How to Grow an Allspice Tree Indoors

Native to Central America, southern Mexico and the West Indies, allspice (Pimenta dioica) is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can grow into bushy trees 30 to 40 feet tall. Its common name comes from the fact that its unripe berrylike fruits, once dried and ground, taste like a blend of many other spices, particularly black pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Outside its rain forest range, however, it may not produce flowers or allspice berries. But the large, glossy and aromatic leaves of allspice are reason enough to bring this tree indoors and grow it as a houseplant.

14-inch container
Rich potting soil
14-inch drain tray
Small and medium pebbles
Water soluble 10-10-10 fertilizer
Greenhouse room or indoor location with bright light exposure

Instructions

- 1
  Fill the planting container one-third full of rich potting soil. Gently remove the allspice tree from its original pot and place the root ball inside the container. Fill in around the sides of the root ball until the potting soil is even with the tip of the root ball. Water thoroughly, saturating the root ball and potting soil.
- 2
  Add small and medium pebbles to the drain tray, filling it two-thirds full. Place the drain tray in the allspice tree’s permanent location. Pour in water until it is just below the top of the pebbles. Place the allspice tree atop the pebbles. As water evaporates it will increase the humidity around the tree. Maintain the tray’s water level.
- 3
  Water your allspice tree during the growing season whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Although allspice is a rain forest tree, it is fairly drought-resistant once well established, so don’t over water. As new growth slows, cut back somewhat on water.
- 4
  Fertilize very young allspice trees with water-soluble fertilizer in early spring, in early summer and again in midsummer. As trees get older increase the frequency of fertilization during the growing season until you are watering monthly. Do not fertilize after late summer.
- 5
  Turn the tree occasionally, by half turns, to make sure the entire plant gets adequate light exposure. This also compensates for an indoor plant’s tendency to lean toward the light, so your tree will stand straight up.
- 6
  “Summer” your allspice tree outdoors, weather permitting, in partial shade to sun. Place it near a patio seating area, so as the wind jostles leaves together your family can enjoy the intense aromatic scent that’s released.

How to Grow a Pittosporum Indoors

How to Care for a Kratom Tree

Indoor Growing