How Not to Kill a Canela Tree

Frost Protection

• The canela tree is sensitive to frost, so make sure it is protected when temperatures drop to freezing. In most parts of the U.S., that means growing it in a pot, even if the plant is outside most of the year, and bringing it indoors for the colder months. It will also thrive year-round as a houseplant. The canela tree also does well in the landscape -- as long as you can provide a frost-free location -- and prefers loamy soils.

Adequate Light

• Full sunlight is best for a canela tree, according to the Learn 2 Grow website. The National Gardening Association suggests growing it indoors under low to medium light -- acknowledging some uncertainty, because as of 2011 this is a recently introduced plant. Be cautious when trying to find the optimal light level. Start by providing your canela tree with a level of light similar to what it enjoyed in the nursery and make adjustments as needed, depending on how your plant responds.

Moist Soil

• Provide your canela tree with slightly moist soil -- never sopping wet -- and allow the surface of the soil to dry out slightly before watering, suggests the National Gardening Association. Poke your finger into the potting soil from time to time, and don't water until the top inch is dry. Otherwise, the soil should be fairly moist, which is especially important in summer heat. Fertilize monthly with half-strength water-soluble fertilizer for foliage plants.

Good Drainage

• A canela tree does well in slightly acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline soils, but it absolutely needs well-drained soil. If you're growing it outdoors and live in a semi-tropical climate, dig in several inches of rich compost or shredded leaves to improve soil quality and drainage before planting. Growing it in raised beds is another outdoor alternative. Make sure potted plants don't sit in drain water after being watered, because roots won't tolerate "wet feet." Adding 2 to 3 inches of gravel to the drain tray and setting the pot atop the gravel will solve that problem and also improve humidity.

High Humidity

• Make sure your potted canela tree gets plenty of humidity, especially when grown indoors in hot, dry winter air. Aside from a room humidifier, the easiest way to keep air around the plant moist is by placing the potted plant on a drain tray filled with pebbles or gravel. Fill the drain tray with water, to a level just below the top of the pebbles. As the water evaporates, it moistens the air immediately around the plant, providing constant humidity.