Frankincense Tree (Boswellia sacra) - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

Propagation Type: Air Layer (air-layered).

Frankincense Tree (Boswellia sacra) is a resin-producing tree associated with rocky, seasonally dry habitats in Arabia and the Horn of Africa.

• Sun Exposure: Give strong light and acclimatise plants gradually. Shelter young plants during the hottest part of establishment.
• Watering: Water in response to active growth and root-zone moisture. Allow the mix to dry between waterings; reduce irrigation when leafless or inactive.
• Soil: Use a very freely draining, mineral-rich mix. Avoid dense, moisture-retentive compost around the roots.
• Temperature and Humidity: This is a warm-climate species, but natural habitats include seasonal fog and moisture. Do not interpret drought adaptation as a reason to dry out a small root ball in extreme heat.
• Fertilization: Apply modest feeding only during active leafy growth. Do not fertilize dormant or severely stressed plants.
• Pruning: Remove dead growth sparingly. Avoid cutting the trunk or tapping young plants for resin.
• Growth Rate and Size: A small to medium tree with irregular branching. Container growth varies with light, season and root development.

Key Points

• Protect drainage; adjust watering to the plant’s growth cycle.
• Do not tap a young nursery tree.

Fruit Profile

This is grown for its form and aromatic resin rather than edible fruit. Small pale flowers develop into dry seed capsules; these are not a fleshy dessert fruit. Resin production should not be expected from young plants.