Yes, You Can Grow a Clove Tree Indoors—Here’s How to Make It Thrive

You may know cloves as a common spice in your kitchen, but did you know that they come from a charming flowering plant that can be grown indoors? Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is the dried, unopened flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree, renowned for its strong aroma and spicy flavor, used globally in both sweet and savory dishes. The flowers are small, reddish-pink, and spike-shaped, growing in tight clusters on tapered stems, accompanied by attractive waxy leaves. In addition to their delightful fragrance, when grown on patios, these flowers can help repel mosquitoes due to their essential oil, which mosquitoes find unpleasant.

Native to the Maluku Islands of Indonesia, this plant thrives in warm, humid climates. However, with the right conditions and effort, you can enjoy the clove plant's visual appeal and aroma in pots indoors or on your patio. Ahead, experts explain how to care for this plant in pots.

Care Requirements

Clove trees are tropical plants that thrive in lush forests and need specific indoor conditions to grow well. Jill Shea, the founder of PlantHer, says that it can take a minimum of six years under optimal conditions for a clove tree to flower and produce usable cloves. Therefore, Shea recommends purchasing an established plant to take advantage of its foliage, structure, and aromatic bark. Look for a specialized local nursery specializing in tropical species. "Overall, it isn't easy to recreate the Spice Islands of Indonesia in your living room, but finding an already established clove and giving it the conditions below will prove to be an exciting specimen plant to learn about as it slowly grows with you,” she says.

Sunlight

Moderate indirect sunlight is best for this tree; it needs six to eight hours of sunlight daily, ideally placed in a south- or west-facing window.  

Soil

Cloves thrive in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Shea recommends a blend of equal parts organic compost and well-draining potting soil. 

Water

Clove trees thrive on consistent moisture, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot. Water your indoor clove plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry.

Humidity

This tree requires high humidity and benefits from the use of a humidity dome or a gravel watering tray, Shea says. Cloves require humidity levels between 60 and 80 percent. To accurately measure and adjust these levels, it’s advisable to purchase a humidity gauge.

Temperature

Clove trees require a warm temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. Shea notes that the tree would do best outside during the warmer summer months and be brought back indoors when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fertilizer

Shea recommends using any flowering tropical plant food, applying it every few months. 

How to Prune

While proper pruning is important for keeping a plant healthy, Shea notes that most clove plants will not require pruning for several years as they are very slow-growing. When pruning a clove tree, Shea says the goal is to create a nice, airy shape for maximum breathability. The ideal time to prune is early spring, although removing dead wood and leaves can be done at anytime.

1. Cut at a 45-degree angle, about a quarter of an inch above a leaf node.
2. Remove any dead, diseased, crossing, or rubbing branches. This will allow sunlight to penetrate and airflow to circulate, redirecting the tree's energy to new growth.
3. If the tree is taller than you prefer, cut the main stem back to your desired height. This will help maintain a manageable size for indoor growing and promote a bushier appearance.

How to Repot Clove

You won't need to repot your indoor clove tree frequently; typically, it should be done every two to three years. The best time for repotting is in the spring, before new growth begins.

1. When choosing a new pot, select one that is 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot and one with excellent drainage. Eric Nieusma, co-owner of Maine Hill Farm, says this size will provide sufficient space for roots to grow while preventing excessive soil moisture that could lead to root rot.
2. Use a rich, well-draining, loamy soil mix rich in organic matter. Place a small amount of soil in the new pot to create a base for the roots and help ensure proper positioning.
3. Gently remove the clove from its old pot, keeping the root ball intact.
4. Place the tree in the new pot, fill with soil, and gently firm around the roots, ensuring it's not packed too tightly.
5. Water plants thoroughly. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

Common Pests and Diseases

Indoor-grown clove plants are primarily affected by sap-sucking insects, such as spider mites, scale insects, aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. These pests can cause yellowing leaves, sticky residue, fine webbing, and stunted growth.

Diseases often stem from overwatering, leading to issues such as root rot, leaf spot, and wilt. To ensure your plants' health, avoid excessive watering. Regular inspection and the application of neem oil can be effective in keeping both pests and diseases at bay.