True Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
Also called Ceylon Cinnamon: a tropical evergreen with glossy lance-shaped leaves that start burgundy-red and mature to deep green. Grown indoors for fragrant foliage when humidity stays high and light stays bright and indirect.
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 Notes
Light
Give consistent bright, indirect light. Morning sun is fine. Harsh midday sun can scorch leaves.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, never waterlogged. Let the top inch dry slightly before watering again. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A rich, slightly acidic peat-based mix that drains well suits container plants.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep humidity above 50% with misting, a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Aim for 65-85°F and protect from drafts and temps below 60°F.
Common Issues
Brown tips often mean dry air. Soft yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Prune in late winter to control size and encourage a fuller shrub or small tree form.
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.
Common Varieties
Ceylon Cinnamon
Glossy oval-lanceolate leaves that shift from reddish-purple to deep green, with three to five prominent longitudinal veins.
Sri Lankan Cinnamon
Glossy ovate dark green leaves with three to five prominent veins and reddish-pink new growth.