sunlight: Bright indirect light to full sun. Pimenta do very well in southern-facing windows and enjoy full sun.

 Water: Water when the top 2" of soil are dry. Water thoroughly--water should seep from the drain holes of the pot. Do not overwater, Pimenta do not like soggy, continually moist soil.

Humidity: Colorado is a dry state with humidity levels much lower than the native environments in which Pimenta inhabit. To help create a more humid environment for your Pimenta, consider adding a fine mist humidifier to the room(s) in which you have your Pimenta. You can also place trays filled with stones and water nearby your Pimenta to increase local humidity. Misting your Pimenta with a hand sprayer will also help raise the local humidity level. Although the more humidity the better, a constant relative humidity of 50-55% will promote your Pimenta's growth and health.

Temperature: Pimenta prefer wamer temperatures in the range of 65-85 degrees F (18-30 degrees C), although they tolerate colder but not freezing temperatures.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. We recommend either Fertilome or Fox Farm Potting mix.