Grow Bay Leaf Plant In A Water Bottle: Step By Step Guide

Bay leaves are a kitchen staple for the flavour, versatility, and depth they bring to our wide range of dishes, from soups and curries to marinades. While most of us would typically buy a pack of bay leaves from the market, imagine the joy of plucking fresh bay leaves straight from your home garden or even your kitchen window for your food preparations. Here is a step-by-step guide to growing bay leaves in a water bottle.

Things Required To Grow Bay Leaf Plant At Home

• Bay leaf cuttings
• Water bottle 
• Scissors
• Soil or potting mix
• Water as required 
• Plastic wrap or a small plastic bag
• Rubber band

Directions To Grow Bay Leaf Plant At Home

• Begin with cleaning the water bottle. Cut the water bottle into half. Remember that the bottle part will be used as the pot for the plant.
• Next, take cuttings from a healthy plant, these should be four to six inches long.
• Fill the bottom of the water bottle with the potting mix. The soil should be well-draining as bay leaf plants don't grow in a lot of water.  

• To make the cuttings grow, use the mini greenhouse effect by creating humidity. Cover the entire bottle with a plastic bag or wrap. Using a rubber band, seal it. (Benefits of bay leaves) 
• Follow this for two to four weeks. After a few weeks, you will notice new growth, if you don't continue with the setup for the next one to two weeks. 
• (Note: Every other day, open the plastic cover for a few hours and let the plant get fresh air This will prevent infection growth too.)
• Keep watering the plant to keep the soil moist.

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• Place the bottle in a warm location where it gets indirect sunlight. The temperature should remain consistent as the bay leaf plant prefers that.
• In a few weeks, when you start seeing new growth on the plant, transplant it into a bigger pot. Be careful while transplanting or you might damage the roots.

Tips To Grow Bay Leaf Plant Quickly

• Place the bay leaf plant in light. It should get at least six hours of indirect sunlight daily. 
• Mulching helps in retaining moisture in the plant and keeping the soil temperature in check.
• Don't waterlog the plant. Water only when the top layer of the soil feels dry. (benefits of drinking bay leaves tea)

• Use a balanced fertiliser, especially during spring and summer. Let the professional at the nursery know that you need a fertiliser with equal parts of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. You can also use a homemade fertiliser like placing leftover egg shells around the soil or use banana peel water (chunks of banana peels boiled in water).
• Regular pruning helps in plant growth. Cut the dead or yellowing leaves as and when you feel the need to.
• Watch for pests such as spider mites. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pests. 

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With regular care and maintenance, you will be able to grow a healthy bay leaf plant in a water bottle. For more such gardening guides, stay tuned to HerZindagi.com

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